This year I went against my traditions – I did not stay up late and rather laid in bed sleeping while the Academy Award ceremony took place. From what I have heard afterwards, it was a good decision, since the Oscars seemed to have been not surprising and some what even boring. But the good news was that I was fit enough the next night to go out with my university girls to the movies. As exemplary English majors we chose “The King’s Speech” in English, since we all figured it would win at least one Oscar. And how we were right: “Best Picture”, “Best Performance of an Actor in a Leading Role”, “Best Director” and “Best Original Screenplay”. Now it was time for us to see, if we thought the same way about the movie and if the Oscars were legitimate.

Cinestar.de describes the movie as followed:

After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond.

General: It was the first time that I went into an English movie at its new premises. The Frankfurt movie theatre, which showed all movies in its original language closed last year and the big movie theatre here in Frankfurt then started showing them. Unfortunately, “The King’s Speech” hat subtitles in German as well, which drove me crazy the first half hour of the movie. Not only because of being distracted by wording on the bottom of the screen, but also by the really bad translation into German. Other than that, the directing and shots of the movie are extraordinary in several parts.

Cast: I have only seen Geoffrey Rush in mainstream movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean”. After seeing him in “The King’s Speech”, I definitely need to watch more movies with him. Him in the role of a speech therapist was very convincing and he gave the character a certain edge, which I liked very much. His gestures and facial expressions, as well as his emotions, were amazing. Too bad that he did not win the Oscar for “Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role”! But even better, and therefore well deserved owner of the Oscar, was Colin Firth. I cannot imagine, how difficult it must be to stutter. In no scene throughout the whole movie did I question his acting or found him not convincing. Everything seemed so real and simply great. Hats off for Colin!

Upshot: Granted, it is a Historic Film, but the focus is very much set on the characters themselves, so that even a non-history-fan can enjoy the movie. The acting achievements in this movie are simply extraordinary and therefore the characters came across very real and authentic. Together with an amazing script, “The King’s Speech” is a must-see movie, even if one only watches it, to pay tribute to a great cast!

10/10

The movie is about a 16-year-old boy, Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who enters himself into a psychiatric clinic, because he wants heal his depressions. He is put into the adult clinic under the care taking of Bobby (Zach Galifinakis), who tries to support him throughout the minimum stay at the clinic of five days.

General: The main part of the movie consists of the five days in the clinic and this is always emphasized by showing the day of the week before the plot. At the beginning the viewer receives an explanation how he got to the clinic and at the end it is explained, what happened afterwards. It is all very well done and I was amazed by how they did the ending. It was a good combination of emotions and topics to think about.

Cast: Zach Galifinakis I knew already from “The Hangover”. I was personally convinced of his acting and humor in that movie, but I was thrilled while watching “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”! Partly also because he portrayed a depressed person with humor, but without making fun of the depression disease in general. Keir Gilchrist did a decent job as the psychological in-stable teenager. He knew how to emphasize the daily teenage problems and the conflict of growing up very well. I do want to mention Lauren Graham, who portrayed Craig’s mother. It was the first role, in which I saw her besides from Lorelai Gilmore from the TV series. And she still has this witty and charming way about her, which I totally love!

Upshot: We could hardly have picked a better movie. It is a well done movie, although being a bit long at some stretches. But that does not really affect the whole movie, since one had time to think about all the topics the movie plot hit. The movie tells the story of Craig in a very individual way. And because of that, I am really sad that the movie has only premiered in US-theatres. Should it be shown in other countries: go! go! go!

