The Sword in the Stone January 2007

Name: Michael
Location: Oklahoma

“The Sword and the Stone”

Directed by Peter Jackson
Adapted by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson
Score by Howard Shore

Principal Cast:

Freddie Highmore- Wart
Michael Gambon- Merlyn
Viggo Mortensen- Sir Ector
Daniel Radciffe- Kay
Johnny Depp- Robin Hood
Richard Griffiths- Friar Tuck
Cate Blanchett- Morgan Le Fay
Liam Neeson- Uther Pendragon

Tagline: “Every story has a beginning…”

Synopsis: Wart, a boy living in twelfth-century England, is informed by his adoptive father, Sir Ector, that he must begin his education and when he was wandering in the Forest Sauvage, Wart chances upon the cottage of Merlyn, an ancient looking magician who “lives backward” through time and thus possesses the ability to know the future. Merlyn informs Wart that he will become his tutor and accompanies him back to Sir Ector’s Castle of the Forest Sauvage and after reviewing the wizard’s references, Sir Ector hires the old magician and Kay, Wart’s older brother, becomes jealous over Wart’s fortune. Merlyn’s lessons consist of transforming Wart into different kinds of animals and at different times, Wart becomes a hawk, an ant, an owl, a wild goose, and a badger: Each animal reveals to Wart a different way of life, political philosophy, or attitude toward war. Feeling sorry for Kay, Wart asks Merlyn if he can transform his older brother into an animal as well; the magician explains that he cannot however, Merlyn does tell Wart that he and his brother should follow a certain path into the Forest Sauvage, where they will surely find an adventure. The boys do just that and eventually meet Robin Wood, the famous outlaw (often called, “Robin Hood” in error) who explains to the boys that a band of fairies, the Oldest Ones of All led by the witch Morgan Le Fay, have kidnapped his companion, Friar Tuck. The boys agree to help Robin and his men storm the Castle Chariot where the Friar is being held.
Six years pass. Kay prepares for his impending knighthood while Wart continues his education. King Pellinore informs Sir Ector and Kay that Uther Pendragon has died and without an heir. Yet a sword has appeared outside a church in London, running through an anvil and into a stone. The inscription on the sword’s pommel reads, “Whoso Pulleth Out This Sword of the Stone and Anvil, is Rightwise King Born of All England.” A glorious tournament is announced on New Year’s Day to give all able men in England a chance to remove the sword. Kay convinces his father that they should attend, and he agrees, but Wart who is not that happy then enters, upset at Merlyn’s announcement that he will no longer be tutoring him, but Merlyn does assure the boy, however, that they will meet again.
During the tournament, Kay arrives at the fields and realizes he has forgotten his sword; He tells Wart to return to their inn and retrieve it, but when Wart finds the inn locked and nobody there, he looks for a suitable replacement. Wart eventually sees the sword in the stone and after a short struggle Wart removes the sword not realizing the significance of such his action. He returns to the tournament and tells Kay where he found the sword then Kay turns around and lies to Sir Ector and claims that he pulled it from the stone. When they all go back to the stone, however, Kay admits his falsehood and, with his father, falls prostrate before Wart, hailing him as King. Wart confused and embarrassed at the same time bursts into tears. Eventually, Wart overcomes his awkwardness with being king and is given a great party for his coronation. Merlyn reappears and tells the Wart that his biological father was Uther Pendragon and further informs Wart that, in the future, it will be his “glorious doom” to “take up the burden” of his nobility. After telling Wart that he would stay with him for a long time, Merlyn addresses him as King Arthur.
What the Press Would Say: This film has been just waiting to be made correctly and Peter Jackson has brought justice to the first installment of this great book series. I can’t say enough about how much I took pleasure in this film. I was completely sucked into the story and was rooting for all these characters in different, but yet similar ways. Freddie Highmore gives another phenomenal performance as the Wart, a young boy who is just trying to figure out who he is. Highmore is so good in this role is fun to watch this character develop throughout this story I can’t wait for the future installments. The essence he brings to this role is such a different approach it is breath taking and is pure genius. Ian McKellan once again is born to play the role of Merlyn an aging wizard who tutors Wart. Ian gave such a good performance as Gandalf the wizard in the Lord of the Rings movies and this is better than all combined a truly great job. The supporting cast is great as usual in Jackson films and is sure to get an ensemble SAG nomination. With the writing collaboration that brought you the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong brings you another fantasy wonder in The Sword and the Stone and this is sure to bring an amazing cult following. The visual effects have set new standards as usually and are nothing less of Jackson perfection and let’s not forget the wonderful costumes that are perfect for the dark ages. Truly remarkable cinema in all respects is sure to be the next big trilogy of movies; Peter Jackson has done it again!

FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director- Peter Jackson
Best Actor- Freddie Highmore
Best Supt. Actor- Ian McKellan
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Visual Effects
Best Original Score
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Art Direction

2 Oscar nominations, o GG and SAG

My Life Before January 2007

Name: Michael
Location: Oklahoma

“My Life Before…”

Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Written by Zach Braff and Michael Arndt
Original Score by Chad Fischer
Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Principal Cast

Zach Braff- Jason Briggs
Alan Arkin- God
Anne Hathaway- Kelly Briggs
Judi Dench- Veronica Briggs
Sandra Oh- Angel Mary
Edward Norton- David Briggs
Charlize Theron- Young Veronica Briggs
Kathy Bates- Dorothy Charles
Jack Black- Chris Marion
Jamie Foxx- Ralph Smith

Tagline: “Looking from above, it’s a different story”

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Synopsis: Jason Briggs (Braff) has a seemingly normal life. He gets up every morning takes a crap, takes a shower, gets dressed for work, has breakfast with his wife Kelly (Hathaway) and heads to the studio. That all changes one day when Jason has a sudden heart attack and dies; leaving his wife a widow and his mother (Dench) with no family left. When Jason arrives at the pearly gates, he has no idea why he died. He ends up being checked in by a driven young Angel (Oh) who quickly checks his name off the list and leads him to his room. On the way Jason tries to get Angel Mary to tell him how he died, but she explains to him that if you need to talk to God (Arkin) you can make a request at the front desk. As soon as he is settled into his room Jason quickly proceeds to the front desk where he makes and appointment with God so he can figure out how he died. The next day he wakes up and gets ready for his appointment with God. She explains to Jason that she is going to take him through his life so that he can talk about the problems that he faced in his life that he just hid.

Starting off a big flat screen T.V. rolls down and the popcorn is popped and God flips on the T.V. fast forwarding through Jason’s birth, God presses play at the first time that Jason was abused by his father (Norton) and that him young mother (Theron) was abused too. Jason pleads with God to just skip to the next chapter, but she refuses and makes Jason talk about it. Jason explains that not long after his mother would take him to her mother’s (Bates) house and he would be raised there. God then skips to the next chapter where Jason got active in theater and was teased by the other boys at his school calling him “Gay”, “Stupid”, and “Faget” for not participating in sports. Although Jason would eventually become a well known actor in the local theater, he never quite got over the lack of understanding his peers gave him. God then tells Jason that all the boys who teased him as a boy grew up to be McDonald’s workers, Wal-Mart employees, and Truckers. While Jason is quite pleased they would never amount to much, he always knew that they wouldn’t. God then shows Jason the time that he met Kelly and how happy he was that he had found a person who understood him. God then shows Jason how he died and the aftermath of his death. Jason discovers that his mother and his wife and in the middle of a huge fight over what to do for a funeral, what to do with his possessions and everything else. Jason also finds that everything that really mattered to him is falling apart. Including, his latest movie project is completely going down the drain. The not so popular director, Chris Marion (Black) has taken over the story of Jason’s life and everything is drifting away from Jason’s vision. God then tells Jason that each person in heaven has one credit to go down to earth and live as a ghost for one day. The ghost can do pretty much anything, talk to people if he/she chooses, appear in people’s dreams, or perhaps change the course of how events are going to happen.

