Amazing Grace-Review #5

I thought this film, Amazing Grace, (Directed by Michael Apted and written by Steven Knight) would be too much of a feel-good and overly preachy film-not that I didn't agree with the Hero's plight every whit (I knew it was about a man's fight against slavery before I saw it). I was pleasantly surprised. It was a BEAUTIFUL story without saccharin sentimentality . I was amazed to see how well this movie was edited, too. Bravo to Rick Shaine. The plot was well-put together and followable through flashbacks. The cinematography is beautiful to watch. Jenny Beavan, a veteran costume designer did very well with that aspect of this film. Late 18th-mid-19th century costuming in films are always a fun challenge for a costume designer I am sure. Research and more research besides hard work and historical vision.....and GUYS IN SUITS!! :-) (Wellllll, there are a lot of funny wigs and stuff in the film, but the general idea is that the costumes are well-done. LOL.)

Anyway, the subject of this historical film which is almost a biopic, really, is William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was TRULY ahead of his time in the area of anti-slave trade. He was extraordinary also in his loyalty to the crown, however,-not expected of a man of such revolutionary ideas. As a powerful M.P. he was above reproach in his loyalty to his country . He was also known for many other social reformations and political fights, but the anti-slavery fight is his legacy. I want to find out more about this man. ( I think a trip to the library is in order.)He is a fascinating character. Ioan Griffudd is Fabulous as Wilberforce. From the younger more energetic William to the ailing and despondent William, Griffudd is well keyed in to his character. The part of the story dealing with his meeting and falling in love with his wife is a wonderful story by itself. His wife-Barbara Spooner- is a brilliant and wonderful friend and a rock to him-and she is played well by Romola Garai. She shares his beliefs and is a trooper along with him in his fight for this monumental cause of humanity and morality. Albert Finney is in the film as the character John Newton who is the author of the song that the film is titled for. Finney is always great to watch. His charactrer in this film, as a repentant former slave trader, finally musters up the courage to face his demons and and find redemption from God (and hope to forgive himself) by helping Wilberforce (he gives his written testimony about his culpability in being a part of the heinous slave trade, and writes the Song "Amazing Grace" -by the way, Finney's character John must use a scribe to dictate this important testimony because he sadly becomes blind ). I really like this film. It is based on an AMAZING true story. Wilberforce is an amazing man-a man that answered the call of people who needed him. He could have chosen a quieter and more serene life as a cleric, but among so many important moments (the movie is full of great quotes as well)in the movie the character Hannah More tells him that he can serve both God and his fellow man by taking on this political fight-and he does. Worth a watch for sure. 3 out of 4 stars. Rated PG.

Oscar Review-"I'd Like to Thank The A-Kaz-emy"

I truly had a FANTASTIC time at Kaz's Oscar Party. I even won Snoopy Socks! (I tied with one other person for guessing the most results correctly on the Oscar Ballot-guessing how the Academy would Vote). It was so fun. Can't wait for next Year ( if I can be so presumptuous to guess that Kaz will let Me come next Year-I drank half of the Dr. Pepper).

Anyway, I will discuss first the predictions that I fell flat on. There were two major surprises for me last night. Penelope Cruz winning the Best Supporting Actress was NOT expected. She has been nominated for a Leading Actress Oscar, and Has won BAFTAs and Cannes Film Festival Leading Actress Award. She is a rich and wonderful actress who can do comedy and drama equally well. The only problem is that the role she won for was not worthy of her. I have not seen the movie and never will. The next surprise was a shocker, but now that the Oscars are over and everything has settled in, It seems that Sean Penn winning for Best Leading Actor Oscar was just the way the Academy was expected to go. Mickey Rourke was talked up a lot-and I figured he would take it, but I guess that Sean Penn is having his revenge for lost Oscars in the past. I did not care for Penn's role that he won for at all, but he is a terrific and passionate actor with a lot of talent. Too bad the LDS church had to take some VERY undeserved hits from screenwiter of Penn's film. >:^( I felt bad for Rourke, too. It must have been deflating to lose. He had piled up just about every other lead actor award this Year-and I wonder if He would rather have had just the Oscar than all the others put together.