9/10

I do not know how it is in other countries, but here in the States there is a lot of publicity for this movie. In each commercial break on television one of the trailers is shown. Surely, it is because of the plot from the movie, which is the following:

Set in New York City, the film takes place 23 years after the original and revolves around the 2008 financial crisis. The film’s plot mainly centers on the reformed Gekko acting as more of an antihero rather than a villain and follows his attempts to help Wall Street before its soon-to-be stock market crash as well as trying to repair his relationship with his daughter Winnie with the help of Jacob, Winnie’s fiance. In return, Gekko helps Jacob get revenge on the man he blames for his mentor’s death. (source: wikipedia.com)

And yes, I admit that I wanted to know what the whole hype around the movie is about. Otherwise, I do not think I would have went to see the movie.

General Thoughts: A movie about Wall Street and the financial crisis in 2008. The resulting emotions are transmitted very well through camera perspective. Also the symbols which are often referred to in the movie (for example how some things in life are a bubble) can be seen a bit hidden throughout the movie.

Cast: Michael Douglas plays the role as an antihero quite well. And who knows, it could be his last movie. Which I do not hope, though of course, since he is a good actor. Shia LaBeouf also convinced me. He is actually becoming a really great actor. I already thought that in Indiana Jones 4. He must like motorcycles though, since he was seen on one in Wall Street 2 again. I enjoy watching him. Carey Mulligan I personally do not like. I find her to simple in many ways. But what did catch my eye positively were her face expressions: she has good control over her face and applies this well in scenes.

Upshot: The movie did not sweep me off my feet. For me there was partly too much financial blabla. Big Wall Street words were thrown throughout the movie, which I maybe understood 40% of and at one part I even lost what was happening because of it. As I caught up on it again, I predicted the ending. There were not any big surprises in the plot. The good cast and the partly interesting camera action soothed my plot impression though.

5/10

But luckily, there is the internet – the channels offer a free recap video, mostly around five minutes long, for each series, in which the most important plots are shown. So I was completely in the picture again and able to enjoy the season premieres. I thought it was a very good solution, because who actually remembers all the important plots from the last season?

Snapple (Raspberry Tea) Real Fact #714: When thirsty, a camel can drink 25 gallons of water in less than three minutes.

My personal series evening program for the week looks like this:

Monday – 8pm: House M.D. - right at the first season premiere I was completely surprised: House and Cuddy? Even the big three words were said! A very cute episode, in which they get close, then burst out in pure panic as they always have and then try to come clear and enjoy their new relationship.

Thursday – 8pm: The Big Bang Theory – I was most excited about this one. Good start into the new season, although I do miss the humor between Penny and Leonard, when they were still dating. But Sheldon did not dissapoint and I cannot wait for next Thursday!

9pm: CSI – I think it is always very surprising how a season can end highly dramtic and then in the first episode of the new season, this drama is soothed within only a few minutes. It is not negative, since CSI started pretty interesting into the new season.

Friday – 9pm: CSI: NY – my favorite CSI, especially also because I know the city and always discover known corners. Also a good start into the new season, but I was dissapointed with the brief explanation why Stella is not there anymore. It was not enough for me. Or was it said in the last season already and I just missed it…?

Sunday- 9pm: CSI: Miami - Starting on October 3rd. Will follow up on the premiere then.

Season Premieres overkill so to speak – but so the time for it :)

Snapple (Raspberry Tea) Real Fact #893: Jack-O-Lanterns were originally made out of turnips.

Since yesterday’s production will only be broadcasted in October, I am not allowed to say anything about it yet. But: my report on last night is already written and saved as a draft here on WordPress. It will be published directly after the broadcast. Cross my heart! But I can say this much: it was definitely an interesting experience and a fun evening. So stay tuned…

Last night at 7:30 pm I sat down in the movies, hoping that the movie was really as good as so many critics had said previously. The ice-cream seller did not show up, so I had to skip my Ben & Jerry’s this time. Last night at about 10:15 om I sat in the movies, watched the end credits, while the lights began to go on again. I sat and thought. Ruminated. And at the same time I was completely mind blown and amazed. Needed ice-cream to sooth my soul for relaxation.

