Golden Globe Predictions 2015

Golden Globe Predictions 2015:

Best Picture, Drama:

Boyhood

Best Actress, Drama:

Julianne Moore - Still Alice

Best Actor, Drama:

Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy:

Birdman

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Best Actress, Musical or Comedy:

Amy Adams - Big Eyes

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy:

Michael Keaton - Birdman

Best Supporting Actress:

Patricia Arquette - Boyhood

Best Supporting Actor:

J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

Best Director:

Richard Linklater - Boyhood

Best Screenplay:

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo - Birdman

Best Animated Film:

The Lego Movie

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Best Original Score:

Hans Zimmer - Interstellar

JOHANN JOHANNSSON - THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Into the Woods

INTO THE WOODS (2014)

directed by Rob Marshall

[director filmography: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Nine (2009), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), Chicago (2002)] 

written by James Lapine [based on his musical]

starring Meryl Streep [the one and only], Anna Kendrick [Pitch Perfect (2012), 50/50 (2011), Up in the Air (2009)], Emily Blunt [The Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Looper (2012), The Devil Wears Prada (2006)], Chris Pine [Star Trek (2009) & Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)], Johnny Depp [yea, yea], Christine Baranski [TV Series "The Good Wife" & "The Big Bang Theory", Mamma Mia (2008)]

ENJOYMENT: *1/2 (out of 5)

"Unenjoyable, on the verge of terrible" 

This is a musical. From beginning to end, just about every word spoken in this film is sung. There. I thought I would get this out of the way for those of you who don't like musicals. Usually, I don't like dumping films into this category, because as a rule they're not my favorite types of films either but some great films happen to be musicals. I loved Chicago and West Side Story and I'm a big fan of Mamma Mia. So there are exceptions to the rule, but Into the Woods is not one of them. From the trailer, I was entranced and so excited to see this film. Then, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt both got nominated for Golden Globes for their performances and I read from one critic that Chris Pine had never been better. And I really like Anna Kendrick. And Rob Marshall also directed Chicago! So, going in my hopes were high. However, after the opening song, which was actually excellent and well choreographed, things went way downhill for me. From there, it never got any better and Into the Woods--a Disney film released on Christmas Day that should have been at least enjoyable--ended up being a pretty bad experience. 

There was a simple enough storyline with a seemingly straightforward structure, but then it just never ended. It kept going about 40 minutes after I wanted (prayed) that it would end. And there was never another song that I really liked. There were some big-shot cameos, with Johnny Depp playing a wolf who was modeling his performance on Jerry Sandusky and didn't even look like a freaking wolf. Meryl Streep was good enough, but I started to get sick of her at some point in the movie and I don't think that has ever happened. Chris Pine was embarrassingly bad. Anna Kendrick and Emily Blunt were good enough, but they couldn't save this movie. The film looked cheap, with very simplistic sets and forest scenes that looked as if they just wandered into some random woodlands and started filming. The cinematography was terrible and didn't make this movie look like a fantasy film--it sorta looked like a musical on stage. Honestly, I hadn't seen a film that I wanted to walk out of for years, but this was one of them. Despite this, critics seemed to like Into the Woods well enough and some of the main performances have been recognized. However, I know a lot of people who said they didn't like this movie, and some (including my mom) who did, so maybe it's just a controversial film that some will love and others will freaking hate. I am the latter. Case in point: while I was so happy for it to be over, when the credits came on someone in the audience started to applaud. As I left the theater, I saw the people who were still clapping and they were wiping away tears. Maybe I had to see the play. Maybe I had to be a diehard musical lover and Disney enthusiast or Grimm's Fairy Tale reader. It just so happens that I'm not any of those things, and Into the Wild is one of the worst movies I've seen in a long time.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Despite my disagreement with this, Meryl Streep is beloved by the Academy. She's won three Oscars for acting (more than any other actress) and has been nominated 18 times (also more than any other actress--or actor!). This will be number 19 and it'll be for Best Supporting Actress. Into the Woods will likely be nominated for technical awards like costume design, makeup and art direction. It will not win for acting.

