Oscar Weekend has Arrived! Who will triumph?

                                      OSCARS 2015!!!

The 87^th Academy Awards, Sunday February 22, 2015, presents a very close race with no out-front runner this year, and certainly an interesting collection of contenders. A look at this year's directorial subjects explored include a 12-year film project of the real life story of a boy growing up; the heart-wrenching fight and accomplishments of world-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking against his debilitating neuron disease; the birth of the computer during war times; the chaotic life on Broadway from the view of a washed-up animal avion actor; a drummer's conflicts with his tyrannic mentor; an American war hero who was renowned for his sniper talents;  the heroic struggles of Martin Luther King, and a concierge's candid account of hotel guests at a high-class, quirky, Budapest hotel.

For the first time Neil Patrick Harris has garnered hosting duties,  and is certain to deliver his musical talent, and dry wit. Not sure how is sense of humour will gel with such an ego-centric crowd, however, time will tell! 

                                        BEST MOTION PICTURE-FILM 

Nominees: Boyhood, Birdman,The Grand Budapest Hotel, American Sniper,The Imitation Game,Selma,The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash. 

Who may win: Boyhood, Birdman, or Theory of Everything          

                                My Pick: Boyhood

This film is oh-so-average in plot, however outstanding in realism, as the director and same cast committ to a stead-"slow" twelve year creation of this project. Mason,  (Ellar Coltrane) grows up before our eyes, experiencing birthdays, graduation, girls, school days, moving, and making friends, while delivering his tender emotional palette along the way. His parents (Ethan Hawke, and Patricia Arquette) encounter struggles of their own, while each adult strives to build and maintain  their own unique bond with their son. You find yourself reflecting on your own childhood, parental history, and examining highlights both good and bad that shone throughout the not-so-easy childhood and teen years we all experience. The Academy membership typically appreciates a filming feat, (The Artist,-a silent film that spoke volumes; and Titanic)  allowing this long-term sensitive movie to comfortably fit into that mold. 
                                       BIRDMAN; Could take it all! 

Birdman, delivered by Michael Keaton is a wacky account of a washed up a hollywood actor, with persistant flashbacks of his hollywood movie character, Birdman. He seems to barely function in his current life, perhaps due to the fact he has funnelled his entire financial resources into the production of his Broadway play that he is also starring in. Drastic issues abound requiring immediate attention, including his dealings with his neurotic stage manager (Zach Galifianakis)  and the need to replace the main lead in his play on the eve of opening night. 

His daughter (Emma Stone) has just returned from rehab, and is a fragile piece of work. The cast in the play barely hold it together. This film is entirely composed with one frame, making you feel like you can't breathe, while coping with background drumming that is incesssant.  Perhaps the versimilitude portrayal of what life struggles on Broadway can be like following the  successful total character immersion and committment to the challenging world of film, is candid enough to warrant top oscar recognition this year.

                                                     Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything was definately my sentimental favorite movie this year and is Oscar-worthy no doubt. The gargantuan task presented to Eddie Redemeyne of morphing into the aging Hawking was superlative. 
Whilst also delivering the physical presence of suffering with such a debilitating disease, he successfully conveyed his ability to live with dignity.  His amazing career was demonstrated with awe; his intelligence and drive,  and  emblazened, often bumpy  road to developing the complex theories of our existence. The writer's inclusion of humour is a welcome ease to the cringing reality of ALS disease. The film does not disappoint with showcasing the human element at the forefront, particularly his relationships, indiscretions, and family struggles, highlighting his historic scientific accomplishments.

Benedict Cumberbatch, in The Imitation Game..could lift this real-life war-time drama to an upset movie win; you just never know!

  BEST ACTOR 

Nominees: Michael Keaton; Birdman, Bradley Cooper; American Sniper, Eddie Redmayne; The Theory of Everything, Benedict Cumberbatch; The Imitation Game; Steve Carell; Foxcatcher

Eddie Redmayne

My pick: Eddie Redmayne, TheTheory of Everything

Not a contest in this category. Eddie blows everyone out of the water with this catapulting performance of the world famous astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. It is his precision .. the tiny details...his lips, eyes, voice, body, and soul.  You truly feel how his body has become trapped within his illness. Yet, incredibly he lives beyond medical expectations to continally striving because his mind is his life, and he will not allow anything or anyone to linger in the way of his striving towards his goal of uncovering how we all came into existence.

