Showing posts with label Danny Elfman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Danny Elfman. Show all posts
Sunday, December 21, 2014
114 Films Compete for 5 "Original Score" 87th Oscar Nominations
114 ORIGINAL SCORES IN 2014 OSCAR RACE
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 114 scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures released in 2014 are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 87th Oscars.
The eligible scores along with their composers are listed below, in alphabetical order by film title:
"American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs," Vivek Maddala, composer
"Anita," Lili Haydn, composer
"Annabelle," Joseph Bishara, composer
"At Middleton," Arturo Sandoval, composer
"Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt?," Elia Cmiral, composer
"Bears," George Fenton, composer
"Belle," Rachel Portman, composer
"Big Eyes," Danny Elfman, composer
"Big Hero 6," Henry Jackman, composer
"The Book of Life," Gustavo Santaolalla and Tim Davies, composers
"The Boxtrolls," Dario Marianelli, composer
"Brick Mansions," Trevor Morris, composer
"Cake," Christophe Beck, composer
"Calvary," Patrick Cassidy, composer
"Captain America: The Winter Soldier," Henry Jackman, composer
"The Case against 8," Blake Neely, composer
"Cheatin'," Nicole Renaud, composer
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," Michael Giacchino, composer
"The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them," Son Lux, composer
"Divergent," Tom Holkenborg, composer
"Dolphin Tale 2," Rachel Portman, composer
"Dracula Untold," Ramin Djawadi, composer
"Draft Day," John Debney, composer
"The Drop," Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, composers
"Earth to Echo," Joseph Trapanese, composer
"Edge of Tomorrow," Christophe Beck, composer
"Endless Love," Christophe Beck and Jake Monaco, composers
"The Equalizer," Harry Gregson-Williams, composer
"Exodus: Gods and Kings," Alberto Iglesias, composer
"The Fault in Our Stars," Mike Mogis, composer
"Finding Vivian Maier," J. Ralph, composer
"Fury," Steven Price, composer
"Garnet's Gold," J. Ralph, composer
"Girl on a Bicycle," Craig Richey, composer
"The Giver," Marco Beltrami, composer
"Godzilla," Alexandre Desplat, composer
"Gone Girl," Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, composers
"The Good Lie," Martin Léon, composer
"The Grand Budapest Hotel," Alexandre Desplat, composer
"The Great Flood," Bill Frisell, composer
"Hercules," Fernando Velázquez, composer
"The Hero of Color City," Zoë Poledouris-Roché and Angel Roché, Jr., composers
"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," Howard Shore, composer
"The Homesman," Marco Beltrami, composer
"Horrible Bosses 2," Christopher Lennertz, composer
"How to Train Your Dragon 2," John Powell, composer
"The Hundred-Foot Journey," A.R. Rahman, composer
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," James Newton Howard, composer
"I Origins," Will Bates and Phil Mossman, composers
"The Imitation Game," Alexandre Desplat, composer
"Inherent Vice," Jonny Greenwood, composer
"Interstellar," Hans Zimmer, composer
"The Interview," Henry Jackman, composer
"Into the Storm," Brian Tyler, composer
"Jal," Sonu Nigam and Bickram Ghosh, composers
"The Judge," Thomas Newman, composer
"Kill the Messenger," Nathan Johnson, composer
"Kochadaiiyaan," A.R. Rahman, composer
"Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return," Toby Chu, composer
"The Lego Movie," Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
"The Liberator," Gustavo Dudamel, composer
"Life Itself," Joshua Abrams, composer
"Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed," Pat Metheny, composer
"Lucy," Eric Serra, composer
"Maleficent," James Newton Howard, composer
"The Maze Runner," John Paesano, composer
"Merchants of Doubt," Mark Adler, composer
"Million Dollar Arm," A.R. Rahman, composer
"A Million Ways to Die in the West," Joel McNeely, composer
"Mr. Peabody & Sherman," Danny Elfman, composer
"Mr. Turner," Gary Yershon, composer
"The Monuments Men," Alexandre Desplat, composer
"A Most Violent Year," Alex Ebert, composer
"My Old Lady," Mark Orton, composer
"Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," Alan Silvestri, composer
"Nightcrawler," James Newton Howard, composer
"No God, No Master," Nuno Malo, composer
"Noah," Clint Mansell, composer
"Non-Stop," John Ottman, composer
"The One I Love," Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, composers
"Ouija," Anton Sanko, composer
"Paddington," Nick Urata, composer
"Penguins of Madagascar," Lorne Balfe, composer
"Pompeii," Clinton Shorter, composer
"The Purge: Anarchy," Nathan Whitehead, composer
"The Railway Man," David Hirschfelder, composer
"Red Army," Christophe Beck and Leo Birenberg, composers
"Ride Along," Christopher Lennertz, composer
"Rocks in My Pockets," Kristian Sensini, composer
"Rosewater," Howard Shore, composer
"St. Vincent," Theodore Shapiro, composer
"The Salt of the Earth," Laurent Petitgand, composer
"Selma," Jason Moran, composer
"The Signal," Nima Fakhrara, composer
"Snowpiercer," Marco Beltrami, composer
"Song of the Sea," Bruno Coulais, composer
"Still Alice," Ilan Eshkeri, composer
"The Tale of the Princess Kaguya," Joe Hisaishi, composer
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Brian Tyler, composer
"That Awkward Moment," David Torn, composer
"The Theory of Everything," Jóhann Jóhannsson, composer
"This Is Where I Leave You," Michael Giacchino, composer
"300: Rise of an Empire," Tom Holkenborg, composer
"Tracks," Garth Stevenson, composer
"Transformers: Age of Extinction," Steve Jablonsky, composer
"22 Jump Street," Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
"Unbroken," Alexandre Desplat, composer
"Under the Skin," Mica Levi, composer
"Virunga," Patrick Jonsson, composer
"Visitors," Philip Glass, composer
"A Walk among the Tombstones," Carlos Rafael Rivera, composer
"Walking with the Enemy," Timothy Williams, composer
"Wild Tales," Gustavo Santaolalla, composer
"X-Men: Days of Future Past," John Ottman, composer
A Reminder List of works submitted in the Original Score category will be made available with a nominations ballot to all members of the Music Branch, who shall vote in the order of their preference for not more than five achievements. The five achievements receiving the highest number of votes will become the nominations for final voting for the award.
To be eligible, the original score must be a substantial body of music that serves as original dramatic underscoring, and must be written specifically for the motion picture by the submitting composer. Scores diluted by the use of tracked themes or other preexisting music, diminished in impact by the predominant use of songs, or assembled from the music of more than one composer shall not be eligible.
The 87th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
The Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Saturday, December 6, 2014
2015 Annie Awards Nominations Announced - Complete List
ASIFA-Hollywood, the Los Angeles, California branch of the International Animated Film Society, presents the Annie Awards. The Annie honors achievements in animation as a whole, including current animated productions, as well as career and lifetime achievements. These awards were created in 1972 by veteran voice talent June Foray.
On Monday, December 1, 2014, ASIFA-Hollywood announced nominations for the 42nd Annual Annie Awards, recognizing the year 2014's best in the field of animation. The Annie Awards cover 36 categories and include Best Animated Feature, Best Animated Special Production, Commercials, Short Subjects, and Outstanding Individual Achievements. The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. A pre-reception and press line begins at 5:00 pm with the awards ceremony following at 7:00 pm. A post-show celebration begins immediately following the ceremony, and all events will be held at Royce Hall.
The “Juried Awards” honoring career achievement and exceptional contributions to animation, will also be presented. Three “Winsor McCay” recipients have been selected by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, and they are Didier Brunner, Don Lusk and Lee Mendelson for their career contributions to the art of animation. The “June Foray Award” goes to Charles Solomon for his significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation. The “Ub Iwerks Award” goes to DreamWorks Animation’s Apollo Software for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation. The “Special Achievement Award” will be given to The Walt Disney Family Museum recognizing the unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation.
2015/42nd Annie Awards nominations:
PRODUCTION CATEGORIES
Best Animated Feature
Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
The Book of Life - Reel FX
The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
The LEGO Movie -Warner Bros. Pictures
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Best Animated Special Production
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey - Voyager Pictures LLC
Dawn of the Dragon Racers - DreamWorks Animation
How Murray Saved Christmas - Universal Television
Polariffic - Bent Image Lab
Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Best Animated Short Subject
Coda - 62 George Street
Duet - Glen Keane Productions
Feast - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Inside Homer - The Simpsons Couch Gag (Episode #549) - Acme Filmworks
Me and My Moulton - National Film Board of Canada
Silent - Creative Artists Agency
The Dam Keeper - Tonko House LLC
The Raven - Moonbot Studios
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial
Citizen M: "Swan Song" - Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Flight of the Stories - Aardman Animations
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham - Plastic Wax
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children
Doc McStuffins - Disney Channel / Disney XD
Peter Rabbit - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Wallykazam! - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Zack & Quack - Zodiak Kids
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children’s Audience
Adventure Time - Cartoon Network
Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Legend of Korra - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Over The Garden Wall - Cartoon Network
Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Archer - FX Networks
Back To Backspace - Cartoon Network Studios
Bob's Burgers - Bento Box Entertainment
Rick and Morty - Starburns Industries, Inc.