The favorite part of the night for Me was without a doubt Kate Winslet's acceptance speech. Here is the link to the vid:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAO0pZ2xvWE . I LOVE that moment of connection with her Dad. She is truly a serene, cool, and amazingly talented actress which is why I LOVED that She was SO happy-and for a moment uncharacteristically not 100% composed. I loved THAT. The Best Actress Race this year was incredible. I wanted all of those women to walk away with it. (I mean, it would have been too cool for Brad and Angie walk away together with their Oscars, RIGHT???- But the Oscars are not theirs.) lol. And ummmmmmmmmmmm Meryl Streep? Wow. How amazing she looked at the Oscars! :-) She is beyond cool. The only blight in the Best Actress Category was CATE BLANCHETT NOT BEING NOMINATED! :-/ Ah, well. Cate will pull a Sean Penn one of these Years (or I should say in many coming Oscars) and win the Best Actress Oscars that She so richly deserves.

The Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Heath was a foregone conclusion.

Slumdog Millionaire for best picture and the Best Direction Oscar for Danny Boyle (with a little help from Loveleen Tandan for their Direction of Slumdog Millionaire) were no surprise.

I just HAVE to mention how much I liked the format of this Year's Oscars-meaning that the nominees being honored personally by former winners in the same category was wonderfully fabulous and personal. Each nominee got a personal mention beyond just the mention among their fellow nominees if they were not awarded the Oscar. It was a FABULOUS idea that I hope is put in place from now on.

Take Care, All. And Keep watching Movies. :-) (Good Movies).

OSCAR EXTRAVAGANZA :-D (History and Predictions!!!!) :-)

O.k.- So I wanted to do something cool for the big day tomorrow, and I decided to save my review for next week. I am just going to post some fun things that have to do with moments in Oscar history-and some of My predictions for tomorrow's awards!

Soooooo Here We go! :-D

-Here is a link to a vid of a moment that really makes me smile and chuckle-What oscar aficionado doesn't remember this????? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cTR6fk8frs

LOL. So Cute.

-Here is a cool Pic of My FAVE ACTRESS in the COOLEST Oscar Dress EVER!!!

Yep. Jodie is truly chic in this beaded Armani. She is at the 1995 Oscars in this pic-That Year She was nominated for best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Nell.

-Biggest Oscar Travesties in History (In My View):

#1: Hugh Grant not being Nominated and winning for About A Boy-(and others)!

#2: Peter O'Toole losing in the Oscar race for Best Leading Actor EIGHT different TIMES!!!!!!!!!! X-'( What the............. I LOVE Peter O'Toole. What are the odds, huh? (I just watched How to Steal a Million last night.):-D

#3: Cate Blanchett not being nominated for Best Leading Actress this year!!!!!!! >:^/

#4: Richard Farnsworth not getting the Best Leading Actor Oscar for his role in The Strait Story (1999 Film Directed by David Lynch).

-Classiest Oscar Acceptace in My view is Ingrid Bergman accepting her Oscar for her supporting role in Murder on the Orient Express! Here is a link to the vid from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky5sW4no_cg -Watch it. She is total class!

-I love Biopics. Many times, Oscars have been awarded to Movies that are boigraphical. Two of My winning faves are: Amadeus and The Last Emperor, but The Aviator is great, too. I am not a fan of Howard Hughes, but I enjoyed watching this superbly acted film. An advantage to Biopics in the Oscars I think is the frame of reference that is had about the subject by viewers, and that there are clear and unmistakeable ways to "nail" a character(look, accent to name two). Some would argue that it doesn't require an artist to "create" a character as much, but I think there is real talent to it nonetheless. Here is a YouTube vid of Cate Blanchett meeting the press talking about pretty much that same subject. Watch it. It is COOL! The Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg5UQz8PjSE -Such class and eloquence. Wow. This is a bit lengthy, but worth it. (She meets the Press right after her Oscar win for her role in The Aviator).

-Here is a vid that fascinates me. It is Tilda Swinton addressing the SanFransisco International Film Festival. I am in awe of her brilliance and eloquence. She discusses the role of film in modern society and its effect on our collective (and individual) subconscious and welllll........Just watch it! (Here is the link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qH1_xb1-Xc -This is SO worth seeing!

***Well, My picks for five of the the major awards tomorrow are these(picks meaning how I think the Academy will vote):

Best Film-Slumdog Millionaire-it simply has the momentum.

Best Actress-Kate Winslet or Anne Hathaway. Probably Kate.

Best Actor-Mickey Rourke is the sentimental fave, and I think he will take it.

Best Supporting Actress-This is a hard one. I think that Amy Adams or Viola Davis have great chances, but Marisa Tomei may just blindside them.

Best Supporting Actor-Heath, of Course. I think it is foregone.

