Oscar Predictions

Oscar Predictions 12/20 BOLD means predicted winner

Best Picture
Argo
Les Miserables
Lincoln 
The Master 
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

Best Director
Ben Affleck - Argo
Tom Hooper - Les Miserables
Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Kathryn Bigelow - Zero Dark Thirty

Best Actor
Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln 
John Hawkes - The Sessions
Joaquin Phoenix - The Master
Denzel Washington - Flight

Best Actress
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook 
Emanuelle Riva - Amour
Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Naomi Watts - The Impossible

Best Supporting Actor
Alan Arkin - Argo
Dwight Henry - Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - The Master
Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln 
Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams - The Master
Sally Field - Lincoln
Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
Helen Hunt - The Sessions
Nicole Kidman - The Paperboy

Best Original Screenplay
Django Unchained
Looper
The Master
Moonrise Kingdom
Zero Dark Thirty 

Best Adapted Screenplay
Argo
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Lincoln 
Silver Linings Playbook
The Sessions

Best Animated Feature
Brave
Frankenweenie
Paranorman
Rise Of The Guardians
Wreck It Ralph

Best Foreign Language Feature
Amour
Barbara
The Intouchables
Kon-Tiki
No

Art Direction
Anna Karenina
Django Unchained
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Miserables
Lincoln 

Cinematography
Les Miserables
Life Of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty

Costume Design
Anna Karenina 
Les Miserables
Lincoln
Mirror Mirror
A Royal Affair

Editing
Argo
Les Miserables
Life Of Pi
Lincoln
Zero Dark Thirty 

Makeup & Hairstyling
Hitchcock 
Looper
Men In Black 3

Sound Mixing
The Avengers
The Dark Knight Rises
Les Miserables
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty

Sound Editing
The Avengers
The Dark Knight Rises
Les Miserables
Life Of Pi
Skyfall

Visual Effects
The Avengers
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
John Carter
Life of Pi
Prometheus

Original Score
Argo
Cloud Atlas 
Life Of Pi
Lincoln 
Zero Dark Thirty 

Original Song
Act Of Valor - For You 
Brave - Touch The Sky
Les Miserables - Suddenly 
Skyfall - Skyfall
Ted - Everybody Needs A Best Friend 

John's DVD pick of the week (10/30/12)

Well it's my first DVD article in a while. This week I chose a quirky indie it's

Safety Not Guaranteed 

That's right the indie from Sundance is my pick this week. Other releases this week include The Will Ferrell comedy The Campaign, and the indie Ruby Sparks.

My vintage pick is, in honor of this weeks release of Flight is a handful of my favorite Denzel Washington performances, they are American Gangster, Glory, and Training Day. Give these all a look.

First image from Evil Dead remake hits

Thoughts?

Django Unchained 's second trailer shows Sam Jackson and Jonah Hill

Hitchcock Trailer is here

Listen to ADELE's theme from Skyfall

ZERO DARK THIRTY - Official Trailer

The Great Gatsby pushed back to summer 2013

Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures have moved the release date for The Great Gatsby to Summer 2013. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. The film was originally scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2012.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Based on what we’ve seen, Baz Luhrmann’s incredible work is all we anticipated and so much more. It truly brings Fitzgerald’s American classic to life in a completely immersive, visually stunning and exciting way. We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible.”

Kwan Vandenberg confirmed, “Baz is known for being innovative, but with this film he has done something completely unexpected—making it in 3D—while capturing the emotion, the intimacy, the power and the spectacle of the time. The responses we’ve had to some of the early sneak peeks have been phenomenal, and we think ‘The Great Gatsby’ will be the perfect summer movie around the world.” 

From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel "The Great Gatsby." The filmmaker has created his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role. Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki and Amitabh Bachchan co-star.