Jason decides to take God up on the offer, and God explains to Jason that tomorrow an angel will come to his room and take him down to earth. Then at 11:59 that night the same angel will come down and take him away. Jason heads to his room to get a good nights rest so that he can get as much accomplished tomorrow as possible. When Jason looks at the clock it is 3:00 in the morning and Jason decides he better get an early start. As soon as Jason gets out of the shower, Angel Mary appears to him and is ready to take him down to earth. Jason’s first mission is to take care of this feud between his mother and his wife. So Jason is down early enough to appear in both of their dreams and tell them exactly how he would like to be cared for. He also explains to both of them that he doesn’t want the two people he cares about to get into a fight over him, he also tells them that he loves both of them always and will wait for both of them up in heaven. His second mission is harder to complete simply because it is the middle of the day and going into people’s dreams takes a while. So, he decides since he is invisible he will steal a couple of sleeping pills and sneak them into a few of people involved in the movies’ drinks. So the studio exec Ralph Smith (Foxx) and Chris Marion are now haunted by Jason’s ghost telling both of them that if this movie isn’t made in Jason’s vision the studio will crumble and neither will ever make an acclaimed film again. Jason then witness’ his mother and Kelly reconciling and his film actually starting being made in his vision, but Angel Mary then takes him back up to heaven. God calls Jason into his office the next day telling Jason he is very pleased with what he did and if he never needs to talk to him again he would love too.


What the Press Would Say: Well, the premise of My Life Before may seem a little familiar don’t let that keep you from seeing this movie. While the film could go to many cliché’s similar too Little Miss Sunshine, which was directed by the same directors, it doesn’t which is why this is my favorite film of the year. Zach Braff and Michael Arndt have written one of the wittiest comedies in the new century. Yet, the screenplay manages to seem genuinely heartwarming and with no emotional reunion. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris have once again cranked out another amazing motion picture that is just perfect for them and is near perfect in every emotion and the feel is just right. A perfect choice for directors and it was executed to the point it deserves an Oscar nomination for both of them. Zach Braff gives one of the best performances of the year as Jason Briggs, a deceased young man who wants to be remembered the right way. He it’s the nail on the head in trying to deal with his past and in realizing what he needs to do. There is a scene where Jason is trying to tell his wife that no matter what he is doing in heaven he is waiting for her and will never forget her or stop loving her. It is a scene that could be very stupid, but yet through the direction, writing, and acting it is one of the most powerful moments I have ever witnessed on the silver screen. Not too many words can describe the greatness of Zach Braff’s performance, yet you know that it is just simply amazing. Alan Arkin gives a great performance that is nothing short of an Oscar nomination. The role of God seems to have been written with Arkin in mind because it is perfect casting and a remarkable turn as one of the most known figures in history. Sandra Oh gives a performance that is perfect for her. She plays a role similar to her role on the television show Grey’s Anatomy which is perfect for her. She is so “I don’t take any crap” it is just a joy to watch. Anne Hathaway gives the performance of a lifetime that is going to bring some stiff competition into the Best Supporting Actress race. Just unforgettable performances, a side-splitting screenplay that is also touching, and excellent direction which in my book equals the best film of the year and quite possibly one of the best films in a long long time that deserves Oscars for the following categories:

Best Picture
Best Directors- Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Best Original Screenplay- Michael Arndt and Zach Braff
Best Actor- Zach Braff
Best Supporting Actor- Alan Arkin
Best Supporting Actress- Sandra Oh
Best Supporting Actress- Anne Hathaway
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction

Honorable Mention, 1 Oscar nod, 0 GG and SAG

Aunt Harriet 2006

Name: Michael
Location: Oklahoma

“Aunt Harriet”

Directed by Bennett Miller
Written by Dan Futterman
Music by James Horner
Distributed by Sony Pictures Classic

Principal Cast:

Jennifer Connelly- Harriet Beecher Stowe
Woody Harrelson- Calvin Ellis Stowe
Bob Balaban- William Lloyd Garrison
Liam Neeson- President Abraham Lincoln
Nicolas Cage- Gamaliel Bailey
Jaden Smith- Harry

Tagline: “She made people think…”

Synopsis: In 1850 the Fugitive Slave laws were reinstated and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Connelly) was livid and was then moved to the abolitionist side of slavery. Stowe’s sister-in-law inspired Harriet to write something that would alert the nation about the horrendous nature of slavery. Stowe started to research slavery the best she could. She interviewed countless slave owners, slaves and different society members getting as many points of view as possible. Harriet met many slaves whom she touched there lives and included them in her stories. With the help of her husband Calvin (Harrelson), Harriet was able to write some stories for newspapers including The Liberator and The National Era. The editors of The Liberator, William Lloyd Garrison (Balaban) and The National Era (Cage) published the stories in the newspaper which grew to acclaim. With the success of her stories, Harriet decided that she would compile the stories into a book called, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published in 1852 and was released to critical acclaim in the north; it sold 10,000 copies within a week of its initial release. In the south however, the book was hated and was called “Untrue,” and “Full of lies,” even with those statements Harriet’s goal was achieved, thousands soon agreed with her views that slavery needed to end.