Other ratings: IMDB (7.2/10), Rotten Tomatoes (71%)

Foxcatcher

FOXCATCHER (2014)

directed by Bennett Miller

[director filmography: Moneyball (2011), Capote (2005)]

written by E. Max Frye [Mini-series Band of Brothers (2001)], Dan Futterman [Capote (2005)]

starring Steve Carell [Anchorman movies, TV series The Office, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)--yea, that Steve Carell], Channing Tatum [21 Jump Street movies, White House Down (2013), Magic Mike (2012)], Mark Ruffalo [The Avengers (2012), Shutter Island (2010), The Kids Are All Right (2010), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)]

ENJOYMENT: **** (out of 5)

"Excellent film"

I was not sure really what Foxcatcher was about going into it, and I believe that added a little to the experience. Therefore, I will keep this short. I did know that it was about a rich guy [Steve Carell] who took an interest in a wrestler [Channing Tatum] and that this rich fella was somehow involved in the wrestler's training. I also knew that this was Steve Carell's first dramatic performance and I was honestly confused as hell why he was even casted. Nonetheless, I did soon learn why Carell was given this role, and I do think it was an excellent decision. Foxcatcher was an excellent film with impeccable acting, directing and writing. Though I was expecting a great film, it still threw me off guard. Foxcatcher contains subtle humor at times as well as some very disturbing bits as well, almost feeling at times like Fargo. All in all, this was an unexpected great film and is the third success by director Bennett Miller.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Foxcatcher will get a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, Steve Carell will be nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Mark Ruffalo will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor. It won't win anything.

Other ratings: IMDB (7.6/10), Rotten Tomatoes (86%)

Gone Girl

GONE GIRL (2014)

directed by David Fincher

[director filmography: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), The Social Network (2010), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Zodiac (2007), Panic Room (2002), Fight Club (1999), The Game (1997), Se7en (1995), Alien 3 (1992)]

written by Gillian Flynn [based on her book]

starring Ben Affleck [you've probably heard of him], Rosamund Pike [Jack Reacher (2012), Pride & Prejudice (2005)], Neil Patrick Harris [TV series "How I Met Your Mother" and "Doogie Howser, M.D.'"], Tyler Perry [Madea in all the Madea Movies]

ENJOYMENT: **** (out of 5)

"Very entertaining"

In case you didn't already know, Gone Girl is a film about a man [Ben Affleck] accused of murdering his wife [Rosamund Pike]. Of course, to make things more interesting, the audience isn't sure if he did it. Even though we follow around the protagonist from the beginning of the film, there are points where we believe there is no way he could've hurt anyone, then places where it might be possible, and other moments where we just have to admit we have no idea what happened to her. Despite being a familiar plot--one that has been made and remade since the dawn of cinema--it is unlikely you could guess what ends up happening as the story unfolds. Both Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deliver excellent performances that keep the audience guessing what is really going on, and they are supported by a brilliant and unlikely supporting cast that add to the entertainment value. Despite the originiality of the story, great acting and innovative filmmaking, Gone Girl is not quite a masterpiece. Still, it will entertain the hell out of you for two-plus hours and will likely remind you why you still want to go to the movies.

Gone Girl is another adaptation of a world-famous novel directed by David Fincher, and, similar to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it is also another that is sure to please readers. As a film lover, when a best-selling novel emerges my personal philosophy is to wait for the movie so I don't spoil it. Therefore, because I heard there was a crazy twist in the book and I knew the masterful David Fincher was directing the film adaptation, I put off reading the book and was happy that I did. Gone Girl was pretty incredible to say the least and it was a crazy ride. The only thing that didn't quite sit well with me was how the story was told. There were some narrative aspects that were almost dream-like and the story jumped around in a way that killed the momentum for me and was a little scrambled to watch. Also, despite Rosamund Pike being great, I am still not convinced that she was the best for the role. I read that Reese Witherspoon was attached at one point and was filled with regret that she wasn't the lead. Other than these pieces though, Gone Girl is what I go to the movies for and is a great reminder that a thriller can still be both original and well made. 

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Gone Girl will be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Score and maybe Best Actress in a Leading Role for Rosamund Pike. David Fincher was nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes, but I have the feeling that was a popularity vote and he will not be nominated for an Oscar. It will not win any of these awards.

Other ratings: IMDB (8.3/10, #114 on the Top 250), Rotten Tomatoes (88%) 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (2014)

written & directed by Wes Anderson

[director filmography: Moonrise Kingdom (2012), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), The Darjeeling Unlimited (2007), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Rushmore (1998), Bottle Rocket (1996)]

starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson & Tony Revolori as Zero

ENJOYMENT: ***** (out of 5)

"Top Five of the Year"

