My Reaction to the Oscar Nominees

The Oscars are always one of my favorite events of year. Even when I don’t agree with some of the nominees and winners, it’s still a fun show and I love having a celebration of the year in film. Well, the nominees for the 87th Academy Awards were announced a few days ago, and I’ve finally gotten all my thoughts on them straight.

DISCLAIMER: All film is subjective, so just like my reviews this list will be completely opinion-based.

BEST PICTURE

American Sniper: This should definitely not be on here. Great lead performance, bad movie.

Birdman: Terrific. This belongs here, and is probably gonna be the winner.

Boyhood: This is my pick for most overrated movie of the year. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t enthralled by it like most people.

The Grand Budapest Hotel: Sure, why not?

The Imitation Game: My favorite movie on this list, but it doesn’t have a strong chance of winning.

Selma: CONTROVERSY: It was just okay. Not worth a nomination in my opinion.

The Theory of Everything: Very nice to see this nominated.

Whiplash: Even nicer to see this nominated. One of the best movies of the year, and it gets better every time I see it. If I haven’t seen it I won’t comment.

Will win: Either Birdman or Boyhood

Should win: The Imitation Game

BEST ACTOR

Steve Carrell, Foxcatcher

Bradley Cooper, American Sniper: In a weaker year, I would’ve put him on here. But this was a stacked year, and I would rather have seen David Oyelowo or Jake Gyllenhaal in his spot.

Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game: He belongs here for sure.

Michael Keaton, Birdman: So does he. One of Keaton’s best performances.

Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything: Yet another extremely strong contender. This is Redmayne’s best performance to date.

Will and should win: Michael Keaton, Birdman

BEST ACTRESS

Marion Cotillard, Two Days, One Night

Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything: I loved her performance. She belongs her for sure.

Julianne Moore, Still Alice

Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl: YES YES YES!! I would’ve freaked out if she wasn’t nominated.

Reese Witherspoon, Wild

Will win: Julianne Moore, Still Alice

Should win: Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Robert Duvall, The Judge: He’s got no chance, but he was the best part of that movie and deserves a nomination.

Ethan Hawke, Boyhood: He should be on here. The parents in Boyhood were much more compelling than Mason.

Edward Norton, Birdman: Another great performance in a movie filled with them.

Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher

J.K. Simmons, Whiplash: This is a very strong category, but I don’t see how he doesn’t win.

Will and should win: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Patricia Arquette, Boyhood: She and Ethan Hawke made the movie watchable for me. That enough is worth win.

Laura Dern, Wild

Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game: Knightley has come a long way in the last few years, and this is a vindication of all her efforts.

Emma Stone, Birdman: She was terrific.

Meryl Streep, Into the Woods: I didn’t like the movie. It was about an hour too long. But Streep was great, same as always.

Will and should win: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: I don’t like this category. It exists only to give the Academy an excuse not to nominate animated films for Best Picture. BUT HOW THE HELL DOES THE LEGO MOVIE NOT GET NOMINATED? I don’t use the term snub lightly, but this is a snub.

Big Hero 6: I loved it. Lots of fun, and yet another credit to Disney.

The Boxtrolls: I enjoyed it, and it’s nice to see it get nominated.

How to Train Your Dragon 2: Without The Lego Movie in competition, this is my clear favorite.

Song of the Sea

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Will and should win: How to Train Your Dragon 2

BEST DIRECTOR

Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Birdman: This is the first time that I can honestly say he did a great job directing. He did a truly amazing job.

Richard Linklater, Boyhood: I wouldn’t put him on here. I don’t think he did a very good job creating a compelling story. But I appreciate his ambition.

Bennett Miller, Foxcatcher

Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel: A good one for Anderson to get nominated for.

Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game: It wasn’t very showy direction, but Tyldum told this story very well and pulled good performances out of everyone.

Will and should win: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Birdman

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Jason Hall, American Sniper: No thanks.