The book was widely embraced in Great Britain; Harriet then went on a Europe tour speaking about her book. While in Europe, Stowe spoke out against the decision Great Britain had made to join the south in the Civil War. After the Harriet’s tour through Europe, Great Britain decided to stay neutral throughout the war. In 1862, sine President Abraham Lincoln (Neeson) did not carry out his promise to sign the Emancipation Proclamation; Stowe decided to talk to him herself. On January 1, 1863 the President made a proclamation that the slaves were free. On the day of the announcement was in a balcony of a hall waiting for the proclamation, when it had been made a man stood up, pointed at Harriet and yelled “Look, it’s Mrs. Stowe, the woman who ended slavery.” The crowd then all stood, applauded and cheered for the next few minutes.

What the Press Would Say: Bennett Miller’s latest film, “Aunt Harriet” may be the finest film of the new century. With an inspirational story that Miller executes so flawlessly, it makes itself one of the greatest biopic films of all time. Miller directs the film so well it is well worth a few awards and he once again teams with Dan Futterman who wrote a script that is full of memorable and inspirational lines that are sure to live on for decades to come. Those two elements alone make a great film but acting is usually what puts films over the top and this film is exception. Jennifer Connelly has given yet another unforgettable performance that is worth multiple Oscar wins just for her performance. Connelly has a natural acting ability that is so magical that you forget that it is Jennifer Connelly and you believe you are watching Harriet Beecher Stowe. A++ acting coming from Jennifer Connelly in this movie and Liam Nesson never fails to grace the screen even in this limited role.

“Two Thumbs Way Up!”- Ebert and Roeper

“A+”- Entertainment Weekly

“**** and then a ton more”- The New York Times

“100% Fresh”- Rotten Tomatoes

“****”- The Oscar Igloo

“The Best Film of the Year by far”- Los Angeles Times

1 Oscar nominations, Shameless Oscar Vehicle, 1 GG nod
We agree with all of them!

Best Picture (Sony Pictures Classic)
Best Director (Miller)
Best Actress (Connelly)
Best Supporting Actor (Smith)
Best Original Screenplay (Futterman)
Best Original Score (Horner)
Best Editing
Best Cinematography

Gone With a Dream November 2006

Name: Michael
Location: Oklahoma

“Gone With a Dream”

Directed by Alexander Payne
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Written by Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor, and B.J. Novak
Music by Rolfe Kent


Principal Cast:
Ellen DeGeneres- Judy Glenn
Cloris Leachman- Julie Glenn
Paul Giamatti- Michael Conway
Virginia Madison- Natalie Conway
Nathan Lane- Alex Crawfish
Steve Carell- Brandon Yench

Tagline: “This spring… no matter how old or young, shoot for your dreams, or not…you know whatever floats your boat really.”

Synopsis: When Judy Glenn (DeGeneres) has had her 50th birthday she decides that she finally wants to shoot for her dreams of moving to Hollywood and work her way up to being an A list Actress. Even though her mother, Julie (Leachman), has never approved of anything Judy does, Judy decides to forget her and go pursue her dreams. She quits her job working at the Post Office and takes the next plane to Los Angeles. After a month of struggling, Judy gets a job as an assistant for the A list actor, Michael Conway (Giamatti), and also for his wife, Natalie Conway (Madison), too. Judy works hard at her job, but never quite excels because she doesn’t really like Michael or Natalie at all. When Michael is working on a movie for acclaimed flamboyant director Alex Crawfish (Lane), Alex discovers that Judy is particularly funny. Giving her a small role in the film Judy does exceedingly well and he starts to progressively give her bigger and bigger roles. Judy is so surprised that a lot of the actors that she works around aren’t really as smart as they seem on screen. A prime example of this is her fellow actor Brandon Yench (Carell) who is a bigoted, idiotic, very unintelligent person who just doesn’t understand anything. Judy goes on to star in films such as Billion Dollar Infant, Citizen Mary, The Godmother, The Queen and Me, and Basic Instinct 3. Judy tried to stay away from the life that she saw Michael and Natalie live, but she went a little bit too far. Judy starts demanding impossible things and becoming impossible to work with.


