The Oscars

Unlike TV, which I had tons of opinions to share, I am at a loss this year when it comes to the big movies. And from what I can tell, I am not the only one to have had such feelings. Sure, I went through the motions watching the films, and so it goes with this post (which exists primarily to hold on to some vague sense of consistency for this blog).

Why These Weren't On My Best List

This was undoubtedly a great technical film. Like others, I found the film to be emotionally underwhelming.

This was quite good. The idea of renting billboards to stick it to the authorities is original. However, the replay factor is just not there.

Greta Gerwig pulled off an impressive debut. I could relate to the the character's emotional arc. It's easy to take your roots/hometown for granted. Yet, this one slipped away from me when I made my list.

Glamor galore, and still I care not. This was also emotionally underwhelming with a twist that was a little too subtle for my taste. I always thought that style, if done well enough, did not need to be in support of substance. Now I am questioning that notion.

This film just didn't give me anything to hold on to. In the same year, Ken Burns' Vietnam featured the Pentagon papers and I found that to be more intriguing.

Surprisingly good. There is a great father-son moment near the end. However, just as one character breaks it off with another character due to his mission in life, so it is that I must break it off with this film.

Overlooked

This film was  packed with great wintry atmosphere and had one of the most tense climaxes I have ever seen. Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner have an interesting chemistry, no doubt due to The Avengers films. I guess the film is just too bleak to warrant a long-term love affair.

Favorite Moments

The show started in retro black-and-white, complete with snappy old-fashioned announcements. And the celebrities crashing the TCL Chinese screening of a new film was fun. And my best picture favorite won, but I just didn't get as much out of this year's event as some others.

2017: My Year in Film

With the Oscars coming up, I figured it was time to post this list. I said that I had hoped to have it up in February, and it is the end of February.

Once again, I found this to be a generally underwhelming year. There have indeed been standouts, but overall there is no film(s) that caused me to swoon or commit to a day one home video purchase. Fittingly, this will be a quick list.

There are films which I still have not seen such as I, Tonya and The Darkest Hour, but I doubt they would have made a difference if I had. I have seen all the other Oscar best picture nominees, and plenty of others.

Another thing I despised was the late dumping of Oscar hopeful films in limited release at the end of the year, many I did not even hear about until 2017 when they were finally widely released. This practice creates a distorted ceremony, and it reveals a lack of faith by distributors in the strength and quality of their material.

Enough of the prologue, here follows the list. 

Hidden Figures

Last year I refused to put this on my list due to release date. Here it finally is. See, it was good enough to be remembered after all this time. 

20th Century Women

Again. Last year I refused to put this on my list due to release date. Here it finally is. See, it was also good enough to be remembered after all this time.

Wonder Woman

This is the first female superhero onscreen that I haven't found lacking since ever. I own this on Ultra-HD.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

I also own this (in 3D!).

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Fascinating true story about a zookeeping family and the holocaust.

Molly's Game 

 

Once again, Jessica Chastain (also in The Zookeeper's Wife) shows up on the list. Man, she was the hottest thing on the screen all year. And Aaron Sorkin's rapid-fire script turns her voice into the hottest on the sound system. And this film had one of those sentimental moments that really choked me up near the end. (And after doing some follow-up reading, I can't think about Tobey Maguire the same way ever again).

Get Out

I saw this because of a Facebook post by G. Arthur Brown. Glad I did. A truly original story.

Battle of the Sexes

Another fascinating true story about history-making absurdity in the realm of professional tennis.

The Birth of the Dragon 

 

This controversial film about the legendary rivalry between Wong Jack Man and Bruce Lee was mesmerizing, old-fashioned martial arts entertainment. Sure, it may be haeavily fictionalized, but it's effects on my spirit and psychological outlook are completely real. It is more about character than combat. The actor (Philip Ng) who plays Bruce Lee has a similarly inspiring physical prowess. However, it is Yu Xia as Wong Jack Man who steals the show with his Kwai Chang Caine-level wisdom and restraint. Of course, the real Wong Jack Man (and the ancient Shaolin temples and martial arts schools) preceded Kung Fu. Most people don't get what I got out of this film, but I hope you do.