Mike Tyson Mysteries - Warner Bros. Animation
Regular Show - Cartoon Network Studios
The Simpsons - The Simpsons
Best Animated Video Game
Forza Horizon 2 - Microsoft - Turn 10 Studios
Valiant Hearts: The Great War - Ubisoft
Child of Light - Ubisoft
Best Student Film
After School - Junyi Xiao
Dead Over Heels - Jose Matheu
El Coyote - Javier Barboza
Frog's Legs - Katie Tamboer
My Big Brother - Jason Rayner
Tiny Nomad - Toniko Pantoja
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES
Outstanding Achievement, Animated Effects in an Animated Production
Michael Kaschalk, Peter DeMund, David Hutchins, Henrik Falt, John Kosnik - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
James Jackson, Lucas Janin, Tobin Jones, Baptiste Van Opstal, Jason Mayer - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Fangwei Lee, Krzysztof Rost, Jihyun Yoon, Robert Chen - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Mitul Patel, Nicolas Delbecq, Santosh Khedkar, Yash Argawal - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Augusto Schillaci, Erich Turner, Bill Konersman, Chris Rasch, Joseph Burnette - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Rick Sevy, Peter Vickery, Kent Estep, Peter Stuart, Ralph Procida - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Jayandera Danappal, Matt Ebb, Christian Epunan Hernandez, Danielle Brooks, Raphael Gadot - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Animated Effects in a Live Action Production
Steve Avoujageli, Atsushi Ikarashi, Pawel Grochola, Paul Waggoner, Viktor Lundqvist - Edge of Tomorrow - Sony Pictures Imageworks
Raul Essig, Karin Cooper, Rick Hankins, Owen Calouro - Noah - Industrial Light & Magic
Charles-Felix Chabert, Daniel La Chapelle, Spencer Lueders, Klaus Seitschek, Chris Messineo - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Sony Pictures Imageworks
Areito Echevarria, Andreas Soderstrom, Ronnie Menahem, Christoph Sprenger, Kevin Romond - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Weta Digital
Michael Balog, Jim Van Allen, Rick Hankins, John Hansen - Transformers: Age of Extinction - Industrial Light & Magic
Jeremy Hampton, Daniel Stern, Edmond Smith III, Hiroshi Tsubokawa, Daniel Jenkins - X-Men: Days of Future Past - Digital Domain
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production
Don Crum - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Carlo Vogele - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Ken Kim - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Michael Granberry - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Teresa Drilling - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Justin Nichols - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Feature Production
Fabio Lignini - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Steven "Shaggy" Hornby - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Thomas Grummt - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Ravi Kamble - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Travis Knight - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Malcolm Lamont - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Jason Stalman - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Live Action Production
Daniel Barrett, Paul Story, Eteuati Tema, Alessandro Bonora, Dejan Momcilovic - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Weta Digital
Kevin Spruce, Dale Newton, Sidney Kombo, Chris Mullins, Brad Silby - Guardians of the Galaxy - Framestore
Eric Reynolds, David Clayton, Andreja Vuckovic, Guillaume Francois, Gios Johnston - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Weta Digital
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Video Game
Mike Mennillo - Assassin's Creed Unity - Ubisoft
Don't Starve: Console Edition - Klei Entertainment Inc.
Alex Drouin - Child Of Light - Ubisoft
Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Andy Suriano - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Benjamin Balistreri - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Zac Gorman - Welcome to the Wayne - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated Feature Production
Shiyoon Kim, Jin Kim - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Timothy Lamb, Joe Moshier - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Craig Kellman, Joe Moshier, Stevie Lewis, Todd Kurosawa - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Sang Jun Lee, Jason Sadler, José Manuel Fernandez Oli - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Tomm Moore, Marie Thorhauge, Sandra Anderson, Rosa Ballester Cabo - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Paul Sullivan, Sandra Equihua, Jorge R. Gutierrez - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Mike Smith - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Directing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Yuasa Masaaki, Eunyoung Choi - Adventure Time - Cartoon Network
Bryan Fordney - Archer - FX Networks
Jennifer Coyle & Bernard Derriman - Bob's Burgers - Bento Box Entertainment
Aaron Springer - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Rob Renzetti - Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Robert Alvarez, Ken Bruce, Larry Leichliter - Over The Garden Wall - Cartoon Network
Matthew Nastuk - The Simpsons - The Simpsons
David Thomas - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Directing in an Animated Feature Production
Don Hall & Chris Williams - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Bill Plympton - Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
Dean DeBlois - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Tomm Moore - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Jorge R. Gutierrez - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Anthony Stacchi & Graham Annable - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, Directors; Chris McKay, Co-Director - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Isao Takahata - The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Christopher Willis - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Peter Lurye, George Gabriel, Chris Gifford - Dora and Friends: Into the City! - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Jay Vincent, Michael Kramer, Jeppe Riddervold, Erin Chapman - Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Jam
Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter & Michael McCuistion - Marvel's Avengers Assemble - Dynamic Music Partners
Nathan Barr & Lisbeth Scott - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated Feature Production
Nicole Renaud, Composer - Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
John Powell, Jónsi - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Danny Elfman - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Bruno Coulais & Kila - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Joe Hisaishi - The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Outstanding Achievement, Production Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Kara Vallow, Brent Woods, Lucas Gray & Andrew Brandou - Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey - Voyager Pictures LLC
Joseph Holt - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Narina Sokolova - Mickey Shorts - Disney
Kevin Dart, Chris Turnham, Jasmin Lai & Elle Michalka - The Powerpuff Girls - Cartoon Network
Antonio Canobbio, Khang Le, Mark Taihei, Howard Chen & Brandon Cuellar - Turbo FAST - DreamWorks Animation
Alex Kirwan, Chris Tsirigotis, Alexander Duckworth, Janice Kubo & Francis Giglio - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Erez Gavish - Zack & Quack - Zodiak Kids
Outstanding Achievement, Production Design in an Animated Feature Production
David James, Ruben Perez, Priscilla Wong, Timothy Lamb & Alexandre Puvilland - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Adrien Merigeau - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Simon Varela & Paul Sullivan - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Paul Lasaine, Tom McClure & August Hall - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Grant Freckelton - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Heiko Drengenberg - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Luke Weber, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Neil Graf & Steve Heneveld - Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Joaquim Dos Santos - Legend of Korra -Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Nathaniel Villanueva & Douglas Lovelace - Star Wars Rebels - Disney Channel / Disney XD
Brad Ableson, Matthew Faughnan & Stephen Reis - The Simpsons - Film Roman
Louise Smythe - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Mark Ackland - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production
Marc E. Smith - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Truong "Tron" Son Mai - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Piero Peluso - Planes: Fire & Rescue - Disneytoon Studios
John Hurst - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Rodrigo Castro - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Julian Nariño - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features
Emanuela Cozzi - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Bill Farmer as the voices of Goofy and Grandma - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Carlos Alazaraqui as the voice of Crocker - Fairly Oddparents - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Seth Green as the voice of Robot Chicken Nerd - Robot Chicken - Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production
Cyndi Lauper as the voice of Nurse Cyndi - Henry & Me - Reveal Animation Studios
Andy Garcia as the voice of Eduardo - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Sir Ben Kingsley as the voice of Archibald Snatcher - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Dee Bradley Baker as the voice of Fish - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Darrick Bachman - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Dave Tennant, David P. Smith, Chris Mitchell & Will Mata - The Powerpuff Girls - Cartoon Network
Rob LaZebnik - The Simpsons - 20th Century Fox
Tim Long - The Simpsons - 20th Century Fox
Steve Purcell - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated Feature Production
Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson & Jordan Roberts - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Dean DeBlois - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Will Collins - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Irena Brignull & Adam Pava - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller - The Lego Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Editorial in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Illya Owens - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Ernesto Matamoros - Dragons: Defenders of Berk - DreamWorks Animation Television
Mike Elias - Family Guy - Super 78
David Suther, Bradley Furnish & David Condolora - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Todd Raleigh & Doug Vito - Turbo FAST - DreamWorks Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Editorial in an Animated Feature Production
Tim Mertens - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
John K. Carr - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Dan Molina, Mark Keefer & Karen Hathaway - Planes: Fire & Rescue - Disneytoon Studios
Darragh Byrne - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
David Burrows, Todd Hansen, Doug Nicholas, Jonathan Tappin & Courtney O'Brien-Brown - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
www.annieawards.org
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On Monday, December 1, 2014, ASIFA-Hollywood announced nominations for the 42nd Annual Annie Awards, recognizing the year 2014's best in the field of animation. The Annie Awards cover 36 categories and include Best Animated Feature, Best Animated Special Production, Commercials, Short Subjects, and Outstanding Individual Achievements. The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. A pre-reception and press line begins at 5:00 pm with the awards ceremony following at 7:00 pm. A post-show celebration begins immediately following the ceremony, and all events will be held at Royce Hall.
The “Juried Awards” honoring career achievement and exceptional contributions to animation, will also be presented. Three “Winsor McCay” recipients have been selected by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, and they are Didier Brunner, Don Lusk and Lee Mendelson for their career contributions to the art of animation. The “June Foray Award” goes to Charles Solomon for his significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation. The “Ub Iwerks Award” goes to DreamWorks Animation’s Apollo Software for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation. The “Special Achievement Award” will be given to The Walt Disney Family Museum recognizing the unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation.
