Category: 2012 Oscars Challenge

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2012 Oscars Challenge: 84th Academy Awards Predictions

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My official Oscar predictions: Best Picture: The Artist Best Actor in a Leading Role: George Clooney, “The Descendants” Best Actress in a Leading Role: Viola Davis, “The Help” Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoper Plummer, “Beginners” Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Octavia Spencer, “The Help” Best Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist” Best Animated Feature: “Rango” Best Animated Short: “La Luna” Best Art … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: 84th Academy Awards Predictions

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2012 Oscars Challenge: Five Nominees I Failed to See…

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“In Darkness” which is competing for Best Foreign Language Film has gained a little attention, but probably not enough to beat out “A Separation” which is a clear winner at this point. “In Darkness” was playing at theaters around Los Angeles, but with lack of time and little desire to pay huge amounts for a ticket to this film, I opted out. Unsure of … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: Five Nominees I Failed to See…

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [41] Drive & Sound Editing

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[5 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[1 DAY TO OSCARS] Seeing “Drive” win its one category would be a great victory, but “Hugo” and “War Horse” are basically the only competitors in this category. With “Drive” being snubbed this year, a sound win would definitely show the naysayers the kind of following this film has but I do not believe the Academy look to honor … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [41] Drive & Sound Editing

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [40] The Help & 4 Nominations

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[6 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[4 DAYS TO OSCARS] One of the weaker films in the Best Picture category, this film will probably gain most of the acting awards with one fell-swoop. Even at the Golden Globes, winner Meryl Streep said that Viola Davis deserved the award more. Much better than Streep’s performance, Davis should be able to capture this award. Though I would … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [40] The Help & 4 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [39] The Ides Of March & Adapted Screenplay

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[7 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[6 DAYS TO OSCARS] “The Ides Of March” gaining this nomination was enough of an honor, being one of my favorite films of 2011. In my opinion, this is the most well-rounded category compared to any other this year at the Academy Awards. It is unlikely “Ides” will win over “The Descendants” or “Moneyball”, but the competition in this … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [39] The Ides Of March & Adapted Screenplay

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [38] Hugo & 11 Nominations

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[9 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[7 DAYS TO OSCARS] If there is one film in the Best Picture category that could possibly knock out “The Artist” (which seems unlikely at this point), it would be “Hugo”. With Martin Scorsese at the helm (who has an Academy Award for Best Director from “The Departed”) and a stellar screenplay, “Hugo” has the most nominations of any … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [38] Hugo & 11 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [37] Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part Two & 3 Nominations

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[9 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[7 DAYS TO OSCARS] With as good a film that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two” is, it deserved much more than just the three nominations it received this year at the Oscars. The franchise has been nominated 12 times throughout the years and has never won a single award. Aside from that, in wanting it to … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [37] Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows Part Two & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [36] Bullhead & Foreign Language Feature

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[10 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[8 DAYS TO OSCARS] Though “A Separation” appears unbeatable at this point, “Bullhead” offers a much needed close second with a dramatic leading man and a fresh story with deep and thought-provoking material. Dark and gritty, Belgium’s “Bullhead” tells the story of Jacky, a cattle farmer who gets caught up in the middle of a mob deal gone wrong. … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [36] Bullhead & Foreign Language Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [35] The Descendants & 5 Nominations

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[11 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[9 DAYS TO OSCARS] As much as I loved this film, I just do not see it beating out “The Artist”. Though it is positioned just right to win the Best Picture category, with all the major awards at its fingertips (Best Directing, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay) if any film were to upset … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [35] The Descendants & 5 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [34] A Separation & 2 Nominations

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[12 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[9 DAYS TO OSCARS] At this point in the season, it is fairly clear what will be take certain awards, based on how well it’s done in other ceremonies and based simply on whether or not there is still buzz towards a certain film in any given category. “A Separation” has been a clear pick for Best Foreign Language … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [34] A Separation & 2 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [33] The Tree Of Life & 3 Nominations

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[13 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[9 DAYS TO OSCARS] Nothing made me happier on Oscar Nomination Day than “The Tree Of Life” getting the much deserved Academy attention that it received. A Best Cinematography nod was bound to happen with all the award season buzz it garnered, but with Best Picture and Best Directing nominations, “The Tree Of Life” became a frontrunner for both … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [33] The Tree Of Life & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [32] Pina & Documentary Feature

