Predictions for the Academy Awards

       Hello! Happy Oscar weekend, will you be watching? I will be, mainly so I can see the flowing gowns and become verbally violent while the awards are being handed out. For the most part, sometimes I agree, rarely. So I thought that I would write a predictions post on who would win the awards. Mainly so I can say "I told you so" with proof from the little time stamps that come with these posts. Okay, but this is in no way a comprehensive list and I have yet to see all these movies. Although same goes for the Academy, but I'm free from the politics of it! And have way more free time...

Best Original Screen Play
Nominees: American Hustle, Blue Jasmine, Dallas Buyers Club, Her and Nebraska. 
Prediction: Now my money is on Her, its funny and something new. As much as I did enjoy and loved American Hustle it wasn't as thought provoking and I am a sucker for movies that make me think.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Nominees: Before Midnight, Captain Phillips, Philomena, 12 Years A Slave and The Wolf of Wall Street. 
Prediction: Should go to "The Book Thief", but sadly was not nominated. So out of my choices I would give the Oscar to 12 Years a Slave. 12 Years A Slave was such a powerful story and really aimed for the shock factor, but not to the extent of The Wolf of Wall Street.

Visual Effects
Nominees: Gravity, The Desolation of Smaug, Iron Man 3, The Lone Ranger, Star Trek Into Darkness
Prediction: The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug hands down, no contest.

Production Design
Nominees: American Hustle, The Great Gatsby, her and 12 Years A Slave
Prediction: Again, I wish that the Book Thief was nominated, but it wasn't. Although The Great Gatsby did a fabulous job and should have gotten a nob for Visual effects. Just typing...

Best Original Song
Nominees: Alone Yet Not Alone (shared title), Despicable Me 2 for "Happy", Frozen for "Let it Go", Her for "The Moon Song", Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom for"Ordinary Love"
Prediction: Thankfully these songs are available online, so I have heard all of them. Obviously its going to go to "let It Go", but I wouldn't mind "Ordinary Love."

Best Original Score
Nominees: The Book Thief, Gravity, Her, Philomena and Saving Mr. Banks
Prediction: It better go to The Book Thief.

Makeup and Hairstyling
Nominees: Dallas Buyers Club, Jackass Presents: bad Grandpa, and The Lone Ranger
Prediction: Desolation of Smaug and the Great Gatsby not nominated? Guess I would hand it off to The Lone Ranger. Why is Bad Grandpa even on this list?

Costume Design
Nominees: American Hustle, The Grandmaster, The Great Gatsby, The Invisible Woman, and 12 Years a Slave
Prediction: Oh please give it to The Great Gatsby those costumes were breath taking!

Animated Feature Film
Nominees: The Croods, Despicable me 2, Ernest and Celestine, Frozen and The Wind Rises
Prediction: If the academy even dares to give the oscar to any movie besides The Wind Rises I will personally question them on why. This is supposedly Hayao Miyazaki's last film and someone has the incapability of recognizing the marvel and wonder of his work.  But I will not be surprised in any way if it goes to Frozen.

Best Supporting Actress
Nominees: Sally Hawkins in Blue Jasmine, Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle, Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years A Slave, Julia Roberts in August: Osage County, June Squibb in Nebraska
Prediction: Jennifer Lawrence is really popular right now and will probably go to her, but I'm a little caught since all these women's performance were rather spectacular.

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees: Barkhad Abdi in Captain Phillips, Bradley Cooper in American Hustle, Michael Fassbender in 12 Years A Slave, Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall Street, and Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club.
Prediction: Please oh please give it to Michael Fassbender he was phenomenal!

Best Actress in A Leading Role
Nominees: Amy Adams in American Hustle, Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine, Sandra Bullock in Gravity, Judi Dench in Philomena and Meryl Streep in August: Osage County.
Prediction: Honestly I can't say for this category, but please do not give it to Sandra Bullock. I love her, but not in Gravity.

Best Actor in A Leading Role
Nominees: Christen Bale in American Hustle, Bruce Dern in Nebraska, Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street, Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years A Slave, Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club
Prediction: I would be one the side of Leonardo DiCaprio if it was for The Great Gatsby, he still did a good job, but I'm gonna give it to Matthew McConaughey.

Best Picture
Nominees: American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her, Nebraska, 12 Years A Slave and The Wolf of Wall Street
Prediction: Why isn't The Butler nominated!? This is astounding, outrageous! It should defiantly win best picture. But I guess that it could go to either American Hustle, 12 Years A Slave or Her.