2015/42nd Annie Awards nominations:
PRODUCTION CATEGORIES
Best Animated Feature
Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
The Book of Life - Reel FX
The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
The LEGO Movie -Warner Bros. Pictures
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Best Animated Special Production
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey - Voyager Pictures LLC
Dawn of the Dragon Racers - DreamWorks Animation
How Murray Saved Christmas - Universal Television
Polariffic - Bent Image Lab
Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Best Animated Short Subject
Coda - 62 George Street
Duet - Glen Keane Productions
Feast - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Inside Homer - The Simpsons Couch Gag (Episode #549) - Acme Filmworks
Me and My Moulton - National Film Board of Canada
Silent - Creative Artists Agency
The Dam Keeper - Tonko House LLC
The Raven - Moonbot Studios
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial
Citizen M: "Swan Song" - Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Flight of the Stories - Aardman Animations
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham - Plastic Wax
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children
Doc McStuffins - Disney Channel / Disney XD
Peter Rabbit - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Wallykazam! - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Zack & Quack - Zodiak Kids
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children’s Audience
Adventure Time - Cartoon Network
Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Legend of Korra - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Over The Garden Wall - Cartoon Network
Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Archer - FX Networks
Back To Backspace - Cartoon Network Studios
Bob's Burgers - Bento Box Entertainment
Rick and Morty - Starburns Industries, Inc.
Mike Tyson Mysteries - Warner Bros. Animation
Regular Show - Cartoon Network Studios
The Simpsons - The Simpsons
Best Animated Video Game
Forza Horizon 2 - Microsoft - Turn 10 Studios
Valiant Hearts: The Great War - Ubisoft
Child of Light - Ubisoft
Best Student Film
After School - Junyi Xiao
Dead Over Heels - Jose Matheu
El Coyote - Javier Barboza
Frog's Legs - Katie Tamboer
My Big Brother - Jason Rayner
Tiny Nomad - Toniko Pantoja
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES
Outstanding Achievement, Animated Effects in an Animated Production
Michael Kaschalk, Peter DeMund, David Hutchins, Henrik Falt, John Kosnik - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
James Jackson, Lucas Janin, Tobin Jones, Baptiste Van Opstal, Jason Mayer - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Fangwei Lee, Krzysztof Rost, Jihyun Yoon, Robert Chen - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Mitul Patel, Nicolas Delbecq, Santosh Khedkar, Yash Argawal - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Augusto Schillaci, Erich Turner, Bill Konersman, Chris Rasch, Joseph Burnette - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Rick Sevy, Peter Vickery, Kent Estep, Peter Stuart, Ralph Procida - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Jayandera Danappal, Matt Ebb, Christian Epunan Hernandez, Danielle Brooks, Raphael Gadot - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Animated Effects in a Live Action Production
Steve Avoujageli, Atsushi Ikarashi, Pawel Grochola, Paul Waggoner, Viktor Lundqvist - Edge of Tomorrow - Sony Pictures Imageworks
Raul Essig, Karin Cooper, Rick Hankins, Owen Calouro - Noah - Industrial Light & Magic
Charles-Felix Chabert, Daniel La Chapelle, Spencer Lueders, Klaus Seitschek, Chris Messineo - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Sony Pictures Imageworks
Areito Echevarria, Andreas Soderstrom, Ronnie Menahem, Christoph Sprenger, Kevin Romond - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Weta Digital
Michael Balog, Jim Van Allen, Rick Hankins, John Hansen - Transformers: Age of Extinction - Industrial Light & Magic
Jeremy Hampton, Daniel Stern, Edmond Smith III, Hiroshi Tsubokawa, Daniel Jenkins - X-Men: Days of Future Past - Digital Domain
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production
Don Crum - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Carlo Vogele - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Ken Kim - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Michael Granberry - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Teresa Drilling - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Justin Nichols - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Feature Production
Fabio Lignini - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Steven "Shaggy" Hornby - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Thomas Grummt - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Ravi Kamble - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Travis Knight - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Malcolm Lamont - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Jason Stalman - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Live Action Production
Daniel Barrett, Paul Story, Eteuati Tema, Alessandro Bonora, Dejan Momcilovic - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Weta Digital
Kevin Spruce, Dale Newton, Sidney Kombo, Chris Mullins, Brad Silby - Guardians of the Galaxy - Framestore
Eric Reynolds, David Clayton, Andreja Vuckovic, Guillaume Francois, Gios Johnston - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Weta Digital
Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in a Video Game
Mike Mennillo - Assassin's Creed Unity - Ubisoft
Don't Starve: Console Edition - Klei Entertainment Inc.
Alex Drouin - Child Of Light - Ubisoft
Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Andy Suriano - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Benjamin Balistreri - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Zac Gorman - Welcome to the Wayne - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated Feature Production
Shiyoon Kim, Jin Kim - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Timothy Lamb, Joe Moshier - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Craig Kellman, Joe Moshier, Stevie Lewis, Todd Kurosawa - Penguins of Madagascar - DreamWorks Animation
Sang Jun Lee, Jason Sadler, José Manuel Fernandez Oli - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Tomm Moore, Marie Thorhauge, Sandra Anderson, Rosa Ballester Cabo - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Paul Sullivan, Sandra Equihua, Jorge R. Gutierrez - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Mike Smith - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Directing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Yuasa Masaaki, Eunyoung Choi - Adventure Time - Cartoon Network
Bryan Fordney - Archer - FX Networks
Jennifer Coyle & Bernard Derriman - Bob's Burgers - Bento Box Entertainment
Aaron Springer - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Rob Renzetti - Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Robert Alvarez, Ken Bruce, Larry Leichliter - Over The Garden Wall - Cartoon Network
Matthew Nastuk - The Simpsons - The Simpsons
David Thomas - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Directing in an Animated Feature Production
Don Hall & Chris Williams - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Bill Plympton - Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
Dean DeBlois - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Tomm Moore - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Jorge R. Gutierrez - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Anthony Stacchi & Graham Annable - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, Directors; Chris McKay, Co-Director - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Isao Takahata - The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Christopher Willis - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Peter Lurye, George Gabriel, Chris Gifford - Dora and Friends: Into the City! - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Jay Vincent, Michael Kramer, Jeppe Riddervold, Erin Chapman - Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Jam
Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter & Michael McCuistion - Marvel's Avengers Assemble - Dynamic Music Partners
Nathan Barr & Lisbeth Scott - Tumble Leaf - Amazon Studios
Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated Feature Production
Nicole Renaud, Composer - Cheatin' - Plymptoons Studio
John Powell, Jónsi - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Danny Elfman - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Bruno Coulais & Kila - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Joe Hisaishi - The Tale of The Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli
Outstanding Achievement, Production Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Kara Vallow, Brent Woods, Lucas Gray & Andrew Brandou - Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey - Voyager Pictures LLC
Joseph Holt - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Narina Sokolova - Mickey Shorts - Disney
Kevin Dart, Chris Turnham, Jasmin Lai & Elle Michalka - The Powerpuff Girls - Cartoon Network
Antonio Canobbio, Khang Le, Mark Taihei, Howard Chen & Brandon Cuellar - Turbo FAST - DreamWorks Animation
Alex Kirwan, Chris Tsirigotis, Alexander Duckworth, Janice Kubo & Francis Giglio - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Erez Gavish - Zack & Quack - Zodiak Kids
Outstanding Achievement, Production Design in an Animated Feature Production
David James, Ruben Perez, Priscilla Wong, Timothy Lamb & Alexandre Puvilland - Mr. Peabody & Sherman - DreamWorks Animation
Adrien Merigeau - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Simon Varela & Paul Sullivan - The Book of Life - Reel FX
Paul Lasaine, Tom McClure & August Hall - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Grant Freckelton - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Heiko Drengenberg - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Luke Weber, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Neil Graf & Steve Heneveld - Gravity Falls - Disney Television Animation
Joaquim Dos Santos - Legend of Korra -Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Nathaniel Villanueva & Douglas Lovelace - Star Wars Rebels - Disney Channel / Disney XD
Brad Ableson, Matthew Faughnan & Stephen Reis - The Simpsons - Film Roman
Louise Smythe - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Mark Ackland - Wander Over Yonder - Disney Television Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production
Marc E. Smith - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Truong "Tron" Son Mai - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Piero Peluso - Planes: Fire & Rescue - Disneytoon Studios
John Hurst - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Rodrigo Castro - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Julian Nariño - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features
Emanuela Cozzi - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Bill Farmer as the voices of Goofy and Grandma - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Carlos Alazaraqui as the voice of Crocker - Fairly Oddparents - Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Seth Green as the voice of Robot Chicken Nerd - Robot Chicken - Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production
Cyndi Lauper as the voice of Nurse Cyndi - Henry & Me - Reveal Animation Studios
Andy Garcia as the voice of Eduardo - Rio 2 - Blue Sky Studios
Sir Ben Kingsley as the voice of Archibald Snatcher - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Dee Bradley Baker as the voice of Fish - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Darrick Bachman - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Dave Tennant, David P. Smith, Chris Mitchell & Will Mata - The Powerpuff Girls - Cartoon Network
Rob LaZebnik - The Simpsons - 20th Century Fox
Tim Long - The Simpsons - 20th Century Fox
Steve Purcell - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated Feature Production
Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson & Jordan Roberts - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Dean DeBlois - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Will Collins - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
Irena Brignull & Adam Pava - The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller - The Lego Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
Outstanding Achievement, Editorial in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
Illya Owens - Disney Mickey Mouse - Disney Television Animation
Ernesto Matamoros - Dragons: Defenders of Berk - DreamWorks Animation Television
Mike Elias - Family Guy - Super 78
David Suther, Bradley Furnish & David Condolora - Toy Story That Time Forgot - Pixar Animation Studios
Todd Raleigh & Doug Vito - Turbo FAST - DreamWorks Animation
Outstanding Achievement, Editorial in an Animated Feature Production
Tim Mertens - Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studios
John K. Carr - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation
Dan Molina, Mark Keefer & Karen Hathaway - Planes: Fire & Rescue - Disneytoon Studios
Darragh Byrne - Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
David Burrows, Todd Hansen, Doug Nicholas, Jonathan Tappin & Courtney O'Brien-Brown - The LEGO Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures
www.annieawards.org
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Sunday, May 4, 2014
Review: "The Kingdom" is a Thrill Ride (Happy B'day, Richard Jenkins)
The Kingdom (2007)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPAA – R for intense sequences of graphic brutal violence and for language
DIRECTOR: Peter Berg
WRITER: Matthew Michael Carnahan
PRODUCERS: Peter Berg, Michael Mann, and Scott Stuber
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Mauro Fiore (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Colby Parker, Jr. and Kevin Stitt
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
ACTION/THRILLER/CRIME/DRAMA
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Ashraf Barhom, Ali Suliman, Jeremy Piven, Richard Jenkins, Kyle Chandler, Frances Fisher, Danny Huston, Kelly AuCoin, Anna Deavere Smith, and Minka Kelly
The subject of this movie review is The Kingdom, a 2007 action thriller and crime drama directed by Peter Berg. The film follows a team of agents from the United States, investigating the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.