Review: Moonrise Kingdom (***1/2)

Moonrise Kingdom is the new movie by Wes Anderson. It is set in 1965 on a New England island called "New Penzance". Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) is an orphan (because his foster parents don't want to house him anymore.) attending a Khaki Scout camp led by Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton). A year ago at a school play he meets Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) who also lives on the island with her parents (Bill Murray Frances McDormand) and her three younger brothers. Throughout the year the became penpals. During their writing back and fourth they make a plan to run away from home the following Summer. Among the stuff they bring are camping equipment, books, a record player, and Suzy brings her cat along for the ride as well. Over the next few days they hike and camp together as they try to reach a deluded cove on an island which they called Moonrise Kingdom. as the romance blossoms Suzy's parents, Scout Master Ward, and the cops find them on the cove. Sam then has to stay with Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis) until a woman from social services (Tilda Swinton) who will place him in Juvenile Refuge. There the adventure begins.

Moonrise Kingdom is funny, quirky, and witty. The two young leads have chemistry, although this is a movie that could be disturbing for younger viewers, overall it is enjoyable and I do recommend this flick.

BREAKING: Christopher Nolan Speaks on Colorado Tragedy

"Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of “The Dark Knight Rises”, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.  The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families."

12 Killed, 50 Injured in Dark Knight Rises Movie Screening Shooting

As a critic this is the saddest thing I had to put on my blog 


A masked gunman killed 12 people at a midnight showing of the new Batman movie in a suburb of Denver early on Friday, sparking pandemonium when he hurled a gas canister into the auditorium and opened fire on moviegoers.

About fifty others including children were wounded in the attack on the showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in a mall in the Aurora suburb, some of whom were treated for the effects of tear gas, hospital officials said.

"This is a horrific event," Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates told a news conference, adding that a suspect was taken into custody in the parking lot behind the theater. He had initially put the death toll at 14, but a spokesman later told NBC the toll had been revised to 12.

Police said the Aurora gunman had appeared at the front of the theater during the movie and released a canister which let out a hissing sound before gunfire erupted.

Dozens of police were at the scene, and the authorities evacuated the area while they checked for any explosive devices. They said there was no evidence of a second gunman.

Warner Bros. Pictures, which just cancelled the Paris premiere, released the following statement regarding the tragedy:

"Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."

President Obama also released the following statement:

"Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."


My thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected.

Oz the Great and Powerful Trailer [HD]

John's DVD pick of the week (6/19/2012)

Well its time I do another DVD article. This week we have one of my favorite films from the first half of 2012 the only film I gave four stars to this year It's

Project X

That's right the found footage party film is my pick this week, the other two films out this week are the descent comedy Wanderlust and the Save The Whales film Big Miracle which I did not see. 

My vintage pick is in honor of this weeks release of Brave is my favorite Disney Princess movie, Beauty and The Beast see it if you have a chance.

V/H/S debuts a new poster.

Thoughts?

John's DVD pick of the week (5/15)

This week I chose a found footage film it's

Chronicle

That's right the found footage film is my pick this week, coming in a close second is the survival drama The Grey, and the cop drama Rampart. Also out is one of the years worst One For The Money, the Oscar nominated drama Albert Nobbs, and another found footage film The Devil Inside. 

My vintage pick is, in honor of this weeks release of Battleship is a film similar to this it's Transformers just avoid the sequels. 

The Dark Knight Rises - Official Trailer #3 [HD]

Two words Midnight show

Mini Bulk Reviews

Man On A Ledge (***)

An ex-cop turned con (Sam Worthington) threatens to jump to his death from a Manhattan hotel rooftop. The nearest New York Police officer immediately responds to a screaming woman and calls dispatch. More Officers arrive with SWAT and tactical command along with fire-fighters. The police then dispatches a female police psychologist (Elizabeth Banks) personally requested to talk him down from the ledge. However, things aren't as straightforward and clearcut as they appear to be. The last half hour is the best.

Haywire (***)

A black ops super soldier (Gina Carano) seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission. Good movie but if you leave to go to the bathroom you will get confused. 

One For The Money (*1/2)

Unemployed and newly-divorced Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) lands a job at her cousin's bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop (Jason O'Mara) from her romantic past. Better than I expected but still a very bad film.

