50 Movies to See Before you Die- Saving Private Ryan

In the first entry of our 50 movies to see before you die series, I wanted to choose a film that really, really struck me, one that I never go long without thinking about, and one that made me appreciate film exponentially more than I did the day before seeing it. I chose Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Ed Burns, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, and Giovanni Ribisi. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg, and won the Best Directing Oscar. The film follows a squad of soldiers who just survived Dday (Hanks, Sizemore, Burns, Diesel, Pepper, Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies) who are sent on a mission to go retrieve a soldier deep in the heart of Germany. This soldier, a Private Ryan (Damon) is one of four sons, and his three brothers were killed in the war. The military wants to send him home alive so his parents can have one of their four sons come back. The film takes you on the search for Private Ryan, and also the search each member of the squad has internally, why does this man get to go home? Why are we risking our lives for one man when we also have parents wishing we would come home? As the squad goes from one dangerous situation to the next, losing some of their squad mates along the way, this struggle becomes even more evident.

Now that the main foundation of the film is set, lets talk about why its an absolute must see for everyone. War films have been around forever, and there have been amazing and brutal and realistic war films before this one. But with SPR, today's technology combined with Spielberg's amazing talent give you the most realistic and gut-wrenching portrayal of war we'll ever see. The opening sequence, taking place on the beaches of Normandy, is a heart breaking experience that will stick with you forever. The first time I saw the film, myself and a friend went with my Aunt, and I will never forget her sobbing and the way her nails dug into my arm as she tried to stomach the authenticity and brutality of what she was witnessing. Now, for some people, this is a reason not to see the movie, but like another Spielberg film that will be on this list, Schindler's List, sometimes you have to gut it out to witness something equal parts amazing and terrifying. The remainder of the film is not quite a shockingly violent, but it continues to crush your soul as you get to know the members of this squad and watch some of them die for their mission. One scene in particular, and this will be a mild spoiler, has Giovanni Ribisi's medic talking to Hanks' Captain, explaining a broken relationship with his mother, and how some nights she would work all day and come home, just wanting to talk to him, but he would pretend to be asleep, and he doesn't know why he did this. The next day when he is shot and knows there is nothing that can be done to save him, he screams "mama" while dying.

Once you get past the authenticity and the film's true devotion to showing you what soldiers in WWII went through, you can really appreciate other parts of the film as well. The acting is top notch. All the actors mentioned already plus small parts from actors like Ted Danson and Paul Giamatti give fantastic performances. Spielberg films SPR with an eye that only he has, the editing, cinematography, and general look of the film are amazing. John Williams' brings his A game for the score, and delivers a score so poignant and perfect, just hearing it will allow you to picture what scene it was in.

Unfortunately, SPR was the victim of the biggest mistake in Oscar history, giving Best Picture to Shakespeare in Love over SPR, and Actor to Robert Benigni over Tom Hanks is quite a travesty on its own. SPR is not without fault. As its critics will tell you it has one, very large continuity error with the way the narration is framed, but there are many reasons for this, and I will not get into it specifically as to not spoil it.

Saving Private Ryan is a film experience you will never, ever forget. It is gripping, amazing, brutal, and honest, and is one of the absolute best films I have ever seen. Let us know your thoughts of SPR in the comments section, we would love to hear from people who had not seen SPR prior to reading this. Check back later this week for the first entry in this series from Diomedes.

-Maximus

The 50 Movies to See Before you Die

For a long time we have batted around the idea of doing a list of 50 films you have to see before you die, not the 50 greatest films ever, not our 50 favorite films, but the ones that everyone needs to see. Well we have finally been able to hammer out that list. Starting this week we will each be discussing one movie off our list per week. We would love to hear from you in the comments, do you agree with our choices? Are we insane? How could Citizen Kane not make this list? Just remember, these are the 50 films we feel you need to see, and more importantly experience, to really appreciate where cinema can take us. We hope you enjoy reading these discussions as much as we enjoy having them.

-Maximus

2014 Oscar Predictions Part 2

In Part 1 of our 2014 Oscar predictions, we broke down what movies we thought could be contenders. In this post, we'll make the actual predictions in the eight major categories. Let us know what you think in the comments section. My predicted winner will be marked with an *.

Original Screenplay

Gravity*: The film should be all dialogue, and if the movie is actually good, it will be a great achievement in screenwriting.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson is popular with the Academy.
Serena: Another film that seems like it will be bursting with intelligent and scathing dialogue based on the subject matter.
Inside Llewyn Davis: The Coen Brothers do very well in this category.
12 Years a Slave: You'll see a lot of love for this film in this article, and while not much has been released about it, I think director Steve McQueen and star Michael Fassbender have to get noticed when they work together at some point soon.

Screenplay is a tough category considering some more unique and Indie films get recognized here. I do like the above five, however could see Woody Allen sneaking in here with Blue Jasmine.