When terrorists attack and kill over 100 people at the Al Rahmah Western Housing Compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, FBI Agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) leads a small squad to investigate the bombing and find the culprits. Once Fleury and the other U.S. agents – Grant Sykes (Chris Cooper), Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), and Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman) – arrive, they learn that in Saudi Arabia, many consider them the true enemy.
Culture and the local bureaucracy hamper their investigation, but a local policeman, Col. Faris Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), becomes sympathetic to Fleury’s predicament. Soon, Fleury realizes that he and his team are the targets of the mysterious terrorist leader, Abu Hamza, but neither the threat of death or disgrace back home will stop Fleury’s mission.
With The Kingdom, director Peter Berg (The Rundown, Friday Night Lights) and writer Matthew Michael Carnahan (Lions for Lambs) dive headlong into the snake pit that movies about the “war on terrorism” and set in Middle East can be. What Berg and Carnahan come up with is an imperfect, but entertaining and engaging action flick that doesn’t shy away from the fact that there are few if any easy answers when fighting the murderous criminals who are terrorists.
Berg doesn’t shy away from making a hardcore action movie. There are intense car chases, with the requisite automobile flips and explosions, and there are sequences of manic gun battles that arrive in the kind of big slabs that keep an action movie junkie euphoric. The screenplay even insists on being a police procedural, making The Kingdom something like Black Hawk Down meets Michael Mann’s Heat (Mann also co-produced The Kingdom), and TV’s “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
Honestly, the movie drags when it focuses on the investigation, detective work, and forensics. On the other hand, The Kingdom soars when it lays on the gun battles and car violence. When the movie tries to be an FBI investigation flick, the narrative and indeed the performances get bogged down in detective work and the complications that can arise when different cultures meet. The film does raise several issues – asking questions that complicate what many only want to see as black and white. Are the FBI agents seeking justice or are they out for revenge? Does the subsequent violence only make matters worse? Does anyone gain anything or does everyone lose? These are the kind of questions that get a movie like this in trouble in the current political/social climate. An action movie requires that everything be in black and white, but the film’s setting and the issues it tackles just won’t be divided in two like that.
Ultimately, The Kingdom is a riveting action thriller that delivers. It affirms that Jamie Foxx can carry an action flick (but is there room for more than one or two action “stars of color?”), that Jason Bateman is funny, and that Jeremy Piven is a great character actor. However, the audience might have to take on some sticky issues to enjoy the thrill ride that is The Kingdom.
7 of 10
B+
Friday, January 18, 2008
Updated: Sunday, May 04, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Oscar Nominee Review: "American Hustle"
American Hustle (2013)
Running time: 138 minutes (2 hours, 18 minutes)
MPAA – R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence
DIRECTOR: David O. Russell
WRITERS: David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer
PRODUCERS: Megan Ellison, Jonathan Gordon, Charles Roven, and Richard Suckle
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Linus Sandgren (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Alan Baumgarten, Jay Cassidy, and Crispin Struthers
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award nominee
DRAMA/COMEDY/HISTORICAL
Starring: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence, Shea Whigham, Louis C.K., Paul Herman, Jack Huston, Alessandro Nivola, and Michael Peña with Robert De Niro (no screen credit)
American Hustle is a 2013 historical comedic drama from director David O. Russell. The film focuses on a con man and his seductive partner, both forced to work for an eccentric FBI agent, who forces them to help expose political corruption.
Like Russell’s previous film, Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle has two distinctions. It received Oscar nominations in the “Big Five” categories: best picture, director, actor, actress, and screenplay (original or adapted – original in this case). American Hustle also received Oscar nominations in all four acting categories, and before Silver Linings Playbook, no film had received nominations in all four acting categories since 1981. And like Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle is a damn good movie. It is an outstanding American film about the American hustle to get what you want, by hook or by crook, the way Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas was and still is a great film about America.
American Hustle opens in 1978 and introduces Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), a successful conman. While attending a friend’s party, Irving meets Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), a woman whose beauty and intelligence attracts him, and he falls hard for her. Surprisingly, Sydney is excited about becoming Irving’s partner in his con jobs, and she takes on the identity of Lady Edith Greensly to assist Irving in tricking prospective marks/victims in their schemes.
They eventually attract the unwanted attention of a wild and odd FBI agent, Richard “Richie” DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Richie forces Irving and Sydney into helping him in a sting operation to expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Irving does not trust Richie, especially because the G-Man flirts with Sydney. Irving’s young wife, Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), isn’t too crazy about any of what they are doing and plots to play a part in a dangerous game of backstabbers, crooked politicians, and mobsters.
American Hustle is a fictional version of the Abscam (or ABSCAM) scandal of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Abscam was a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sting operation in which the Bureau was aided by a convicted con-man in videotaping politicians. These politicians were offered bribes by a fake Middle Eastern sheik in return for various political favors, which some accepted. The investigation ultimately led to several people being convicted, including members of Congress and elected officials in both New Jersey and Philadelphia.
And you don’t need to know that to enjoy American Hustle. I barely remember Abscam, and I probably wouldn’t, if not for the name (a codename which combined the words “Arab” and “scam”). It is no scam that co-writer and director David O. Russell has once again delivered a film with an ensemble cast that is just plain good. I won’t go into the details, except to say that the five main stars: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Jennifer Lawrence are every bit as good as you have probably heard and certainly deserve the awards, nominations, and accolades they received. It’s true. Jennifer Lawrence is not a fluke; she’s the real deal.
Audiences that like good acting and like to see superb actors come together to love and hate, to support and challenge, and plays scenes together will want to hustle up a way to see American Hustle – immediately. Spoiler alert: Robert De Niro makes a cameo in American Hustle as the mobster, Victor Tellegio, but he does not receive a screen credit. Of course, De Niro is good. He exudes such murderous intentions as Tellegio that I almost ran away from my television set the first time he appeared on screen.
As I also said of Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle is a great movie, and I want to see it again.
9 of 10
A+
NOTES:
2013 Academy Awards, USA: 10 nominations: “Best Motion Picture of the Year” (Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison, and Jonathan Gordon), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Christian Bale), “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role” (Amy Adams), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role” (Bradley Cooper), “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” (Jennifer Lawrence), “Best Achievement in Costume Design” (Michael Wilkinson), “Best Achievement in Directing” (David O. Russell), “Best Achievement in Film Editing” (Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers, and Alan Baumgarten), “Best Achievement in Production Design” (Judy Becker-production design and Heather Loeffler-set decoration)” and “Best Writing, Original Screenplay” (Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell)
2013 BAFTA Awards: 3 wins: “Best Original Screenplay” (Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell), “Best Supporting Actress” (Jennifer Lawrence), and “Best Make Up/Hair” (Evelyne Noraz and Lori McCoy-Bell); 7 nominations: “Best Film” (Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison and Jonathan Gordon), “Best Leading Actor” (Christian Bale), “Best Leading Actress” (Amy Adams), “Best Supporting Actor” (Bradley Cooper), “Best Production Design” (Judy Becker and Heather Loeffler), “Best Costume Design” (Michael Wilkinson), and “David Lean Award for Direction” (David O. Russell)
2013 Golden Globes, USA: 3 wins: “Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical,” “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” (Amy Adams), and “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Jennifer Lawrence); 4 nominations: “Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Christian Bale), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Bradley Cooper), and “Best Director - Motion Picture” (David O. Russell), and “Best Screenplay - Motion Picture” (Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell)
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Review: Sparky Zaps Uninspired "Frankenweenie"
Frankenweenie (2012) – Black and White
Running time: 87 minutes (1 hour, 27 minutes)
MPAA – PG for thematic elements, scary images and action
DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
WRITER: John August (based on the screenplay by Leonard Ripps, which was based on an original idea by Tim Burton)
PRODUCERS: Allison Abbate and Tim Burton
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Sorg
EDITORS: Mark Solomon
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award nominee
SCI-FI/COMEDY/FAMILY with elements of horror
Starring: (voices) Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Atticus Shaffer, Winona Ryder, Robert Capron, James Hiroyuki Liao, and Conchata Ferrell, with Dee Bradley Baker and Frank Welker
Frankenweenie is a 2012 black and white, stop-motion animation film, presented in 3D, from director Tim Burton. This sci-fi family film is a remake of Burton’s 1984 live-action short film, also entitled Frankenweenie. Frankenweenie the movie is a parody of and pays homage to Universal Pictures’ 1931 film, Frankenstein (an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus). Frankenweenie is the story of a boy scientist who brings his dead dog back to life.
