A BLOG DEDICATED TO MY LOVE OF THE SILVER SCREEN
Established May 2010.


Gordie: Do you think I'm weird?
Chris: Definitely.
Gordie: No man, seriously. Am I weird?
Chris: Yeah, but so what? Everybody's weird.
-STAND BY ME

Film Critic for Twin Cities Live

Member of THE LAMB: The Large Association of Movie Blogs LAMB #1588

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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Movie Trailer: INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS



Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Starring: Oscar Issac
             Carey Mulligan
             John Goodman
             Justin Timberlake
            F. Murray Abraham
            Garrett Hedlund

“Folk songs? I thought you said you were a musician?”

The Coen Brothers newest offering takes us inside the world of the 1960s folk music scene in Greenwich Village. It is based loosely on Dave Van Rank's memoir The Mayor of MacDougal Street. Frequent Coen Brothers collaborator John Goodman stars in the film with another odd haircut. According to the Hollywood Reporter, T. Bone Burnett and The Punch Brothers are involved in producing the music in the film, and Marcus Mumford and Justin Timberlake are collaborating together on a song for the soundtrack.

What are your first thoughts? Does the folk music have you itching for more? Will this be another strong Coen Brothers film or fade away quickly?

Release Date: December 2013



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Monday, February 25, 2013

THE 85TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS

THE 85TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS



And the winners are:

BEST PICTURE
Argo

BEST DIRECTOR
Ang Lee, Life of Pi

BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

BEST ACTOR
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Chris Terrio, Argo

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Brave

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Paperman

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Claudio Miranda, Life of Pi

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Jacqueline Durran, Anna Karenina

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Searching for Sugar Man

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Inocente

BEST FILM EDITING
William Goldenberg, Argo

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Amour

BEST MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING
Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell, Les Miserables

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Mychael Danna, Life of Pi

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Adele, Paul Epworth "Skyfall", Skyfall

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Rick Carter (Production Design); Jim Erickson (Set Decoration), Lincoln

BEST SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION
Curfew

BEST SOUND EDITING
Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers, Skyfall
Paul N.J. Ottosson, Zero Dark Thirty

BEST SOUND MIXING
Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes, Les Miserables

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Life of Pi

The official Oscar season is now over with for the year in cinema that was 2012. I did not see every movie that was nominated for an Oscar, but I did see all nine of the best picture nominees. Were there any big surprises for you last night? Was there anyone you thought that was snubbed? Any favorite moments or speeches? Any speeches that were super awkward? Who did you think was best dressed? Feel free to sound off on all things Oscars below!

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

AND THE OSCAR FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM GOES TO...

AND THE OSCAR FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM GOES TO...

And the nominees are:

ADAM AND DOG
Nominee: Minkyu Lee



FRESH GUACAMOLE
Nominess: PES



HEAD OVER HEALS
Nominess: Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly



MAGGIE SIMPSON IN "THE LONGEST DAYCARE"
Nominee: David Silverman



PAPERMAN
Nominee: John Kahrs

WHO WILL WIN? I think the race is between Disney's Paperman and Adam and Dog. Many critics think the romantic storyline of Paperman could win. Sometimes the Academy prefers more indie favorites in this category like Adam and Dog.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Unleash Your Inner Foodie: FOR YOUR OSCAR PARTY CONSIDERATION

Unleash Your Inner Foodie: FOR YOUR OSCAR PARTY CONSIDERATION



I am once again honored to have DeeAnn McArdle publish one of my articles for her wonderful foodie and entertaining website "Unleash Your Inner Foodie". She asked me for my annual article regarding all things Oscars! We throw an Oscar party each year with many friends so I thought this was a perfect idea for her website. Don't forget to check out the rest of her website for fabulous recipes and cocktails for your Oscar party!