Graham Moore, The Imitation Game: I’m surprised this is Moore’s first screenplay. He did a fantastic job.

Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice: I love PTA, but this screenplay was not a strong one.

Anthony McCarten, The Theory of Everything: A great screenplay. He deserves the nomination.

Damien Chazelle, Whiplash: Yet another great screenplay.

Will win: Too close to call.

Should win: Graham Moore, The Imitation Game

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo, Birdman: With a movie this good, how can the screenplay not be nominated?

Richard Linklater, Boyhood: I wouldn’t give it to him, but I understand why he’s nominated. I was an ambitious effort.

E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman, Foxcatcher

Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness (story), The Grand Budapest Hotel: I’m kind of surprised to see this get so many nominations, but I can’t complain.

Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler: A better movie than any of these, and yet this is its only nomination. Glad to see it get something.

Will win: All those unpronounceable names, Birdman

Should win: Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler

So, there’s all the big ones. I might not agree with all the Academy’s decisions, but that doesn’t matter. Like all art forms, film is subjective, and it’s nice to see that people have varying opinions. I’m sure this year’s show will be a lot of fun, especially with all of the surprises. The Lego Movie not getting nominated is insane, though.

Movies of 2014 That I’ve Had a Change of Heart About

Hello, readers!

I recently instituted a policy that I see every film I review (and watch but don’t review) twice. So I’ve gone back and watched most of them a second time. Needless to say, I’ve changed my mind about some of them. I’ve broken them down into three categories; ones that benefit from a second viewing, ones that don’t benefit, and one very special case.

Benefit:

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I knew this was a great movie when I first saw it. However, I’ve now seen it seven times, and each time is better than the last. Now it’s probably my second film of the year, just barely trailing X-Men: Days of Future. it really is the movie that keeps on giving, and just bolsters the belief that Marvel can do (almost) no wrong.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Another situation where loved it the first time I saw it, but a second viewing made me love it even more. All of the positives stand out more, especially the characters. Hiccup and Toothless’ second adventure is more than a match for its wonderful predecessor.

Revised Score: A-

Neighbors

When I first saw Neighbors, I said it was a pretty good but not great comedy that was a mild letdown. Now that I’ve seen it again, I feel confident in saying that I was wrong. This movie is hysterical. Some things didn’t work, but a comedy’s first duty is to make the audience laugh, and Neighbors succeeded with me.

Revised Score: B+

Non-Stop

Looking back, my ultra-low score of Non-Stop was way too harsh. I had a negative experience while watching it and it clouded my judgement. It’s certainly not great, but as fun little action thriller, Non-Stop is actually pretty decent.

Revised Score: B-

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

My expectations for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were so low that I think I let them get in the way of me giving it a proper score. Truth is, it’s a pretty enjoyable movie. The human side of things leaves a lot to be desired, but when the Turtles are onscreen it’s a blast.

Revised Score: B

Don’t Benefit:

300: Rise of an Empire

When your villain is miles more compelling than your bland bunch of heroes, you know your movie’s in trouble. Seriously, Leonidas could wipe the floor with Themistocles just be saying a catchphrase or two.

Revised Score: C+

Deliver Us From Evil

Why in my right mind did I give this such as high score the first time around? Sure, Sean Harris does a good possessed performance, but the movie itself isn’t scary at all.

Revised Score: D+

Godzilla

Godzilla himself is a very compelling figure, but the movie is ultimately bogged down by poor pacing and bland human characters.

Revised Score: C+

Hercules

I guess I fell under the Rock’s spell. God knows he’s charming. But Hercules isn’t. It’s bland, cliched, and makes a complete mockery of everything that makes Hercules a cool character. So, let me get this straight? Hercules is just some dude who’s really strong? Not the badass demigod that we know and love? From someone who doesn’t hate Brett Ratner, I now think this is his worst film.