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[14 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[10 DAYS TO OSCARS] Less of a documentary and more of an “in memoriam” for Pina Bausch, a German modern dancer and choreographer, “Pina” uses the cameras and a documentary-like feel as a giant stage to exhibit the modern dance techniques that were taught by the late Pina Bausch. There are small interviews (more like meditations) on different dancers’ … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [32] Pina & Documentary Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [31] Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory & Documentary Feature

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[15 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[12 DAYS TO OSCARS] Originally an HBO special, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” finds itself in the running for Best Documentary Feature. The third film in a series about the West Memphis 3, the documentary summarizes the entire history of the case leading up to the huge events that occurred in the case this past year. “Paradise Lost 3” is … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [31] Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory & Documentary Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [30] Puss In Boots & Animated Feature

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[16 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[14 DAYS TO OSCARS] With “The Adventures Of Tintin” out of the picture in the Best Animated Feature category, its replacement as runner-up against “Rango” was left wide open. With two questionably received animated foreign films and “Kung Fu Panda 2”, the clear second place finisher seems to be “Puss In Boots”. Personally, “Rango” fails to live up to … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [30] Puss In Boots & Animated Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [29] The Adventures of Tintin & John Williams

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[17 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[14 DAYS TO OSCARS] If any film was robbed this year (outside of the Documentary category and “Drive”), it would be Steven Spielberg’s second directing venture of the year, “The Adventures of Tintin”. Slated as one of the top competitors in the Best Animated Feature category against “Rango”, “Tintin” didn’t even get a nomination. If that wasn’t strange enough, … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [29] The Adventures of Tintin & John Williams

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [28] War Horse & 6 Nominations

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[18 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[15 DAYS TO OSCARS] After five years, Steven Spielberg is back on the Oscar map, with a Best Picture nomination. Spielberg has previously had six films nominated for Best Picture and has only won a single Best Picture Academy Award for “Schindler’s List”. He’s also been nominated six times for Best Director, winning for “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [28] War Horse & 6 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [27] Albert Nobbs & 3 Nominations

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[19 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[15 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Albert Nobbs” brings in three admirable nominations in Actress, Supporting Actress, and Makeup, all of which are high caliber. Glenn Close earns the nominations from a part she helped create, playing a woman dressed as a man in the 19th century, trying to earn enough money start her own business. Glenn Close delivers a performance … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [27] Albert Nobbs & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [26] The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo & 5 Nominations

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[20 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[16 DAYS TO OSCARS] There was a huge rally behind “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” this year and many seemed surprised when it wasn’t nominated for Best Picture. With the huge David Fincher band-camp from last year, that theme continued into this year, with his remake of the Swedish film of the same title. Now it only finds … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [26] The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo & 5 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [25] Bridesmaids & 2 nominations

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[21 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[18 DAYS TO OSCARS] One of the shockers of the Oscar nominations, “Bridesmaids” is normally not the type of film that gets recognized by the Academy. The main reason it surprised me is that it’s a comedy, which are rarely recognized by this awards ceremony, let alone given one of the highly acclaimed nomination spots. However, up against the … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [25] Bridesmaids & 2 nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [24] My Week With Marilyn & 2 Acting Noms

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[22 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[18 DAYS TO OSCARS] Playing a well-known historical figure is tough. Especially one as well-known as Marilyn Monroe. The difficulty comes in being compared to that figure and never quite adding up to what people expect from that role. Marilyn was never nominated for an Academy Award, so Michelle Williams being nominated playing Monroe is quite the accomplishment and … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [24] My Week With Marilyn & 2 Acting Noms

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [23] Anonymous & Costumes

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[23 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[19 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Anonymous” is filled with great costumes, especially those of Rhys Ifans’ character, Edward de Vere, which was preeminent from the trailer and leaves a lasting impression following the film. However, it suffers some of the same fate “Jane Eyre” does as most of it has been seen before and it is not delivered in a … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [23] Anonymous & Costumes

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [22] The Iron Lady & 2 nominations