What the Press Would Say: A hilarious laugh out loud funny comedy that just isn’t what you would expect to see on a movie screen. Pure enjoyment that is fun to watch and a feel good movie in a weird sort of way! DeGeneres is such a good comedic performer it is a wonder why she doesn’t get more work like this. All in all, Ellen gives a hilarious performance that well deserves an Oscar nomination and practically makes you wet you pants anytime she comes on screen. Cloris Leachman gives another great performance as DeGeneres’ mom and might sneak in to get an Oscar nod. Nathan Lane also gives an awkward but funny performance as the flamboyant director, Alex Crawfish. Paul Giamatti and Virginia Madison were so delightful in an odd way it is hard to describe how funny they really are. Steve Carell is just so funny he plays painfully funny really well he is a comedic genius and this is no exception. A hilarious performance by every cast member and this ensemble is perfectly cast. Alexander Payne pulls off another wet your pants comedy and even though she ultimately loses everything she had it is still the best comedy I’ve seen in years!

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Director- Payne
Actress- DeGeneres
Supt. Actress- Leachman
Supt. Actor- Lane
Supt. Actor- Carell
Original Screenplay- Payne, Taylor, and Novak
Best Original Score

#12 place, 3 Oscar nominations, 1 GG nod, 0 SAG nominations, o wins

Curtain Call November 2006

Directed by Steven Sonderbergh

Written by William Broyles Jr.

Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek

Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell

Edited by Mike Hill and Daniel Hanley

Principal Cast:
Alexis Bledel as Jennifer James

Ryan Phillippe as Eric Flemming

Elijah Wood as Drew Broderick

Emmy Rossum as Lorraine Ravefort

Richard Gere as Franklin Pierce

Julianne Moore as Mrs. Stevenson

Marcia Gay Harden as Cindy Trouvers

Tagline: "In a time of war, they’re not ready to break a leg"

Synopsis: World War II did more than just damaged the United States economically, but the event had tragic effects socially, as well. After the World War II began, Eric Flemming and his longtime friend, Drew Broderick, were drafted into the army to travel overseas. The news was devastating to their families, girlfriends, and teachers. The two young men seemed to have bright futures, which included a family and a stable job. Both of the boys had a love for theater, too, and were involved in a local production. Jennifer James and Lorraine Ravefort, the girlfriends, had roles in the show, which was being organized by the drama coordinator, Mrs. Stevenson. Eric was not excited about having to leave Jennifer and the production behind, but he felt it was his duty. Drew, on the other hand, was completely against the aspects of war, and refused to follow Eric into training and eventual shipment to Europe. Instead, he planned to flea with Lorraine to Canada where he and she could start a life together. This left Jennifer alone. Mrs. Stevenson canceled the show. Jennifer didn’t know what to do with herself, so she asked her teacher for some advice. The two decided that she could follow Eric and help the war effort. Jennifer went to an enlistment office and applied to become a nurse for the troops. She was accepted, trained, and then sent across the Atlantic. Jennifer’s work was challenging and hectic, since many soldiers were wounded and the hospital was usually over-flowing with patients. Cindy Trouvers, a professional nurse, took Jennifer under her wing and helped her with her stressful job and her loneliness. One busy day at the hospital, a soldier was brought in. He was burned by a land mine explosion, and was wrapped in gauze. He was Eric. Jennifer was assigned to treat and care for the man, who she could not recognize. Eric was too incapacitated to reach out to his lover. Daily treatments were the only contact between Jennifer and Eric. Soon after Eric was admitted into the care center, the War was resolved. Jennifer was sent home. Eric remained overseas until he was well enough to make the journey home. Once the couple was home, they shared stories with one another. They felt closer than ever, but never realized that they had been together at the hospital. Lorraine and Drew eventually returned to their hometown. They had endured many hardships, including making money and having a baby, while in Canada. Mrs. Stevenson was so pleased to see the group together again. She prepared another production, and the group performed like they should have before the war tore them apart.A Critic for the local newspaper, Franklin Pierce, shares his thoughts on the show: “The performances were exquisite, and it seemed as though the four main actors shared a chemistry that was undeniable. This is exactly what the world needed after a time of grief and war. Love and unity seemed to prevail.”After receiving so much acclaim for their performances, Jennifer, Eric, Drew, and Lorraine wanted to set up their own theater company. With money from nursing and fighting in the war, and donations from the critic, Franklin Pierce, and their instructor, Mrs. Stevenson, the task was completed. The theater company was set up just outside Chicago, in the group’s hometown. It is still up and running today.