For the full comprehensive list of awards and nominations click here. 

Trailer Tracking: Guardians of the Galaxy

                Over a month ago Marvel and Disney released the first screen caps for there newest superhero film Guardians of the Galaxy. Which is based of the comics. Now, last night we not only got a 20 second sneak peak at the trailer, but an hour later the full first trailer was posted.

                 You could say that I have mixed feelings. Ranging from "I can't wait for this movie" to "what the heck is this trailer?" Since when I clicked on it I was expecting awesome action, but instead met the oddest protagonist Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord. Yes, Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt who is really funny and I couldn't take any of the trailer seriously thereafter. Even as we got the line up of the other characters. Including Rocket Raccoon who somehow got a movie before Wonder Woman and is played by Bradley Cooper.
                 Let is be known that I am indeed excited for this movie. It doesn't come out until August first in the United States, but I can wait. From what I do know about this project that it is happening in the Marvel Universe and along side the Avengers. What could this mean? Sadly I am not a marvel comics nerd so I couldn't tell you my personal theory. All thought the wonderful guys at Sourcefed Nerd did a video when the Screen caps were first released. They have some interesting thoughts about this film.

Quicky Review of: The Lego Movie

         

         My first impression? GO SEE THIS RIGHT NOW!  Ever since I watched the trailer months ago the anticipation for the release has been waining over my head. Sadly I didn't see it opening night, but opening weekend is alright. Fun fact that this weekend movie grossed over 69.1 Million dollars! Beating out Monuments Men which had about seven million.
          A few notable bits obviously is the impressive animation and lighting for this film, it was CGI not stop motion. Even though you can be easily fooled. Animal Logic and Legend 3D were the two main animation and special effect companies involved, but the explosive ending credits were done by Scarlett Letters. Also the very witty jokes with something for every audience member. Reaching out to both boy and girl demographics, while still retaining a spot for the adult audiences. Plus even if you are not someone who grew up playing with Legos this movie can still appeal to you. Finally the story in general. It was witty and fun with a few plot twists that I honestly did not see coming. Plus the story was rather consistent implementing a lot of adult humor, that was executed so even a child could laugh at it not fully understanding it.

         This film in no way went below my expectations, and I went into the theater with rather high expectations. Mainly for the review done by SoucreFed Nerd, a youtube channel that branches off of Sxephil and Sourcefed. They gave raving reviews, so if you want more info check out the video.
          Just in case you need any more reasons to go may I just add in the songs in this film and hilarious and ultra catchy, in the best way possible.

If you want to read up on all the awesome specs and cast click this link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1490017/?ref_=rvi_tt

Trailer Tracking: La belle et Le Bete

            Although once translated from french it becomes, "The Beauty and the Beast!" Who would of thunk? Now there are several reason why I am totally enthralled with this film!

           One, its set in 1702 and is perfectly styled with the time period. Two, Lea Seydoux is portraying Belle. Even if her hair is blond instead of its natural brown. And finally, its following the Brother's Grimm story line! So its a bit more gruesome and plenty more magical. Although from what I have found out about the film is that the way Belle learns of the Beast's past is through dreams. Which are hinted to occur after possible beastiality. Please don't let it be graphic, oh please french hollywood spare from that. Aside from that bit I really love historical french films, the way they do it just appears so flawless. Also Lea Seydoux is a magnificent actress and if you don't know about her I would suggest Farewell, My Queen and Midnight in Paris (2011). Although some of you may recognize her from Robin Hood (2010) or Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

          If you are still interested in this film I suggest this link to the IMDB.

Trailer Tracking: The Fault in Our Stars

         So last week the first official trailer for The Fault in Our Stars movie finally came out! It is a highly anticipated movie that will make you laugh and inevitably cry.

         For those of you who are unfamiliar with this young adult novel I suggest click this here for the full story. But if you want a basic run down this is a teenage romantic novel between Hazel Grace and Gus Waters who meet at a cancer support group. If you couldn't guess they fall in love, but on the way we see some drama and a building and straining of relationships. This story is very heart warming and heart breaking making it totally deserve hiatus its receiving. Also the author is youtuber John Green, so thats a plus.

          The release date for this film is June sixth 2014, so coming out right as school lets out. A fantastic way to start off the summer. For more information click this here.