Revised Score: D

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Oh Seth, what were you thinking? I’m sure the executives gave you a lot of freedom after your brilliant work on Ted, but come on. This was weak. I still trust that you, but this is the worst thing you’ve done since The Cleveland Show.

Revised Score: D

The Purge: Anarchy

It’s still better than it’s fairly weak predecessor, but all the flaws stood out to me more the second time. There’s too many characters that over-complicate things, and the message remains as preachy as ever.

Revised Score: C+

Snowpiercer

When I first saw Snowpiercer, I was just about ready to crown it czar. But like all of these movies, something changed upon a second viewing. It’s still an okay movie, but now it strikes me as too ambitious for its own good and unable to live up to its full potential…much like Bong Joon-ho’s other critically acclaimed sci-fi movie.

Revised Score: B-

Special Case:

Need For Speed

I have had the distinct honor (?) of seeing Need For Speed three times. THREE TIMES. That’s more than I feel comfortable with. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a bad but not terrible movie. The second time I must’ve been in one of my depressed phases, because after watching it I wanted to strangle someone. But after the third time, after I had time to take my chill pills, my reaction went back to what it was at first. I might be damning it with faint praise, but Need For Speed truly is one of the most almost semi-adequate video game movies of all time.

Revised Score: C-

Top 10 Films of the Mid-Year

Well, 2014 is halfway done. The summer movie season is at its halfway point, and soon all the theaters will be flooded with Oscar bait. We will soon be treated to the some of the best of cinema, and some of the worst. But that doesn’t mean the latter half of the year can’t be great. In fact, 2014 has been quite a strong year so far, and these ten films are the cases in point.

10. Enemy

Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up to last year’s excellent Prisoners makes for a very tense and uncomfortable (in a good way) thriller, and Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of the finest performances of his career. If you haven’t seen this (and I know most of you haven’t) definitely check it out as soon as possible.

9. Chef

I’ve been a big Jon Favreau fan for years, both in front of and behind the camera. Chef proves that he can easily manage both at the same time, creating a film with wonderful performances, fresh comedy, and nice little life lessons. Again, I know most of you haven’t seen this, so give this one a shot. I’ll think you’ll be surprised at how heartfelt and funny it is.

8. Edge of Tomorrow

I wasn’t expecting much out of this after the dreadful marketing, but I ended but really enjoying it. Edge of Tomorrow is probably the year’s most pleasant surprise, with a unique premise, great action, and a very different side of Tom Cruise that has rarely been glimpsed.

7. How to Train Your Dragon 2

I was a big fan as the first How to Train Your Dragon, and this sequel didn’t disappoint. It may not have packed quite as big a punch, but it was beautifully animated, very well acted, and developed new character relationships that are sure to enthrall fans and newcomers alike.

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

While it may not be very accessible, probably because it’s probably the purest distillation of Wes Anderson’s style, but The Grand Budapest Hotel is a treat for his fans, being funny, well acted, and with a mania that harkens back to his glory days. 

5. Noah

The first true Biblical epic in a long time was pretty controversial upon release, but don’t let that stop year. On top of the brilliant performance by current greatest actor in the world Russell Crowe, but expands on the Bible’s account by filling in the blanks with an excellent tale of a world gone mad that has a very nice post-apocalyptic feel.

4. 22 Jump Street

Another sequel to an already great movie, but unlike How to Train Your Dragon 2, this one was even better than the original. How did 22 Jump Street accomplish this? With great chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, a new take on the same premise, and a truly amazing amount of laughs.

3. The LEGO Movie

We all had our doubts about this one, but when the trailers hit I was won over. Sure enough, The LEGO Movie ended up being one of the best animated films in several years, one that rivals even some of Pixar’s fine efforts. Great animation, great voice acting, great laughs, GREAT MOVIE.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Wow, this is probably the year for sequels. Another sequel that completely exceeds an already great original on multiple fronts. Chris Evans once again delivers, making the unambiguous good guy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe just as interesting as the millionaire playboy. But that’s not all; Winter Soldier also has a great plot, solid supporting cast, and some of the best action ever seen in any movie.