What the press would say:
Curtain Call is the story of a group of young adults that adore acting and are about to perform in a community show. However, before the show could debut, the two male members of the group are called to duty in World War II. Curtain Call is the stunning, must-see drama of the year. It drives in the force that love and passion prevail, which is one of the best messages a film could feature. It has the ability to suck the audience in and make them care about the characters. Not many films can do that nowadays. The film is inspiring and moving, not only through its touching dialogue but also through the actions that are shown on the screen. Some of the greatest scenes contain no dialogue whatsoever. Such scenes are only elevated by the beautiful Original Score. For example, the scene in which Alexis Bledel treats her lover, Ryan Philippe is exquisite. Because she is unaware of who he is, there is an absence of dialogue. The scene is lifted by the great performances, too.Alexis Bledel is an actress who has grown so much through her career. She was a great casting choice, and she plays her role to perfection. Bledel, who has been great on Television in Gilmore Girls and in films like Sin City, finally had a chance to establish herself as a leading lady. She succeeded.
Ryan Phillippe is another young actor that has developed over the years. He gives a performance that is the prime example of “brave boy depressed” stereotype. It is so well acted that the audience feels for his character and wants him to get home safe. Both of the actors become their characters. Julianne Moore needs some recognition. She was rightly cast and gives one of the best performances in the film. After giving great performances in Oscar-nominated films, like The Hours, she is due. Moore is great as a motivator and it a true joy to watch. The Supporting Actress trophy should be hers. Emmy Rossum and Elijah Wood give two more great performances, and are believable as the struggling couple in Canada. Elijah played a part, which any other actor may have portrayed as cowardly, with pride. The audience will sympathize with him, and Emmy. Marcia Gay Harden gives a performance that tops her work in Mystic River and Pollock. She is a great role model, in the film and in the movie business.
The crew also deserves some rave reviews. The costumes are flawless, and are a perfect reflection of the setting of the film. The editing is amazing, as the film juggles multiple storylines. The Original Screenplay, which is written by the same author as Flags of Our Fathers and Apollo 13, displays a nice balance of war scenes, dialogue, and a great, uplifting conclusion. Steven Sonderbergh pulls off this film like nobody else could. He is an actor’s director, and he brought the best out of Bledel, Rossum, Phillippe, Wood, and Moore. Sonderbergh puts out his best work, with Curtain Call.
Overall, Curtain Call is the best film of the year. It is pure drama, and is just as inspiring as it is tragic. It is a masterpiece, and is destined to become a classic.

Possible Oscar Nominations

Best Picture

Best Director: Stephen Soderberg

Best Original Screenplay: William Broyles, Jr.

Best Actor: Ryan Phillippe

Best Supporting Actor: Elijah Wood

Best Actress: Alexis Bledel

Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore

Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden

Best Editing

Best Costume Design

Best Original Score

Honorable Mention, 1 Oscar Nomination, 1 Oscar win, 0 GG or SAG

Witch? October 2006

“Witch?”

Directed by Martin Scorsese
Written by John Logan
Music by James Newton Howard
Costume Design- Sandy Powell
Art Direction- Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo

Principal Cast:

Meryl Streep- Martha Corey
Alan Alda -Giles Corey
James Spader- Samuel Parris
Abigail Breslin- Betty Parris
Dakota Fanning- Abigail Williams

Tagline: “October 2007 be afraid of being convicted”

Synopsis: In 1692 in the city of Salem, Massachusetts there was a series of witch trials in which “witches” were tried, convicted, and then hung. Martha Corey (Streep) was the 12th tried and to the city of Salem the most shocking of the accusations. She was an upright member of society and a frequent member of the Puritan church. Martha was married to a farmer (Alda) and they were happy with their living situation. When the town preacher, Samuel Parris (Spader), daughter (Breslin) fell victim to a sickness he started accusing member of the community of witchcraft. Parris sent out Betty’s cousin (Fanning) to spy on certain people and report information back to him. Martha soon was accused and plead not guilty to the charge of witchcraft. Amazingly she still was found guilty and hung on Sept. 22. Quickly following her husband was tried as a warlock and was killed by pressing.