Red Tails (**1/2)

A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard). Good story with mediocre acting. 

The Grey (***1/2) 

After their plane crashes in Alaska, seven oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step. Very powerful survival story.

This Is 40 Official Trailer is here.

John's DVD pick of the week (4/17/12)

Well it's Tuesday again. This week we have my favorite film of 2011 its...

Shame

That's right The NC-17 rated sex addiction drama is my pick this week. The other two releases this week is the fun sequel Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and the IMAX Documentary Born to Be Wild.

My Vintage pick is in honor of this weeks release of The Lucky One are two Zac Efron movies I Actually enjoyed, they are Hairspray and Me And Orson Welles, neither are great but avoid the dreadful High School Musical movies and the atrocious Charlie St. Cloud and you'll be good.

Ted - Restricted Trailer

Review: The Hunger Games (***)

Based on the best selling books The Hunger Games takes place in the future and takes place in a nation called Panem which is divided into 12 districts and The Capitol. Once a year one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18 are chosen to compete in The Hunger Games. But when Katniss Everdeen ‘s (Jennifer Lawrence) sister Primrose is chosen she chooses to volunteer as the tribute. Chosen as the guy was Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), when they are going to the capitol they meet their mentor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). Katniss also befriends Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) and develops an alliance with Rue (Amandla Steinberg) who is the female tribute for District 11. During the games Katniss develops feelings for Peeta and has to choose between him or her childhood friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth)

Elizabeth Banks does a wonderful job as Effie Trickett. Stanley Tucci and Wes Bentley do good jobs as well. There has been some controversy because this is about killing kids and it earned a PG-13 and the upcoming Bully received an R for some F bombs and could save lives. I’ll say that these are books that teens have read and have been waiting for, however I do agree that The MPAA is ridiculous and thank god for Harvey Weistein for releasing it unrated.

In The End Katniss was a brave girl as stated in the movie for what she did. If my sisters were picked for something like this I would volunteer. There were a few parts that I didn’t like (which I’m not gonna say because of spoilers). But Overall I recommend this movie 

John's DVD pick of the week (3/27/12)

Sorry for the late notice. This week my pick was #9 on my best films of 2011 its...

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

That's right the 9/11 drama is my pick this week. The only two big releases this week are Alvin & The Chipmunks Chipwrecked, and A Dangerous Method.

My vintage pick is in honor of this weeks release of Mirror Mirror is the best take on Snow White yet Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs the first Disney movie ever. 

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Movie Trailer

Madagascar 3 Europes Most Wanted - Official Trailer #2 (2012) HD Movie

John's DVD pick of the week (3/20/12)

Well it's Tuesday, This is one of the best weeks but only one can be my pick this week its...

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

That's right David Fincher's American take on this film is my pick this week. It was #6 on my best films of 2011. The other two films that almost made my top ten out this week are The Gary Oldman spy film Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, and Jason Segel's revival of The Muppets. Other films out this week are the Easter fil Hop and the Roman Polanski directed comedy Carnage. I did not see either of these Films

My vintage pick is, In honor of This weeks release of The Hunger Games is Jennifer Lawrence's best performance to date Winter's Bone see it when you have a chance.

Mini Bulk Reviews

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (***1/2)

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker. It started off slow, but once the two characters meet the film goes faster.

The Artist (****)

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Durjadin) wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), a young dancer set for a big break. A fantastic homage to early cinema, one of the best films of 2011

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (***)

The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. Cool film, best scenes of the film were the ones filmed w/IMAX cameras.

We Bought A Zoo (***1/2)

Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo. Very heartwarming and inspiring tale.

The Adventures Of Tintin (**1/2)

Intrepid reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) and Captain Haddock (Daniel Craig) set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor. Good descent fun that's all I gotta say.

