The Gotham Awards and Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominees for the 2011. The full lists can be found here:
http://gotham.ifp.org/
http://www.spiritawards.com/
A few of the films that are nominated are listed below. These are not big budget blockbuster films, rather they are the smaller, independent ones with incredible acting and emotional stories. Be sure to check them out on DVD or at a theater near you.
Beginners
The Descendants
Take Shelter
Margin Call
Martha Marcy May Marlene
50/50 (Still would have like to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt get nominated)
Win Win
The Artist
Tree of Life
Midnight in Paris
A Better Life
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Descendants
What I liked:
- George Clooney did well playing a regular guy as opposed to a super spy or the head of a casino heist.
- Shailene Woodley wasn't annoying like she is on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Having said that, I don't get what all the Oscar buzz is about.
- Beau Bridges, Rob Huebel, Laird Hamilton, Matthew Lillard, and Judy Greer!
- The beautiful backdrop of Hawaii.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Hugo
"...film had the power to capture dreams."
What I liked:
- A delightful and imaginative story that was adapted from the 2007 children's novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
- There is a fascinating hidden history lesson on Georges Mélies that includes actual footage of his films. You can see A Trip the the Moon below. (Thanks Matt!)
- Asa Butterfield was a wonderful Hugo Cabret.
- The supporting cast was excellent: Chloe Grace Moretz, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, Helen McCory, Michael Stuhlbarg, Emily Mortimer, and Jude Law.
- Martin Scorses did a great job directing. I loved how the camera moved with the characters instead of being stationary all of the time.
- Lots of great quotes.
- The set design and props were beautiful and full of details.
- Lovely lighting.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey
What I liked:
- It's a magical and inspiring story.
- A great behind the scenes look at being a puppeteer.
- A wonderful homage to Jim Henson.
- Whoopi!
The Muppets
What I liked:
- Obviously, all of The Muppets!
- All of the cameos! No spoilers here!
- Great message in the story.
- Fantastic soundtrack.
- Very colorful and fun!
- Kudos to Jason Segel for making all of this happen.
- A rapping Chris Cooper.
My Week With Marilyn
What I liked:
- I think this is one of Michelle Williams' best performances. When she smiled and acted like the bubbly Marilyn, she really seemed to capture Monroe's essence. Having said that, when she played the sad, depressed Marilyn, I saw less Monroe and more Williams.
- Eddie Redmayne was wonderful as Colin.
- Kenneth Branagh was fantastic as Laurence Olivier.
- The supporting cast of Dougray Scott, Dominic Cooper, Emma Watson, Julia Ormond, and Judi Dench were equally great.
- I loved the lighting in this movie.
- The story was very interesting. You get a behind the scenes look at everything from how a movie was made back then to Marilyn's personal life.
- Beautiful soundtrack. I was impressed that Williams sung all of her own songs.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Like Crazy
What I liked:
- It was well acted by Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Oliver Muirhead, and Alex Kingston.
- Anna Scorpio (Finola Hughes)!
- It does a fine job depicting the feelings of a first date, the beginning of a relationship, the frustration of the end, and the break up.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Rum Diary
What I liked:
- Puerto Rico makes for a beautiful backdrop.
- The 60's fashion was fun.
- Amber Heard is just gorgeous.
- Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi, and Heard all acted well.
- There were some funny moments.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Dolphin Tale
What I liked:
- There is a great message to the story.
- It's a nice family movie.
- Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble, Cozie Zuehlsdorff, and Austin Stowell all gave good performances.
- Rufus steals every scene that he is in.
Happy Feet Two
What I liked:
- Super cute penguins!
- Fantastic animation.
- There is a good moral to the story.
- Excellent music.
- Robin Williams, Elijah Woods, Pink, Common, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria all give great vocal performances.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Martha Marcy May Marlene
What I liked:
- Not only is Elizabeth Olsen beautiful but she can act too. Her performance felt very real and not overdone. It is quite and accomplishment considering this is her first major movie role as a leading actress.
- John Hawkes was fantastic at Patrick. You can't take your eyes off of him when he is on screen because you want to see every move that he makes.
- Sarah Paulson gives dept to her character. She shows just the right amount of concern, guilt, and acceptance.
- Hugh Dancy is lovely.
- The story was interesting and I didn't mind how it moved back and forth between the past and present.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
J. Edgar
What I liked:
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Armie Hammer had great chemistry together.
- Hammer was the highlight of the film and deserved a nomination for best supporting actor.
- Great supporting cast with silver screen stars - Naomi Watts, Judi Dench, Dermot Mulroney, and Josh Lucas as well as small screen stars - Ed Westwick, Jordan Bridges, Josh Stamberg, Michael Rady, Ken Howard, Geoff Stults, Jeffrey Donovan, Denis O'Hare, Stephen Root, Michael Gladis, Amanda Schull, and Lea Thompson.
- It was written by Dustin Lance Black and I liked his take on Hoover's personal life.
- It was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Jack And Jill
What I liked:
- Elodie Tougne and Rohan Chand were super cute as Sandler's kids.
- The cameos were fun. Spoiler Alert: Be on the lookout for David Spade, Norm MacDonald, Dana Carvey, Regis Philbin, Shaq, Drew Care, John McEnroe, Christie Brinkley, Bruce Jenner, and Johnny Depp (?!)
- I am not the biggest fan of Katie Holmes but she was alright in this.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Take Shelter
What I liked:
- Michael Shannon is an amazing actor and gives a riveting performance.
- Jessica Chastain is also amazing. She has owned 2011 (see The Help, The Debt, and Tree of Life).
- It's a Boardwalk Empire reunion with Elias (Shea Whigham) and Agent Neslon Van Alden (Shannon).
- Not only does it take place in Ohio but it was also partially shot here.
- Kathy Baker!
- Katy Mixon can steal a scene with just a look.
- It is a very interesting story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Happy Birthday YHG!
The Young Hollywood Guide is one year old!
Thanks to everyone for their support! Please continue to comment, share and send me your suggestions!
Thanks to everyone for their support! Please continue to comment, share and send me your suggestions!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tower Heist
A poor man's Ocean's 11...
What I liked:
- It has a great cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Judd Hirsch, Téa Leoni, Michael Pena, Gabourey Sidibe, and Nina Arianda.
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