Oscars 2016 after thoughts

Well, it's over. The almost 4 hour run time of this year's Academy Awards (with lowest ratings in almost a decade) definitely had a statement to make. It was expected, as we knew Chris Rock was going to say something.

"This year, in the in memoriam package, it's just gonna be black people who got shot by the cops on their way to the movies."

It was my favourite opening monologue in recent memory. While it was comedy, Rock was saying the truth of the situation by bringing up real issues.

As the awards started, there wasn't too many surprises. Sure, everyone wanted Stallone to win that Oscar; however Mark Rylance was well deserved for Bridge of Spies. 

The songs were great in the ceremony. I may be the only one who really enjoys "Writings on the Wall" from Spectre (of course Skyfall is better). Lady Gaga once again, may have stole the show as her moving performance brought tears to people's eyes.

As expected, Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander took home the trophies and both had really great speeches. 

Amazing to see an action movie get Academy love

It was FANTASTIC to see so much love given to Mad Max: Fury Road. I would have loved to see it win more, as I believe it's one of the few movies nominated that will be watched and remembered for decades. 

Then there was silence as Julianne Moore walked on stage. Everyone was hoping she would say the coolest name in Hollywood and our golden boy from the Titanic would win his first Oscar. When Leonardo DiCaprio was announced, there was a standing ovation and a collective feeling of happiness from movie goers. For some reason, this Oscar meant something to the fans, and as expected, DiCaprio had a wonderful speech (that was probably rehearsed as we knew he would win). It was great to see, as he is one of the best actors in Hollywood and has been for years.

There was no way they would play his speech off with music

The best picture winner was a little bit surprising as Spotlight took home best picture. It was only surprising because The Revenant seemed to be gaining momentum winning best director and actor. Spotlight was a good film and an important one, but not best picture material in my eyes.

Keep in mind that your opinion of the best movies of the year is more important than what the Academy thinks. Don't let the Oscars sway your opinion, or be used as an argument as to why your favourite films sucked. My favourite film was the zero Oscar winning Star Wars: The Force Awakens  (great to see our favourite droids walk out on the Oscar stage last night). Your opinion means just as much as anyone else's and an award show should not change that at all.

Roger Deakins 0/13

Louis C.K. next year's host?

Spectre

I should preface this blog by saying I am not a James Bond aficionado. I appreciate them for what they are, I just have a hard time getting over the campiness. For goodness sake there's a movie called Octopussy.

That being said, I am a massive fan of Casino Royale and Skyfall. Casino Royale blew me away as an origin story that explored the character of Bond like never before. Skyfall did more of the same, with a stand out performance by Javier Bardem.

...Quantum of Solace we won't speak about.

When Spectre started off, I was convinced it was going to be the best Bond movie ever. That opening shot is a technical marvel and something worth seeing. If anything else, this movie is technically flawless. Sure it's not a Roger Deakins movie, but it's pretty close.

My issues with Spectre all come down to the script.

Two time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz is severely underused as the villain, Oberhauser. The casting of such a fantastic actor was waisted, as he was little more than an evil guy monologuing about his past evil deeds. Sure he was good in the role and had a few good scenes, but Waltz is more than just a standard actor playing a standard villain.

Casino Royale set up such an amazing relationship with Bond and Vespa that when the Spectre girl played by Lea Seydoux eventually said "I love you" to Bond, it is hard to believe; especially because they didn't have the time to develop that chemistry.

Craig sure does look cool as James Bond

Overall, Spectre is a good time. Sure, it is disappointing after the masterwork that was Skyfall. With undeveloped villains and some odd story choices, Spectre doesn't hold to the same standard as some of Craig's past work. That being said, I would recommend it as it is a fun action movie with incredible set pieces, a compelling enough story and Dave Bautista (who is always cool).

For a great blog about the quiz game Sporcle, check out Patrick's Sporcle Badge Quest featuring a post about James Bond. Also, who doesn't love those amazing Bond cars? My friend Nate has a fantastic blog to check out for all your car needs.

