Hello, Faithful Reader!
If you've been following along at Crosswalk this past month, you already know my/our picks for best movies of 2011.
But what about the man who taught me everything he knows about film and acting during our days together back on Bison Hill (that's Oklahoma Baptist University for the unedumacated)? What did my good friend Scott Bartley, a self-described "movie bigot," think of this year's offerings?
Scott has the wonderful gift of criticism, and I've told him as much, and I mean that in the best possible way. He can quickly sample something and ascertain and communicate its artistic merits on many levels. To that end, he has created a blogsite called Fields of Bartley from which he looks at all manner of pop culture, including this Sunday night's Oscar telecast...
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Scott’s Oscar Extravaganza
Well kids, it’s that time of year again. Time for Hollywood to honor its best and brightest with the Academy Awards, aka The Oscars. I was glad I was asked to weigh in on the topic, since I am somewhat of an expert on the matter. But before I begin my ruminations on the prestigious program, a little bit of disclosure is necessary. I am a self-proclaimed movie snob. An elitist, a movie bigot if you will. And I have been most of life. This has brought much mockery and derision upon me at times, but I must stay true to my principles. Because of this snobbery, typically I tend to agree with the opinions of the pretentious Movie Critic, rather than side with John Q. Public. With that out of the way, off we go!
My relationship status with the Oscars has changed quite a bit over the last few decades. When my wife and I had no kiddies, we often hosted lavish parties, inviting a privileged few over to snack and enjoy the show. One year was even a black tie affair, and I dusted off my tux. But since our darling little daughters have arrived, things have changed. For most of the 2000’s, we hardly saw new movies. And the ones we saw were typically animated. But thankfully, as the girls have aged the past few years, we have begun to venture out to the theater more, and watching the Oscars has become fun again. However, there will be no fancy-schmancy party this year -- maybe a few friends over, who will probably leave well before the ceremony is over, because we are old, tired people now. Don’t despair -- thanks to the DVR we will still see all of the show.
So what are my thoughts on this year’s picks? I’m glad you asked. I’ll give you my thoughts on each of the Best Picture nominees, and after you read them, I will be open to ridicule once again.
The Artist- This seems to be the favorite right now. But guess what? I didn’t see it! It only played in my town a few weeks, and when I attempted to persuade my lovely bride to go see it, I was met with, “Ugh. A silent movie? No thanks.” So someday I’ll see it. Projected to be the Winner.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- Didn’t see this one either. Really had no desire to. I went with the critics, who weren’t overwhelmed by it. I like Tom Hanks, but he’s not in much of it. And it has Sandra Bullock, who is NOT one of my favorites.
The Tree of Life- OK, I didn’t see this one either, but I promise I’ve seen all of the rest. Never been a big fan of Terrance Malick; not sure where the love comes from.
War Horse- Probably my least favorite of the nominated films. One of the main factors that determine whether or not I like a movie (or book, play, etc) is that I have to establish a connection with the characters. I have to really be invested in them and care about them. And there was no one in this movie to do that with. Horses are nice, but I had zero connection. It looked great! And Spielberg is a genius. But this movie? Meh.
Midnight in Paris- Surprisingly, being a movie snob, I’ve never been a big fan of Woody Allen. However, I did find this movie to be quite enjoyable. Being a former English major, I loved all of the obscure literary references. And the performances were all solid. But I really don’t think it should be up here for Best Picture.
Moneyball- Most of my friends know that I am not a fan of baseball. But I did find the story in this film to be somewhat fascinating. And it had strong performances, as well as smart writing. But in the end, I really didn’t connect with Brad Pitt’s character. Good film, not great.
The Help- I resisted seeing this movie for a long time. My wife had read the book, and she went and saw it. And although many people told me I should see it, the movie bigot inside me dismissed it as a chick flick. But over Christmas break, I finally succumbed, and watched it. I was very glad I did. Wonderful performances, great story, and even some great lines for quoting (which I will not do here). I highly recommend it.
Hugo- I have not given in to the 3D craze. The films I’ve seen in 3D were a waste of money. But I was told that this movie should be seen in 3D, so I gave in. It is truly a visual feast. Scorsese finally makes full use of the medium, and it is, at times, breathtaking. But it’s not just eye candy - it’s also a great story, filled with remarkable characters. My only complaint is it’s a little too long. But still great.
The Descendants- This is my choice for Best Picture. It has everything: a great script, wonderful scenery, and performances that vacillate between heartbreaking and hilarious. I have loved most of Alexander Payne’s films. And George Clooney, who I dismissed early in his career as just another pretty-boy actor, delivers a masterful performance, which I also believe is Oscar-worthy.
Here’s a quick rundown of what should (I believe), and what will win...
Best Picture- Should Win: The Descendants Will Win: The Artist (Really??)
Best Actor- Should Win: George Clooney (He’s so dreamy) Will Win: Jean Dujardin (Really??)
Best Actress- Should Win- Meryl Streep Will Win: Viola Davis
Best Supporting Actor- Should and Will Win: Christopher Plummer
Best Supporting Actress- Should and Will Win: Octavia Spencer
Best Director- Should Win: Alexander Payne Will Win: Michel Hazanavicius (Really??)
Cinematography- Should and Will Win: Hugo
Animated Film- Should Win: Kung Fu Panda 2 (Ska-doosh!) Will Win: Rango
Original Song- Should and Will Win: “Man or Muppet”
So there you have it. My 2 cents. What do you think, friends? Do you agree? Think I’m crazy? Feel free to sound off - as long as you don’t resort to name calling. And hopefully I’ll be back next year, talking about how The Dark Knight Rises will sweep all of the awards for 2012.
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(Oh, and one disclaimer about why The Artist is completely absent from Crosswalk's Top 10 Movies of 2011 list -- hardly any members of our eight-person voting panel had the chance to see either that or Extremely Loud Incredibly Close before press time!)
Update: Unfortunately, my previously promised live blog of the telecast isn't going to happen. I've come down with a nasty cold that, as soon as the Nyquill kicks in, will have me sleeping before the stars are off the red carpet... :-(