Last vid: Best Actresses/Actors in Oscar History. Love this! (Although there is an annoying sound throughout the vid, so turn down the sound if it bugs. The pics are cool.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rADTUkZ-imU

Well, I really hope that my blogger buddies will check out the vids! This has been fun. Monday I will post an Oscar Result and Review blog Entry-So Keep Tuned in! ;-)

LOVE MY DAD-Just had to post these pics! :-D

THE BEST DAD!!!!!! :-) (The most stylin one, too! His fedoras (30+) and ties and Italian suits Prove it)!

This picture is iconic in our family. This is the pic of Dad with Mom that screams "You look at her the wrong way, and I'll can You!" LOL. (Or as far as I am concerned, "My Dad can beat up Your Dad!") ;-)

DAD-(the dapper dude on the right) Man with a Mission, Man ON a mission! A WAY COOL Missionary Photo.

Me as a wee thing excersising Lung power. Me, Mum, and Dad at My Mother's Paternal Grandma's place. :-)

LOVE this Look, it is the MOCK-INDIGNANCY look. :-) Dad's stache and HAT are the BEST, too!

HERE IS SMILEY DAD! :-D LOVE THIS PIC!!!!!!!!

And this is a FAVE......Here am I on My Baptism Day!!!!!!!!!!! :-) Ugh. LOL. THE HAIR.......But easily one of my fave pictures EVER.

Evita(1996)-Review #4

I am excited to review Evita. This film, directed by Alan Parker (Parker also adapted it to screen) took Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical about the legendary First Lady of Argentina to another level. First, the casting was brilliant. Madonna couldn't have done better. Her skills of voice and dance were put to full use of their powers, and all this done while She was expecting her first child. She really looked the part as well, thanks to the amazing make-up crew. The make-up was fantastic! And as far as the costume design goes, Penny Rose outdid herself. Madonna did more costume changes than any other actress in film history, and all of the costumes were based on outfits worn by Eva Peron herself (check out the cool imdb site page http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116250/trivia for more interesting trivia). Madonna was convincing in all of the stages of Eva's growth that she played. Yes. Not just singing or dancing was nailed, but the actual acting was magnificent. And then there is Antonio. *sigh* Antonio Banderas was a dream as Che. Antonio didn't go all out with the beard and beret-thing that Che Guevara is iconic for, but his voice is wonderful-(it is kind of the same phenomenon that happened with Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge-a voice is discovered)! He is SO fun to watch and listen to in this film. His energy and irony-an irony and sarcasm played with seeming ease shows that Banderas is the well-rounded kind of actor that is rare indeed. He conveyed the torn feelings of the love-hate relationship Che supposedly had with Evita to the tee. The entire cast fit their roles well. Jonathan Pryce was excellent as the leary Juan Peron, and from him down to the lowliest extra was given great supporting performances.

As far as the Cinematography goes, this film is visually stunning-in fact one of the most beautiful films that I have watched. Also, when I saw this in theatre, I was overwhelmed with the detail that was paid attention to. The set design crew pulled no punches. This was a major contributor to the beauty of the film.

The film has such a sense of history and loftiness and destiny that one almost forgets about the seamier sides of Eva Peron's storied life-for a minute at least. Yeah. She looks good. Never mind the cut corners, This is about Eva's blaze of glory that still has Argentina firmly in its grip-She is the Machiavellian Madre extrordinaire. From opportunistic young model/actress to vice-presidential hopeful of her beloved Argentina, Eva knows how to get what she wants without ever letting her goals slip from her sight or ever relaxing her grip on them. It is ironic then, that the only thing that puts a damper on everything is her "own weak body".

Yep. You have to hand it to Parker for saving a project and subject that could have been manhandled by Oliver Stone, (Stone was first to show an interest in directing an Evita Peron biopic) but Stone gets a token mention in the credits without really having done anything with the film. Parker did a fabulous job. I give this film 4 out of 4 stars! Rated PG.