Adapted Screenplay

The Wolf of Wall Street*: I think this will be a contender for all the major awards.
August Osage County: See "The Wolf of Wall Street".
Foxcatcher: Another film that seems to be a prime candidate for making a good run. Director Bennett Miller does well with somewhat slower material.
The Fifth Estate: The screenplay will be the strongest part of this film if it is successful.
Saving Mr. Banks: I think this film will be the one that oozes Hollywood like the last few Best Picture winners, Argo and The Artist.

I think Oldboy could be a contender here if it gets the support I think it will, but I cannot in good conscious remove any of the above five films.

Best Supporting Actress

Julia Roberts-August: Osage County: She has been gone for a while, and this is a great chance, the Academy loves comebacks.
Cate Blanchett-The Monuments Men: Blanchett has a few films this year that could put her in this category for a great body of work.
Vanessa Redgrave-The Butler: This film is an actor's dream with no less than six men and four women playing notable historical figures. Some at least will be considered in the supporting categories.
Elizabeth Olsen*-Oldboy: Spike Lee has also been out of the game for a while, and I think this film could bring him back into the fold. Olsen has the best chance to snag an acting nomination.
Amy Adams-Untitled David O'Russell scam film: Amy Adams gets nominated a lot, and this should be no exception.

The acting categories are going to be loaded this year. There could be multiple nominees from one film or the same nominee from multiple films.

Best Supporting Actor

Benedict Cumberbatch-Twelve Years a Slave: Cumberbatch could be nominated for Actor or Supporting Actor for about 4 movies this year. This is a toss up.
Bill Murray-The Monuments Men: A film with about 5 possibilities in this category. I'll go Murray over Craig, Dujardin, and Damon.
Colin Farrell*-Saving Mr. Banks: I am hearing a lot of good things about this performance. My only concern is that Emma Thompson will be the star in this film, and Hanks will actually be the main supporting actor, not the lead actor, which would hurt Farrell's chances.
Mark Ruffalo-Foxcatcher: I think Foxcatcher could do very well this year.
Alan Rickman-The Butler: Similar to what I wrote about the supporting actress race for this film. Pick an actor and hope you are right. Alan Rickman plays Ronald Reagan here.

Again, I am really out on a limb here, especially guessing which film Cumberbatch is recognized for and who is recognized from The Butler. Actors like Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender, and Jean Dujardin are in multiple films this year and could all get some nominations.


Best Actress

Naomi Watts-Diana: I doubt the film gets much support overall, but Watts is amazing and appreciated by her peers each year.
Nicole Kidman-Grace of Monaco: I think this is a contender for overrated performance of the year as Kidman has been overacting for about six years, but with Weinstein backing her....
Meryl Streep-August: Osage County: A no brainer.
Sandra Bullock*-Gravity: You are either all in or all out on this film based on the premise, I am all in.
Jennifer Lawrence-Serena: I wonder if there will be JLaw fatigue by this time next year though... Plus she may split votes with her other Bradley Cooper film this year. But Serena feels like just the perfect film for her.

This is a loaded category. I mean a complete powerhouse of some of the best women in the business. I feel very confident in these five.

Best Actor

Idris Elba-Mandela: Every year needs a bio performance. Idris Elba is one of my favorite actors, and I am hoping this really puts him on the map. Plus it has Weinstein's backing.
Steve Carell-Foxcatcher: A real wild card I know, but this film is going to really push Carell, there won't be any comedy here.
Leonardo DiCaprio-The Wolf of Wall Street: DiCaprio is usually overlooked by the Academy, and its hard to not give Clooney any acting nominations this year, but I am going for it. 
Tom Hanks-Captain Phillips: You would think him playing Walt Disney would be his nomination, but I am just not positive that performance will be in the lead category.
Benedict Cumberbatch*-The Fifth Estate: Yes, I am predicting the rare Actor/Supporting Actor dual nominations for Cumberbatch. With his four Oscar possible films this year plus Star Trek into Darkness and The Hobbit Part 2, we should all know Cumberbatch soon.

I originally had Clooney in here over DiCaprio. Both probably get in over Elba,  but sometimes you have to follow your heart and/or gut. I am also guess Captain Phillips is Hanks' film in this category despite Saving Mr. Banks getting more nominations. Carell is the real question mark. Also, some will be surprised I have Cumberbatch winning with all these men nominated, but I think it is his time.

Best Director

Martin Scorsese-The Wolf of Wall Street: The Academy loves Scorsese, and this film is right in it's wheelhouse.
George Clooney-The Monuments Men: I have him getting shut out in his two acting performances, but getting a directing nomination here.
Alfonso Cuaron*- Gravity: Again, all in on this film. If it works out, it will be quite the achievement all around.
Bennett Miller-Foxcatcher: Miller does well with quiet films, and I think this film will really get noticed.
Spike Lee-Oldboy: A bit of a wild card here with no screenplay nomination, but Lee hasn't done much lately and I think he is due.

I removed Steve McQueen here to put in Lee, both of their films could go away without a whimper, but I am thinking both make an impact. Suzanne Biers for Serena, John Wells for August: Osage County, and John Lee Hancock for Saving Mr. Banks area all possibilities here as well.