Who could win: Bradley Cooper, American Sniper

                                                                Bradley Cooper

                                                                        
                                       BEST ACTRESS
 Nominees: Reese Witherpoon, Wild; Julianne Moore, Still Alice; Marianne Cotillard,  Two Days, One Night;  Meryl Streep,  Into the Woods; Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl; Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything

                      My pick: Julianne Moore, Still Alice

                                                                  Julianne Moore

Who could win: Reese Witherspoon, Wild 

                            BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
                                                                  Nominees:

J.K. Simmons, Whiplash; Edward Norton, Birdman; Robert Duvall, The Judge; Ethan Hawke, Boyhood; Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher

                               My pick: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

                                                                 J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Nominees:
Meryl Streep, Into the Woods; Patricia Arquette, Boyhood; Laura Dern, Wild; Emma Stone, Birdman; Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game

                                      My pick: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

                       BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 

Nominees:

The Big Hero 6; The Boxtrolls; How to Train your Dragon 2; The Song of the Sea; The Tale of the Princess Kaguya                                      
                    My pick: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Tweet, or Teen....who will Hotel up , and Snipe errr... or Swag Everything?

So....Oscar Nite has arrived! A close contest this year has emerged for best picture between two films...Birdman, or Boyhood. Outside bets for the Oscar winner if the vote becomes split between those two....could be The Theory of Everything (my personal favourite), or The Grand Budapest Hotel.  What an extraodinary mix of topics explored.
An enviable interesting benefit for all nominees both the winners and "losers" who do not go home with an Oscar, are the hefty Swag packages worth over $160,000.00 US each, more than double the value from last year's haul. Hmmm...luxury vacay in France on George Clooney's lake anyone?
.http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/oscars-2015-swag-bag-gifted-nominees-article-1.2122992

Academy Award Evening has arrived...and perhaps Toronto's Mayor Rob Ford?

Well, well, well, this years' 26th Oscars should be an fun evening... certain to deliver many surprises, with an emerging close race between best picture and best actor categories. Gee, even Toronto's Mayor Rob Ford supposedly has been asked to attend Tinstletown's movie star bash as a guest of Jimmy Kimmel. Hmmm, how to get Rob red carpet ready?

My Oscar Night Predictions 2014 !

With the arrival of the 86^th Academy Awards today, Sunday March 2, 2014, a horse race for best film,  and best actor in particular are hovering with anticipation of the actual final result; WHICH man, and WHICH film will triumph?? It appears the bevy of awards will not be draped  onto any one dominant film, rather most likely split between 12 Years a Slave, Gravity, American Hustle, and The Wolf of Wall Street. 
Gravity, has been selected as top choice for many as winning the coveted picture of the year. This unique film will likely harvest the brunt of the technical awards; such as Film Editing, Cinematography,  and Visual Effects. This film is also a strong contender to win Best Director, with Alfonso Cuaron at the helm, displaying his revolutionary prowess delivering a spellbinding outer space drama/ thriller starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. 
12 Years a Slave, however,  I am hoping will conquer, and haul in the Best Picture prize after all is said and done. The acting is superb, and  the storyline boasts a verisimilitude,  historical societal horror.  So you see, a nail-biter finish this year!
Ellen DeGeneres following a seven-year hiatus from hosting duties for this spectacle, has once again accepted head honcho duties, certain to dance and deliver her excellent quirky humour, and  gentle quick wit. 

Ellen DeGeneres, Oscar Host 2014

As a side note, Toronto's colourful Mayor, Rob Ford, is apparently expected to attend The Oscars show this year in Los Angeles, having been invited by night time comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Ford is also slated to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday evening, March 3rd. Fasten your selt belts, as the show this year should be an interesting ride!

                                         BEST MOTION PICTURE-FILM 

Nominees: American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her, Nebraska, Philomena, 12 Years a Slave,   The Wolf of Wall Street

 

                        My Pick: 12 Years a Slave 

This riveting picture provides a candid view of slavery that embellished the US south. The true story is heart-wrenching and difficult to watch, however, the acting is so spellbinding that you hold your breath, and cringe, hoping the punishment subsides soon. You can't help but feel overwhelming empathy for the characters.  Both leading actors in this film, Chitwetel Ejiofor  portraying  the story of Solomon Northup, as the lead slave,  and Lupita Nyong'o in her role as the prized cotton picker—and chronically abused scapegoat, were both outstanding. They are deservedly best actor and  supporting actress nominees.