What the Press Would Say: Martin Scorsese has directed another movie that will be remembered for a long time. Meryl Streep gives another heartfelt performance that is sure to make you tear up and clear Oscar contender. She fills the screen with emotion when she is on or even off the stand and you just want to ball looking at her as an outcast. Alan Alda gives a surprising performance that might get him a much deserved Oscar nod. In a role he wouldn’t normally play Alda gives a wonderful performance and is one of the films best parts. James Spader pulls evil off well has the preacher who accuses citizens as witches and warlocks. Abigail Breslin hot off her great performance in Little Miss Sunshine gives another great performance as Betty Parris, the preacher’s daughter. But I won’t forget Dakota Fanning who gives an equally great performance as the child who spies on the “witches and warlocks”. An Oscar contender to look out for and this could be the Martin Scorsese that is overwhelmed with Oscars including his much deserved Oscar for Best Director. Amazing!

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Director- Scorsese
Actress- Streep
Actor- Alda
Costume Design
Art Direction- Ferretti and Schiavo
Best Original Score- Howard

0 nominations

Shoot the Moon October 2006

Author: Michael

Location: Oklahoma

Shoot the Moon

Directed by Marc Forster
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Adapted by Robert Benton
Original Score by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek

Principal Cast:
Jake Gyllenhaal- Mark Albright/Nick Harjo
Reese Witherspoon- Ivy Harjo
Meryl Streep- Teeve Harjo
Michael Douglas- O Boy Daniels
Dustin Hoffman- Hap Duchamp
Carrie Fisher- Carrie
Julianne Moore -Lantana Mitchell
Alan Alda- Arthur McFadden
Matt Dillon -Kyle Leander
Q’Orianka Kilcher- Gaylene Harjo
Thandie Newton -Rowena Whitekiller

Tagline: “Find your roots on 12/21/07”

Synopsis: In 1972, windswept DeClare, Oklahoma, was consumed by a terrifying crime: the murder of a young mother, Gaylene Harjo (Kilcher), and the disappearance of her baby, Nicky Jack. When the Childs pajama bottoms were discovered on the banks of the river, everyone feared that he, too, had been killed, although is body was never found.
Now, nearly 35 years later, Nicky Jack (Gyllenhaal) mysteriously returns to DeClare, shocking the town with his sudden reappearance and stirring up long buried memories. Helping him along the way are his “cousin”, Ivy (Witherspoon), his aunt Teeve (Streep), his lawyer (Hoffman), the local sheriff (Douglas), his wife (Fisher), a reporter that covered the original story (Moore), the local Radio station owner (Alda) and the DJ (Dillon), and Gaylene’s best friend (Newton).


What the Press Would Say: Marc Forster has done it again with another wonderful motion picture phenomenon. This film is based on the tremendous novel by Billie Letts focuses on a murder of a mom and child that happened about 35 years ago and as it turns out the child wasn’t murder. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a career capping performance as Mark Albright the grown up child who was supposedly murdered. Gyllenhaal must have worked relentlessly for the movie because his performance is of the charts. Reese Witherspoon gives another bit of marvelous acting for this movie than ever as Marks “cousin” turned lover, Ivy and his emotional supporter. Witherspoon is chasing he costar Meryl Streep for the best living actress award and let me tell you with this film she’s is starting to work her way up. Once again Meryl Streep can smell the Oscar as she gives another Oscar worthy performance as Mark’s aunt who just wants the best for her family she compels you can makes you want to cry to death. Streep is the best living actress and you better believe she won’t drop that title, this performance just makes her that much better. I won’t leave out Matt Dillon’s heart wrenching performance as Gaylene’s old friend who is a drug addict still struggling with the loss of Gaylene who he loves even though she is gone. Forster compiled the perfect cast for this film, he got the best crew, and he directed perfectly too. This year’s Oscar contender that will be hard to beat, and Forster’s crowning achievement. A motion picture masterpiece!

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Director- Forster
Adaptation- Benton
Actor- Gyllenhaal
Actress- Witherspoon
Supt. Actress- Streep
Supt. Actor- Dillon
Cinematography
Editing

0 nominations