SPOLIERS for: Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters

          So I really wished to see this movie when it was out in theaters, but I sadly missed it. Mainly due my low hopes and expectations, but dang were they exceeded when I watched this film. Leaving me wishing that I had seen it on the big screen!
       

 This spin off the popular Brothers Grimm tale maintains a gruesome image while sliding in under lying messages to warn children. The big one being a hint at Hansel's "condition" which requires him to take a shot every so often or face some sort of debilitating chest pain that eventually leads to death, this condition came from eating way to much sugar as a child. Another being that pretty witches equal good witches. At least thats how it holds for Gretel and Mina. Also a man can only loose his dignity in trees, fun fact. Plus persistence pays off!
              Aside from those few details I would like to discuss the overall plot, which really holds its own. Relatively no plot holes to speak of. The premise being that Hansel and Gretel have grown into famous witch hunters and they have traveled all of the land, Germany, in order to burn every last witch. Eventually taking them back to there home town. Over eleven children have gone missing in the past few weeks and Mina has been accused of taking them, Gretel and Hansel dispel those beliefs that Witches rot from the mouth out and Mina showed no such signs. They hunt and collectively kick witch ass, with the sexiest steam punky weapons. One particular one even being named "Mi Shelles" which was not okay, but totally okay. Then they find another Witch who they begin to interrogate, when Muriel and and her servant come to collect the last child. Hansel and Gretel are separated and both get wrecked. Leading Hansel to loose his dignity in a tree and Gretel to meet Edward the Troll, who calls her a witch? The sibling recanting at an abandoned home, where they face Muriel in her evil story telling of how she required the heart of a White Witch, like Gretel's mother and now they were after her. Hansel is once again left to face a hoard of Witches with Mina, the good witch and Ben the fanboy. Together they defeat the Witches and Muriel at the house of sweets where it all began...
         

Somethings witch are note worthy in the attention which was payed to the sets and costume design, don't even get me started on the make-up. It was all superb! Breath taking, each witch holding her own style and rotting face to match even individual ability. And the more powerful, the more rotted they were. Also the gore was hilarious! Very over the top, a lot of head smashing, so don't fear the goosebumps some get with gruesome scene this does not have any. Also, Jeremy Renner was really good I don't prefer him as a leading actor, but wow he was good. Even if in the first scene where he's introduced he may be stifling a laugh. Gemma Arterton did a spectacular job as well.

                           

Quicky Review: Her

        A thought provoking date movie. Filled with love, letters, physics and technology. We follow the life of Theodore Twombly played by Joaquin Phoenix who is a lonely man whose occupation it s to write personalized hallmark cards. Theodore's life seems very content and humdrum, with only is divorce ruffling its flow. Until he purchases a new OS system complete with a lovely AI named Samantha who is voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Samantha is very lively and fun, she imitates a child who is only just beginning to discover the world, but of course is a tad bit more adult. And when I say a tad I mean that the second scene things get weird.

       The music is well incorporated into the movie and sets a very wondrous tone which really changes for each character and their separate plot lines. Plus Samantha's singing is very calming and rustic, its sadly for only on scene.
         Okay, so, I can't really go into to much detail or I feel like that I would be ruining the subtleties of this film. Overall it was enjoyable, something I suggest seeing with a significant other. The story itself is very provocative and really probes your mind at times. Really addressing how people are becoming more and more connected to there devices and what would happen if we were given an AI device that truly interacted with us. Well, I thought that it would solve overpopulation, but I guess thats not what Spike Jonze was going for. Her is funny and light hearted, slipping in a few puns which was excellent. Plus the attention to detail how we see a slow growth of people becoming aquanited with these devices and eventually only seeing them. In the end we see only a few elderly people not using the system. Although there are a few holes in the story, they can be easily overlooked. Only the last bit with Olivia Wilde's scene is a little confusing. But I say you better hit the Theater this weekend and see this film.

This little CPU is hilarious!