...Boyhood

Do you remember when Boyhood came out? It was said to be an experience that would never be forgotten. A movie that transcends generations and to quote some critics;

"It's like a time-lapse photo of an expanding consciousness"
- Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail 

"This is not only a great film, but an important landmark in how great films can be made"
-David Keyes
Cinemaphile

"The year's most captivating narrative experiment, and possibly the most engrossing coming-of-age movie in the history of the genre"
-John Hartl
Seatle Times

If you enjoyed the film, then I am happy for you. All movies are subjective and if it did something for you, then that's great.

However for me, it's my least favourite movie of all time.

What is the first thing people say when talking about Boyhood? "12 years! It took 12 years to make. Did you know...that Boyhood took 12 years to make? That's over a decade!? 12 years!!!!!!?"

Just to clarify something, it did not take 12 years to make. It was made over 12 years, but it only was shot for only 39 days. Believe it or not, but the idea of shooting the same actors over many years is NOT something that is brand new. Does anyone watch Modern Family...or any long running sitcom? Married with Children ran for 11 years using the same actors who "grew up in front of your eyes."

Watch as he gets more and more unlikeable

So I will not call Richard Linklater (writer/director) a visionary genius for making Boyhood. With cringe worthy dialogue, boring cinematography and the most unlikeable central performance in recent memory, Boyhood is not only a bad film, but a painful film to watch. It feels like a movie written by an old man, who is so disconnected with how kids talk to each other.

Had Boyhood not used the same actors over the 12 years, no one would be talking about it. If it was the exact same story and writing, but different actors played the different ages, it would be known as a joke.

Luckily, I am not alone in thinking this, so I don't feel like a mad man. If you enjoy this movie, then I hope I didn't offend you. Maybe I am wrong in my opinion, but I can't find myself to enjoy Boyhood at all.

300: Rise of an Empire

Zack Snyder's 300 is so awesome. Gerard Butler gave a career performance as we see Frank Miller's semi-truthful graphic novel come to life on screen. What made 300 work is that it had a simple narrative done perfectly. It knew exactly what it was and it gave a visual experience that was truly unique. Man it kicked ass!

That being said, I didn't have high hopes for the sort-of-sequel 300: Rise of an Empire. Zack Snyder wasn't directing it and of course...no Gerard.

The premise of 300: ROAE is very similar to the original. Athenian general Themistocles leads an army of guys with huge abs into a naval battle against the Persians. There's a TON of blood and a lot of screaming, but not much else.

It could be that I am too attached to the original, but ROAE just didn't do it for me. It was interesting to look at, and the battle scenes were really well filmed (not shaky came garbage), yet it felt like something was missing.Themistocles was played by Sullivan Stapleton who for the most part, is a throwaway character. He didn't have the presence that Leonidas did in 300 and we never really get to know him or his backstory.

Finish your breakfast and eat hardy, for tonight we dine in hell!

The stylistic violence of the original 300 was cool and different. In ROAE, the stylistic violence came off as a rehash with no originality.

Thinking about it, you can tell the influence Zack Snyder had on the quality of 300. His absence is felt with the sequel as it feels like an empty shell of a movie. Sure, its fun to watch and has some cool fights, Eva Green was pretty cool too ; but 300 had a lot more than just that.

Eva Green as Artemisia was pretty cool

Rear Window

We all know Psycho; Norman Bates, Marion Crane, the shower scene etc. The movie is part of American film history and is ranked as the 14th greatest film of all time by the American Film Institute (Star Wars is 13, Woohoo).

However, Rear Window is what I consider to be Hitchcock's best film.

The reason for the comparison is that both Psycho and Rear Window were directed by the master, Alfred Hitchcock. 

Rear Window has a very simple narrative. There are only a handful of speaking roles and the entire film is set in one room.

L.B. Jefferies (James Stewart) is a wheelchair-bound photographer. He's spent the last two months in his apartment, where he spends most of the day staring out the window watching his neighbours.

Outside, he sees a small capsule of American life. There is the ballerina dancer, the musician, the artist, and the old married couple. Being a hot summer, everyone has their window open all the time, letting Jefferies into their lives from a far. Perhaps Jefferies has become paranoid, or a little insane, but he suspects that a murder has taken place in the neighbouring apartment. His suspicion leads to an incredibly suspenseful and thrilling movie that only Hitchcock could have pulled off.

