They Nominated Who?

by Jack Garcia

Earlier this week the nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards were announced… and there were some surprising nominations.  Well, surprising to me at least. 

First off, The Kids Are All Right is getting a lot more Oscar nods than I think it deserves.  I saw the movie.  I liked the movie.  But I didn’t think it was by any means fabulous.  Do you know what I mean?  I just didn’t think it was that good.  Brian thinks it’s political, and he may be right.  Lesbian's rights activists would probably be livid if the movie wasn’t at least nominated.

But seriously…  Mark Ruffalo is nominated?  And why Annette Bening over Julianne Moore?   Is it because Moore’s a redhead?  That is so messed up…  I promise you ginger kids have souls.  They really do.  My mom is a ginger, and I love her!

(There was a South Park reference in there.  Did you catch it?)

Oh, do you know what else makes me upset?  Once again, Leonardo DiCaprio is snubbed at the Oscars.  Why do they always do this to him?  Two years ago he was in a fantastic film called Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet and they were both amazing in it.  Kate Winslet won an Oscar that year for her other movie, The Reader, even though she was far more impressive in Revolutionary Road.  And Leo?  Nothing.   Not a thing.  It was like everyone decided to just ignore him and that movie all together.

But what’s the excuse this year?  Inception is getting plenty of attention as far as awards go—I mean, it is nominated for Best Picture—but does anyone think Leonardo DiCaprio deserves a nomination?  I guess nobody else but me and Brian.  Or what about his performance in Shutter Island?  Brilliant beyond brilliant!  A nomination for that role this year?  No.  I am furious.  FURIOUS!

I need to calm down…  Where are my pills?

Okay, my other complaints are less drastic.  I loved Hereafter, but the special effects in it were pretty bad… and what is its only nomination?  Best Achievement in Visual Effects.  Seriously?  And do you know what isn’t nominated for Visual Effects?  Tron.  Yup, Hereafter over Tron.  And what else did Tron have to bring to the table besides its effects?

And speaking of these technical awards, my beloved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is nominated for Visual Effects and Art Direction, which makes me happy, but what makes me sad is that I know it won’t win.  A decade-long film franchise and not a single Oscar to its name.  Oh well.

The Oscars air Sunday, February 27^th… maybe we’ll have cable by then.

Movies of 2009: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  (500) Days of Summer

This is one of my favorite romantic comedies because it is surprisingly unconventional, hip and unique.  It somehow makes the familiar unfamiliar.  And Zoey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are adorable together.

4.  Precious

This movie grabs onto you with an iron fist and never lets you go.  Bold, unapologetic, and deeply affecting, with a spectacular performance by Mo’Nique.

3.  Inglourious Basterds

Nazi-killing at its very best!  Only Quentin Tarantino could rewrite history with such finesse…  if only Hitler had really burned up in a movie theater.

2.  Up

The previews for this movie had me a little scared… they made the movie look kinda’ stupid.  But I never should have doubted my beloved Pixar.  This movie was warm-hearted and funny, and the silent flashback of Carl’s and Ellie’s life together—the miscarriage of their child and her eventual death—has me in tears every single time.

1.  Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak is one of my favorite author/illustrators, and Spike Jonze’ adaptation of Sendak’s children’s book Where the Wild Things Are blew me out of the water.  Finally, a family movie that doesn’t sugar coat or dumb things down.  It’s scary, it’s funny, it’s sad, it’s complex, it’s impactful, it’s innovative, and it’s brilliant.

Honorable Mentions:  Star Trek, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Hangover

Oh, and if you haven't yet, be sure to read "Movies of 2010:  My Fave Fifteen"!

Movies of 2008: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  High School Musical 3: Senior Year

This is really embarrassing guys, but there’s something about the High School Musical movies that I can’t get enough of.  The third one—the only one to go to theaters—is by far the best.  I even went to the midnight opening with a bunch of my college friends.  Everything about it is cheesy, but it’s sure a lot of fun.  Plus, Zac Efron makes me swoon.

4.  Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Two friends make a really low-budget porno for some rent money, and then inevitably fall in love.  Lots of crass humor and hilarious moments, but overall it’s a sweet little love story.