Best Picture

The Wolf of Wall Street: A tale of an investment banker gone wrong with an all star cast and one of the greatest living directors? Of course.
The Monuments Men: This film could end up not working, the premise is slightly out there. But with Clooney behind the camera and in front of it, joined by the entire A list, I think it will be enjoyed by many.
Foxcatcher: This is one of the films that really makes me nervous predicting this year, but I think its going to do well.
Twelve Years a Slave: This one could also fade away completely, but I think it does well.
Oldboy: See what I said about Spike Lee. If this film is half as good as the Chinese original, it will be here.
August: Osage County: May just be an acting juggernaut, but should sneak in here with Weinstein's backing.
Saving Mr. Banks: See what I wrote in screenplay, Hollywood loves Hollywood, and everyone loves Hanks and Walt Disney.
Serena: The right material for an Oscar film, should be around this time next year.
Gravity*: I am all in. And really, really excited for this film.

I chose nine nominees when ten easily could be an option with such a loaded year. Who knows, the up to ten rule might even get changed this year anyway.

I left many films without a major nomination, including The Great Gatsby, Fruitvale, Dallas Buyer's Club, Labor Day, The Counselor, Out of the Furnace, and Don Jon's Addiction. It was quite hard to make some decisions here, but that is a great sign for the year to come. Hopefully the Academy handles such a loaded year well.

-Maximus

2014 Oscar Predictions Part 1

Its time for the Movie Ninja's second annual way too far in advance Oscar preview. Last year I just did straight predictions, but this year, since there are so many contenders, I am breaking this post into two. The first will breakdown all the films I think could be contending next year, and the second will have my actual predictions. Last year's long term predictions were very successful, while many went wrong, I did correctly predict winners Christoph Waltz, Jennifer, Lawrence, and Daniel Day-Lewis. In Best Picture I also picked Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Argo, Django Unchained, and Lincoln. My biggest mistakes were having too much faith in The Hobbit, Lawless (formerly The Wettest County), and both Gangster Squad and The Great Gatsby which were delayed until this year. I have a feeling I'll be way farther off this year, as it appears to be an embarrassment of riches in the film department. So lets take a look at what we think we'll be talking about next January.

August: Osage County- The sophomore effort from director John Wells. Meryl Streep plays the alcoholic matriarch of a troubled family. The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, and Sam Shepard. The film is produced by George Clooney. Released 11/8.

Serena- The 2nd of 3 team ups between Bradley Cooper and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. The film is about a couple who owns a lumber company during the depression, and how it is complicated when they find out the wife cannot bear children. Toby Jones and Rhys Ifans co-star. Released 9/27.

The Monuments Men- A film by George Clooney about a team who goes into Nazi Germany during WWII to recover lost art. An amazing cast including George Clooney, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Daniel Craig, and Oscar winners Jean Dujardin, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett. Released 12/18.

The Great Gatsby- One that I thought would contend last year, although now its summer release date hurts its chances. Based on the classic story, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey McGuire, and Joel Edgerton. Directed by Baz Luhrman. Released 5/10.

World War Z- Another that got delayed from last Oscar season. A dramatic zombie moving starring Brad Pitt and directed by Finding Neverland's Marc Forster. Although the reason this one was delayed is because the studio apparently is not liking what they are seeing, and the chances of this one being a contender are slim. Released 6/21.

Saving Mr. Banks- The triumphant return of Tom Hanks. Here Hanks plays Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson plays Mary Poppins author PL Travers. Co-starring Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, and Jason Swartzman. Released 12/20.

Captain Phillips- Or is this the triumphant return? Here Hanks plays the ship Captain who was kidnapped by Somali pirates. Directed by Paul Greengrass and co-starring Catherine Keener. Released 10/11.

Grace of Monaco- Nicole Kidman plays a Princess, and its one of Harvey Weinstein's entries this year. Probably a contender for Acting awards only if I had to guess. Co-stars Tim Roth and Frank Langella. Released 12/27.

Wolf of Wall Street- Martin Scorsese's next film, and it re-teams him with his Aviator, Gangs of New York, and Departed star Leonardo DiCaprio. The story is about a Wall street banker who gets in over his head. Co-stars Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, and Jean Dujardin. Released 11/15.

Rush- A formula 1 racing film starring Chris Hemsworth. Normally wouldn't think about this one, but its directed by Ron Howard. Released 9/20.

Foxcatcher- Director Bennett Miller tells the true story of a mentally handicapped man (Steve Carrell) who works with the Olympic wrestling team, and the crime that followed. Co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum. Release date unknown.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug- Based off how mediocre part 1 was and how poorly it was received by the Academy, its doubtful this one makes much of an impact. Released 12/13.

Gravity- A very interesting film, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this long delayed film stars George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as two astronauts on a space walk when their ship is disabled and drifts away, leaving them stranded in the blackness of space. Released 10/4.

Fruitvale- The story of one man's journey on the last day of 2008. This one is making an Indie splash, so I felt it was worth noting here. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer has a supporting performance. Release date unknown.