So, I have to write about The Grand Budapest Hotel. I saw it back in the spring when it came out and I liked it, but I didn't really love it until I watched it again at home recently. I am a fan of Wes Anderson, sure, but usually I just don't understand the fascination with him. He always makes very imaginative films with huge ensemble casts and the film industry definitely wouldn't be the same without him, but his films always seem to feel too much in the realm of fantasy and never really resonate with me. I always manage to respect them though. The one previous exception, of course, is Fantastic Mr. Fox. That is one of my feel-good movies I can watch over and over. But now I have a new Wes Anderson film in the mix. The Grand Budapest Hotel is so clever, so funny, so fun and such an all-around remarkable story with incredible filmmaking that I had to make sure I acknowledged it before the Oscars on Sunday. Anyway, now that it's acknowledged, I think all I will say is that I loved it and if you're a Wes Anderson fan you will love it too. If you're not a Wes Anderson fan, however, or have no idea who this man is, then this is the film you should watch to give him a chance. Even if it's another chance. It is sure to delight.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: The Grand Budapest Hotel gets my prediction for Best Original Screenplay this year. If it was any other year, Ralph Fiennes probably would've gotten a Best Actor nomination, but it was a very competitive category. This film could win Best Picture -- at least I could see it happen -- but it's probably third in line. Wes Anderson probably won't win Best Director, but I could definitely see it happen. Let's just say that this movie deserves any positive attention it receives.

Other ratings: IMDB (8.1/10, #186 on Top 250), Rotten Tomatoes (92%)

Still Alice

STILL ALICE (2014)

written & directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland

[director filmography: Quinceanera (2006)]

starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth

ENJOYMENT: ****1/2 (out of 5)

"Unbelievable performance by Moore and fantastic film"

I'll keep this one short. I really liked this movie. Julianne Moore got a lot of hype about this role starting in the fall and when I heard what the movie was about I knew that she was sure to pull it off better than just about anyone else could. She has been around for so long, has had so many impactful and masterful performances and in this one she is no different. Actually, she is different: she's better than ever. In Still Alice, Moore plays a Columbia linguistics professor who comes down with early onset Alzheimers. At first she forgets little things and gets lost from time to time, but then she starts to really go downhill. The film covers many issues you'd expect if a successful woman and mother of grown kids was diagnosed with such a horrific and incurable disease. It's draining on everyone. The film isn't all sad though; there are times when you laugh and when you still see the joy in her life despite difficult circumstances. As a movie it is great, but with Moore's performance it is more than that. The transformation she portrays starting out as a strong, brilliant woman and deteriorating into someone who is just a shell of herself is truly remarkable. And it brings home the horrors of this disease like I've never seen and unfortunately couldn't empathize with as much if it was about someone who was older. 

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Julianne Moore is sure to win Best Actress. It wasn't nominated for anything else. 

Other ratings: IMDB (7.5/10), Rotten Tomatoes (90%)

American Sniper

AMERICAN SNIPER (2014)

directed by Clint Eastwood

[director filmography: Gran Torino (2008), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Mystic River (2003), Unforgiven (1992)]

written by Jason Hall

[first big film]

starring Bradley Cooper [American Hustle (2013), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The Hangover Triology], Sienna Miller [Foxcatcher (2014), GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra (2009), Stardust (2007)

ENJOYMENT: ***** (out of 5)

"Profound film that made me speechless"

From the trailer, it was clear that this film would be powerful. I mean, in it they show Cooper's character deciding whether or not to shoot a child running toward American GIs with an RPG ready to blow. And most of the film goes on like this. For some reason though, I didn't realize it'd be such a war film. I knew that Bradley Cooper plays the deadliest sniper in US history, Chris Kyle, but for some reason I thought it'd be more a flashback sort of telling about his time in the war. I thought they'd spend more time on his family and him readjusting back to home life after his tours. And they do. But not really. And I'm glad they didn't. The majority of the film takes place in combat in Baghdad. Because of this, from the point of view of a twenty-something who did not go to war, I believe every American should see this movie. American Sniper shows the horrors of war with the force of sledge hammer. Most movies are about wars that took place generations ago, in Vietnam or WWII, and it's easy to separate that from today. However, this film came out at a time when we were debating another war in the Middle East against ISIS, so it serves as a strong reminder of how destructive it can be even if you do survive. Nonetheless, there are some lighter moments as well. What makes the movie so brilliant is that it is mostly chronological: we witness Kyle meet his wife, get married, have a baby, etc. This allows for a balanced film and where we get to see Kyle's transformation from these experiences, especially after 9/11 and many tours in Iraq, and it allows for Cooper to showcase his incredible talent as well. As a director, Clint Eastwood is clearly a genius and at 84 years old it is remarkable that he can still make films like this. All in all, this is one of the most important movies of the year. I literally went 15 minutes without talking after this movie and my husband did as well. It was powerful and a very necessary film and one of my favorites of the year.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: American Sniper was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper) and Best Adapted Screenplay. Clint Eastwood probably should've been nominated for Best Director. Despite it being so good and a box office marvel, it will not win anything. This is the year of creative, innovative filmmaking and American Sniper is a bit too serious and controversial to take home the big prizes.

Other ratings: IMDB (7.5/10), Rotten Tomatoes (73%)