Oscar Pick 

The Shape of Water

No duh, I forgot Guillermo Del Toro's most enjoyable serious film ever. I loved the inter-species dynamics and am ashamed I temporarily overlooked this on an earlier version of this list. This film clearly has parallels with Shrek, Splash, The Little Mermaid, The Swamp Thing and Beauty and the Beast. But this somehow strikes a deeper chord. It contains my favorite original music of the year, for one thing. Perhaps it is the lack of a common language that elevated The Shape of Water above the earlier films. In all of those films the creature speaks English. I truly hope this wins best picture (with great concern). 

Horror honorable mentions.

It

This was significant because this Summer was the summer of Stephen King, for me. I caught up on a myriad of films, not fully aware of the upcoming It. One such film was the television mini-series, which lacks the humor, but is more unrelentingly chilling. Of course, The Dark Tower was the real disappointment. Ultimately, this was a very funny film, as evidenced by the audience's frequent laughter, and it is simply beautifully shot. As for horror, I think the second chapter will prove more serious.

Happy Death Day

Time-loop movies generally annoy me. Even Source Code, one of my favorites of 2011, has been avoided on my shelf since a month after I bought it. I must say that the final reveal in Happy Death Day takes what seems like a weak resolution to a strong concept and makes it fittingly strong. This is a good time to be sure.

Nostalgic honorable mentions from that period living in the hotel by the theater during the renovations of the apartment:

Logan

 This film is like a Mad Max version of the Wolverine. I love powers, especially seeing powers, or their effects, which I have never seen. And this film delivered. I was transfixed by Professor X's epic seizures and their terrifying effects. 

Ghost in the Shell

I have to admit that I enjoyed this Blade Runner-like manga/anime adaptation more than Blade Runner 2049. There is something dreamy about this film that puts me into a sleepy state, but in a welcome and restorative way. The oddly familiar quality of the holograms in this film had me searching my memory for other past films with a similar look, but I couldn't specifically recall one. This film certainly had its flaws, but it found a special resonance for me that is as intangible as a literal ghost in the machine.

Kong: Skull Island  

My parents convinced me to watch this. If you took Jurassic Park, Apocalypse Now, and King Kong and put them in a blender, you would get something like this (assuming you turned the blender on). 

This film has intriguingly incorporated archival footage of past wars and politicians, giving this fantastic film a grounding in the real world. King Kong, finally, is truly massive and fierce. In the original, Kong looks small compared to the Empire State Building, in this film he is probably half as tall as that building. My mother pointed out how the woman in the original sticks out of Kong's closed hand, on both sides, whereas, in this film, Kong's grip completely encloses the woman. 

I would also be remiss if I failed ti acknowledge that Brie Larson is a worthy successor to the cinematic tradition of attractive women in white tank tops. 

Overall, an unexpectedly good movie.

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Wow, I wrote more about the honorable mentions. Perhaps that is because the films I considered the best speak for themselves, whereas, the honorable mentions were here primarily due to their context in my life and a wish to share my stories about them.

Favorite Films of 2015

This list comes at an appropriate time, just a day after the Academy Awards.  This was another underwhelming year for the movies in my opinion (sure, profits were up).  Nonetheless, there were definitely greats in relative isolation at the top of the mountain.  There were many films that proved disappointing, either partially or completely.  There are still some movies yet to be seen but overall this is pretty much it.  More over, many film reviews are overdue.

Jurassic World

  

Straight up the most fun and entertaining film of the year, it will take a bite out of the summertime blues.  Having watched this again recently I was happy to be reminded that this is, in part, a Christmas movie.  Sadly, the 3D version, as screened in my home, was less than enthralling.       

The Walk

  

People have been talking about Oscar snubs, and I honestly think this may be one of the biggest.  This film follows in the footsteps of the best documentary winner Man on Wire about wire-walker Philippe Petit.  Man on Wire and Fahrenheit 9/11 are the only documentary winners that I know off the top of my head.  I loved the documentary and can understand how people would think that this film was unnecessary.  I was skeptical but captured by the transcendent spirit.  Furthermore, this film has a solid 3D presentation, which heightens the experience.