The Grand Budapest Hotel- Wes Anderson's next film. These usually only get recognized in the Screenplay category, but this may be an exception, as the cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Jude Law, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, and Jason Swartzman. Release date unknown.

Dallas Buyer's Club- This is the film Matthew McConaughey lost all the weight for. Here he plays a gay man with AIDS in the 1980's trying to smuggle banned prescription drugs across the border, along with his transvestite friend who is played by Jared Leto. Release date unknown.

Untitled David O'Russell Film- The next film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, re teaming with their Silver Lining's director David O'Russell. This one is about scam artists and their latest heist, co-stars Amy Adams and Christian Bale. Releae date unknown.

Diana- Naomi Watts plays Princess Diana in this biography film. Release date 8/29.

Labor Day- Director Jason Reitman's follow up to Up in the Air, starring Kate Winslet as a mother kidnapped along with her son by a mysterious stranger played by Josh Brolin. Release date unknown.

Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Bros return to the big screen in this film starring Oscar Isaac (Bourne Legacy) as the character surrounded by normal Coen Bros shenanigans. Co-stars John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, and Carey Mulligan. Released 12/4.

Nebraska- The Descendants director Alexander Payne returns with this film about a father and son reuniting on the fathers ranch. stars Bruce Dern and McGruber himself Will Forte. Release date unknown.

Twelve Years a Slave- Shame Director Steve McQueen re-teams with Michael Fassbender in this film along with Brad Pitt, Chiwetol Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, and Oscar Nominee Quvenzhane Wallis. Plot details are hard to come by but it does involve slavery. Release date unknown.

Out of the Furnace- This film is about two brothers who live in the depression era Midwest, when one is wrongfully sent to prison, the other must join a violent crime ring to try to free his brother. Stars Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, and Casey Affleck. Release date unknown.

The Fifth Estate- Director Bill Condon directs this film about the wiki leaks controversy. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Laura Linney. Release date 11/15.

The Bling Ring- Doesn't sound like normal Oscar material, but since Sophia Coppola has been quiet for a while, I felt her newest film should be included. Stars Emma Watson as the ring leader of the gang of young women who burglarized Hollywood homes in the 90's, based on a true story. Released 6/14.

The Counselor- Director Ridley Scott directs this star studded cast including Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz. The film is about a Lawyer who gets involved in drug trafficking. Release Date 11/15.

Blue Jasmine- Woody Allen will attempt again to fool everyone he is a good director in this film with no plot starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Saarsgard, Louis CK, and Michael Stuhlbarg. Released 7/26.

The Butler- Tells the true story of the butler (Forest Whitaker) who served for many years in the White House. Co-stars Oprah Winfrey, Alan Rickman, James Mardsen, John Cusack, Terrence Howard, Jane Fonda, Melissa Leo, Vanessa Redgrave, and Nelsan Ellis. Directed by Precious' Lee Daniels. Release date unknown.

A Place Beyond the Pines- Ryan Gosling reunites with his Blue Valentine director for this film about a stuntman who turns to robbery. Co-stars Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta. Released 3/29.

Only God Forgives- Ryan Gosling reunites with his Drive director for this film with an unknown plot, all we have received is a poster showing Gosling with a face mashed to pulp. Released 5/23.

Her- Directed by Spike Jonze, this film is about the power of women. Starring Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, and Joaquin Phoenix. Released 10/17.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby- Not sure what to make of this. This film is split into two parts, "His" and "Hers" telling the story of a relationship from both the husband and wives perspective. Stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Viola Davis. Release date(s) unknown.

Don Jon's Addiction- The directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this film stars Levitt as a porn obsessed sex addict trying to straighten his life out. Co-stars Julianne Moore and Scarlet Johannsson. Released 9/19.

Mandela- Another Weinstein produced film. This stars the fantastic Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela, and is about his long walk to freedom. Released 11/29.

42-The story of Jackie Robinson. Doubtful it draws the Academy's attention, but Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey might. Released 4/12.

To The Wonder- Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams star in this film by Terrence Malick, which means plot is optional. Release date 4/12.

Prisoners- This film stars Hugh Jackman as a man whose daughter is kidnapped. The man than kidnaps the person he suspects to be behind the kidnapping to try to learn the truth. Co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Paul Dano, and Terrence Howard. Released 9/20.

Old Boy- This remake of the classic Japanese film tells the story of a man (Josh Brolin) kidnapped and left alone in a room for 20 years until he is released without reason or warning. Directed by Spike Lee. Released 10/11.

Untitled Terrence Malick Film- Malick has another film scheduled this year, starring Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Christian Bale, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Benicio Del Toro, and Val Kilmer. Release date unknown.

Wow, that is a list. Many of these will flop and be out of mind quicky, but one of these films will be our Best Picture a year from now. Check back later for Part 2 where I will make my official predictions.

-Maximus

Oscars Show and Predictions Recap

The big night is over! I personally thought it was a mixed bag of a show. I thought host Seth McFarlane was fantastic, funny, topical, and had the right tone all night. The crazy love for a ten year old Best Picture winner that has all but been removed from public thought is strange, but when you realize the producers of this telecast were executive producers on Chicago, it makes more sense. I felt the Bond tribute was lacking, and while the Les Mis performance was solid, most other musical numbers fell flat. Overall a solid year, and I would love for McFarlane to come back next year.

