The 2014 Academy Awards – Predictions

Yup.  Just like last year, letting you know right now who, what, why, and how (?) will win the most of the not-everything-exactly-but-most of the importantest categories in this year’s race to hold the gold.  The gold, naked, thin-lipped man who seems to have a pretty good grip one of those swords that pierced the…

Dallas Buyers Club – film review (A)

Shelley Winters gained about 35 pounds for what turned out to be a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure. Conversely, Matthew McConaughey dropped about 35 pounds for his Best Actor nomination in Dallas Buyers Club, a film with six total nominations. Both die by the end of their respective films, and both…

The Tree of Life – film review

The Tree of Life, nominated for Best Picture, Director, and Cinematography Oscars and winner of AFI’s Best Picture of 2011, is one of those films that few can attempt and even fewer can accomplish.  It is also one of those films, at least one a year, that Academy voters and Cannes adore but most of…

2013 Academy Award Predictions

Before I get into my predictions, let me first say how greatly disappointed I am at the choice of Seth MacFarlane to host the show.  I’m not a big fan of Family Guy.  One episode was great, but I’m tired of it now.  The only thing  I hope is that his act is funnier than…

Argo – Best Picture of 2012

During the first 12 minutes of Argo, someone put a belt around my chest and pulled it snugly.  Then about every 15 minutes, it was pulled another notch tighter.  Although I had trouble breathing, it was a good thing.  Seven Oscar nominations later, it was a great thing. Argo begins with a short history lesson…

Oscar Oscar Oscar

Chestnuts are roasting, hot chocolate is steaming, turkey is basting, pumpkin pie is pumping, and stockings are – um – stocking?  Anyway, all that means only one thing.  It’s Oscar season.  This is the home stretch, when the studios roll out their big-ticket films to keep their stars, films, and sugar plums dancing in the…