John's DVD pick of the week (2/28/12)

Well it's Tuesday. This week we have the winner of 5 Oscars and the #7 film on my best of 2011 it's

Hugo

That's right the Martin Scorsese homage to the first films is my pick this week. The other big film out this week is Johnny English Reborn

My vintage pick is, in honor of this weeks release of Project X is Todd Phillips best work to date The Hangover. See it if you have a chance.  

Johns DVD pick of the week (2/21/12)

Well it's Tuesday this week I chose a little indie from Sundance its

Martha Marcy May Marlene

That's right the indie with Mary-Kate and Ashley's little sister is my pick this week. Other big releases this week are the disappointing Biography J. Edgar, Tower Heist which I have not seen, and the Mediocre animated flick Puss In Boots.

My vintage pick is, in honor of this weeks release of Wanderlust is David Wain previous film Role Models its a funny movie and check it out.

RIP Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, has died at the age of 48.

Police responded to an emergency call at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles at about 3:45 p.m. PT, said Lt. Mark Rosen with the Beverly Hills police. Paramedics who were already at the hotel because of a Grammy party rushed to Houston's fourth-floor suite and attempted to revive her but they were unsuccessful, Rosen told KABC-TV.

Houston was pronounced dead just before 4 p.m., Rosen said. Her body remained at the hotel while detectives were investigating.

"There were no obvious signs of any criminal intent," Rosen said.

Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, said the cause of death was unknown.

Her death came on the eve of music's biggest night the Grammy Awards. It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to cast a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony.

Houston's longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday, and a representative of the show said it would proceed.

Producer Jimmy Jam, who had worked with Houston, said he anticipated the evening would become a tribute to her, and he expected there to be one at the Grammys as well.

REST IN PEACE

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3D - Official Trailer - In Theaters July 3rd

Thoughts?

Mini Bulk Reviews

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (***1/2)

A nine-year-old (Thomas Horn) amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father (Tom Hanks), who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. One of the best films of 2011. However it's not for everyone, especially those who lost loved ones on 9/11

The Rum Diary (***)

American journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) takes on a freelance job in Puerto Rico for a local newspaper during the 1950s and struggles to find a balance between island culture and the expatriates who live there. Enjoyable but a bit boring at times.

Young Adult (***)

Soon after her divorce, a fiction writer (Charlize Theron) returns to her home in small-town Minnesota, looking to rekindle a romance with her ex-boyfriend (Patrick Wilson), who is now happily married and has a newborn daughter. Good but Reitman's worst. I'm still a fan however.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (**1/2)

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris). Good entertainment just like the first one.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (***1/2)

In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons. Very good almost made my top ten.

John's DVD pick of the week (1/31/12)

Well it's Tuesday. This week 2 of my top 25 movies come out this week, but only one made the top ten, that movie is.

Drive

That's right the Ryan Gosling Action film is my pick this week. The other film in my top 25 this week is the Sci-fi thriller In Time. The other two big releases are the Horror remake The Thing and the thriller Dream House. I did not see either of these. 

My vintage pick is, in honor of this week's release of Chronicle is a found footage film similar to this it's called Cloverfield. It's an awesome film and you should see it.

John's DVD pick of the week (1/24/12)

Well it's Tuesday and I need to let go of some steam, This week I chose a film in my top 5 its...

50/50

That's right the cancer comedy/drama was my pick this week. The other two big releases this week were Paranormal Activity 3 And the robot flick Real Steel. I saw the former and its worth a rent, but I have not seen the latter.

My vintage pick is, in honor of This weeks release of One For The Money are a trio of Katherine Heigl films I actually like they are 27 Dresses, Knocked Up, and The Ringer, all three are worth a look.