3.  Doubt

One of the greatest dramas I have ever seen.  Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams all shine, but Viola Davis blows the movie out of the water with just one powerful scene.  Outstanding performances all around.

2.  Slumdog Millionaire

We loved this movie so much I think we saw it at least three times in theaters.  We even paid money to see it even though we could have seen it for free, just to show our support.  Oh, and the ending dance number is the best part of the whole thing.  Go Bollywood!

1.  WALL-E

The fact that the entire first half of the movie is essentially a silent film is so awesome!  WALL-E shows so much more emotion and character without words than most live action stars do with a script full of dialogue.  This is by far Pixar’s greatest movie to date, with stunning animation, sound, and story.

Honorable Mentions:  Yes Man, Revolutionary Road, Tropic Thunder

Movies of 2007: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  Lars and the Real Girl

The love between a man and his blow-up doll is very real.  And if you’ve seen this movie, you’ll know that it’s a beautiful thing.

4.  Atonement

So good we had to read the book.  A little girl falsely accuses someone of a horrible crime, and lives with the guilt the rest of her life.  A very well-made film.

3.  Sweeney Todd:  The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sondheim is a musical genius, and Tim Burton’s visionary style turned out to be the perfect complement.  I love the music!  I love the blood!

2.  Juno

Ellen Page is a comic gem in this wonderfully quirky, brilliantly written coming-of-age story about sex and relationships.  "That ain't no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, Homeskillet."

1.  Across the Universe

I freaking love this movie!  I mean, it’s a movie musical by Julie Taymor featuring music from The Beatles!  How can you not love that?  It’s about the tragedy of war and the beauty of love in the turbulent 1960’s.  All you need is love!

               

Honorable Mentions:  Dan in Real Life, Hairspray, Ratatouille

Movies of 2006: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  V for Vendetta

“Remember, remember the 5^th of November.”  A very cool movie about people overthrowing their government by any means necessary.  Plus there is some beautiful dialogue in it!  “It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to no one.”

4.  The Pursuit of Happyness

I love me some Will Smith!  And this movie pulled at my heartstrings and had me crying like a big ol’ baby… so good!

3.  Little Miss Sunshine

One of many movies about a dysfunctional family, but this one is one of my favorites.  When little Olive dances like a stripper to “Superfreak” at the beauty pageant, I almost peed my pants!  Hilarious!

2.  The Devil Wears Prada

There are four big reasons why I love this movie:  Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.  Need I say more?

1.  Marie Antoinette

18^th Century Versailles has never looked this awesome.  Set to a wonderful score of pop rock goodies like “I Want Candy,” the movie shows us that the royal class was really the superstars of their day.  It has a beautiful esthetic and sheds a more favorable light on the infamous Marie Antoinette.

Honorable Mentions:  The Holiday, Perfume:  The Story of a Murderer, A Prairie Home Companion

Movies of 2005: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

This movie opens up with dolphins singing “So long and thanks for all the fish!”  I was hooked instantly.  I also decided to eat some dolphin-safe tuna while watching.

4.  The Chronicles of Narnia:  The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

All I’ve got to say is this movie is far more exciting than the original novel.  The novel is dull, but this movie was magical.  Same can’t be said for the sequels however…

3.  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Although I don’t think a remake of a childhood classic was necessary, I did find myself enjoying this movie.  Even against my will.  And while it may be very pointless and silly, I guess that’s the point.  “Candy doesn’t have to have a point.  That’s why it’s candy.”

2.  The Producers

“May I take your hat, your coat, and your swastikas?”  They wanted to produce the world’s worst show, but lo and behold a musical about Nazis turns out to be a success.  This movie musical is hilarious!

1.  Brokeback Mountain

The tagline says it all:  “Love is a force of nature.”  This movie is absolutely heartbreaking, and it should have won best picture that year at the Academy Awards.  And I’m not just saying that because I’m gay.  This movie deserved it.

               

Honorable Mentions:  The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Hitch, Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Movies of 2004: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  Saved!

Mandy Moore throws the bible at Jena Malone shouting, “I am FILLED with Christ’s love!” and Jena responds with, “This is not a weapon!”  Comedic, yes, but also poignant.

4.  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

What if you could erase someone from your memory?  Would you do it?  I always love Jim Carrey when he decides to do serious roles.  He can really be quite brilliant.