Wikipedia.com describes the main plot like this:

The film, a variant on the heist genre, centers on Dom Cobb, an “extractor”, who enters the dreams of others to obtain information that is otherwise inaccessible. His abilities and questions about the death of his wife have cost him his family and his nationality, but he is promised a chance to regain his old life in exchange for planting an idea in a corporate target’s mind. This process of planting an idea, known as “inception”, is less familiar and far more difficult than Cobb’s usual job of “extraction”.

The script, the camera perspectives, action scenes and much more all bear the hand marks of Christopher Nolan. His choice of image selection and its effect fit very well with the content of the movie, most of the time they support it. As I already had mentioned in my “Shutter Island” review, Leonardo diCaprio does an incredible acting job.

Everyone should watch the movie completely unbiased. That is why there are no spoilers in this review (only my personal interpretation of the ending you can find at the end of this article – simply highlight the paragraph). The construct, which Nolan has built, is unbelievable and each person should take it all in and experience it. But you have to be prepared to think a lot and watch the movie very attentive, otherwise you probably lose it. At some point, a knot in your brain is legitimate; but once you get passed that state, released the knot and continue to pull everything from the movie, you are viewing a piece of movie history.

10/10 with an exclamation mark!

The End – The movie is about subconsciousness, reality and dreams. At the end, the question is: Where is Cobb – in reality or in a dream? I think that that is not important. Because at the end his spins his top, but walks to his children right away. He does not look, if it continues to spin or falls down. Previously, he always waited to see, if it fell, because that told him whether he was in reality or not. Therefore, in my opinion, Cobb is happy, to be back with his children and content that he coped with his guilty conscience concerning his wife. Reality simply is relative…

Luckily, my best friend and I, together with a few other friends, were able to get tickets for the Pre-Premiere last week. Which also included: Welcome champagne, yummy cupcakes, sweepstakes and 40 minute men’s fashion show! The atmosphere with approximately 500 women (and even a few men!) was amazing. Just the pre-show before the actual movie was worth the money…!

Plot / General Thoughts

Two years have passed: Samantha is back in New York and at the beginning stages of her menopause. She is freaked out by becoming old and scared of the consequences (wrinkles, being fat, not wanting sex anymore) and tries to trick her body by taking many hormone pills. Miranda is not happy with her job, because her boss never listens to her and always makes her work long, meaning that she has less time for her family – especially her son. Charlotte has the life, which she had always wished for: a husband, children and a big apartment. But even in her life, not everything is perfect. And then there is the female, attractive nanny, who does not wear a bra. Carrie and Mr. Big left their penthouse behind and moved to an upscale apartment. But Carrie is worried about their marriage, because Mr. Big mostly wants to stay at home in the evening and watch tv. The perfect timing for a trip with all the girls – to Abu Dhabi. And there Carrie meets an old love, while all of the four try to cope with changes, their life and their problems…

Prior to the movie release, many many spoilers and plotlines appeared online. Meanwhile, everyone knows that Aiden, Carrie’s ex-fiancée, is also in the movie. Why and what happens? You will not find it here – as also none of the other really main plotlines. The story itself is done pretty well, but I was not really surprised by one once.

Cast

All four SATC women are as we know them: open, funny, sassy. I am not going to say one actress was better than the other, since each of them had several moments, in which they glowed and made a scene a perfect match. Chris Noth, Mr. Big, is also as we know (and love) him: wild and simply Mr. Big.

Upshot

I have read in several movie critiques that the movie is not close enough to the original series. Less sex, less jokes. I did not think it was less funny than usual. Less sex probably is true, but I believe that one needs to see it in the whole picture: In the movie, Samantha is 52, the others in their end 40s. Of course the topics are not the same like in the series, when they were ‘young, fabulous and single’. Now it is all about the mid-age: menopause, marriage and children. It is a process and development, just like in real life. This is why it is done really well. And they may not be young and all not single anymore – but they definitely still are fabulous!

9/10

This week (04/12 – 18) I listened to Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me” about five times (*click*).