Here's the beginning of the article:

“We’re delighted our favorite Movie Critic – Paul McGuire is back to share his 2012 Oscar reviews and predictions. He also shares his tips on hosting a memorable Oscar party – too fun! I’m busy creating some sweet and savory popcorn toppings for the must-have Oscar viewing snack…

For Your Consideration” is a common phrase used throughout the Oscar season as studios try to promote their films for Oscar votes. One of my favorite parts of the Oscar season is not only watching the movies but hosting our annual Oscar party. We invite anywhere between 20-30 people over to our townhouse and have a grand time. Various appetizers, dishes, and beverages are served as well as Oscar ballots and trivia games for prizes. One of our guests tends to bring a dish based on one of the nominated movies. It is a fun time to be creative and try new recipes. Silver Linings Playbook is up for numerous awards this season, including acting nominations for its four main actors. If you have seen the movie, you will remember how “crabby snacks and homemades” were a big part of the Robert DeNiro’s character’s football game watching. You could make your own version of “crabby snacks and homemade”, and it would be one easy way to incorporate a theme to your Oscar party. It has been a phenomenal year for movies with so many exceptional movies to see. There are some clear frontrunners like Daniel Day-Lewis and Anne Hathaway, but there are other categories that could go in a multitude of directions. Here are some reviews of the celebrated movies as well as my predictions on some of the major categories"


To read the rest, click: "HERE"

or

http://unleashyourinnerfoodie.com/entertaining-articles/for-your-oscar-party-consideration/

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Movie Review: AMOUR

AMOUR
Writer/Director: Michael Haneke
Starring: Emmanuelle Riva, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Isabelle Huppert

The opening scene reveals how the film will end, but there is never a moment of boredom or wandering thoughts throughout Michael Haneke’s latest film. Anne (Riva) and Georges (Trintignant) are retired music teachers. They are both in the eighties and live a simple life in their cozy apartment. After returning home from a piano recital, their back and forth banter is pure evidence of the love and joy they have for each other. They are a beautiful couple that have grown old together and have never lost that initial love they originally had for each other. Their love seems to have only gotten stronger with time.

The morning after the recital, Anne and Georges are eating breakfast when Georges realizes that she is staring into thin air, but not responding to any of his questions. He tries to help her by using a warmth cloth on her face, but she remains unresponsive. He steps into their bedroom to get help and then hears her in the kitchen. Anne comes to and has no recollection of the previous moment when she was unresponsive. They bicker back and forth claiming the other one is playing games each each other. She sees her wet shirt, but can’t recall how it happened. It is determined that Anne has suffered a stroke and the complications leave her wheel-chair bound and paralyzed on her right side. Georges vows that he will never put her back in the hospital or send her to a home. Her physical and mental conditional worsens after she suffers a second stroke. She can no longer talk and has lost all will to live. Despite pressures from their daughter (Huppert), Georges continues to take care of her the best he can as to not break his vow to her.

Amour has been nominated for five Academy Awards including nominations for Haneke for his direction and screenplay, Riva, as well as Best Picture and Best Foreign Film. It also won the Palme d’Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. After you see it, you will understand why. Jean-Louis Trintignant deserves just as much praise as Emmanelle Riva. Her performance may be more physically demanding than his, but it is both of their performances together that make the story work. Their chemistry and partnership together as Anne and Georges make that relationship all the more realistic and heartbreaking. You can just feel the warmth and love between the two characters and feel Georges pain as Anne's condition worsens.

There is a simple yet beautiful shot of Anne and Georges sitting in a crowded theater early on the film. Haneke’s stillness behind the camera carries throughout the movie. It is never rushed or feels the need to be constantly moving around. Oftentimes, the film is hard to watch because of how sad, truthful, and honest it is. It never shies away from the reality of taking care of an elderly person. Nothing seems to be off limits in depicting this reality. I applaud Riva and Trintignant for being so willing to go to those places and do this kind of work together. If you have ever watched your parent or grandparent in their final stages of life, you may relate to what Georges is going through. I am ashamed to say that I have not seen another film by Michael Haneke, but the aftermath of Amour has left me wanting more. I can only imagine that his other films are just as stunning or haunting as this one was to me.

RATING: **** 1/2 (4.5 out of 5 stars)

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

AND THE OSCAR FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG GOES TO...

AND THE OSCAR FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG GOES TO...