The Hateful Eight

I have yet to offer up my full review on this, which is overdue since I attended a road show screening in 70mm.  Needless, to say, the nearly three hour movie flew by.  This is especially impressive as this year I’ve checked my watch more than any other at the movies.  Tarantino plays with timelines like few directors, and he really reminds you how much we take for granted in life and in the movies. 

Creed

If The Hateful Eight is my favorite film on a technical level then this is my favorite on an emotional level.  I love that they branched out from Rocky and created an Apollo Creed legacy story, I never would have thought to do this.  Indeed, this is my favorite exhibit in favor of all the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.  They get back to basics here and reminded me of what made the original films so powerful, it wasn’t the training or the matches, but the life difficulties and perseverance outside the ring that made us care about the training and the boxing.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Yet another cast steps into their roles years later.  I credit this film as being the best since the original series.  Luke Skywalker’s absence from most of the film enhances the mystique of the character and gives us something to anticipate.  This was a master stroke of storytelling, Skywalker is not to be taken for granted, neither is the force.  Harrison Ford who seems to have been grudgingly acting (the antithesis of Han Solo) through much of his recent roles somehow brings Han Solo back to the screen as if he was never away.  The newcomers yield promise but I still care most how Luke fits in events to come.   

San Andreas

This is my favorite film with Dwayne Johnson.  This is also one of my favorites with Carla Gugino.  Paul Giamatti is quite fun to watch here as well.  I wasn’t expecting to like this or even want to see it, but I must have been desperate when I decided to check it out.  Well, I love that this is yet another sunny romp through California.  Furthermore, the central role of Caltech was gratifying as my uncle went there.  I would say that this is my favorite earthquake movie and one of my favorite disaster movies.  What is it about disaster and happy endings that go together so well?

The Bridge of Spies

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I cared about these characters.  Furthermore, like Argo or Catch Me If You Can (if you prefer), this is yet another glimpse into a fascinating, relatively obscure part of history.  Thomas Newman’s first effort for Spielberg (or rather Spielberg’s first film minus John Williams) was nothing special, but it worked enough wonders to get the job done. 

Honorable Mention

Straight Outta Compton

This is the other best argument in support of all the Oscars controversy.  I honestly didn’t want to see this film originally, partly because I didn’t know what it was about.  I partially blame poor advertising (the kind that didn’t reach me) in that regard.  Sure, I saw posters but no trailers or something more revealing.  

Once I realized what this film was about I was more interested, especially with the screenwriting nomination.  Not only was this film riveting, the portrayal of Ice Cube by O’Shea Jackson Jr. was particularly impressive.  This film made me a fan of NWA, and rehashed my interest in Ice Cube, for about five minutes.  I admire Ice Cube’s practicality and direct approach to living life.  In the end, though, this still is not top notch entertainment for me, which is why I watch movies.   

Pushing Genre

Many people complain about the repetitive nature of the movie and television business.  These same mofos aren't making time for the lower gloss output that is more original.  They want their gloss with their originality.  No problem with that.  Why not have your brains and your lip gloss too?

The thing is--what we really want--you need to change the genre of your life.  You need to push the originality factor of your life.  We all should try new things and do our best to make reality out of those fleeting glimpses of possibility.  Forget the movies, direct your own life for a change.  Seek and build relationships.  Cut out.  Duck out.  Stake out (what?).  Turn that far out idea into an actual proposition.  Grab attention.  Don't let people off easy.

Don't let routine rule your days.  Rule your routine.  Show that accursed timeline who's boss.  Quit bitchin' about the movies and push the boundaries of your life.  What's a great movie in a middling life?  Whereas, what's a middling movie in a great life?

Post-millennial reality gives us the tools and the permission to blow people's hair back.  Blow their minds.  Blow blow blow.  Blow.  Blow again.  And blow.  Then blow.  Hold...blow.  Wait for it...blow.