3.  Napoleon Dynamite

I was completely caught up in this cult classic phenomenon when it came out.  I had a “Vote for Pedro” trucker cap, an “Eye of the Liger” pink polo shirt, and I quoted this movie all the time.  “You’re mom goes to college!”  And it was made by Brigham Young University alumni with a Mormon as the lead.  It was like every Mormon kid had to love Napoleon.

2.  Mean Girls

Thanks to the comedic genius of Tina Fey, this movie about the evil tactics of teenage girls rises above the rest.  It’s also a reminder that Lindsay Lohan had so much potential!  But unlike her character in the film, it seems she’s become a “plastic” for good.

1.  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Still my favorite installment of the film franchise, this one, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, was beautifully filmed and edited.  In my opinion, it brought Harry Potter to a whole ‘nother level of artistic merit.  It’s simply the best.

               

Honorable Mentions:  The Passion of the Christ, The Incredibles, Finding Neverland

Movies of 2003: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  A Mighty Wind

Who knew a mockumentary about folk singers could be so funny?  “There was abuse in my family, but it was mostly musical in nature.”

4.  Big Fish

One of Tim Burton’s better films, surreal and endearing.

3.  Pirates of the Caribbean:  The Curse of the Black Pearl

A movie based on a theme park ride?  Why, yes!  And it actually worked!  Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow is the stuff of legend.  He truly made the movie memorable.  The sequels however?  Not so memorable… and a fourth one is on the way.

2.  School of Rock

Failed rock musician pretends to be a substitute teacher and winds up with a band of rock and rollers!  “I have been touched by your kids… and I’m pretty sure that I’ve touched them.”

1.  Finding Nemo

“Just keep swimming!” are words to live by.  One of Pixar’s very best.

               

Honorable Mentions:  Love Actually, Mona Lisa Smile, Bruce Almighty

Movies of 2002: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  A Walk to Remember

A cheesy choice, right?  I’m aware.  But this movie is so adorable and I just love Mandy Moore.

4.  About a Boy

Every time I hear the song “Killing Me Softly” I think of this movie and that odd little boy singing it.  Always.

3.  Orange County

This movie is so funny!  I just love the guy’s dysfunctional family, including the drug-addicted Jack Black.  Oh my goodness, do you remember when he burns down the college and then runs away in his underwear?  Ha ha ha ha ha.

2.  Catch Me If You Can

The thrill of the chase is so exciting in this film, from beginning to end.  And I just love the idea of stepping into another life, pretending to be a pilot or a doctor or whatever you want to be that day.  Instead I’m just sitting here.  Blogging.

1.  Chicago

A brilliant movie musical.  The concept, the staging, the music, everything.  And what about that superstar cast!?  Phenomenal!  I can watch it again and again.

Honorable Mentions:  Lilo & Stitch, Bang Bang You’re Dead, Minority Report

Movies of 2001: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  Legally Blonde

You gotta’ love a movie that teaches you something as important as “Bend and Snap.”  What a lifesaver.

4.  Spirited Away

This is my favorite Miyazaki film.  Beautiful animation and the craziest story ever!   I mean, her parents turn into pigs…how weird is that?

3.  Donnie Darko

I didn’t know what the heck was going on half of the time, but it’s darkly mesmerizing and downright unforgettable.  And now I'm terrified of bunny rabbits.  Even bunny slippers.

2.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The first Harry Potter movie is such a classic.  And as a true fanboy, I think I’ve seen it about 78 times.  Ah… how I wish I could receive a letter from Hogwarts…

1.  Moulin Rouge

Baz Luhrmann is a genius.  This movie is a funny, heartbreaking, spectacular spectacular!  My whole family loved it so much, that my sister and I used to sing the “Elephant Love Medley” together at the top of our lungs.  That’s kind of weird now that I think about it.  Siblings shouldn’t sing love songs.

Honorable Mentions:  A Knight's Tale, Shrek, Monster's Inc.

Movies of 2000: My Fave Five

by Jack Garcia

5.  Bring It On

Even to this day, if I’m ever cold and say “brr” I’ll probably follow it up with the cheer, “It’s cold in here, there must be some Toros in the Atmosphere!  I said o-e-o-e-o, ice, ice, ice!”

