Gwyneth Paltrow (Johanna Mortdecai)/Mortdecai- Normally I can take or leave Paltrow. She doesn't annoy me, but, doesn't thrill me either. But, I have to say I found her entertaining and funny in Mortdecai. The ease in which she takes Johnny Depp's bizarre silliness is notable. She is clearly the smarter half of this marriage. She knows it, her spouse knows it (although he might not admit it). And she's pretty good at faking a gag reflex.
Katherine Heigl (Mona Champagne)/Home Sweet Hell- What is this? I nominate Gwyneth Paltrow AND Katherine Heigl in the same year? Have I lost my mind? Maybe. But, I have to give credit where it's due. I've said on many an occasion that Heigl needs to break out of rom-com Hell and she did it here as the uber-controlling wife of a frazzled furniture store owner. I mentioned in my review that I wasn't sure how much Heigl was truly acting in this part, but, regardless, she made me laugh and was clearly the driving force in the film.
Melissa McCarthy (Susan Cooper)/Spy- McCarthy is the comedy queen of film right now and Spy just proves it even more. She shines as an unassuming CIA Analyst who is secretly a badass. She's a non-stop laugh factory.
Amy Schumer (Amy Townsend)/Trainwreck- Schumer wrote and stars as the main character in this unconventional romantic comedy about a commitment-phobic journalist who unexpectedly falls for the subject of her next article. Anyone who follows Schumer knows she is a comic force, but she also shows convincing dramatic depth when called upon. It's a great performance that deserves all the recognition it has received since the film's release.
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)/Joy- Lawrence gives a nuanced performance in this dramedy based loosely on the life of inventor extraordinaire, Joy Mangano. The character is a fascinating dichotomy of traits. She's naïve yet savvy. Tough yet tender. Definitely beleaguered. That much is certain.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Best Supporting Actress 2015
Miranda Hart (Nancy)/Spy- Melissa McCarthy's wacky CIA Analyst buddy with a big crush on rapper, 50 Cent, was able to get in a few good laughs herself amongst the sea of nuttiness in this espionage comedy.
Jennifer Jason Leigh (Daisy Domergue)/The Hateful Eight- The foul-mouthed, racist, psychotic outlaw from Quentin Tarantino's latest epic garners little sympathy for her plight because no matter how much Kurt Russell's bounty hunter character puts a whuppin' on her, a part of you feels it's well-deserved. Yes, she is that despicable. And that's what makes her performance award worthy.
Evangeline Lily (Hope Van Dyne)/Ant-Man- Hope was a different kind of love interest to the hero in this film as she really wasn't one until the end. In a film genre usually lacking in strong female leads, she stands out as a character you know doesn't need to be saved. In fact, she puts a licking on the hero more than once. Lilly and Paul Rudd have a strange antagonistic chemistry for most of the film. Strangely, it works quite well.
Jennifer Jason Leigh (Daisy Domergue)/The Hateful Eight- The foul-mouthed, racist, psychotic outlaw from Quentin Tarantino's latest epic garners little sympathy for her plight because no matter how much Kurt Russell's bounty hunter character puts a whuppin' on her, a part of you feels it's well-deserved. Yes, she is that despicable. And that's what makes her performance award worthy.
Evangeline Lily (Hope Van Dyne)/Ant-Man- Hope was a different kind of love interest to the hero in this film as she really wasn't one until the end. In a film genre usually lacking in strong female leads, she stands out as a character you know doesn't need to be saved. In fact, she puts a licking on the hero more than once. Lilly and Paul Rudd have a strange antagonistic chemistry for most of the film. Strangely, it works quite well.
Best Actor 2015
Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Jordan)/Creed- Jordan injects some much needed new life in the Rocky series as the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed. He provides a lot of heart to the role as the new underdog on the block.
Ian McKellen (Sherlock Holmes)/Mr. Holmes- In an otherwise lackluster film, McKellen shines as the 90+ detective attempting to recount his final case. He gives the old Holmes brilliance even in a frail and sickly state.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh Glass)/The Revenant- Leo gives a solid committed performance as the legendary frontiersman. Granted much of the performance consists of guttural grunts and intense expressions. But, he does them well.
Matt Damon (Mark Watney)/The Martian- Damon provides a lasting memory as an astronaut who has to use his wits to survive when he's left for dead on the planet, Mars. What struck me is he plays the part with equal parts desperation and humor. Despite his frightening circumstances, he never seems to be out of control. A credit to Damon's take on the part.