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[24 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[20 DAYS TO OSCARS] Meryl Streep is by far a frontrunner in this year’s Oscar race, but not because the film she is in is an utter success, but because Meryl Streep is who she is. Since she’s been successful before, winning two Academy Awards already (one in 1979 for “Kramer Vs. Kramer” and one in 1982 for “Sophie’s … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [22] The Iron Lady & 2 nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [21] Jane Eyre & Costume Design

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[25 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[21 DAYS TO OSCARS] Period pieces dominate this category and that is where “Jane Eyre” has an upper hand in this category. The problem is…  all the films in this category are period pieces, with the major front-runners being “The Artist” and “Hugo” just because of their Best Picture overtones. Though films like “Anonymous” and “Jane Eyre” could sneak … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [21] Jane Eyre & Costume Design

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [20] A Cat In Paris & Animated Feature

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[26 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[22 DAYS TO OSCARS] Unless it is going to be a French-love year (I’m talking about “The Artist” being a front-runner for Best Picture), I do not see “A Cat In Paris” winning the Best Animated Feature. People were surprised to see “Chico & Rita” and “A Cat In Paris” get nominated, both being foreign films that are more … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [20] A Cat In Paris & Animated Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [19] Rango & Animated Feature

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[27 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[22 DAYS TO OSCARS] Without “The Adventures of Tintin” in contention, “Rango” basically has a lock on this category. Unless “Puss In Boots” can rally an upset, “Rango” is the odds-on favorite. Since “The Adventures of Tintin” won the Golden Globe award in this same category, there is no drawing a favorite from that. Personally, my pick would have … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [19] Rango & Animated Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [18] Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close & 2 nominations

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[28 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[22 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” was lucky to get nominated for anything, plain and simple. The fact that it got a Best Picture nomination over “Harry Potter” or “Drive” is testament to the direction that the Academy tends to take towards family films. The film is shows up in only one other category (Best Actor … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [18] Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close & 2 nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [17] Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy & 3 Nominations

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[29 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[23 DAYS TO OSCARS] It’s going to be a tough year in the Best Adapted Screenplay category, not just because they are all worthy contenders, but because I really enjoyed them all and cannot pick a favorite. That being said, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” seems like one of the trickier concepts to get across when adapting the long form … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [17] Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [16] Chico and Rita & Animated Feature

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[30 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[23 DAYS TO OSCARS] Kudos to the Academy this year, for recognizing two foreign films in their Best Animated Feature category. The votes could have easily gone to features like “Cars 2” or “The Adventures of Tintin” (which I wholly expected), but instead, went off the beaten path to “Chico & Rita” and “A Cat In Paris”. Though I … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [16] Chico and Rita & Animated Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [15] The Muppets & Original Song for the Win

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[31 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[24 DAYS TO OSCARS] In such a dismal category this year, Best Original Song most definitely goes to “The Muppets” for the ballad of “Man or Muppet” performed by Gary (Jason Segal) and Walter (Muppet). Though this was not my favorite song of the film (“Pictures In My Head” and “Life’s a Happy Song” were far better), I still … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [15] The Muppets & Original Song for the Win

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [14] Hell And Back Again & Documentary Feature

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[32 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[25 DAYS TO OSCARS] During last year’s Academy Awards, “Restrepo” was my pick for Best Documentary Feature and even though it was beat out by “The Inside Job”, I still consider “Restrepo” one of the best documentaries of last year. “Restrepo” was personally one of the first times I felt like I was seeing something I couldn’t possibly see … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [14] Hell And Back Again & Documentary Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [13] Transformers: Dark Of The Moon & 3 Nominations

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[33 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[25 DAYS TO OSCARS] Few things would be please me more than the “Transformers” franchise finally getting the praise it deserves (but perhaps all the money it makes is reward enough). As one of my favorite film series, the original Michael Bay “Transformers” garnered the same three awards at the 2007 Academy Awards.(Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, & Sound Editing), … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [13] Transformers: Dark Of The Moon & 3 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [12] Rio & Best Original Song

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[34 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[28 DAYS TO OSCARS] First of all, “Real in Rio” wasn’t even the best song in the film “Rio”. “Telling the World” by Taio Cruz and “Take You To Rio” (Remix) performed by Ester Dean, were far better songs in writing and performance than the opening and closing theme of “Real in Rio” which was rather hard to listen … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [12] Rio & Best Original Song

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [11] Beginners & Christopher Plummer