Rear Window is an unmitigated masterpiece. Only Hitchcock could make a movie that takes place all in one room, and add more suspense than most modern filmmakers could with CGI or special effects. The star of this film is not James Stewart or Grace Kelly, it's Hitchcock. His directing is so precise that he shows you exactly what he intends, leaving your mind to fill in the blanks. 

James Stewart as L.B. Jeffries getting a better look

An extra layer to the film is the character of L.B. Jeffries. He is our "hero" character and the main protagonist. However what he is doing is for all intents and purposes, wrong. It's none of his business what his neighbours do and it's creepy to stare at them all the time. Rear Window becomes an interesting movie because we aren't sure who to trust or who to root for. 

Take some time to check this out if you haven't already. It is a great showcase as to what a good director can do and how to build natural suspense. 

Hold on...they made a Deadpool movie?

No Spoilers.


Ok...obviously I knew they were making a Deadpool movie, I saw it last night at a screening. What I didn't know until last night was... they made a Deadpool movie.

Perhaps that's the biggest compliment I can give the executives at Fox; they stuck to their guns and made a Rated R, hilariously over-the-top superhero movie that is completely self-aware. As a fan of the comics, I can say that they did the source material proud.

For those who don't know, this isn't the first attempt by Fox to have Ryan Reynolds play Deadpool. It hurts me too much to discuss their past efforts and for the purpose of my sanity, I won't mention X-Men Origins: Wolverine anymore. I will however, leave you with a picture so we never forget our past.

Still can't believe they gave the merc with a mouth...NO MOUTH

Ryan Reynolds was BORN to play Deadpool. You can tell that he had a blast with this role as it showed on screen. He wasn't afraid to make fun of the super hero genre as he often broke the fourth wall to give us his thoughts. 

To my surprise, the movie had a lot more depth and dramatic moments than expected. Reynolds and Morena Baccarin had amazing chemistry and their love story was surprisingly (dare I say) touching. 

When you're not laughing hysterically, you are generally interested in these characters. T.J. Miller was another standout as his dry sense of humour works perfectly against the flamboyant Reynolds.

If I had one criticism (and I think I have only one), it's that the movie relies so heavily on pop culture references that it might not stand the test of time. The reason Pixar movies are timeless is because they don't rely on pop culture jokes, making their films always relevant. 

That of course, is just a nitpick. Deadpool is a gem of movie in February and a great time at the movies. It works just as well as a comedy as it does a superhero movie and I sincerely don't know if they could have made it any better. 

I'd love to know what everyone thought of Deadpool! Leave a comment below.

The Prestige

Christopher Nolan has dug himself into a hole. The level of expectation that I have for him is up there with Tarantino, Fincher and the Coen Brothers. When I sit to watch one of his films, I expect to see something that is completely unique and awe inspiring. 

The reason for that expectation of course, is his incredible filmography. The man has written/directed some of the most unique movies of the last two decades including the greatest comic book movie I've ever seen. So when I sprawled on my bed to watch The Prestige for the first time, I of course had high expectations.

I had not watched a trailer, nor read a synopsis. All I knew was that Black Widow, Wolverine and Batman were in a movie together and I couldn't resist seeing a Marvel/DC Avenger-like crossover. 

Anyway, The Prestige is set in the beginning of the 20th century, where a feud between two rival magicians will test just how far they will go to one-up each other. 

And that's all I'm going to say about it.

This is one of those movies where less is more. You don't need a trailer, or a guy like me blabbering spoilers to ruin the experience for you. 

The Prestige is one of the best scripts that Christopher, and his brother Jonathan Nolan have ever crafted. Just when you think you're caught up with the story-it throws you a curve ball. You never are on top of this narrative. Nolan has you right where he wants you; always guessing and never sure of anything. 

If you like a thriller/mystery/drama, you'll like this movie. If you like magic, you'll love this movie. If you like Hugh Jackman's abs, well...you might be disappointed. They're in the movie, just not as much as you may want. 