Ask her.  Ask him.  Ask them.  Give them the pleasure of receiving you.  Make yourself receivable.  Improve.  Change.  Be changed.  Ever changing.  Take out your pen or put on your thinking cap.  Plot the scenes.  Track the logic.  Run through it.  Criticize.  Make it better.

Submit it.  Sometimes the only green light necessary is a simple: "Yes, let's do that.  Let's work out the details."

Write those scenes.  Cast those scenes.  Change your cast.  Expand your cast.  Change your role.  Expand your role.  Direct.  Produce.  Edit.  Turn on the lights.  Change the lenses and filters.  Smile.  Laugh.  Hold hands.  Stroke hair.  Save lives.  Congratulate.

Dream,  Write.  Persuade.  Act.  Direct.  Be.  In the moment.  In time.  With those around you.  For those around you.  

Adopt a "Fuck you" position.  Not through the wealth of money but through the wealth of friendship.  Through the wealth of uncensored love.  Don't learn to love, learn how to be with those you love.  Be flexible.  Be outrageous.  Be happy.  Be overjoyed.

"Get back to work!"  Fuck you.  "Don't do that!"  Fuck you.  "Freeze!"  Fuck you.  When you have the wealth of love and friendship then you are in the ultimate FUCK YOU position.

Most of us are fucked, living sorry lives devoted to material wealth.  But get this, make the right friends with the right love, and you may find your material wealth growing.  It's called networking.  Not enough of us do it.  Yet materials are cold.  People are warm.  Embrace.  Move.  Express.  Crash land.  Crash.  Impose.  Present a rose.  Give water.  The transaction of love and friendship is infinitely more meaningful than the transaction of money.  Also more than the transaction of sounds and images.  Materials need love more than love needs materials.  Wham, bam, thank you mam!  Scream it.  Shout it.  Yell it.  Feel it.  Suck it.  Rub it.  Stroke it.  Live it.  Tickle it.  Nibble it.  Noogie it.  Throw it back.  Lap it up.  Soak it up.

Make your life new and exciting and original.  Change routines.  Eradicate expectations.  Eliminate the status quo.  Shout from the rooftops, "I WANT YOU!  I WANT IT ALL!  AND IF I DON'T GET IT.  WELL FINE, I'M GONNA KEEP ON CHARGING FORWARD."  Be sweet .  Be gentle.  Be calm.  Listen carefully.  Enjoy it.  If you don't, leave as fast as you can and seek that which brings you joy.  Hold it.  Respect it.  Pour syrup and sugar and mint and vanilla all over it.  Lick it clean.

Smile.

If you can't smile, turn away as fast you can.  Say, "Fuck off to it."  Keep going.  Find your passions.  Interject.  Be there.  Better to watch only than to miss out entirely.  Appreciate.

Write.  Act.  Direct.  Pitch.  Make every day Valentine's Day, if necessary.  Do that crazy thing.  Offer love.  Offer support.  Offer a happy ending.  Offer the fundamentals of companionship.  Offer.  Offer. Offer offer offer.

Change your genre.  Change your movie.  Change your cast.  Change your role.  Crash scenes.  Apologize and ask what you can do.  Offer something.  Change your offer.  Take advantage of resources.  Push the limits.

Say yes.  Earn a friend for life.  Earn a promoter.  Earn the biggest back end one can earn.  Rejoice in that rain of dividends.  Cherish beauty.  Offer beauty.  Reflect.  Brandish.  Insist upon it.  Demand it.  Copy and give credit.  Don't plagiarize.

Do every position imaginable.  Change it up.  Freshen it up.  Be open to orgies.  Be open to exclusivity.  Insert.  Receive.  Nod.  Approve.  Tremble.  Quiver.  Shiver.  Sigh.  Feel.  Crouch.  Swing.

Sing "Jingle Bells."

Put a ring on...

Change.  Evolve.  Refuse bullshit.  Embrace meaning.  Compete with your favorite characters.  Say, "Fuck you."  I'm gonna win better and be happier.  Pursue relational wealth.  Make time for good times.  As much as possible.  Spread it around.  Do do do.  Act act act.

 Smile.  Laugh.  Live.

Live the movie you really want to see. I know I'm starting too.