Frankenweenie focuses on kid filmmaker and budding scientist, Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan). Victor and his parents, Susan and Edward Frankenstein (Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short), live in the quiet town of New Holland. After his dog, Sparky (Frank Welker), is hit by a car and killed, Victor falls into a depression. Inspired by his teacher, Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau), Victor comes up with an idea to revive Sparky’s corpse. Bringing his beloved Sparky back to life, however, has unintended and monstrous consequences.
Screenwriter John August has written two mediocre Tim Burton films, Big Fish and Corpse Bride. He also wrote Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but the screenplay was not the film’s strong suit. August almost wrote a third mediocre Burton film, Frankenweenie, but there are some elements in the movie’s second half that do the heavy lifting of making this at least a good movie.
As in his best films, Burton focuses on the misfits, and since Frankenweenie is filled with misfits and oddballs, it should be a great film. But Frankenweenie isn’t great, and that is because many of the characters just aren’t that interesting or engaging. It takes practically the entire picture for Victor Frankenstein to come to life, and his mom and dad are cardboard cutout versions of parents from 1950s television sitcoms. The flat monotone voice performances from much of the cast don’t help.
There are two good human characters, neither of which have enough screen time, as far as I’m concerned. There is the sly Edgar “E” Gore (Atticus Shaffer), a hunch-backed kid who would have made a nice sidekick for Victor. Next is the Vincent Price-inspired Mr. Rzykruski, who delivers this movie’s best moment in a speech before a mob-like gathering of “concerned” parents.
The star is Sparky, or, at least, Sparky should have been the star. I think this movie would be much better if it were told from the re-animated dog’s point-of-view. Sparky is proof that when used wisely, a dog can be both the star and the saving grace of a movie. There are also a few science-created monsters that liven up Frankenweenie’s last act.
Filming this movie in black and white was the wrong decision. I know that the black and white choice had to do with all the movies to which Frankenweenie pays homage, but who cares? Referencing Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein has been done to death. Color would have made this movie visually pop on the screen, and this often-flat flick needed some pop. Animated films, even stop-motion, are best in color.
What does give this movie some pop is the musical score by Danny Elfman, a long-time collaborator with Burton. Elfman’s score is a lovely amalgamation of textures, styles, moods, and, if you can imagine it, colors. As the story advances, I could feel Elfman imposing his will on the movie. This is his best work in years.
So Mr. Burton: no more John August, no more black and white, and no more references to the films and pop culture that filled your childhood and apparently left an indelible mark on you. Your desire to parody and to homage hurt Frankenweenie.
6 of 10
B
NOTES:
2013 Academy Awards, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Animated Feature” (Tim Burton)
2013 BAFTA Awards: “Best Animated Film” (Tim Burton)
2013 Golden Globes, USA: “Best Animated Film”
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Review: "Nightbreed" Remains Unique (Happy B'day, Danny Elfman)
Nightbreed (1990)
Running time: 101 minutes (1 hour, 41 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR: Clive Barker
WRITER: Clive Barker (based upon his novella Cabal)
PRODUCER: Gabriella Martinelli
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Robin Vidgeon
EDITORS: Mark Goldblatt and Richard Marden
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
FANTASY/HORROR with elements of drama and thriller
Starring: Craig Sheffer, Anne Bobby, David Cronenberg, Charles Haid, Hugh Quarshie, Hugh Ross, Doug Bradley, Catherine Chevalier, Malcolm Smith, Bob Sessions, Oliver Parker, Debora Weston, Nicholas Vince, Simon Bamford, and Kim Robertson
The subject of this movie review is Nightbreed, a 1990 fantasy and horror film from writer-director Clive Barker. The film is based on Barker’s 1988 novella, Cabal, which was originally published as hardback book along with some of Barker’s short stories. The film follows a young man wanted for murder who joins a tribe of monsters and outcasts, called the “Nightbreed,” that also hides from humanity.
Nightmares of a place called Midian haunt the dreams of Aaron Boone (Craig Sheffer). His dreams tell him that Midian is the place of monsters, but his therapist, Dr. Philip K. Decker (David Cronenberg), tells Boone these dreams are the byproduct of a guilty conscience. You see, Decker insists that Boone is a serial killer, but the truth of the matter is that Decker is the real killer. He’s pinning the crimes on Boone, his vulnerable patient. A chance encounter with a raving madman, however, gives Boone directions to Midian, somewhere in rural Canada. What Boone finds is that Midian is a large and peculiar graveyard, and below its graves live strange and wondrous creatures and monsters. One of them attacks and bites Boone.
Decker’s deception leads to Boone’s death, but he arises to find himself back in Midian’s underworld, the lair of the Nightbreed. Now, he must save his new family and his girlfriend Lori Winston (Anne Bobby) from Decker’s elaborate fraud and murderous intensity. Meanwhile, the local law has gathered a gun-toting, bloodthirsty mob, and they’re on a hunt for Nightbreed trophies.
Clive Barker has stated in the past that his 1990 film, Nightbreed, was meant to be “the Star Wars of monster movies,” but disagreements with the studio producing the film meant that Nightbreed was not released to theatres in the version Barker wanted movie audiences to see. Still, what is on the screen is stylish and distinctive, and Danny Elfman’s score creates the perfect harmony for this dreamlike fairy tale. Barker’s vision of supernatural creatures and human freaks of nature living in a secret underground world (beneath a cemetery), right under the noses of normal human society is attractive to anyone with a vivid imagination or who feels vastly different from the mainstream.
The special effects and make-up effects seem dated 17 years later (as of this writing), but this concept’s blend of human drama, dark fantasy, weird horror, and social commentary (prejudice and intolerance) is worth a look by the adventurous, inspired movie lover.
6 of 10
B
Monday, June 11, 2007
Friday, May 10, 2013
Review: "Silver Linings Playbook" is Golden
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Running time: 122 minutes (2 hours, 2 minutes)
MPAA – R for language and some sexual content/nudity
DIRECTOR: David O. Russell
WRITERS: David O. Russell (based on the novel The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick)
PRODUCERS: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, and Jonathan Gordon
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Masanobu Takayanagi (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award winner
COMEDY/DRAMA/ROMANCE
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, Paul Herman, Dash Mihok, Cheryl Williams, Patrick McDade, and Brea Bee
Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama from writer-director, David O. Russell. The film is based on The Silver Linings Playbook, the 2008 debut novel of American author Matthew Quick. Silver Linings Playbook the film focuses on a man who returns home from a mental institution, hoping to reconcile with his wife, but befriends a young woman with serious mental issues of her own.
Silver Linings Playbook has two distinctions. It received Oscar nominations in the “Big Five” categories: best picture, director, actor, actress, and screenplay (either original or adapted). It also received Oscar nominations in all four acting categories, the first film to do so since 1981. Besides the Oscars, Silver Linings Playbook was critically acclaimed and also won or was nominated by numerous film award organizations. Plus, it was a surprise box office success. I call it one of the very best films of 2012, and I have to admit this. Silver Linings Playbook made me feel as if my heart were soaring into the clouds, and it even made me shed tears. What a damn good movie.
Silver Linings Playbook opens in 2008 at the Karel Psychiatric Facility in Baltimore, Maryland. Former high school teacher, Pat Solitano, Jr. (Bradley Cooper), is about to be released after an eight-month stay. Homeless and jobless, he has to move in with his parents, Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) and Dolores (Jacki Weaver), while he continues his treatment for bipolar disorder. Pat Sr., however, has his own issues, mostly built around his fanatical love for the professional football team, the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL and his insistence that Pat Jr. is some kind of good luck charm for the Eagles.
Pat is determined to reunite and reconcile with his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), but she has a restraining order against him. Pat does reunite with a few friends, which is how he meets Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), a young policeman’s widow, who is also on medication for depression. Tiffany aggressively pursues Pat and coerces him in order to get her way, but she might be the woman to change his life – his silver lining.
Silver Linings Playbook is one of the films in which a strong guiding hand is evident, in this case, writer-director David O. Russell. He treads carefully. On one hand, this film is about mental illness; on the other, it is a love story. Russell has to keep this movie from becoming a well-meaning, disease-of-the-week, television movie, bogged down by talk of medicine and symptoms. He also had to avoid the clichés that turn romance movies into cloying, maudlin melodramas, which is often the fate of movies about mismatched or star-crossed lovers.
Russell does this by writing a script in which the characters stay stubbornly true to who they are while building relationships with each other. As a director, Russell painstakingly guides the intricate connections necessary to make this character drama into a film that feels honest and authentic, rather than dishonest and contrived. This movie is not so much about connections as it is about accepting the “crazy” in each other, as the way to strengthen bonds. Russell does an outstanding job in getting the necessary performances from his cast that make Silver Linings Playbook not only succeed, but also it a great movie.