4.  Pay It Forward

Haley Joel Osment gets shot in the end!  Shot!  I cry every time, especially when everyone gathers ‘round with the candles and “Calling All Angels” plays.  It’s so sad…

3.  Remember the Titans

Even though I’m not a sports fan by any means, I love this movie.  I think it has a lot to do with the message of equality and brotherhood and love… or the awesome 60’s soundtrack.

2.  Billy Elliot

It’s about a little boy who wants to be a ballerina.  Enough said.

1.  O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Who else but the Coen Brothers would think up a bluegrass retelling of The Odyssey?  George Clooney is so funny, but the music really makes the movie happen for me.  “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys is freakin’ awesome.

Honorable Mentions:  Miss Congeniality, Gladiator, Chicken Run

Golden Globes

by Jack Garcia

My dear sweet auntie doesn't have cable, so we were unable to watch the Golden Globes last night.  Brian's mom back in Utah was kind enough to invite us over to her house to watch it, but we didn't really feel up to the drive.  I'm sure the ceremony wasn't worth it.

I just wanted to make a few comments about the results.  First off, being a HUGE GLEEK I was very happy with the show's win!  Congratulations, Glee!  I'm also very happy for Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch who both won for their supporting roles on the series.  They play my two favorite characters, Kurt and Sue, and I'm just absolutely thrilled that they were recognized for their work! 

Secondly, although I love, love, love, love, love The Social Network, I don't think it should have won over Black Swan.  Or that Fincher should have won over Aronofsky.  At least they gave Natalie Portman the award.  She truly was spectacular.  But seriously, Aronofsky's Black Swan is a far superior film.

Colin Firth's win makes me happy and so does Toy Story 3's win (although it's hardly a surprise).  And most of the other awards I don't really care about so that's that.

One last thing.  What on earth were some of the celebrities wearing?  Yuck.

Movies of 2010: My Fave Fifteen

by Jack Garcia

I wish I could say that I've seen every movie that has come out this year, but I haven't.  With up to ten movies coming out each weekend in both limited and wide release it is simply impossible to see them all.  However, being blessed with free admission I've been able to see 52 movies during the year of 2010!

And yet there are a ton of movies I was absolutely dying to see that I was unable to see, such as Youth in Revolt, The Runaways, The Karate Kid, 8: The Mormon Proposition, Eat Pray Love, The American, Buried, Let Me In (although I have seen the original Swedish film Let the Right One In), Conviction, Paranormal Activity 2, For Colored Girls, 127 Hours (Brian saw it without me), I Love You Philip Morris, and Rabbit Hole among others.

So, knowing that there are many movies I didn't even see, I now present to you my fifteen favorite movies of 2010:

15.  Tangled
Come on, it's Disney.  You gotta' love Disney.  And she has magical, glowing hair!
14.  Devil
A great horror flick that felt like a throwback to the early days.  Simple and fun.
13.  Hereafter
Matt Damon can do no wrong in my opinion.
12.  Easy A
Smart, charming, and hilarious!  This year's Mean Girls.
11.  How to Train Your Dragon
In my opinion, this is Dreamworks' best animated flick ever.  What boy doesn't want a pet dragon?
10.  Kick-Ass
The name says it all... this movie kicked a**.  Especially that little girl.
9.  Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Visually awesome.  One of the most stylistically creative movies of the year and so entertaining!
8.  The Social Network
A wonderful commentary on our times and it even had Justin Timberlake.
7.  Shutter Island
Leonardo DiCaprio.  Spooky, thrilling, and not what you expect.  Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
6.  The Ghost Writer
A brilliant mystery that has you intrigued from start to finish. Loved, loved, loved the ending!
5.  The King's Speech
Oh my goodness this movie was so funny!  Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are amazing.
4.  Inception
Leonardo DiCaprio and Christopher Nolan.  Mind-boggling and captivating.
3.  Black Swan
Oscar!  Natalie Portman needs an Oscar!  This movie is bizarre, and surreal, and fantastic.
2.  Toy Story 3
It was like being a kid all over again.  Funny and clever as always, with such heart.
1.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part1
I'm a nerd, I know, but seeing as I saw this one four times, it had to be number one on my list!