My Foray into Painting

I just thought I would get brave and post this picture that I painted..............Any guesses as to who it is????????????? (This is for the people who don't already know-SO NO SPOILING!)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-Review #3

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a film that I feel a lot of reviews that I read have missed important points about-or at least have not emphasized those points enough. I will discuss plot very briefly-Benjamin(played by Brad Pitt who is nominated for an Oscar for his role as the title character) is "born under unusual circumstances". He is a man whose body is born with a surreal twist-he is born "aging" biologically in reverse. His mother is lost in childbirth, and his Father is unable to process or deal with the sight of the shriveled and hideous-looking baby with all the physical impediments of not an infant, but usual for a man in his mid to late eighties. Moments after Benjamin is born, his father grabs him and bolts in a frenzy, finally leaving his son on a front step of a nursing home. It is lucky for Benjamin that he is found moments after being left there by Queenie(a shy black woman who more or less runs the nursing home and desires a child). She is taken aback at first, of course, but takes Benjamin in as her own; and despite the appearance and freakish condition of the child loves him and views him as one of God's children and names him. As Benjamin grows and matures psychologically and mentally, he meets Daisy-his love (they are about seven when they both meet). Benjamin and Daisy have frequent separations but are drawn back together through insurmountable odds because they are simply the most important person to each other. As the signs of "age" melt from Benjamin's body, his adventures pile up (from being a tugboat hand to world traveler) and due to his innocence and backwardness serves as basically a foil to Daisy's public and accomplished character. He is solitary and his adventures-however fabulous are out of the spotlight. She dances in a ballet troupe. He is given the opportunity to observe from afar her professional successes-and admire them-but is no less drawn to the most mundane details about her. When she suffers catastrophe, he is constant. As his situation takes its toll, she is there to look after him. All of the story is told in flashback to Daisy and Benjamin's daughter by Daisy and through Benjamin's diary. I will just say that the other characters Benjamin meets in the story are varied and serve many a purpose in many wonderful ways; and I could go into the film's metaphors for hours and hours (no surprise here since the film's screen play is adapted from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novella. Fitzgerald is a serial metaphor user!)

As far as the visual art aspect of the film goes, The Cinematography is as well-done about the film as anything else. The Cinematographer, Claudio Miranda has worked his way up from being a gaffer in other films to Cinematographer-AND HOW. He has created a Cinematic masterpiece(check out camera and aspect details at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/technical -it is completely digitally filmed). The scenes of the South can almost be smelled-the picture is so mellow and entrancing. Scenes of Brad as Benjamin motor-biking against the southern backdrop or Cate as Diasy in her pre-accident (woops-spoiler)bohemian dance world are emblazoned in my mind. Along with Miranda's cinematography, the make-up and special effects deserve a mention. Cate's make-up was particularly well-done.

Finally, the important points that I hinted at in the beginning of this review-the ones I felt neglected by other reviews-are varied. I will mention three:

1. I was struck by the quite subtle way the film dealt with the idea of relationships and Love (among other things)being infinite (the fabulous metaphor of a hummingbird and its flight-ability to fly backward and forward and the figure eight flight pattern as a symbol of infinity kick in here). Also-Benjamin, as he comforts the wonderfully colorful Charater "Captain Mike" moments after Mike is wounded in battle (Benjamin has a brief but dramatic stint in WWII) tells Mike that he will have a "good spot in Heaven". But since the "time" element of the story is so pervasie on the surface level, I think these things were ignored. Too bad. They, to me, were the meaning of the film.

2. WHAT THE........CATE NOT NOMINATED??????

TRAVESTY!!!!!!! >:-/

3. Tilda was also AWESOME. Her aspect to the story is such a hopeful and heroic aspect. It is NEVER too late.

I really enjoyed this film. It has thirteen Oscar nominations-Best Picture, Brad for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography........................Yeah. Go see it. The only thumbs down point that I really couldn't ignore was the wierdness of the situation with Daisy and Benjamin when they first meet etc.-the age issue and everything. Even though Benjamin was psychologically and mentally her age........it was just kind of something that was impossible to suspend disbelief about! Creepy-but creepiness was not aimed for. I give this film 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Thanks again to Kaz and also to LuAnn for a fun movie night!!!!! :-)

Thou Shalt NOT bear false Witness!!!!!! -(Or jump to Conclusions, either).

I owe my Kitty, Horace a public apology. Poor Boy. Until recently, I had basically branded him with an A! Here is the story. Our Dear neighbor and Friend Bonnie Atkinson has a lovely cat -Desdemona-who became "with kitten" and recently gave birth to three dear little furry wonders. I assumed that since Horace was the only known male cat around the neighborhood to me that his "fixing" was botched, and I would pay kitten support. Then the sweet children of Desdemona grew to a month or so...and two of them developed ORIENTAL masks! Yeah. Neither Horace nor Desdemona are of any type of oriental breed. SO SORRY, HORACE. I should never have doubted your impeccable character; and CERTAINLY I should never have judged you publically and jumped to such silly conclusions. >^..^<