And what fantastic performances they are. Robert De Niro gives his best performance in years, probably the most heartfelt and layered since Awakenings (1990). Jacki Weaver is poignant and funny in a subtle performance full of color and delicate shades. Chris Tucker’s performance as Danny McDaniels (Pat’s friend whom he met while both were institutionalized) is sweet; that is the best way I can think to describe it. Russell makes the best use of Tucker’s innate foolishness in short bursts.
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence give career best performances in Silver Linings Playbook. Lawrence is so talented, and she’s just of burst of freshness and sunshine in the movies in which she appears. In fact, her first appearance in this movie is literally a burst out of nowhere, and instantly, Silver Linings Playbook is the better for it. Lawrence is mesmerizing, and it is easy to see why she captivated enough Oscar voters to win a best actress Academy Award for the role of Tiffany Maxwell.
Bradley Cooper, however, is Silver Linings Playbook’s rock. As Pat Solitano, Jr., Cooper brilliant portrays that at the heart of Solitano’s mania is a closed-up part of him. He takes the audience on a journey in which Pat finally opens up to new possibilities. Cooper is mesmerizing. I couldn’t help but follow the movie because I was enthralled by his performance. Where is Bradley’s Oscar?
Silver Linings Playbook is a special film, full of humor and love. Its foray into our individual mental issues is a journey that our minds and hearts need to experience. It is a great movie, and I want to see it again.
10 of 10
NOTES:
2013 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role” (Jennifer Lawrence); 7 nominations: “Best Motion Picture of the Year” (Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen, and Jonathan Gordon), “Best Achievement in Directing” (David O. Russell), “Best Achievement in Editing” (Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Bradley Cooper), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role” (Robert De Niro), “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” (Jacki Weaver), and “Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published” (David O. Russell)
2013 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “Best Adapted Screenplay” (David O. Russell); 2 nominations: “Best Leading Actor” (Bradley Cooper) and “Best Leading Actress” (Jennifer Lawrence)
2013 Golden Globes, USA: 1 win: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Jennifer Lawrence); 3 nominations: Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy,” “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Bradley Cooper), and “Best Screenplay - Motion Picture” (David O. Russell)
Friday, May 10, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Review: Oz the (Not So) Great and (Not Really) Powerful
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
Running minutes: 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG for sequences of action and scary images, and brief mild language
DRIECTOR: Sam Raimi
WRITERS: Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire; from a screen story by Mitchell Kapner (based on the works of L. Frank Baum)
PRODUCER: Joe Roth
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Deming
EDITOR: Bob Murawski
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
FANTASY with elements of action, adventure, and comedy
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King, Tony Cox, Bruce Campbell, and Ted Raimi
Oz the Great and Powerful is a 2013 fantasy film from Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Sam Raimi, this movie is based on the works of L. Frank Baum, especially Baum’s most famous book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which was first published in 1900. Oz the Great and Powerful’s story takes place before the events depicted in the book, so the movie is kind of a prequel to the novel. The new movie focuses on a small-time magician who arrives in an enchanted land, where he reluctantly joins a fight to save the land from evil witches.
Oz the Great and Powerful (which I will sometimes refer to as “OGP”) is not officially connected to the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, which is also based on Baum’s original novel and was produced by MGM (and is now owned by Time-Warner). In terms of quality, Oz the Great and Powerful is half the movie the 1939 film is. OGP is not a bad movie; it is simply mediocre, corporate film-product that cannot hide weak characters and a poor story behind tens of millions of dollars worth of special effects.
Oz the Great and Powerful opens in 1905, where we meet Oscar “Oz” Diggs (James Franco), a small-time magician, con artist, and womanizer. His activities lead him to make a desperate escape aboard a hot air balloon. The balloon, however, is sucked into a tornado, which takes Oscar to the mysterious and strange Land of Oz. The first resident of Oz he meets is the beautiful Theodora, the Wicked Witch of the West (Mila Kunis). Theodora tells Oscar that he is the prophesized wizard who will save Oz from the wicked Glinda the Good Witch (Michelle Williams).
They travel the yellow brick road to Emerald City, the capital of Oz. There, Oscar meets Theodora’s sister, Evanora, the Wicked Witch of the East (Rachel Weisz), who sends Oscar on a mission. Joined by Finley the Flying Monkey (voice of Zach Braff) and China Girl (voice Joey King), Oscar begins a journey that takes him to Munchkinland, where he must decide whether to be great or to be a good man.
In a perfect world, Oz the Great and Powerful would be judged on its own merits, but this is not a perfect world. This is an imperfect world that is made better by a great movie first released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz. In that film, Judy Garland is still a young thing and matte paints can make you believe in dark forests and emerald cities. Thus, OGP must match up with (or perhaps against) that classic 1939 film, and OGP doesn’t win that match up.
Oz the Great and Powerful has its inventive moments, but it lacks the imagination of the 1939 film. The new film is all special effects technical wizardry, but it doesn’t have the magic, the heart, or the folksy charm of 1939 film. There are a few moments in OGP that mimic the first film’s rustic flourishes, but everything else in OGP pales before a computer-generated onslaught of elements and effects. This is not heart; this is noise.
The last half hour of Oz the Great and Powerful (before the end credits) is actually quite good, but the other 90 minutes is equal parts hits and misses. The actors and their characters are also inconsistent. Who thought James Franco was right for this part? Franco is a good actor, but half the time, I found him unconvincing as Oscar Diggs. Michelle Williams’s performance as Glinda is way too sugary, a shame as she is actually a good actor.
OGP is really an odd little movie that was super-sized and thus, made too big by corporate studio demands. Still, I think fans of all-things-Oz, young and old, will find things to like about this movie (as I have), if not fall in love with the entire movie. The last act nearly makes up for the rest of the movie, but not quite. Oz the Great and Powerful is big rather than great and overpowering rather than powerful.
5 of 10
C+
Monday, March 11, 2013
Monday, July 16, 2012
Review: Visually Splendid "Batman Returns" is not Wholly Splendid
Batman Returns (1992)
Running time: 126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13
DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
WRITERS: Daniel Waters; from a story by Sam Hamm and Daniel Waters (based upon the Batman characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger)
PRODUCERS: Denise Di Novi and Burton
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Stefan Czapsky
EDITORS: Bob Badami and Chris Lebenzon
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award nominee
SUPERHERO/CRIME/ROMANCE with elements of action
Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Michael Murphy, Pat Hingle, Vincent Schiavelli, Paul Reubens, and Diane Salinger
The subject of this movie review is Batman Returns, a 1992 superhero film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne. It is a sequel to the 1989 film, Batman, which was also directed by Burton.
When The Penguin (Danny DeVito) rises from the sewers of Gotham City, Batman (Michael Keaton) must battle him and as nefarious cohorts, the conniving industrialist Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) and the feminist empowered Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), as they help Penguin run a very popular candidate in the Gotham mayoral race.
Unlike his first Batman film, Tim Burton had more control over Batman Returns, and it’s quite obvious. Stylistically, Batman Returns is closer to Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands than Batman is, which was Burton’s first film after Beetlejuice. However, Batman Returns has more rank humor than the original, and the sexual innuendo ranges from juvenile to forced. Batman was sly and occasionally witty; it was dark but not morbid as Returns is.
Still, the combination of Burton and screenwriter Daniel Waters (a writer with a darkly humorous and imaginative sense) create a Batman film like no other. This one is a dark fairytale immersed in issues of identity, empowerment, abandonment, class privilege, social and gender discrimination, and sexual politics. The story has a lot of nice ideas, maybe too many. It flits from one to the other, leaving one half developed or dismissed, only to be cobbled up later and still make little sense. It’s as if Batman Returns needed a rewrite or received too many in an attempt to make it less complicated and more like the summer blockbuster geared towards selling merchandise that it was supposed to be.
I like it more now than I did when I first saw it in 1992, when I thought it was an over produced mess; now I think it’s over produced and a bit messy. The production designs of Bo Welch (Beetlejuice), art decoration by Rick Heinrichs, and set decoration by Cheryl Carasik look beautiful and exquisite, everything from the abandoned zoo to Gotham’s many store fronts, each one of them decorated for the Christmas season. The cinematography by Stefan Czapsky (He would later shoot Burton’s masterpiece Ed Wood) is drenched in gorgeous blues, luminous white light, and slinky shadows that cover the town like sensuous drapery. Batman Returns looks like a children’s storybook painted by a master.
But in the end, Batman Returns is clunky in spirit and execution. It doesn’t flow or have a rhythm, and the acting is also too hit or miss. That goes for everyone, especially the villains. Burton publicly acknowledged not really caring for the Batman character, and it shows. For much of his film, the hero is an afterthought or merely window dressing, only there because the studio demands it. How else can you sell Batcrap if Batman’s not in the movie. Oh, well. I’ll look at this as a beautiful misfire and a brilliant mistake. I’ll watch it again, if only to pine away at what could have been.