Samuel L. Jackson (Major Marquis Warren)/The Hateful Eight- Jackson's former Union soldier-turned-bounty hunter character might be the closest thing to a hero as you'll find in Tarantino's latest salute to Westerns. But, is he really? Yes, you're on his side as he faces unyielding bigotry throughout the film. But, as you learn, Warren's hands aren't exactly clean and he's performed some atrocious acts in his colorful life. And, Jackson flashes a winning smile through most of the runtime (with some typical SLJ explosions) while maintaining an evil little glint in his eye.
Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man)/Ant-Man- Well, we already know that an actor primarily known for comedic roles can actually break stride and be a superhero. Look no farther than Michael Keaton in 1989's Batman. Could lightning strike again in 2015? The answer is a resounding, yes. Rudd's down-on-his-luck ex-con becomes an unlikely diminutive hero. But, while the stakes are high, the mood always remains somewhat breezy thanks to Rudd's well placed sarcasm.
O'Shea Jackson, Jr (Ice Cube)/Straight Outta Compton- Here's a conundrum. Is it possible for a son to play a better version of his father than his father? Watch Straight Outta Compton and you be the judge.
Ian McKellen (Sherlock Holmes)/Mr. Holmes- In an otherwise lackluster film, McKellen shines as the 90+ detective attempting to recount his final case. He gives the old Holmes brilliance even in a frail and sickly state.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh Glass)/The Revenant- Leo gives a solid committed performance as the legendary frontiersman. Granted much of the performance consists of guttural grunts and intense expressions. But, he does them well.
Matt Damon (Mark Watney)/The Martian- Damon provides a lasting memory as an astronaut who has to use his wits to survive when he's left for dead on the planet, Mars. What struck me is he plays the part with equal parts desperation and humor. Despite his frightening circumstances, he never seems to be out of control. A credit to Damon's take on the part.
Samuel L. Jackson (Major Marquis Warren)/The Hateful Eight- Jackson's former Union soldier-turned-bounty hunter character might be the closest thing to a hero as you'll find in Tarantino's latest salute to Westerns. But, is he really? Yes, you're on his side as he faces unyielding bigotry throughout the film. But, as you learn, Warren's hands aren't exactly clean and he's performed some atrocious acts in his colorful life. And, Jackson flashes a winning smile through most of the runtime (with some typical SLJ explosions) while maintaining an evil little glint in his eye.
Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man)/Ant-Man- Well, we already know that an actor primarily known for comedic roles can actually break stride and be a superhero. Look no farther than Michael Keaton in 1989's Batman. Could lightning strike again in 2015? The answer is a resounding, yes. Rudd's down-on-his-luck ex-con becomes an unlikely diminutive hero. But, while the stakes are high, the mood always remains somewhat breezy thanks to Rudd's well placed sarcasm.
O'Shea Jackson, Jr (Ice Cube)/Straight Outta Compton- Here's a conundrum. Is it possible for a son to play a better version of his father than his father? Watch Straight Outta Compton and you be the judge.
Best Supporting Actor 2015
Paul Bettany (Jock)/Mortdecai- Bettany plays the long-suffering manservant/bodyguard to Johnny Depp's dopey, out-to-lunch art dealer. He has by far the funniest moments in the movie as he's shot, beaten, and attacked by a vicious Doberman all in the name of duty. And, he does it with such straight-faced aplomb.
Nicholas Hoult (Nux)/Mad Max: Fury Road- As the somewhat psychotic foot soldier of a cruel despot who later switches sides, Hoult is on this list for me for one main reason. Driving through one of the most ominous sandstorms ever filmed at breakneck speed, he leaves an indelible impression with the following line, "Oh, what a day. WHAT A LOVELY DAY!"
Jason Statham (Rick Ford)/Spy- Who'd'a thunk it? Jason Statham has a few comedy chops in him. As a surly CIA agent who's a legend in his own mind, he bumbles his way through ridiculous situation after ridiculous situation gleefully chewing the scenery every step of the way.
Jude Law (Bradley Fine)/Spy- As a talented, but somewhat clueless, CIA agent, Law would get my nomination for the way he accidentally eliminates his target at the beginning of the film even if that was his only scene.
Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)/Creed- It's strange to nominate one of the most iconic roles in movie history in a supporting category. But that's exactly what Rocky has become in this latest chapter of the popular boxing series. And, Stallone plays it understated as the lovable lug who has run the gamut in the series from underdog boxer to champion to mentor.
Tom Hardy (John Fitzgerald)/The Revenant- As the opportunist frontiersman in star Leonardo DiCaprio's hunting party, Hardy is a snake. But, like DiCaprio's character, he's a survivor as well. Unlike that character, however, his survival isn't based on sheer force of will. He gets by on deception, practicality, and murder. You're ready for him to get his in the end. The sign of a great villain.