It looks like its about time to predict next years oscars, but before we get to the year ahead, lets see how we did with our predictions.

Best Picture-Argo

Both myself and Diomedes nailed this one, but so did most people. It was pretty clear, and anything but Argo winning would have been a massive upset. Argo was one of my top three films of the year and is deserving of this award. 

Best Director-Ang Lee, Life of Pi

Both myself and Diomedes had Steven Spielberg for Lincoln. I did have Lee as my "could win" however. This became a real race about 3 weeks ago. Life of Pi was probably a slightly lesser film than Lincoln, but it is a monumental directing achievement. And you just get the feeling everyone in Hollywood loves Lee, and he always seems like the underdog since his films never win Best Picture. 

Best Actor-Daniel Day Lewis, Lincoln

We nailed this one, again though, it was one of the most obvious races in years. 

Best Actress-Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

I correctly predicted Lawrence, Diomedes had Lawrence as his second choice, voting instead for Jessica Chastain. I do wish Chastain would have won, but Lawrence was great as well. The good news is that the overrated performance from Emmanuelle Riva didn't pull the upset. 

Best Supporting Actor-Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

A funny switch up here, if you followed our predictions here, I correctly predicted Waltz, and Diomedes predicted Phillip Seymour Hoffman, however on our ballots at our Oscar party, Diomedes correctly changed his pick to Waltz, and I incorrectly changed mine to Lee Jones. Waltz is well deserving here, as Jones would have been. This has been and continues to be the best category in the Oscars. 

Best Supporting Actress-Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

Both correct here, another obvious race. A well deserved win for Hathaway, one of the most heartbreaking and soul destroying scenes in movie history. 

Best Original Screenplay-Django Unchained

Both correct here as well, however this is another one where I changed it on my personal ballot to Zero Dark Thirty, assuming it had to win one of the main 6 awards. Tarantino is a great choice here for an amazing and original script. I do wish Tarantino would button his top button though. He looks like a slob and it doesn't show how tidy and organized his scripts are. 

Best Adapted Screenplay-Argo

Both correct here as well. Although I was tempted by Lincoln. Chris Terro's script came on late, and was well deserved. 

Best Animated Film-Brave

Both correct again. This was a change I made the Friday before the Oscars, so I hoped you followed my advice to check back again Sunday morning for updates. I got the feeling that Wreck-It Ralph, while considered critically superior, was the type of film many older voters wouldn't get. 

Best Cinematography- Life of Pi

I changed this one on Friday as well, and got it right. Diomedes picked Lincoln here, and Skyfall was also a popular choice. Roger Deakins will continue to be the bridesmaid in this category, maybe next year. 

Best Costume Design- Anna Karenina

I was correct with this one, since Karenina had the big flowing dresses the Academy usually loves. Diomedes picked Les Miserables. Mirror Mirror was also a very popular choice here. 

Best Film Editing- Argo

This was one of only three awards I thought would go to Argo, and only those three did. Diomedes continued to ride the Lincoln train here, but again, if I was voting for what should win, I think Lincoln was the best edited film of the year. 

Makeup & Hairstyling- Les Miserables

We both nailed this one, correctly guessing that the prosthetic route and fantasy route would cancel each other out, giving it the film that succeeded at making its beautiful actors and actresses look....dirty? Lets be honest here thought, its much harder to make convincing dwarves and elves than to make people look grungy. 

Music (Original Score)- Life of Pi

We both correctly predicted Life of Pi, which was the most nontraditional and unique score of the year. All five nominees were worthy here but the award should have gone to a film that was not even nominated though, The Dark Knight Rises and Hans Zimmer's amazing, rousing score. 

Music (Original Song)- Skyfall, Skyfall

Skyfall was the obvious choice here, and we both correctly predicted it. You know the Academy wanted to hop on the Adele train. 

Production Design-Lincoln

Formerly Art Direction, the name was changed to correctly reflect the award. This was one of only two wins for Lincoln, and we both accurately predicted it would win. This was another though I changed for my personal ballot. 

Sound Editing- *Tie* Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty

Whoa! A tie, this was awesome. I was very excited, and then to also see the two winners had the exact same 3 foot long blonde hair was even more fantastic. Diomedes correctly predicted Zero Dark Thirty here. I continued on the Life of Pi train and lost this category. 

Sound Mixing-Les Miserables

We both correctly predicted Les Mis here, which was an obvious choice based off its live singing. 

Visual Effects-Life of Pi

The first person played off with the Jaws music, but again another correctly predicted easy winner here. It was awkward having the stars of one nominee (Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Robery Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner of The Avengers) present this award to another film. 

Documentary Feature- Searching for Sugar Man

We both correctly predicted this feel good film would take home the prize. 

Documentary Short- Inocente

I correctly predicted this one based off the underdog theme. Diomedes thought the heart wrenching (no pun intended) Open Heart would win. 