5 of 10
B-
NOTES:
1993 Academy Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Effects, Visual Effects” (Michael L. Fink, Craig Barron, John Bruno, and Dennis Skotak) and “Best Makeup” (Ve Neill, Ronnie Specter, and Stan Winston)
1993 BAFTA Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Make Up Artist” (Ve Neill and Stan Winston) and “Best Special Effects” (Michael L. Fink, John Bruno, Craig Barronm, and Dennis Skotak)
1993 Razzie Awards: 1 nomination: “Worst Supporting Actor” (Danny DeVito)
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Sunday, July 15, 2012
Review: 1989 "Batman" Movie Wanders Without a Plot
Batman (1989)
Running time: 126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13
DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
WRITERS: Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren, from a story by Hamm (based upon BATMAN characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger)
PRODUCERS: Jon Peters and Peter Guber
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Roger Pratt
EDITOR: Ray Lovejoy
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award winner
SUPERHERO/ACTION/CRIME
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Tracey Walter, Lee Wallace, and William Hootkins
The subject of this movie review is Batman, the 1989 superhero movie directed by Tim Burton. It was the first film in the initial Batman film series, which ended with 1997’s Batman and Robin, before being rebooted with Batman Begins (2005).
Although Warner Bros. had a “Batman” movie in various stages of development for most of the 80’s, the 1989 box office smash Batman was not green lit for production until the film Beetlejuice became a hit. In 1985, Warner Bros. chose Tim Burton, the director of Beetlejuice, to helm the long planned Batman after his first theatrical feature, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, became a box office hit. However, when Beetlejuice’s also became a hit, that success that made Warner Bros. realize that Burton was definitely a director who could make box office hits, and being that Warner was putting so much money into Batman, they needed it to be a hit. Comic book fans raised (un)holy hell over the choice of Burton to direct and Burton’ selection of Michael Keaton to play Bruce Wayne/Batman. Warner Bros. toyed with and appeased their nerdy emotions by regularly releasing Batman movie trailers and other sneak peeks of the film. The choice of Jack Nicholson to play the Joker also got people excited (and quieted angry comic book nerds), and the film went on to be a huge hit.
Gotham City has been astir with rumors of a giant bat, called The Bat, by criminals who claimed that it attacked them; indeed, the mysterious figure is said to prey upon Gotham’s criminal underworld. This figure is actually a costumed hero who calls himself Batman (Michael Keaton), and he gradually comes out of the shadows to investigate the criminal operation of Gotham’s chief criminal, Carl Grissom (Jack Palance). During a police showdown with Grissom’s thugs, Batman causes the apparent accidental death of Grissom’s chief enforcer, Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson). Napier, however, is not dead; nearly-drowned in strange chemicals and scarred by a bullet, he emerges from the shadows as the homicidal and clown-like, The Joker (Nicholson), and begins a murder spree against his rivals for control of the city’s criminal underworld. The Joker also initiates a crime spree on the city as Gotham prepares to celebrate its 200th birthday. Meanwhile, Batman’s secret identity, Bruce Wayne (Keaton), is trying to figure out a way to stop The Joker, while a lovely reporter, Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), shows interest in both Wayne and Batman.
This movie is a large plot-less beast that meanders into its third act. The movie even starts off with a cacophony of countless actors mouthing awkward sounding dialogue. Keaton is unconvincing as either Bruce Wayne or Batman. Kim Basinger struggles with role made gimpy by a script that treats her like a typical action movie girl-attached-to-the-hero, one the filmmakers only grudgingly accept as necessary. Tim Burton’s signature gothic and darkly comic fantasy hardly ever shows in this film; this is mostly a Tim Burton film in name only. However, Jack Nicholson takes the script and elevates it. Except for a few hammy moments, he’s brilliant and his delivery brings his lines to snappy life.
Compared to the recent Batman Begins, Batman 1989 doesn’t hold up, but the two films are actually quite different in tone and style. This Batman is a combination of the wrong ingredients or at least incorrectly measured ingredients (from director and cast to the music and other production elements) plus a big helping of Jack Nicholson’s miraculously funny performance; both make this an average and (for reasons unknown to me) curiously entertaining film.
5 of 10
C+
NOTES:
1990 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Art Direction-Set Decoration” (Anton Furst and Peter Young)
1990 BAFTA Awards: 6 nominations: “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” (Jack Nicholson), “Best Costume Design” (Bob Ringwood), “Best Make Up Artist” (Paul Engelen and Nick Dudman), “Best Production Design” (Anton Furst), “Best Sound” (Don Sharpe, Tony Dawe, and Bill Rowe), “Best Special Effects” (Derek Meddings and John Evans)
1990 Golden Globes, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical” (Jack Nicholson)
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Sunday, May 27, 2012
Will Smith Carries Pleasant "Men in Black 3"
Men in Black 3 (2012)
Running time: 103 minutes (1 hour, 43 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content
DIRECTOR: Barry Sonnenfeld
WRITER: Etan Cohen (based upon the comic book by Lowell Cunningham)
PRODUCERS: Laurie MacDonald and Walter F. Parkes
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Bill Pope
EDITORS: Wayne Wahrman and Don Zimmerman
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
SCI-FI/FANTASY/COMEDY/ACTION
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement, Emma Thompson, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mike Colter, Nicole Scherzinger, Michael Chernus, Bill Hader, Rick Baker, and Alice Eve
Men in Black 3 is a 2012 3D science fiction comedy. It is also the second sequel to the 1997 film, Men in Black. The Men in Black film series is based upon the comic book, The Men in Black, created by Lowell Cunningham. Steven Spielberg is one of the film’s executive producers, a title he held for the first two films. In this new film, the Men in Black agency (MiB) must use time travel to stop an alien from changing history.
Men in Black 3 kicks off with the alien criminal, Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clement), making a daring prison break. Boris has a past with MiB Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), and he hatches a plot to both remove K and to make an alien invasion of Earth possible. K’s partner, Agent J (Will Smith), travels back in time to 1969, where he meets a young Agent K (Josh Brolin). Together, they race to stop Boris and to save themselves, MiB, and Earth.
The most accurate thing that I can say about Men in Black 3 is that it is pleasantly entertaining. Honestly, I really didn’t expect more than that. The story is sentimental, and seeks to make the connection between Agents J and K a more personal and deeper relationship than it was in the previous films. That’s nice, but the screenplay inadvertently creates loose ends that it ties up; thus, it essentially makes another film starring these characters unnecessary or at least forces a possible fourth film to approach J and K from a different point of view (hopefully, the latter).
There are a number of cameos (Will Arnett, Tim Burton, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, etc.) in this film that are nice, if you can catch them. Jemaine Clement is marvelous as Boris. Josh Brolin’s turn as the 29-year-old Agent K is both funny and poignant (and saves the time travel segment of this story). Conversely, Tommy Lee Jones looks like a tired, old man; never has the age difference between Will Smith and Jones been more pronounced than in this third MiB movie.
As is usual with these Men in Black movies, Will Smith dominates. Men in Black 3 needs his charm and boundless energy. I strenuously disagree with the reviews that describe this as the best Men in Black movie, because the first is still the best. Like Men in Black II, this third film has enough oddball sci-fi elements and twists to keep the entire thing Men in Black kosher. Men in Black 3 won’t make you believe that a fourth film is necessary, but I’ll take more, as long as Will Smith comes back.
6 of 10
B
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Review: Men in Black II
Men in Black II (2002)
Running time: 88 minutes (1 hour, 28 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some provocative humor
DIRECTOR: Barry Sonnenfeld
WRITER: Robert Gordon and Barry Fanaro, from a story by Robert Gordon (based upon the comic book by Lowell Cunningham)
PRODUCERS: Laurie MacDonald and Walter F. Parkes
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Greg Gardiner (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Richard Pearson and Steven Weisberg
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
SCI-FI/FANTASY/COMEDY/ACTION
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Rip Torn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny Knoxville, Rosario Dawson, Tony Shalhoub, and Patrick Warburton
The subject of this movie review is Men in Black II, the 2002 science fiction comedy that is a sequel to the 1997 film, Men in Black. Both movies are based upon the comic book, Men in Black, created by Lowell Cunningham. As he was with the first film, Steven Spielberg is also the executive producer.
It was a long time in coming, and some thought it would be too expensive to make because of star salaries and production company profit participation, but Men in Black II finally arrived. Although not as fresh as the first film, MiBII is somewhat close to the original in that it is still imaginative and wacky, and Will Smith is still very funny.
When Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle), a villain from MiB’s past threatens the planet, Agent J (Will Smith) has to convince former agent and his mentor Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) to return to the agency. Complicating matters is the fact that Agent K is having a difficult time regaining his memory of his time as an MiB agent, and his memory is crucial to defeating Serleena. Meanwhile, Agent J has fallen for Laura Vasquez (Rosario Dawson), an attractive witness to a murder committed by Serleena.
One of the many things that I like about the original film was the cool opening scene, an homage to classic sci-fi B-movies. This film does something similar, but with a nod to those loopy, paranormal, conspiracy theory documentaries. The actors are all game, and with the help of some interesting cameos (including one by Michael Jackson) and some nice small roles, the film, for the most part, manages to keep us interested in what’s going to show up next on the screen. It’s a way of playing it safe, and keeping matters close to what audiences remember from the first film. Director Barry Sonnenfeld and his writers bring back all the atmospherics of the first, but add some sentimental and romantic elements. The romance actually works in a way of tying together the pasts of Agents J and K and also tightens the bond between the characters.