1. X-Men: Days of Future Past

One of those movies that I was really anticipating, but exceeded even my greatest expectations. For both the superhero subgenre and film as a whole, Days of Future Past  is a marvel on every level. It’s got a great story, possibly the greatest of any comic book movie. There’s also great action and performances that are the stuff dreams are made of. But special mention goes to James McAvoy, who gives the best performance of his career.

Well, that’s the best of the year so far. I’m sure this list will be very different at year’s end. With luck, it’ll be just as much fun as the first.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review

Starring Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Honsou, and Kit Harington. Rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor. 102 minutes.

I’m of the the opinion that for most the 2000s, DreamWorks Animation was not living up to its potential. Other than the first two Shreks, most of their work from 2001 to about 2007 was mildly entertaining but forgettable at best, dreadful at worst. But then came Kung Fu Panda, the game-changer in the DreamWorks filmography. It was more than an animated comedy; it was also an epic action film with a tender heart. Still, I wasn’t sure what to think when How to Train Your Dragon was announced.

Sure enough, the unthinkable happened in 2010. How to Train Your Dragon was, for me, the biggest surprise of the year. It took everything that was good about Kung Fu Panda and amplified them, crafting easily one the best movies of that year. However, after Kung Fu Panda‘s even better sequel, DreamWorks fell into another slump. So, it was with both excitement and apprehension that I approached How to Train Your Dragon 2. 

Premise: Hiccup and Toothless are on another adventure when they discover the mysterious Dragon Rider. At the same, a band of rogues threatens their land…

Pros: Just like in the first film, the relationships between all the characters are handled beautifully. Hiccup and Toothless once again make for a great focus in a unique twist on a “boy and his dog” plot. But they’re not the only ones who get in on the action. Hiccup and his father Stoick share a few scenes that recapture the magic of their relationship from the first, and Hiccup’s relationship with Astrid is also a treat. Even one of the villains, Eret (played very well by your favorite Night’s Watch steward, Kit Harington), has some great material with the others. But the main draw here is the relationship between Hiccup and Valka. Speaking of which…

Valka is awesome. I became convinced a long time ago that Cate Blanchett can do anything, and this proves that she’s a talented voice actress. Every line she speaks is delivered with such incredible passion and gusto that you never once think to yourself “this is Cate Blanchett doing the voice”. She completely disappeared into the character. Beyond the brilliant portrayal, Vlada is also a great character, being everything a badass beastmaster should be. Trust me, you will wish Vlada was your mom.

Once again, the action is excellent. I often find that action in animated films is extremely difficult to pull off. Usually, you get very stiff looking fights, and something that’s supposed to look incredible just looks…off. Not so in How to Train Your Dragon 2. Everything having to do with action setpieces is well executed and leaves you hungry for more. 

And the visuals? What can I say that hasn’t already been said. They got the help of Roger Deakins, for cryin’ out loud!

Cons: This must be said; I didn’t feel the same sense of wonder that the first film gave me. Oh sure, everything looked great, and the character development was great. But for a fantasy film to succeed, the world itself must be engrossing. While I got some of that here, it was to a much lesser extent. Maybe it’s because I’ve already been introduced to the world, but they should’ve explored the universe’s mythology a bit more.   

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is also handicapped by a weak villain. Although Djimon Honsou does a good job as Drago, he could only draw so much water out of a stone. Drago was never threatening, and his motivation was a bit muddled. Compared to everyone else, who were so well played and fleshed out so beautifully, Drago was there just so the film could have it’s big bad. Oh well.

Verdict: How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a worthy sequel in most respects and a very fun movie with broad appeal. Bring out a third, a fourth, a twelfth, however many they can make before Jay Baruchel loses his voice.

Score: 8/10