Most of all, if you like an original piece of work that keeps you thinking after the credits roll, then The Prestige is for you. 

My Top 10 list of 2015

These are what I consider to be my favourite movies of 2015. Keep in mind that these are my personal favourites and I didn't see every movie that came out this year. This list will probably change the more I think about it, but for now this is where I stand. Feel free to leave a comment if your list was any different!

Honourable Mentions: Creed, Spotlight and Ex Machina

10. Straight Outta Compton

Every year there is a movie that takes me by surprise. Definitely one of the most interesting biopics I've ever seen. The Oscars snubbed this one on many levels.

9. Kingsman: The Secret Service

I may never hear the song Free Bird the same after this. A gem in January. Watch it.

8. Sicario

Never mind Leo DiCaprio: Roger Deakins needs an Oscar. A very brutal and gritty movie with an incredible performance by Emily Blunt. This is how women should be portrayed in film.

7. Inside Out

Why Pixar? Why must you make me cry again? Pixar's best since Toy Story 3 with an absolute genius story. An instant classic.

6. The Martian

The Martian proves that not ever movie has to be so serious. Amazing cast and Damon's best performance to date. I knew Ridley Scott could make a good movie again .

5. Bridge of Spies

Can Spielberg and Hanks do anything else but make a great movie? We all take it for granted, but we may never see a duo like them ever again. Standing man...standing man.

4. Hateful Eight

I give my allegiance to the church of Tarantino. Do whatever you want, I'll see it, and I'll love it. A one of a kind genius who's out of his mind in the best way. 

3. The Revenant

The Revenant proves that 3D is not more immersive. One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen photographed. A brutal experience in which I literally was on the edge of my seat. Don't hike in bear country. 

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

How can I watch a movie now that doesn't have a guy playing a flame throwing guitar? I still can't believe Warner Bros. gave George Miller $150 million for a prequel/sequel/reboot of a 30 year old franchise. What a lovely day it was to see one of the best action movies of all time in theatres. Once again, a movie that showcases that woman are just as strong as men. My blu ray copy will definitely get its use. 

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

No. I am not fanboying. I recognize it has a few problems. Yes, it's similar to episode 4. Really? Another deathstar? However, the fact that it got everything else right makes it my favourite movie of 2015. This felt like Star Wars again. A feeling that hasn't been there since 1983. I wasn't around when Star Wars was released in theaters in 1977. Had I been there, I'd imagine it would have felt a lot like 2015, seeing Episode 7. Chewie...we definitely are home.

For an excellent tribute to the films of 2015, click here.

Roger Deakins

This awards season, everyone has their eye on Leonardo DiCaprio. Nominated for his fifth Oscar, most would say he's overdue for that golden trophy. It's definitely deserved, as he's one of the most committed and talented actors of our time. The Revenant may be his best work to date and at 41 years of age, he's poised to give us many more great performances.

That being said, his Oscar woes pale in comparison to one of the most gifted minds in cinema...


Roger Deakins. 

What do The Shawshank Redemption, Prisoners, Fargo, No Country For Old Men, A Beautiful Mind, Skyfall and True Grit all have in common?...

...All were lensed by Roger Deakins. For those who don't know, Deakins is a cinematographer. A cinematographer (or director of photography) is the person controlling what we as an audience see. They helm the camera and are in control of the artistic decisions we see on film.  

Deakins has been nominated for 13 Academy Awards and has yet to win. This year, he is nominated once again for his brilliant work in Sicario. Unfortunately for Deakins, this year's Oscars are particularly stacked with cinematographers. Emmanuel Lubezki appears to be the early favourite for his incredible work in The Revenant.

For those who don't notice cinematography, try watching a movie that was lensed by Deakins. It may change the way you look at a film. For Deakins, every frame is a painting. You could pause one of his movies at any point, and you see a beautiful work of art. 

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

No Country for Old Men

Sicario

Skyfall

Next time you catch a movie, take a second to see who the cinematographer is. If it's Roger Deakins, you're in for something special. Movies are more than just mindless entertainment. For Deakins, they're an outlet for his artistry.