What this film does lack that the first one had is the intensity of the danger imposed by a rogue alien. While I found Serleena to be a viable threat as a villain, I thought that she lacked the kick of the Bug from the first film. The agents also spend a lot of time going from one location to another and each one just happens to be either the home of another alien or a secret storage bin for MiB paraphernalia and weaponry. I know that the filmmakers want to play up the idea that you never know what’s behind the façade, but each trip to another building just slows the film. The film never really kicks into high gear until its final fifteen minutes.
Still, it’s funny, and Will Smith carries the show, even through some dry moments. After the second time around, we can see that MiB is really the story of Agent J’s adventures in the organization and that Smith is very likely crucial to the success of any more Men in Black sequels. Although Men in Black II plays it rather safe, it is a pretty entertaining successor to an exceptional movie.
6 of 10
B
NOTES:
2003 Razzie Awards: 1 nomination: “Worst Supporting Actress” (Lara Flynn Boyle)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Review: Johnny Depp Shines in Dim "Dark Shadows"
Dark Shadows (2012)
Running time: 113 minutes (1 hour, 53 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, language and smoking
DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
WRITERS: Seth Grahame-Smith; story by John August and Seth Grahame-Smith (based on the television series, Dark Shadows, created by Dan Curtis)
PRODUCERS: Christi Dembrowski, Johnny Depp, David Kennedy, Graham King, and Richard D. Zanuck
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Bruno Delbonnel
EDITOR: Chris Lebenzon
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
FANTASY/COMEDY/HORROR
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloë Grace Moretz, Gulliver McGrath, Ray Shirley, and Christopher Lee
Dark Shadows is a 2012 gothic horror and comedy fantasy film from director Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The film is based upon Dark Shadows, a gothic horror soap opera that was created by Dan Curtis and was originally broadcast from 1966 to 1971 on ABC. Dark Shadows the film follows a vampire who returns to his ancestral home, after two centuries of imprisonment, and finds his dysfunctional descendants in need of help.
Dark Shadows begins in the mid-1700s where we meet Joshua and Naomi Collins and their young son, Barnabas, as they sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. Joshua builds a fishing empire in Maine at a town he names Collinsport. Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) grows into a wealthy playboy, who loves and leaves numerous women. His biggest mistake is to spurn the love of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), because she is a witch. Angelique puts a curse on Barnabus, turning him into a vampire, and then, has him buried alive.
Nearly 200 years later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb into the very changed world of 1972. Returning to his family’s estate, Collinwood Manor, Barnabas finds that his relatives are now dysfunctional and not as well off financially. Family matriarch, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer), rules over a small group that includes her rebellious daughter, Carolyn Stoddard (Chloë Grace Moretz), and troubled, precocious nephew, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). They need Barnabas’ help, and so he begins to revive the family fortune and the family home, but an old enemy is determined to destroy them all.
Dark Shadows is a Johnny Depp movie, as directed by Tim Burton, and Depp is brilliant as always. I couldn’t get enough of his Barnabas Collins, and neither could the screenplay. This movie is so much about Barnabas that the other characters are left in Depp/Barnabas’s considerable wake. First of all, some of the supporting characters are extraneous, like young Miss Grace’s Carolyn Stoddard and Helena Bonham Carter’s Dr. Julia Hoffman; the good doctor provides some nice comic relief, which is good, because the character is otherwise useless. Some like, Pfeiffer’s Elizabeth and young Mr. McGrath’s David, are under-utilized. Everything about the witch Angelique Bouchard is forced, and so is much of Eva Green’s performance as her.
Still, this is Depp’s show, and he creates a Barnabas that is so cool, you’ll want to be his friend (in spite of the inherent danger of being pals with a vampire). In a career full of idiosyncratic characters, Barnabas is Depp’s most endearing oddball.
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I often came across articles about Depp or director Tim Burton that described either man as quirky. Dark Shadows is quirky and also campy. It spoofs the melodrama of soap operas, and Depp’s droll, tongue-firmly-in-cheek comedy gives this sometimes awkward film a lot of humor and laughs, which it needs. Like all of Burton’s films, Dark Shadows has excellent production values, especially the costumes and set and art decoration. However, Dark Shadows is not only quirky, but also odd in its quality. It is partially a good Burton-Depp movie, but the rest of it is a misfire because of the poor screenwriting. The acting and directing cannot, try as they might, change that.
5 of 10
B-
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Depp, Carter Make Magic in Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride"
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005) – animated
Running time: 81 minutes (1 hour, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG for some scary images and action, and brief mild language)
DIRECTORS: Mike Johnson and Tim Burton
WRITERS: John August, Caroline Thompson, and Pamela Pettler
PRODUCER: Allison Abbate and Tim Burton
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Pete Kozachik
EDITOR: Jonathan Lucas and Chris Lebenzon, A.C.E.
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award nominee
ANIMATION/FANTASY/MUSICAL/FAMILY with elements of comedy and romance
Starring: (voices) Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert Finney, Christopher Lee, Richard E. Grant, Michael Gough, Jane Horrocks, Enn Reitel, Deep Roy, Stephen Ballantyne, Lisa Kay, Danny Elfman
12 years ago, Tim Burton conceived and produced a fabulous stop-motion animated film, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas (directed by Henry Selick). It remains something of a cult classic and family favorite and has spawned numerous merchandise spin offs, including several toy lines. Burton returns to stop-motion animation with the new film Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, co-directed by Mike Johnson.
Transformed from a Russian folk tale, Corpse Bride begins in a small, gloomily repressed Victorian town that is about to see the wedding of two young people who’ve never met. Canned fish tycoons, Nell and William Van Dort (voiced by Tracey Ullman and Paul Whitehouse) crassly make a bid to social climb by wedding their bachelor son, Victor (voice of Johnny Depp) to old-money aristocrats.
Maudeline and Finis Everglot (voices of Joanna Lumley and Albert Finney) have an old-money aristocratic name, but are penniless. All they have left is their name and social standing and a daughter named Victoria (voice of Emily Watson). The Everglots are willing to hold their noses and grudgingly marry Victoria off to Victor, whose money will allow them to climb back into the upper reaches of society (where their ancestor, the Duke of Everglot, was). By marrying Victor to Victoria, the Van Dorts will have the requisite class to go with their enormous wealth.
Upon their first meeting, Victor and Victoria do slowly and quietly begin to fall in love, but at the wedding rehearsal, Victor continually bungles his lines. Pastor Galswells (voice of Christopher Lee), who will preside over the wedding, sends Victor away until he can manage to learn the somewhat tricky lines of his vows. Humiliated, he wanders into the dark forest that surrounds his village. Alone, he successfully recites his vows, and even goes so far as to place his wedding ring on the root of a tree as a finishing touch.
However, the root is really bony finger. Like a magic incantation, Victor’s vows and the ring resurrect the decaying corpse to which the finger belongs. Up rises the strange and strangely beautiful Corpse Bride (voice of Helena Bonham Carter) wearing the tattered remains of a wedding dress. She may have died long ago (after being mysteriously murdered on her wedding night), but her search for true love and a husband never died. She grabs Victor, mistaking him for husband and drags him beneath the earth to the Land of the Dead, a colorful and rowdy place that is the exact opposite of the dull, somber, and cold Land of the Living (known by the denizens of the Land of the Dead as upstairs).
Victor tries in vain to return to Victoria. Meanwhile, the Everglots have hastily arranged a second wedding for their daughter, to a mysterious, arrogant, and somewhat sinister stranger calling himself, Lord Barkis Bittern (voice of Richard E. Grant). With his Corpse Bride determined to hold him in the bonds of their unholy matrimony, Victor must find is way back upstairs to his true bride-to-be before Victoria is also bond by an unfortunate marriage.
First, if I had the chance, I would tell co-directors Tim Burton and Mike Johnson and their animators and other crew that their 55-week shoot during, which 109,000,440 individually animated frames were set up and filmed, resulted in a truly glorious film fairy tale. I don’t know if they think the effort was worth it, but I sure as hell do. Corpse Bride is an exuberant stop-motion, pop Gothic animated fable. Delightfully and mysteriously creepy, the film is a sweet tale of love both lost and unrequited. Corpse Bride does have the usual Burton ticks. For instance, the Land of the Dead is a fun, colorful and oddly creepy place where the dead do more that just make the best of it, while the Land of the Living is so cold and somber. The living are so reserved, grave, serious and sober, while the dead party up!
However, it all works because the film’s internal logic makes sense (with only a few exceptions). The direction and camera work (they shot the film using digital still cameras rather than film cameras) create a sense of movement and a flow in the narrative that is… well, as animated as live action film. The script captures the film’s whimsical, yet eerie nature with a narrative that is melancholy, yet filled with funny moments and also dialogue that fits right in with all the whimsy, moodiness, and dead things.
The voice cast is excellent, and I’m loathed to single anyone out. However, Helena Bonham Carter as the Corpse Bride (whose name was/is Emily) does a superb job straddling the line between macabre and sweet and between comic and menace (especially in the scene when she arrives at the Everglot estate to get “her man” back from Victoria). Still, Johnny Depp (obviously Burton’s stand-in) and Emily Watson are also very good and make their characters charming and engaging. All in all, they’re part of fine cast and crew that made Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride a great film, a must-see for lovers of animated films.
10 of 10
Friday, October 07, 2005
NOTES:
2006 Academy Awards: 1 nomination: “Best Animated Feature Film of the Year” (Tim Burton and Mike Johnson)
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