tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post1206326787745173829..comments2024-03-28T19:23:37.979-05:00Comments on Althouse: The Oscar nominations.Ann Althousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01630636239933008807noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-74707473085644946702009-01-23T12:55:00.000-06:002009-01-23T12:55:00.000-06:00Joe - You're certainly right about the Dark Knight...Joe - You're certainly right about the Dark Knight (haven't seen Hancock).<BR/><BR/>My wife and I were amazed at how bad it was, and even Ledger was over the top.<BR/><BR/>I have no idea why it got such hype, the one two years ago was much better, but it looks like the Oscar people know it, too.<BR/><BR/>If you like westerns, rent Appaloosa. It's not as good as The Unforgiven, but pretty good.Robertohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15134027971098573102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-71683305811442476702009-01-23T12:43:00.000-06:002009-01-23T12:43:00.000-06:00Based purely on if I purchased the DVD or plan to ...Based purely on if I purchased the DVD or plan to and how many times I re-watched it (on DVD or cable movie channel), <I>Prince Caspian</I> was the best film of 2008.<BR/><BR/>Robert downy Jr. Was the most enjoyable actor. <I>Iron Man</I> was a very pleasant surprise for me.<BR/><BR/>(On the flip side, the list of horrible movies is relatively long. For me, 2008 was one of those years of stinkers. <I>Hancock</I> and <I>Dark Knight</I> were among the biggest disappointments.)Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04450897654318345683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-74082415340276966622009-01-23T10:46:00.000-06:002009-01-23T10:46:00.000-06:00Beldar: "...ceasing to set a bad example..."And yo...Beldar: "...ceasing to set a bad example..."<BR/><BR/>And you've adopted how many children?Robertohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15134027971098573102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-54649285509089050562009-01-23T10:44:00.000-06:002009-01-23T10:44:00.000-06:00Ann: "This is a movie that begins with a graphic t...Ann: "This is a movie that begins with a graphic torture scene and contains a plunge into a shit pool and various gruesome maimings and murders. This is what passes for feelgood these days somehow."<BR/><BR/>AND<BR/><BR/>"I'd give the Oscar to "Slumdog Millionaire."<BR/><BR/>*By the way, the film was spectacular...and it did make you "feel good." The audience at the showing we attended gave it a rousing ovation at the end.Robertohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15134027971098573102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-86779478707870404832009-01-23T09:41:00.000-06:002009-01-23T09:41:00.000-06:00I'm a terrible movie reviewer - I like everything....I'm a terrible movie reviewer - I like everything. Dark Knight vs. Slumdog would have made for a more fun Oscars....<BR/><BR/>I've only seen Slumdog of this bunch, but will probably try and see the Reader and, maybe, MILK, except I'm sick of the seventies, Hollywood style. I'm reading Revolutionary Road, and like the actors in the fill, so will probably see that, too, although I like suburbia. What you put in is what you get out of suburbia, which is something the I HATE SUBURBIA movies never get. Life can be interesting if you want it to be....<BR/><BR/>For the ONE movie I did see: I dunno about narrative, or plot, or anything like that, but I loved the first scene! The children running, chased by the police, the great music mixed in with the sounds of the helicopter. The big old wide world is interesting; a trading, globalizing (hasn't it always sort of been?), mixed up, stories-you-wouldn't-believe kind of place and the first rushing scenes of SDM felt like you were seeing RIGHT NOW, er, right now.<BR/><BR/>Why don't they make films like this about the US? You totally could, you know. There are fantastic stories in this energetic, mixed up, wonderful experiment of a country.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-43415062667720871562009-01-23T07:39:00.000-06:002009-01-23T07:39:00.000-06:00I think because, though she can seem shallow whils...<I>I think because, though she can seem shallow whilst doing this, Angelina has more varied interests than Jennifer Aniston. There was more chance for growth with her, than dining nightly with David Arquette and Courtney Cox...</I><BR/><BR/>Well I suppose that's one way of looking at it. I mean, I married my wife cause I loved her and not because she was an aveneue of 'growth'. <BR/><BR/>Maybe I'm misreading what you're saying.Hoosier Daddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12872965118921894534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-49910826410369590062009-01-23T00:27:00.000-06:002009-01-23T00:27:00.000-06:00Actually, I think American Idol is bigger than the...Actually, I think American Idol is bigger than the Oscars at this point, at least in America. I like the contestants better, too.