Best Picture Nominee 12 Years a Slave

Gravity, Best Picture Nominee

Best Picture Nominee American Hustle

                                        Who may win: Gravity or  American Hustle               

  LEADING  ACTOR 
Tight Race between Matthew and Leo.

Nominees: Christian Bale- American Hustle, Bruce Dern-Nebraska,                             Leonardo Di Caprio-The Wolf of Wall Street, Chiwetel Ejiofor- 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaghy- Dallas Buyers Club 

Matthew McConaghy;AIDS patient, Dallas Buyers Club

Leo Di Caprio- To date has never won an Oscar,  however has been nominated four times, and career has spanned two decades of exceptional, cativating roles

My Pick:

Matthew McConaghy, 
Dallas Buyers Club

Best Actor Nominee in his role in as a slave: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

The race is very close, and the fact that Leo has NEVER won an Oscar, he is long overdue for the golden hardware.  He is most certainly deserving of a win this year,  for his outlandish portrayal of  a true to life, Wall Street Playboy, drug addict and crook. However, Matthew dramatically  transforms himself portraying real-life Ron Woodroff,  losing in excess of  forty pounds to embrace the emanicated appearance of a long-term suffering AIDS patient, and delivers his survival struggles with precision.

Leo in his role as Jordan Belfort,  real-life Wallstreet Stockbroker, leading a life of drugs, women, crime and corruption

LEADING  ACTRESS
Nominees:

Amy Adams-American Hustle
Cate Blanchett-Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock-Gravity
Judy Dench-Philomena
Meryl Streep-August:Osage County

Sandra Bullock, in Gravity,  Best Actress Nominee

 My pick: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Cate Blanchett, in Blue Jasmine

Cate Blanchett plays Jasmine, a depressed, lost, socialite, whose marriage has ended, husband committed suicide, and financial fortune: gone. She is desperate,  and decides to move into her sister's modest apartment, who can offer her little. Her sister, Ginger,  leads a simple, poor life bagging groceries, and typically gravitates toward loser men. Jasmine's despair, and hopelessness, is magnified by her past luxurious lifesyle,  and now, is confronted with managing a strained life. She is pathetically forced to redkindle a strained relationship with her sister for survival's sake,  regrettingly settles for a meagre job, and characteristically decides to exploit a new man in her life.  Blanchett embraces her role with raw emotion and intensity, displaying unruly challenges and the reluctance to accept humility.

SUPPORTING  ACTOR
Nominees:

Bradley Cooper-American Hustle
Barkhad Abdi-Captain Phillips
Michael Fassbender-12 Years A Slave
Jonah Hill-The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto-Dallas Buyers Club

Jared Leto, as Rayon, in Dallas Buyers Club

 My pick: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Jared Leto plays Rayon, the AIDS-afflicted business partner of Matthew McConaughey's Ron Woodroof, in Dallas Buyers Club. The flick is directed by Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée. 
Leto, like Matthew, acheived a dramatic weight loss in preparation for his part, in order to  completely immerse himself,  into this riveting transgendered persona. Rayon is tender, and supportive of his buddy, the rather "rough 'round the edges", Ron. They each are fighting AIDS and form an interesting  alliance,  during their quest to secure access to the potentially life-saving drugs they each so desperately desire.

Barkhad Abdi, and  Tom Hanks,  both Oscar Nominees for Captain Phillips

 

Barkhad Abdi, formidable Somali Pirate, in Captain Phillips

A surprise newcomer to the Oscar pool this year, is Barkhad Abdi, depicting a pirate, ship-hijacker in Captain Phillips.  In his outstanding first acting gig, (he was recently umployed asa chauffeur, and cell phone store clerk.) Barkhad is formidable, and delivers an impressive capture of the crew and Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks) with a seriousness, and ruthless grip. He contributes authentic appeal to the film, and is well-deserved in his Oscar nod.
SUPPORTING  ACTRESS
Nominees:

Jennifer Lawrence-American Hustle, Lupita Nyong'o-12 Years A Slave, Sally Hawkins-Blue Jasmine, Julia Roberts-August:Osage County, June Squibb-Nebraska

My pick: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave

Lupita Nyong'o is exceptional, and definately award worthy in her portrayal of a cotton-picker, and abused slave, in 12 Years a Slave. Her pathetic existence is only worthy due to fact she is the speediest cotton picker amongst the slaves. As such she is also the unfortunate choice of the ruthless plantation owner, who abuses her mercilessly, no matter how subservient she strives to be. This role,  almost shocking, was her first acting job in a feature film.