Foreign Language Film-Amour

Come on, if this didn't win, we would have to evaluate how the Academy does its voting, since this film was the only Foreign Language film nominated for Picture, Director, Actress, and Screenplay. 

Short Film (Animated) - Paperman

A great, great short film was deservedly awarded here. We both correctly predicted this one as well.

Short Film (Live Action)- Curfew

We both predicted this one as well, it was the only American film of the five, and that tends to impact the race in this category. 

So overall if you followed myself and Diomedes predictions, you did pretty well. I ended up with 22 of 24 categories right, missing out on Director and Sound Editing. Diomedes nailed 17 of 24 categories, missing Director, Doc short, Costumes, Actress, Editing, Cinematography, and Supporting Actor. Check back in the next week or so for my way too far in advance 2014 Oscar Predictions. Its been a fun year, thanks everyone for reading and we hope to bring even more fun in 2013. 

-Maximus

Movie Ninja's Oscar Guide

Today is the  big day, you can see our Oscar predictions in our last two posts. But now the question is what should you expect tonight? What should we watch for? Here is the Movie Ninja's Guide to the Oscars.

1. The Red Carpet-who cares right? I personally could care less who is wearing who. Having said that, there is always some fun to be had. Jennifer Lawrence has been funny and brutally honest, and with her once locked in award slipping away, will she be able to hold back her brutal honesty? In addition there are many fun personalities nominated this year, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Bradley Cooper just to name a few.

2. Seth McFarlane-Some don't appreciate his brand of humor, but there is no argument he is one of the smartest people in Hollywood. Watch one episode of Family Guy and you'll see at least 5 references to pop culture, and deep pop culture at that. He also has skewered everyone in Hollywood, so will he go easy on the insults or is he going to be in full fledged mean mode? It will be interesting to see how his peers respond to his humor, and don't forget he is a classically trained singer and astounding pianist.

3. The outcome- Check our predictions, but this is one of the most random years I can remember. Last year you knew The Artist and Hugo would win most awards, but this year, who knows? Lincoln was the most nominated film and the favorite, but Argo has won all the precursors, and what about Life of Pi, Silver Lining's Playbook, and Amour? All 3 are also loved by the Academy, but how much support do they have? Will Life of Pi take all the technical s? I could see this year going chalk, Argo/Spielberg/Day-Lewis/Lawrence/Hathaway and Pi for all the techs, but I could also see me being very surprised tomorrow. Lee for Director? Lincoln or Silver Lining's for Picture? Does Lincoln win a lot of those technical awards we have given to Pi? Who knows what will happen?

4. The Supporting Actor Award- The most unpredictable of the major awards in the ten years I have been covering the Oscars. There is nothing that would surprise me here, although I hope its Christoph Waltz, but Tommy Lee Jones is also deserving. So does the favorite industry veteran (Jones) who has shown a very cranky and unlikable side win? Does the lovable, in the wrong category guy (Waltz) win? Does the long time golden boy with his first good movie in a decade (De Niro) win for a one scene performance? What about the guy with the small part but the most support for his film (Arkin)? Or the guy who brings it every time and is always great (Hoffman)? No one knows. I picked Jones, but am torn on this award. In past years this award was one of the first given, but not last year. If they do give this award early, it may indicate whats to come. If Arkin wins, the Argo support is real. If De Niro wins, watch out for Lawrence for Actress and SLP for screenplay, director, and even picture. If Lee Jones takes it, it makes Day-Lewis' victory all the more certain, and maybe shows the strong bias towards Lincoln. Waltz winning doesn't indicate much since Django is a long shot in anything else but screenplay.

5. The Ending- Apparently McFarlane and Kristin Chenowith are going to do a big, memorable, musical number to end the show. Usually the show ends quickly after Best Picture is announced, so why the change? And why Chenowith? She hasn't done anything notable since Pushing Daisies ended 5 years ago, and even then she wasn't exactly notable.

6. The Backlash- Look back at our Best Picture winners the last few years? Crash gets destroyed whenever it is brought up, The Departed is considered a lifetime achievement award for Scorsese and is never talked about as being great on its own. The Artist is considered light and Hollywood patting itself on the back. The King's Speech now is looked at as undeserving since The Social Network was superior. So if Argo wins, there will be backlash, but how much? If Lincoln or Life of Pi win, what will the evident backlash be? You know its coming, the question is it backlash that the masses agree with (Crash) or something people brush off (The Departed).

Whatever happens, enjoy the ride tonight. Its the biggest night of the year for the movie industry. Check back this week for my recap, and then soon after for my annual way too far in advance 2014 Oscar preview.

-Maximus

Diomedes' Official Oscar Predictions

Alright so in my opinion this is a rough year.  There are a lot of tough categories with numerous potential winners out there due to either very good competition or just weak choices.  Maximus is a beast of a critic and an excellent predictor when it comes to the Oscars.  He has a great sense of what the Academy is looking for.  If you want a solid chance of winning an Oscar ballot pool, look at Maximus' predictions.  But if you would like more of a wild card approach, take a look at what my guesses will be for 2013 below.