<BR/><BR/>Do people hate Braneglina? I don't. I just worry about their frenzied family-making. What happens when they get tired of that?PatCAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08920623662477828662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-29355147024423084252009-01-22T23:04:00.000-06:002009-01-22T23:04:00.000-06:001) Michael Shannon. Awesome performance. He was th...<I>1) Michael Shannon. </I><BR/><BR/>Awesome performance. <BR/><BR/>He was the Viola Davis of Revolutionary Road. Mind you, she had less to work with, and probably a sum total of 8 minutes on screen. I guess you know which two supporting actors I'll be cheering for (though Heath should and will get it).<BR/><BR/>I also liked Dylan Barker in a sort of Edward Everett Horton hommage as the token waspish fairy.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Victoriavbspurshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00992013640447117624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-76351407436660013762009-01-22T22:17:00.000-06:002009-01-22T22:17:00.000-06:00I think it would be far better and more novel for ...I think it would be far better and more novel for the two to remain together for the next 20 years.blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-24936621100321595662009-01-22T21:56:00.000-06:002009-01-22T21:56:00.000-06:00A "good decision" for Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt would...A "good decision" for Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt would be to get married, legitimizing their offspring and ceasing to set a bad example (i.e., which they flout social norms and reject the responsibilities conventionally associated with "being a family"). <BR/><BR/>Yes, I realize that voicing this criticism confirms that I'm hopelessly old-fashioned. Yes, I know that there are far <I>worse</I> examples to be found, including in Hollywood. Indeed, by Hollywood standards, they are almost scandalously responsible. But Bogard and Bacall, they ain't.<BR/><BR/>It's a new day in America, though, one in which we finally have a devoted married couple in the White House who demonstrate commitment to one another and to their children, who set an example for young couples regarding the value of marriage and married life, not just for child-rearing but otherwise .... <BR/><BR/>Oh wait. We've had such a couple in the White House since January 2001. Well, we have another one. And this one's all hip and trendy and hopey-changitudinous. So ought not that be enough of a throw-back to old-school that Brad could manage to scrape together a few bucks to buy a ring and pay a preacher (or a Justice of the Peace) to say, "I now pronounce you ..."?Beldarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13404583858244777905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-73507224489338099962009-01-22T20:24:00.000-06:002009-01-22T20:24:00.000-06:00Things I'm happy about:1) Michael Shannon. I thoug...Things I'm happy about:<BR/><BR/>1) Michael Shannon. I thought he'd be snubbed because he got no major precursors. He was one of the best things about the movie and in two and a half scenes gives a performance just as Oscar worthy as the two leads.<BR/><BR/>2) The Reader's surprise Picture and Director noms. Now there are actually two nominees that would be on my Top 5 for the year.<BR/><BR/>3) Milk got pretty much everything it was expected to get.<BR/><BR/>4) Kate Winslet getting nominated for Best Actress.<BR/><BR/>5) The Dark Knight being snubbed in the major categories. I had a feeling this would happen, and I'm glad it did. <BR/><BR/>Things I'm not happy about:<BR/><BR/>1) Kate Winslet's category mix-up. I understand why they wanted to put her in Actress for The Reader, but I just wanted to see her get double nominated. And I think there should be a way to figure out the categories first instead of risking splitting the vote. <BR/><BR/>2) Revolutionary Road snubbed all over the place. One of my favorite movies of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio, in particular, should have been nominated.<BR/><BR/>3) Benjamin Button getting way too many nominations. That movie is not nearly good enough to justify this level of praise.<BR/><BR/>4) Clint Eastwood snubbed for Best Actor.<BR/><BR/>All in all, I have mixed feelings but probably good overall.Chris Althouse Cohenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417474428725474616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-59620326855751550282009-01-22T19:10:00.000-06:002009-01-22T19:10:00.000-06:00All of the nominated films are progressive or roma...All of the nominated films are progressive or romantic fantasies. Perfect accoutrements to the Obama campaign/presidency.Roadkillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09707416011632959777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-17534117197897390712009-01-22T18:16:00.000-06:002009-01-22T18:16:00.000-06:00Kevin Kline won for A Fish Called Wanda in 1989.Al...<I>Kevin Kline won for A Fish Called Wanda in 1989.</I><BR/><BR/>Also, Marisa Tomei won for My Cousin Vinnie and Lee Marvin won for Cat Ballou (beating out Rod Steiger in "The Pawnbroker").