69th annual Golden Globes winners

Best Supporting actor in a movie: Christopher Plummer- Beginners,
Best Actress in a tv series comedy or musical: Laura Dern- Enlightened, 
Best Mini Series or tv movie- Downton Abbey, 
Best Actress in a mini series or tv movie:
Kate Winslet- Mildred Pierce Best Actor in a TV series Drama- Kelsey Grammer- Boss,
Best TV Series Drama- Homeland,
Best Original Score- The Artist,
Best Original Song- Masterpiece, W.E. Madonna, 
Best Actor in a MinI Series or TV Movie: Idris Elba- Luther, 
Best Actress in a motion picture Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams- My Week with Marilyn, 
Best Supporting actor in mini series, tv movie or television series: Peter Dinklage- Game of Thrones, 
Best Animated Feature- The Adventures of Tin Tin, 
Best Screenplay- Midnight in Paris, 
Best Supporting Actress in a mini series, TV movie or TV series:Jessica Lange- American Horror Story,
Best Foreign Film- A Seperation, 
Best Actress in a TV series Drama: Claire Danes- Homeland, 
Best Actor in a TV series Comedy- Matt LeBlanc- Episodes, 
Best Supporting Actress in a Motion PIcture: Octavia Spencher- The Help, 
Best Director: Martin Scorsese- Hugo, 
Best TV show Comedy or Musical- Modern Family, 
Best Actor Motion Picture comedy or musical- Jean Dujardin, 
Best Actress in a motion picture Drama: Meryl Streep- The Iron Lady, 
Best Picture Comedy or Musical- The Artist, 
Best Actor in a motion picture Drama: George Clooney- The Descendants, 
Best Motion PIcture Drama- The Descendants

John's DVD pick of the week (1/3/12)

Well happy new year to all, This week I chose an underrated mainstream gem it's...

Contagion

That's right the Steven Soderbergh disease thriller is my pick this week. Also getting a thumbs up this week are the Chris Evans drama Puncture, and the Brendan Gleeson comedy The Guard. Also out this week is the descent horror flick Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark, the horrendous Shark Night 3D (which was my fifth worst film of the year if you did not see my list), and the Sarah Jessica Parker comedy I Don't Know How She Does It, which I did not see.

My vintage pick is... In honor of this week's release of The Devil Inside is another movie on exorcisms, it's The Last Exorcism, see it if you have a chance. 

34 Year Old Man busted after exposing privates in front of Chipmunk movie

Kids and parents who paid admission to see a movie about three shipwrecked chipmunks on Dec. 29 at the North Riverside Park Mall's Classic Cinemas theater, 7501 Cermak Rd., got a bonus show that afternoon - one that landed a 34-year-old Chicago man in Cook County Jail.
About a half hour into the 4 p.m. showing of the kiddie feature Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, police say an entirely naked Edward L. Brown stood up from his seat in the front row, faced the crowd of 86 theater-goers, stretched out his hands and displayed his genitalia for all to see before sitting back down to enjoy the movie.
Two North Riverside police officers, who were patrolling inside the mall, responded to the scene within a minute, ordered Brown to put his clothes back on and, without further incident, escorted him out the fire entrance and away from those who remained inside the theater.
The theater manager, meanwhile, stopped the film and offered refunds or vouchers to another show for those who were in the theater at the time of the incident.
According to the police report, Brown told officers that he had been let inside the movie theater for free by an unknown female who allegedly told him to have a seat in the front row of the theater, take off his clothes and wait for her, so they could have sex, smoke crack and do heroin.
At a hearing on Dec. 30 at the Maybrook courthouse, a Cook County judge set Brown's bail at $100,000. He remains in custody, charged with three felony counts of sexual exploitation of children, aged 4, 6 and 6; one misdemeanor count of sexual exploitation of a minor aged 14; and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
Brown has another court date on Jan. 9 at Maybrook.




John's Two cents: This guy is a disgusting piece of shit. I wanna hit him with a baseball bat. 

And now for the worst.

Every movie we see is not a masterpiece, some movies are just pieces of shit. These were the tewn worst films of the year

10. I Am Number Four

9. Red Riding Hood

8. Hanna 

7. Transformers: Dark Of The Moon

6. Green Lantern

5. Shark Night 3D

4. Jack & Jill

3. Munger Road

2. Spy Kids: All The Time In The World

AND THE WORST MOVIE OF THE YEAR IS

1. Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.