Best Picture

Amour

Argo

Beasts of The Southern Wild

Django Unchained

Les Miserables

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Zero Dark Thirty

Will Win: Argo

Could Win: Lincoln

Dark Horse: Zero Dark Thirty

Should Win: Argo

Ok so not a big difference from Maximus' picks but I think you may see that theme on a couple of the big awards.  I think Lincoln has a big shot at winning due to it being a Spielberg picture and Daniel Day-Lewis' excellent performance but for me I still think Argo was the best picture of the year.

Best Director

Lincoln: Steven Spielberg

Amour: Michael Haneke

Beasts of the Southern Wild: Benh Zeitlin

Life of Pi: Ang Lee

Silver Linings Playbook: David O. Russell

Will Win: Lincoln

Could Win: Silver Linings Playbook

Dark Horse: Life of Pi

Should Win: Lincoln

Spielberg.  Enough Said. 

Best Actor

Daniel Day-Lewis: Lincoln

Bradley Cooper: Silver Linings Playbook

Hugh Jackman: Les Miserables

Joaquin Phoenix: The Master

Denzel Washington: Flight

Will Win: Daniel Day-Lewis

Could Win: No one  

Dark Horse: Joaquin Phoenix

Should Win: Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis has this one hands down.  He emerged again to give an amazing performance and now we won't see him until 2015.

Best Actress

Naomi Watts: The Impossible

Jessica Chastain: Zero Dark Thirty

Jennifer Lawrence: Silver Linings Playbook

Quvenzhane Wallis: Beasts of the Southern Wild

Emmanuelle Riva: Amour

Will Win: Jessica Chastain

Could Win: Jennifer Lawrence

Dark Horse: Emmanuelle Riva

Should Win: Jessica Chastain

This is one of the toughest races this year.  Most will probably go toward Jennifer Lawrence because she did have an excellent performance in Silver Linings Playbook.  I though want to go with Jessica Chastian on this one.  She gave an excellent performance as well and I think the academy will lean towards her as she is a little more matured and has been nominated in the past.

Best Supporting Actor

Robert De Niro: Silver Linings Playbook

Alan Arkin: Argo

Phillip Seymour Hoffman: The Master

Christoph Waltz: Django Unchained

Tommy Lee Jones: Lincoln

Will Win: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Could Win: Christoph Waltz

Dark Horse: Tommy Lee Jones

I think I may be going a little out there on this one but I feel like the Master is a movie that the academy voters love and will show that by throwing the oscar toward Hoffman.  I want to say though that any of them could win this one.  I also want to say that I felt Leo got snubbed in Django and should be here over Waltz and Cranston got snubbed in Argo and should be here over Arkin.  Both Arkin and Waltz gave very good performances but I felt Leo and Cranston were just a little better in those movies. 

Best Supporting Actress

Jacki Weaver: Silver Linings Playbook

Amy Adams: The Master

Sally Field: Lincoln

Helen Hunt: The Sessions

Anne Hathaway: Les Miserables

Will Win: Anne Hathaway

Could Win: Amy Adams

Dark Horse: Sally Field

Should Win: Anne Hathaway

I will be really disappointed if Anne Hathaway doesn't win.  I think she gave the best performance out of all of the nominees.  Her crying and showing emotion while actually singing had to be very difficult but she hit it perfectly.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Argo

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Silver Linings Playbook

Will Win: Argo

Could Win: Beast of the Southern Wild

Dark Horse: Lincoln

Should Win: Argo

As Maximus said, they will want to throw an award at Lincoln but I feel Lincoln will receive many so I don't feel its a necessary to give it this award.  I think Argo will grab this award.  It got a lot of steam in a few categories for the other award shows so I think it could sneak away with this one.

Best Original Screenplay

Amour

Django Unchained

Flight

Moonrise Kingdom

Zero Dark Thirty

Will Win: Django Unchained

Could Win: Zero Dark Thirty

Dark Horse: Amour

Should Win: Django Unchained

I am rooting for Django for this one because I think it maybe the only one it wins.  I think Zero Dark Thirty has a good chance of winning this one those as again it wont be receiving many awards either.  Amour is the same way but I just don't feel Amour should be as large a part of the Oscars as it is so I'm voting it down.

Best Animated Film

Brave

Frankenweenie

ParaNorman

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Wreck-It Ralph

Will Win: Brave

Could Win: Wreck-It Ralph

Dark Horse: Frankenweenie

Should Win: N/A

I haven't actually seen the nominees in this category this year either, but my gut says Brave because its one of those fairy tale journeys that I feel the Academy will love, as Maximus mentions in his predictions. 

Cinematography

Anna Karenina

Django Unchained

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Skyfall

Will Win: Lincoln

Could Win: Django Unchained

Dark Horse: Life of Pi

Should Win: Skyfall

I think this will be another one that goes to Lincoln.  Skyfall had beautiful scenery and and amazing photography but it is classified as a Bond movie which will discredit it in the Academy’s eyes.