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[35 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[29 DAYS TO OSCARS] By now, if Christopher Plummer winning for his performance in “Beginners” isn’t a sure thing, I don’t know what is. Not only did Plummer win the Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actor, but as of last night, he also won the Screen Actors Guild award in the same category. With Albert Brooks being snubbed … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [11] Beginners & Christopher Plummer

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [10] Midnight In Paris & 4 nominations

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[36 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[29 DAYS TO OSCARS] In 1977, “Annie Hall” won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also took Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actress. So to count out Woody Allen in any regards is ill-advised. However, with the heated competition this year, “Midnight In Paris” probably won’t be pulling in that many awards. Described as Woody Allen’s return … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [10] Midnight In Paris & 4 nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [9] Rise of the Planet of the Apes & Visual Effects

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[37 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[29 DAYS TO OSCARS] Marked by myself as the front-runner for the Best Visual Effects category, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” brings the masterpiece of motion capture to a whole new level. The same team that brought you Gollum from “Lord of the Rings” and the James Cameron world of “Avatar” bring to life the reboot of … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [9] Rise of the Planet of the Apes & Visual Effects

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [8] Kung-Fu Panda 2 & Animated Feature

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[38 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[29 DAYS TO OSCARS] In 2008, the first “Kung Fu Panda” was released by Dreamworks and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Though the film lost to Disney/Pixar’s endeavor, “WALL-E”, the fact that it got nominated was praise-worthy enough. Now, in 2011, “Kung Fu Panda 2” does a repeat, this time with four competitors, two … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [8] Kung-Fu Panda 2 & Animated Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [7] Margin Call & Original Screenplay

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[39 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[30 DAYS TO OSCARS] For starters, it should be known that developing a screenplay with even one truly formed character is a difficult task, let alone developing an entire ensemble in one coherent piece of writing. J.C. Chandor writes and directs this masterful film, a first for the writer/director in both regards, and he makes it look easy. Chandor’s … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [7] Margin Call & Original Screenplay

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [6] If A Tree Falls & Documentary

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[40 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[30 DAYS TO OSCARS] A week before the announcements of the Academy Award nominations, I was jonesing for some Academy fodder, but was avoiding films I thought would definitely be nominated as to not have to watch them immediately again in a couple weeks. So, I picked some films that were being considered but that I didn’t think could … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [6] If A Tree Falls & Documentary

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [5] A Better Life & Demián Bichir

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[41 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[32 DAYS TO OSCARS] Just the fact that Demian Bichir was nominated was enough for me. Though I suppose I would have rather seen Michael Shannon or Michael Fassbender in this category for their amazing performances this year, the recognition of Bichir in such a small film is still justified and is what makes the Academy Awards interesting. Bichir … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [5] A Better Life & Demián Bichir

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [4] The Artist & 10 Nominations

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[42 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[32 DAYS TO OSCARS] Ask any Academy follower and they will tell you that “The Artist” is a huge front-runner in this year’s Oscar race. Trailing only to “Hugo”, “The Artist” bagged 10 nominations and looks to be the film to beat in most categories. Personally, imagining a black-and-white silent film winning Best Picture in the year 2011-2012 sounds … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [4] The Artist & 10 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [3] Real Steel & Visual Effects

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[43 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[33 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Real Steel” was the one film in the Visual Effect category that took me by surprise (my prediction had gone to “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” because of the amazing sequences on the skyscraper and in the dust storm). I was able to nail all four remaining films, but for some reason, I did not see … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [3] Real Steel & Visual Effects

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [2] Moneyball & 6 Nominations

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[44 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[33 DAYS TO OSCARS] “Moneyball” definitely has its work cut out for it in the Best Picture category. Up against buzzing films like “The Artist”, “Hugo”, and “The Descendants”, it may be hard for “Moneyball” to get recognized. Also, without Bennett Miller getting a nomination for director, the film’s chances drop a little lower, even though it does show … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [2] Moneyball & 6 Nominations

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [1] Warrior & Nick Nolte

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[45 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[34 DAYS TO OSCARS] My first reaction to Nick Nolte being nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, based on his recent body of work and having not viewed “Warrior” yet, was distaste. Not that I completely dislike Nolte, but “Warrior” didn’t stand out to me as award-worthy. Perhaps I was also bitter about Albert Brooks not gaining … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [1] Warrior & Nick Nolte

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