<BR/><BR/>There have been a few dozen nominations for comedic acting roles over the years. It is uncommon, but not unheard of.Revenanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11374515200055384226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-37536922487107563792009-01-22T17:36:00.000-06:002009-01-22T17:36:00.000-06:00As a big fan of comedy, this is the first nominati...<I>As a big fan of comedy, this is the first nomination for one of the 'big 4' acting awards that I can think of which went to a comedic performance....and I'm thrilled about that.</I><BR/><BR/>Kevin Kline won for <I>A Fish Called Wanda</I> in 1989. He deserved it. That movie was brilliant. And I say that RDjr's role in <I>Tropic Thunder</I> is a good match for Kline's, but it doesn't matter because Ledger will get it anyway.<BR/><BR/>I loved <I>Tropic Thunder</I>, but then I loved <I>Team America: World Police</I>, also. Tom Cruise should've been nominated for his role in TT, also. He was incredible.Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06093453920666892035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-68217068115664981912009-01-22T16:51:00.000-06:002009-01-22T16:51:00.000-06:00OK, so can we assume that actors and actresses hav...OK, so can we assume that actors and actresses have really short memories? That's why they have to release all the Oscar pix in December and (really) January?<BR/><BR/><I>The Visitor</I> was last Spring and <I>Frozen River</I> was last Fall, but being low-budget films with no big name stars, they would've been suffocated had they waited till December. Woody Allen's probably not expecting his movies to get Oscars at this point, at least not for him.<BR/><BR/><I>Changeling</I> was released all the way back in November, doubtless to avoid conflicting with <I>Gran Torino</I>, but the Academy likes Eastwood as an actor about as much as it likes Gibson as an actor.<BR/><BR/>As for the acting in <I>Slumdog</I>, I say Irrfan Khan was excellent.blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-62789423820118109772009-01-22T16:44:00.000-06:002009-01-22T16:44:00.000-06:001. Yes, supporting is best left to the oddballs. I...1. Yes, supporting is best left to the oddballs. It's about the only category with a chance to really surprise.<BR/><BR/>2. They already gave Mendes his Oscar for <I>American Beauty</I>, why do it again?<BR/><BR/>3. Despite going to movies about 10-15 times more often than you, I've only seen three. I won't see <I>Milk</I> but I probably will see <I>Frost/Nixon</I> for Langella.<BR/><BR/>4. Yes! Jenkins was great in <I>The Visitor</I>. It was a nice role for a not classically handsome leading man. For basically an average-schmo looking guy. Big year for Jenkins.<BR/><BR/>5. <A HREF="http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/2008/09/frozen-river-slurpees-half-price.html" REL="nofollow">Frozen River</A>, not a great movie but a very solid one and Melissa Leo's role was challenging. She did very well.<BR/><BR/>6. Amy Adams for <A HREF="http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/2009/01/doubt.html" REL="nofollow">Doubt</A>? How about for <A HREF="http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/2008/03/miss-pettigrew-lives-for-day.html" REL="nofollow">Miss Pettigrew Lives For Day</A>? Delightful actress, perhaps we could reward her for being delightful in a delightful movie. (We'll pretend it's the '30s!)<BR/><BR/>7. If Heath Ledger doesn't get this, I'll have to re-evaluate my understanding of Hollywood.<BR/><BR/>8. They seem like nice enough people. Are we supposed to hate them because they're the archetypal popular kids whom everyone loves?blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-84263222662657665062009-01-22T16:41:00.000-06:002009-01-22T16:41:00.000-06:00I'm sticking to my guns that the best actor in Dar...I'm sticking to my guns that the best actor in Dark Knight was Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon. It's easy to play the deranged psychopath. Playing the tired normal guy who holds his own amidst all the clowns in costumes...that takes skill.Salamandyrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11583377305614434681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-46718544582740880812009-01-22T15:42:00.000-06:002009-01-22T15:42:00.000-06:00How many past lives do you have to do everything r...How many past lives do you have to do everything right in order to reach the karma where you can pass over Jennifer Anniston to go to Angelina?... I always admired Angelina for her open mouth kiss of her brother at the Oscars. It's difficult to roll out a fresh new perversion in the jaded world of Hollywood, but she made the effort. I thought celebs were as narcissistic as the Pharoahs and that the phenomenon would catch on. It turned out she was a little ahead of her time, but I do think incest will be the next big perversion. Pedophilia is so last year.Williamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07837540030934495651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-5728190841460996522009-01-22T15:19:00.000-06:002009-01-22T15:19:00.000-06:00Anne Meara! O, Henry!