Costume Design

Anna Karenina

Les Miserables

Lincoln

Mirror Mirror

Snow White and the Huntsman

Will Win: Les Miserables

Could Win: Lincoln

Dark Horse: Mirror Mirror

Should Win: Snow White and the Huntsman

I think the award will go to Les Miserables because the Academy loves time pieces and they tend to award a movie like Les Miserables for showing the times instead of a movie that has very difficult or unique costumes.

Editing

Argo

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Silver Linings Playbook

Zero Dark Thirty

Will Win: Lincoln

Could Win: Argo

Dark Horse: Zero Dark Thirty

Should Win: Argo

I think this is another Lincoln will snag.  I could be completely wrong but I think the Academy is going to continue to give Lincoln a lot of awards throughout the night.

Makeup & Hairstyling

Hitchcock

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Les Miserables

Will Win: Les Miserables

Could Win: The Hobbit

Dark Horse: Hitchcock

Should Win: The Hobbit

I think, like my partner mentions, that they give this to Les Miserables due to it being a transformation toward a time piece instead of actually looking at difficulty and time to create outcome for this category.

Music (Original Score)

Anna Karenina

Argo

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Skyfall

Will Win: Life of Pi

Could Win: Lincoln

Dark Horse: Skyfall

Should Win: Skyfall

It seems that Pi has a very good score and the Acedemy will lean that way.

Music (Original Song)

"Before My Time" Chasing Ice

"Everybody Needs a Best Friend" Ted

"Pi's Lullaby" Life of Pi

"Skyfall" Skyfall

"Suddenly" Les Miserables

Will Win: Skyfall

Could Win: Les Miserables

Dark Horse: Pi's Lullaby

Should Win: Skyfall

Adele is a beast when it comes to racking in the awards so this one will be the only Skyfall win and be the first Bond song to win this award.

Production Design

Anna Karenina

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Les Miserables

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Will Win: Lincoln

Could Win: Les Miserables

Dark Horse: Life of Pi

Should Win: Lincoln

Lincoln again will be rewarded by the Academy for this category.  As Maximus says, the CGI will probably rule out some of the other top contenders.

Sound Editing

Argo

Django Unchained

Life of Pi

Skyfall

Zero Dark Thirty

Will Win: Zero Dark Thirty

Could Win: Life of Pi

Dark Horse: Skyfall

Should Win: Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thrity is a much more serious movie than Skyfall and contains a lot of the same sounds but maybe on a different scale.  I think it wins because Skyfall has the Bond stigma which will discredit it.

Sound Mixing

Argo

Les Miserables

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Skyfall

Will Win: Les Miserables

Could Win: Argo

Dark Horse: Life of Pi

Should Win: Les Miserables

Les Miserables was all about the sound from effect noises, to singing, to fighting in the streets during singing.  I think it wins this one.

Visual Effects

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Life of Pi

Marvel's The Avengers

Prometheus

Snow White and the Huntsman

Will Win: Life of Pi

Could Win: Snow White

Dark Horse: The Avengers

Should Win: Snow White

Life of Pi is really the only choice because it is a serious movie with a lot of support and the Academy would definitely choose a movie like this over a super hero, fairy tale, alien, or fantasy film. 

Documentary Feature

5 Broken Cameras

The Gatekeepers

How to Survive a Plague

The Invisible War

Searching for Sugar Man

Will Win: Searching for Sugar Man

Could Win: How to Survive a Plague

Dark Horse: The Gatekeepers

Should Win: N/A

I agree with them choosing a more light hearted movie over the other depressing choices for this category.

Documentary Short

Inocente

Kings Point

Mondays at Racine

Open Heart

Redemption

Will Win: Open Heart

Could Win: Inocente

Dark Horse: Mondays at Racine

Should Win: Open Heart

I think Open Heart has a good chance at winning due to it dealing with young children who need heart transplants,  Inocente has a good shot to because the Academy loves chasing dreams themes.

Foreign Language Film

Amour

Kon-Tiki

No

A Royal Affair

War Witch

Will Win: Amour

Could Win: War Witch

Dark Horse: Kon-Tiki

Should Win: Amour

It was nominated for best overall picture.  If it doesn’t win than I will be utterly confused with the best picture nod…

Short Film (Animated)

Adam and Dog

Fresh Guacamole

Head over Heels

Maggie Simpson in The Longest Daycare

Paperman

Will Win: Paperman

Could Win: Maggie Simpson in the Longest Daycare

Dark Horse: Head over Heels

Should Win: Paperman

Looks like Paperman was well received and has a good shot at winning.

Short Film (Live Action)

Asad

Buzkashi Boys

Curfew

Death of a Shadow

Henry

Will Win: Curfew

Could Win: Asad

Dark Horse: Death of a Shadow

Should Win: Asad

Curfew looks to be the leader in this category but I like the idea of Asad maybe sneaking away with this one.

That’s all I got for you.  Hope Seth is a good entertainer this year!  Enjoy the Oscars as they only come and disappoint us once a year.

-Diomedes