Oscar Guesses 2011

The Oscars are a few days away, and it seems that this year, like every year, I am horribly behind on seeing the films nominated.  As such, many of my Oscar "predictions" will simply be guesses, based on my gut feelings, and the many articles I've read about each of the films.

Best Motion Picture Of The Year 
The Social Network


In popular media, this film was the forerunner for most of the year.  I have seen this film, and it's good.   The main competition is The King's Speech, and I could easily be wrong.  But it's The Facebook Movie.  I bet all of the Oscar panel uses Facebook, probably while picking the winners.

Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role
James Franco - 127 Hours

A trusted friend of mine told me that this movie changed his life.  He was probably lying, but it's a big compliment for Franco.   Also, I haven't seen this, but I'm pretty sure if he carries the entire film being trapped under a rock, he out-shined his co-star [the rock (a large stone, not Dwayne Johnson, but he could easily outshine both)], and will likely be praised for it.

Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role
Natalie Portman - Black Swan

I haven't heard any hype for anyone else on this list, and Portman's name and scary make-up eyes have been posted EVERYWHERE this year.  She's come along way from playing Princess Amidala.

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role
Christian Bale - The Fighter


When I see Christian Bale in The Fighter's trailer, and he looks like he lost 50 pounds since he played Batman, I confuse it with great acting and think he's really playing that super skinny guy.

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role

Amy Adams - The Fighter


I'll see you in Mickey's corner!

Best Animated Feature Film Of The Year
Toy Story 3


I think Toy Story 3 has this one locked down.  If Toy Story wasn't such a popular and well loved franchise, then I'd say How To Train Your Dragon might have a shot.  But Toy Story 3 pulls on all those heart strings, and I think that will push it right over the edge.

Best Foreign Language Film Of The Year
Biutiful


As of voting, it was the only one on the list I had heard of.  Guess I need to get out more.

Best Achievement in Directing
Darren Aronofsky - Black Swan


Of the directors and films listed, I think the concept of Black Swan + Darren Aronofsky is the best formula.  David Fincher is an excellent director, however I think Aronofsky will just bring that "extra umph" to get the trophy.  Personally, I've never been overly in love with the Coen Brothers, and haven't seen anything by the other 2 nominees.

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen
The King's Speech - David Seidler


The King's Speech is going to bring home a lot of trophies, and if you notice I didn't pick it for anything.  Well, here you go.

Best Writing, Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced Or Published
The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin

I clicked the thumb's up.

Jumping The Broom (2011)

Due to the vast popularity of my blog (or my fiancee being a member of a website and getting selected, but hey, we all know which it really was) I was invited to a preview sceening of Jumping The Broom, scheduled for a Mother's Day 2011 release.

The movie focuses on two families, the rich, upper class bride's family, and the more blue collar groom's family, and the differences in culture and expectations of the two. Hilarity ensues. Loretta Devine delivers a great performance, as the postal worker mother who is a little lost in Martha's Vineyard.  Her overprotective nature and mistrust of the bride's family sets up most of the film's jokes. Since it's likely that you haven't seen the film yet, I won't ruin any more of the plot.  There isn't anything particularly novel in the film's story, and you may feel like you have seen the story before.  I appreciated that the writers kept the story grounded, instead of adding a "crazy plot twist" or any "zany antics" to spice the story up.

One of my favorite aspects of the film was the relationship between the main character Jason (Laz Alonso), and his friend Malcolm (DeRay Davis). It takes a very different path than I am used to, and I enjoyed the way it played out.  Malcolm slightly reminded me of some of the people who I have known, and trust me, that isn't exactly a flattering statement.

I laughed out loud several times, and the audience laughed more.  I also heard several comments about the attractiveness of the male leads, so if that's your game, buy a ticket.  If anything, at least find and watch the trailer.  The joke about the shirt is enough to get a laugh.

Overall - 8/10.  If you enjoy Rom Coms, or comedies in general, see it.  If you require your films to have a minimum of three explosions, you may want to pass.