(Does that mean her son Jack ...Anne Meara! O, Henry!<BR/><BR/>(Does that mean her son Jack Schlossberg is the new Ben Stiller? Shudder. Take a look at my blog for a really bad photo of Caroline. I really like her, but she's slovenly at times)vbspurshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00992013640447117624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-12105029084753100512009-01-22T15:14:00.000-06:002009-01-22T15:14:00.000-06:00I'll agree with the "younger and more exotic" poin...I'll agree with the "younger and more exotic" point, Victoria. OT, someone who is not looking "younger and more exotic" on Drudge right now is Caroline K. Schlossberg. Caroline is transforming into Anne Meara before our eyes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-28572040317392332252009-01-22T15:12:00.001-06:002009-01-22T15:12:00.001-06:00Milk? I thought the Chinese were executing people...Milk? I thought the Chinese were executing people because of milk.<BR/><BR/>On a non-related matter, did you know that there are several bakeries in Australia called Morning Loaf?<BR/><BR/>Thought I'd pass that tidbit along for anyone who needs a little help giving up bread.Michael Hazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14139261384414481528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-77644143965863439502009-01-22T15:12:00.000-06:002009-01-22T15:12:00.000-06:00"Milk" was a very well made film;I actually though...<I>"Milk" was a very well made film;</I><BR/><BR/>I actually thought the script was stale, Host, and I found myself getting up to get popcorn midway (which I never do). What held it together was Sean Penn, who continues to excite as an actor, to put it mildly. Personally, I think he was much better in this, than in "Mystic River" for which he won the Oscar.<BR/><BR/><I>I liked it better then "Benjamin Button" and "Frost/Nixon".</I><BR/><BR/>Zach told me that Benjy Button was cold. And it was. But...<BR/><BR/><I>I think this is "Slumdog"'s year.</I><BR/><BR/>...though Slumdog is a strong contender for Best Picture, the Academy love to reward films like Benjamin Button. It's got the literary bona fides of F. Scott Fitzgerald, at that.<BR/><BR/>I'm picking BB as the not-so-dark-horse to win for Best Picture.vbspurshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00992013640447117624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-51246092633620411872009-01-22T15:03:00.000-06:002009-01-22T15:03:00.000-06:00Ahem, at the risk of sounding like Ted Casablanca....Ahem, at the risk of sounding like Ted Casablanca...<BR/><BR/><I>Still can't figure out why he dumped Jen for Angelina.</I><BR/><BR/>I think because, though she can seem shallow whilst doing this, Angelina has more varied interests than Jennifer Aniston. There was more chance for growth with her, than dining nightly with David Arquette and Courtney Cox...<BR/><BR/>I think Jolie grew as a person from that Billy Bob Thornton tongue-kissing, exhibitionist sidekick she was becoming, and surprised herself by the depth of her new maturity as a mother.<BR/><BR/><I> I think Jen is way better looking and has a much better body. Angelina looks too much like a largemouth bass to me.</I><BR/><BR/>I kept staring at her mouth in "Changeling". Her lips looked like they were presented in 3-D, reaching out and taunting you with their enormity.<BR/><BR/>But Jennifer Aniston's type can be found in any mall in America.<BR/><BR/>I'm guessing he wanted someone younger and more exotic.vbspurshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00992013640447117624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-43312052646715356552009-01-22T14:58:00.001-06:002009-01-22T14:58:00.001-06:00Batman should get in the Gran Torino with Clint an...Batman should get in the Gran Torino with Clint and kick some Academy ass.Host with the Mosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17688942020227316003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-10418203182538516862009-01-22T14:58:00.000-06:002009-01-22T14:58:00.000-06:00"Milk" was a very well made film; I liked it bette..."Milk" was a very well made film; I liked it better then "Benjamin Button" and "Frost/Nixon". Won't see "the Reader" - glorified Child Pornography. Thanks to Ann for the tip.<BR/><BR/>I think this is "Slumdog"'s year.<BR/><BR/>It will be interesting to see if the race comes down to "Milk" and one other, and if it inspires another round of heated discussion like "Brokeback Mountain" vs. "Crash".<BR/><BR/><BR/>Josh Brolin WAS good in "Milk". But I still think Heath Ledger was deeply effective in Batman. Heath should take it. And Phillip Seymour Hoffman should have been in the actor category, not supporting.<BR/><BR/>By the way, 2008's Biggest Independent Film? "Fireproof" with Kirk Cameron. Beat "Vicky Christina Juanita Selena Barcelona" and "W".<BR/><BR/>YES!Host with the Mosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17688942020227316003noreply@blogger.com