Unlike last year with only two nominees, this year we have a full category with five composers and lyricists vying out for the Best Original Song Oscar. All five songs are vastly different which makes for some interesting voting. My vote is pretty obvious if you read my blog. I would love to see the sultry songstress Adele win for "Skyfall". I know some people may be on Adele overload, but I think it is one of the best Bond themes ever written. I think the Academy will feel the same way I do. It has already been announced that Adele and Norah Jones will perform at the ceremony. Here are all five nominees for your listening:

"Skyfall"
from Skyfall
Music and Lyrics: Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
Peformed by: Adele



"Before My Time"
from Chasing Ice
Music/Lyrics: J.Ralph
Performed by: Scarlett Johansson and Joshua Bell



"Everybody Needs A Best Friend"
from Ted
Music by Walter Murphy
Lyrics by Seth MacFarlane
Performer: Norah Jones



"Pi's Lullaby"
from Life of Pi
Music by Mychael Danna
Lyric by Bombay Jayashri
Performer: Bombay Jayashri



"Suddenly"
from Les Miserables
Music: Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics: Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil
Performer: Hugh Jackman

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Monday, February 11, 2013

Movie Review: SIDE EFFECTS

SIDE EFFECTS
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vinessa Shaw, Mamie Gummer


Steven Soderbergh has tackled such diverse subjects as airborne viruses, male stripping, casino heists, and drug trafficking. In his latest, Side Effects, he and frequent screenwriter Scott Z. Burns tackle the world of pharmaceutical companies. Emily (Mara) is thrilled that her husband Martin (Tatum) has been released from jail. Martin was taken away on their glorious wedding day for insider trading. At first life seems to be getting back to normal, but Emily's past bout with depression and anxiety seems to creep back into her life.


A work party with Martin's colleagues is more than Emily can handle. Martin realizes Emily has taken a turn for the worst. She decides to take things into her own hands by driving into the wall of a parking garage. She survives and is put into the hands of Dr. Banks (Law), a psychiatrist with his own issues in life. Banks puts her on a variety of anti-depressants and anxiety pills but none of them seem to work for her. He consults with her former shrink Dr. Victoria Siebert (Zeta-Jones) about her past and learns about a miscarriage that she has failed to mention to him. Dr. Siebert suggests a new experimental drug called Ablixa. Emily hears good things form a friend (Gummer) about it and decides to test it. Meanwhile, Dr. Banks is being paid $50,000 to be part of a study on the side effects of Ablixa. Emily believes the drug is really working for her, but Martin sees her going further down the rabbit hole.


Emily's paranoia and Dr. Bank's continual fight for her, despite the affect it has on his career and marriage, keep the focus and tension building. The movie takes some interesting turns making sure the audience is never too far ahead in the story. As soon as you think you what the film is about or where it is headed you get spun in a different direction. Many people are drawing comparisons to Hitchcock’s great thrillers. Soderbergh is not merely copying out of the Master of Suspense’s book, but using those techniques to keep the viewer guessing. A good score is vital to any thriller. Thomas Newman’s score subtly plays underneath the action leaving its presence known but without ever forcing the audience into an unwanted reaction or emotion.


Soderbergh typically uses many of the same actors from movie to movie, which I appreciate in his body of work. Law, Zeta-Jones, and Tatum are all veterans to his style of working. Rooney Mara has proven yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with. One would think that after playing Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo she would want a break from such heavy material. Her performance as Emily Taylor is no walk in the park. She slowly peels back the many layers of her character to keep us glued in to what her ultimate motive may be.


Soderbergh has mentioned his plans to retire and that this is his last feature film to be released in theaters. With that comes the retirement of Peter Andrews and Mary Ann Bernard. He uses those pseudonyms whenever he is the cinematographer or editor on his own movies. His Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra” will premiere on HBO in March. I have always been a fan of his work and appreciate his diverse and experimental approach to the films he makes. Some are big box office successes like Ocean’s 11 and Erin Brockovich while others are pure indie trials like Bubble or The Girlfriend Experience. I seem to be the only one I know to have liked Magic Mike. Side Effects is his best movie in years, and it is not to be missed if you like taught thrillers that keep you guessing.

RATING: **** 1/2 (4.5 out of 5 stars)



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Friday, February 8, 2013

Movie Rewind: GREY GARDENS (1975)

GREY GARDENS
Directors: Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Muffie Meyer
Starring: Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, Edith Bouvier Beale, Jerry Torre, Brooks Hyers


In the current era of watching reality television when it seems normal to watch the lives of trashy people, drunk people, or rich snobby people, one would not bat a lash at watching a documentary about two crazy cat ladies. In 1975, a cult classic was born as documentarians David and Albert Maysles stepped onto the estate of Grey Gardens located in East Hampton. From the rundown, decrepit appearance on the outside one would think it was abandoned but inside lived the lives of two very fascinating women.


Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale is the cousin of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Little Edie lived at Grey Gardens with her mother Edith “Big Edie” Bouvier Beale. It was the family estate, and Big Edie swore she would never leave Grey Gardens. The look of decay and crumble inside is worse than the appearance on the outside. Big Edie points out a raccoon that is eating away at the wall. It is an unfortunate truth that cats and raccoons run amok in the house. It doesn’t seem to bother the Beales as Little Edie dumps an entire box of cat food and slices of white bread on the floor to feed them. She even comments and laments over the fact that a cat is urinating behind a portrait.


Little Edie plays the role of tour guide to the Maysels as she shows off the estate. She shows off the gardens and explains how things go missing in there like an article of clothing that she will never get back. The history of Grey Gardens and their family comes up numerous times as mother and daughter reminisce about the past. “It’s very difficult to keep a line between the past and the present”, explains Little Edie early on in the film.


The focus is not about how they are now living in squalor. The filmmakers give us a look at a loving relationship between mother and daughter who have stuck by each other despite some conflict and resentment. Little Edie is 56 years old but feels trapped in the house. She constantly discusses how she wants to leave and go to the New York City. She thinks she was going to make it big as a singer and dancer but blames her mother. She felt very pressured to stay at home with her when she was going through health problems. She talks about how all of her friends went overseas and got married, but she got stuck here taking care of mother and the cats. Big Edie told her it was her choice. Little Edie starts quoting Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” to illustrate her point better. She firmly states, “I won’t get out of here until she dies or I die.” Little Edie cannot seem to stand living in the place with the constant fleas and states that she wants to leave in one year time. She refuses to actually act upon it even though she is a grown woman who can make her own choices.


Big Edie spends most of the documentary lying around in bed or in a chair often times not wearing enough clothing to cover her up. She is not afraid to get naked because she claims she doesn’t have any warts on her. She goes so far as to even cook in bed. Groundskeeper Jerry loves her corn so she goes about cooking some for him while lying in bed. She is crazy about her children. She harkens back to the time when she was terribly successful and that she was the happiest when she was going out singing. She liked it better than anything else she did. She wants to get her voice back the way it was when she was 45. Little Edie tries to tell her she can’t get her old voice back. Big Edie then goes into a rendition of “Tea for Two” while an old record plays it in the background to show off her voice.


The constant back and forth criticism between the two of them is very evident throughout the film. Little Edie is constantly blaming Big Edie for never allowing her to move on in life. Whenever, the two of them sing together Big Edie criticizes Little Edie’s pronunciation of vowel sounds and how she’s not singing correctly. Big Edie explains that her “voice is beautiful and trained.” Looks are not out of the line when it comes to criticism. Big Edie comments on how beautiful and good looking Little Edie used to be but claims she just doesn’t care anymore.


Grey Gardens still fascinates people to this day as the crazy, eccentric Beales continue to leave their mark on anyone that watches the movie. Little Edie had a look and personality all her own. She designed many of her own outfits combining random pieces and wearing them in a different way than intended. She is never seen without a turban due to health problems with her hair. Her quirky phrases with the thick accent are quite endearing. Despite the health problems, financial problems, and living style, both ladies never seem to make the choice to make their lives any better. They are both so dependent on each other that they carry on living life in this decaying mansion with the cats, raccoons, and fleas. Unfortunately both ladies are no longer with us. Big Edie passed away shortly after the release of the film in 1977 and Little Edie passed away in 2002. The film has led to a Tony-winning Broadway musical with Christine Ebersole and Mary Louis Wilson. HBO made a movie following the women from when they lived a rich extravagant life through the filming of the documentary and Jackie Kennedy’s desperate attempt to help them out. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange both won awards playing Little Edie and Big Edie, respectively. The Beales have been referenced on various television shows like “30 Rock”, “Gilmore Girls”, and “The New Normal”. The story of these ladies is huge in the gay culture and led Rufus Wainwright to write a song about them on his album “Poses”.


The Beales were not the original subjects of the Maysels documentary. They were going to shoot a movie about Jackie and Lee Bouvier, but upon interviewing Little and Big Edie, changed their minds and focused the film on those two. The Maysles shot so much footage that they released a companion documentary called The Beales of Grey Gardens in 2006 that uses archival footage that they did not use the first time around. Both films can be found as part of the Criterion Collection on DVD. I have seen both of them a couple of times and continue to watch them. I do not watch a lot of reality television and often get frustrated on how the really trashy ones gain notoriety. On the other hand, I love Grey Gardens, so does that make me a hypocrite?

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