SPOILERS for: Batman Beyond

      Guess whose back and with another TV show to be reviewed! This time we take a look back to a slightly under rated Batman series from 1999. Where we meet an older, more grumpy Bruce Wayne and his new side kick Terry McGinnis. This is Batman Beyond which takes place in 2040 (Which would make Bruce Wayne 101 years old based off of his 1939 first appearance) where after Terry runs off and gets in a fight with the Jokers, a gang in Gotham, he meets Mr. Wayne who kicks ass with a cane. And you would think after this odd encounter they would return to there separate lives. But as all stories go this is not the case, since when Terry returns home that night he finds a crime scene and a dead father. He is overcome with a sense of guilt and aching for revenge. Mr. Wayne understands where young terry is coming from and so allows him to take on the suit. After you know he may or may not have stolen first....This is good timing for Wayne since he is old and suffers from a heart condition which hinders his ability to fight crime. So he settles into the position of Alfred, while young Terry scores a gig to fight crime under the illusion of an internship.
       Okay so now you got the down low on Batman Beyond, but now its time to dive deeper into this futuristic world. Beginning with the seasons

1: Focuses more on a young, immature Terry learning the ropes behind the bat suit. Which is totally rad and tricked out with all sorts of gadgets. We follow a basic story line of corruption at Wayne Powers Inc. Where the current C.E.O of the company, Powers, who is dumping toxic waste as he works on a new super weapon that kills people with poisonous blisters. When Terry learns that the information which was handed off to his father is the reason behind his murder we see hims go a bit Ballistic. Causing an accident that turns Powers to White a radioactive skeleton who at the end of the season goes into hiding. So a note to be taken is "nuclear toxic waste does bad things to you, bad things."

2: After the establishment of most of a few super villains from season one half way through this one most of them make a reappearance. We also meet Max, a very nerdy and flamboyant friend of terry's who deduces his secret and covers for him every time he ditches his girl to fight crime. Side note is that the pacing is perfect since every time I began to wonder if something would happen it did. Like the established villains, a few friends from Bruce's past (Bat Girl!) and character development for Ace. Also, moral of this season "don't mix your DNA with an animal, that is just wrong."

3: Now we have seen terry really grow and develop into a very respectable Batman and we learn more about his past as a criminal and how being a hero is a lot harder then it looks. This where you really see the depth of respect and understanding that is created between Wayne and Terry which closely resembles a father and so. Something that they missed out on. The "official" ending episode as I have come to agreement on is called, "Unmasked." And how deep and rather un-action packed it is really ended the series right for me, even though it wasn't very solid it either. It pretty much the only flash back we really get the entire series and that is ok. We see Terry endanger the life of a little kid because he showed his face to him, something that Terry had been questioning the whole series. This is where he finally comes to the understanding that he can never go back to being just Terry McGinnis that high school student, he's batman now. Which is a very heavy burden and he sees his future, Bruce. And he is okay with that.
Characters
   Terry McGinnis is roughly sixteen when begins working for Mr. Wayne and maybe 19 when the series ends. He starts out as a hot head, but through learning about Bruce and his life he really grows up. Terry becomes responsible and more loving, he still holds onto his bad boy antics, but is much more cautious.
    Bruce Wayne who has become filled with fun sayings like, "It is your fault, but blaming yourself isn't productive." and "back when I first got started we had to do hands on snooping." Bruce is a very serious character who never shows his sensitive or concerned side. Even throughout the series every really dynamic development piece for his happens off camera, but this does not take away from him in anyway. Mr. Wayne has never been one to show himself to anyone, and this leads to Terry saying, "one day you'll tell me why you really took off the mask." A statement said very early one and is very underlying for the rest of the series. We never do find out, but that doesn't mean Terry doesn't.
    Commissioner Gorden who back in her heyday was Bat Girl. Now she has taken her father's place as police commissioner for Gotham. We see her mostly in season two demanding Terry to hop out of the suit while he still can, obviously testing him. Telling McGinnis of her one-time fling with Bruce, which left me so uncomfortable for the rest of the episode.
   Max are spunky best bud of Terry. Who knows how to take one for the team, well once bruce tricks her. A girl who loves video games, has good grades and just seems so lovable. Both Terry and Bruce make sure that she never joins there little club, but they do receive help form her every so often. Even if she is occasionally used as a damsel in distress.
     Ace who got more screen time and a back story compared to Dana. Ace is the guard dog to Wayne manor. He sometimes teams up with Terry and even runs a solo mission.
     Dana, Terry's girlfriend who is so under appreciated in this show I feel bad.
Final Thoughts
          Okay I will make this quick, hopefully. Batman Beyond is an excellent animated series which is not only fun for hardcore Batman fans, but also for people who aren't as involved in the series. The characters and very interesting and villains are just superb. The animation is great. But I love the little rip offs of the fantastic four, star wars and traditional eggbaby sex ed homework assignment. heck even Superman shows up and bruce is like, "he's evil again..." I highly recommend it.