This week (03.01 – 07) I listened to Robbie Williams’ “Let Me Entertain You” three times (*click*).

All together I really was surprised, as probably many others to, how well “The Hurt Locker” did. During the course of the ceremony I assumed that it’ll also make “Best Motion Picture” though. Too bad for “Inglorious Bastards”! I really would’ve enjoy seeing that movie win “Best Motion Picture”, but maybe it’s going to take a few more years, until a movie like that wins.

What I was really happy about, was that the Oscar for best supporting actor was the very first one. Because if Christoph Waltz hadn’t won, I would’ve shut off the television immediately and went to bed. No other actor deserved the Oscar more than he did this year!

I was also excited for Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. Bridges has been in the business so long and was nominated several times in the past. George Clooney will pick up his Oscar as “Best Actor” some other year ;) Bullock’s Thank-You-Speech I found very touching and was one of my highlights of the rather bland show. Finally she is getting the recognition she deserves.

A mile stone in Oscar-History was Kathryn Bigelow’s win as the first female director. Nice story, also if you recall that her ex-husband, James Cameron, was nominated in the same category with “Avatar”.

This year’s ceremony wasn’t that thrilling to me. But that could also my impression, because I just don’t like Steve Martin, who was the host together with actor Alex Baldwin.

I already had written my favorites (italic) in a few categories, here’s the final result (bold):

Best Picture

• Avatar – James Cameron and Jon Landau
• The Blind Side –
• District 9 – Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham
• An Education – Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey
• The Hurt Locker – Kathryn Bigelow
• Inglourious Bastards – Lawrence Bender
• Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire – Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness
• A Serious Man – Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
• Up – Jonas Rivera
• Up In the Air – Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman

Actor in a Leading Role

• Jeff Bridges in ”Crazy Heart”
• George Clooney in ”Up in the Air”
• Colin Firth in ”A Single Man”
• Morgan Freeman in ”Invictus”
• Jeremy Renner in ”The Hurt Locker”

(I didn’t have a guess here, I just like George Clooney)

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Matt Damon in ”Invictus”
• Woody Harrelson in ”The Messenger”
• Christopher Plummer in ”The Last Station”
• Stanley Tucci in ”The Lovely Bones”
• Christoph Waltz in ”Inglourious Bastards”

Actress in a Leading Role

• Sandra Bullock in ”The Blind Side”
• Helen Mirren in ”The Last Station”
• Carey Mulligan in ”An Education”
• Gabourey Sidibe in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
• Meryl Streep in ”Julie & Julia”

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Penélope Cruz in ”Nine”
• Vera Farmiga in ”Up in the Air”
• Maggie Gyllenhall in ”Crazy Heart”
• Anna Kendrick in ”Up in the Air”
• Mo’Nique in ”Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

(I hadn’t had a guess here, either.)

Director

• Avatar – James Cameron
• The Hurt Locker – Kathryn Bigelow
• Inglourious Bastards – Quentin Tarantino
• Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire – Lee Daniels
• Up in the Air – Jason Rietman

Writing (Original Screenplay)

• The Hurt Locker – written by Mark Boal
• Inglourious Bastards – written by Quentin Tarantino
• The Messenger – written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
• A Serious Man – written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
• Up – Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter. Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy

Sound Mixing

• Avatar – Christopher Boyes und Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
• The Hurt Locker – Paul N.J. Ottosson
• Inglourious Bastards – Wylie Stateman
• Star Trek – Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson

Visual Effects

• Avatar – Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones
• District 9 – Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
• Star Trek – Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton

Animated Feature Film

• Coraline – Henry Selick
• Fantastic Mr. Fox – Wes Anderson
• The Princess and the Frog – John Musker and Ron Clements
• The Secret of Kells – Tomm Moore
• Up – Pete Doctor
  

My average: 4/10
(“The Hurt Locker” simply ruined my guessing average ;) )