Benicio Del Toro (Alejandro)/Sicario- Del Toro is the poster child of murderous cool as a questionable "consultant" to a drug task force charged with taking down a major Mexican cartel. His character is so slick, so in control at all times. He's on the side of the angels (so to speak) but, has that underlying hint of smoldering evil. It's by far the best performance of the film.
Walton Goggins (Chris Mannix)/The Hateful Eight- Chris Mannix. Former Confederate Renegade and overall racist hatemonger is also a newly appointed sheriff in the town of Red Rock. In a film where most characters have questionable loyalties, Mannix's final decision may not be quite what you believe it will be. Goggins plays the part with his usual brilliance.
Joel Edgerton (Gordo)/The Gift- Edgerton gives a subtle, creepy performance as disturbed man stalking a former classmate and his wife. Befriending the couple in the beginning he gradually becomes more intrusive in their lives pushing his former classmate to his breaking point and beyond. But, is there method to Gordo's madness? Why has he targeted this particular classmate? In this twisty thriller, not all is as it seems. Neither is Gordo.
Nicholas Hoult (Nux)/Mad Max: Fury Road- As the somewhat psychotic foot soldier of a cruel despot who later switches sides, Hoult is on this list for me for one main reason. Driving through one of the most ominous sandstorms ever filmed at breakneck speed, he leaves an indelible impression with the following line, "Oh, what a day. WHAT A LOVELY DAY!"
Jason Statham (Rick Ford)/Spy- Who'd'a thunk it? Jason Statham has a few comedy chops in him. As a surly CIA agent who's a legend in his own mind, he bumbles his way through ridiculous situation after ridiculous situation gleefully chewing the scenery every step of the way.
Jude Law (Bradley Fine)/Spy- As a talented, but somewhat clueless, CIA agent, Law would get my nomination for the way he accidentally eliminates his target at the beginning of the film even if that was his only scene.
Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)/Creed- It's strange to nominate one of the most iconic roles in movie history in a supporting category. But that's exactly what Rocky has become in this latest chapter of the popular boxing series. And, Stallone plays it understated as the lovable lug who has run the gamut in the series from underdog boxer to champion to mentor.
Tom Hardy (John Fitzgerald)/The Revenant- As the opportunist frontiersman in star Leonardo DiCaprio's hunting party, Hardy is a snake. But, like DiCaprio's character, he's a survivor as well. Unlike that character, however, his survival isn't based on sheer force of will. He gets by on deception, practicality, and murder. You're ready for him to get his in the end. The sign of a great villain.
Benicio Del Toro (Alejandro)/Sicario- Del Toro is the poster child of murderous cool as a questionable "consultant" to a drug task force charged with taking down a major Mexican cartel. His character is so slick, so in control at all times. He's on the side of the angels (so to speak) but, has that underlying hint of smoldering evil. It's by far the best performance of the film.
Walton Goggins (Chris Mannix)/The Hateful Eight- Chris Mannix. Former Confederate Renegade and overall racist hatemonger is also a newly appointed sheriff in the town of Red Rock. In a film where most characters have questionable loyalties, Mannix's final decision may not be quite what you believe it will be. Goggins plays the part with his usual brilliance.
Joel Edgerton (Gordo)/The Gift- Edgerton gives a subtle, creepy performance as disturbed man stalking a former classmate and his wife. Befriending the couple in the beginning he gradually becomes more intrusive in their lives pushing his former classmate to his breaking point and beyond. But, is there method to Gordo's madness? Why has he targeted this particular classmate? In this twisty thriller, not all is as it seems. Neither is Gordo.
Best Picture 2015
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
Unfriended
Trainwreck
Straight Outta Compton
Secret In Their Eyes
The Hateful Eight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Creed
Ant-Man
Spy
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The Gift
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
Unfriended
Trainwreck
Straight Outta Compton
Secret In Their Eyes
The Hateful Eight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Creed
Ant-Man
Spy
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The Gift
Monday, May 30, 2016
2015 Golden Lightsaber Awards-Introduction
Well, this is coming out a bit later than usual this year. But, better late than never right? My third annual tribute to the best stuff I saw from 2015. Once again, I don't claim to have seen everything, but, I did see quite a bit. I work with the same premise as I have in the past. Five categories with as many or as few nominees as I thought were worthy of consideration.
As always, have fun with it. Please feel free to comment and let me know if you have different nominees.
I will be posting all of the nominees for all categories starting tomorrow (5/31). Starting Wednesday (6/1), I'll post the winners daily.
As always, have fun with it. Please feel free to comment and let me know if you have different nominees.
I will be posting all of the nominees for all categories starting tomorrow (5/31). Starting Wednesday (6/1), I'll post the winners daily.
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