Lupita Nyong'o; An abused cotton-picker slave, in 12 Years a Slave

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 

Nominees:

The Croods, Despicable Me 2, Ernest & Celestine, Frozen, The Wind Rises.

My Pick:

Frozen

What a chilly, yet heartwarming tale of a princess with unfortunate powers. Her struggles to find a place in her world after her parents are gone, are met with the enduring, yet non-permitted love from her sister, and frosty adventures in a far away land. The snowman is adorable, and adds humour, and camaderie when everyone seems to be alone with no friends to count on. The effects are outstanding, and the music is exceptional with it's song "Let it Go" a strong contender to win Best Original Song.

Baseball History Reveals its Star 42; The Jackie Robinson Story

42 is a riveting sports drama, recounting the struggles of a baseball icon. The acting is superb, and story an accurate portrayal of US society with its' unjust, historical teetering of acceptance of race and colour.

42....A Baseball Gem, and Historical

42 The Legend of Baseball Finally and Deservedly Told

Synopsis:

The heroic account of Jackie Robinson,  the first black baseball player in Major League Baseball is labelled with the number 42. Discovered by Brooklyn Dodgers’ General Manager Branch Rickey, Robinson receives the opportunity to dissolve the black barriers stubbornly traditional of professional baseball with his powerful play.

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, T.R. Knight

Directed by: Brian Helgeland

Written by: Brian Helgeland

Genre: Sport Biography, Drama

Released: April 2013

The tolerance of abuse that inevitably awaits him, is the key to clinching the ability stand strong against his internal instincts to pummel those who belittle him. However in the offer to play pro ball, his manager, Rickey, (Harrison Ford)  firmly cautions he must have "the guts NOT to fight back " against the rentlentless taunting that he will likely endure.

Trailer

 Dramatizing a sports breakthrough  envelopped in racial, social, political and attitudinal meaning, this pet project of writer-director Brian Helgeland and producer Thomas Tull zeroes in on the years 1945-47, concluding with Robinson's first year in the majors. A well-spoken young man with a lovely wife-to-be, Rachel (Nicole Beharie), and none of the wild traits of some of his teammates,  he is as anxious to  win as well as to integrate the league.  He is assigned to the Montreal Royals farm team then attends Spring training in Florida which is no picnic.  His manager and other players shun him, he's unwelcome at the team hotel, forcing him to stay in a private home with a black family, and is  warned by a passerby that some fellas will be coming by to “do something” about him. As Rickey has insisted, Robinson must speak only with his actions on the field of play, and so he does, hitting a homer on opening day in Jersey City, an accomplishment boldfaced and underlined by a script that insists upon having his manager then comment, “He might be superhuman after all.”

Helgeland hammers home every achievement and then puts a halo around it, as if anyone won't get it otherwise. The racist resistance Robinson confronted is boldly and bluntly presented. Even his white Dodger teammates prepared a petition refusing to play with a black man and of Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk) relentlessly taunted Robinson in the batter's box with the n-word and every other epithet he could muster to blurt at Jackie.

Therefore, after only one season in the minors, he makes his big-league debut on April 15, 1947, at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field. Forced to play at the unfamiliar position of first base, Robinson inspires a wide range of reactions: embraced by black fans, overwhelming skepticism from reporters and  the raw viciousness delivered on the part of some opponents who deliberately slide into him roughly, and otherwise try to take him out of the game.

Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey does not disappoint. He delivers the expected lines of his character, the savvy businessman penchant,  with a love for cigars, as his dialogue cleverly moves the story forward. A key moment is Robinson’s first game with white players. The field tension dominated  between Robinson and the pitcher as he continued to steal bases. 

Robinson’s personal struggle to break the unwritten rules of segregation in sports was accurately portrayed, and as a result, a feel good story is presented about a super-talented underdog who triumphs against overwhelming adversity.

The life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey.