Written by Michael Napoli
Earlier this week, I posted my the
first half of 50 films that I sent to the library of Congress that I
would like to see preserved. Now, may I present the other 25 that I
asked for recognition.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Napoli's 2013 National Film Registry Submissions
Written by Michael Napoli
Can you believe it? 2013 is coming to
a close. After a long year, it's that time where we see countless
“top ten” lists of the very best films. Critics and guilds
will bestow their honors among the very best performances and
technical triumphs. As much we like to root for our favorites to
receive such honors, many a times there is always a chance of being
snubbed, a term that the marketing department at any studio dreads to
hear.
Now I will reveal my top ten list soon, but I want to focus my attention on another “top list” that I
personally look forward to. It's a list that most film lovers tend to
neglect. In fact, this is a list that has begun since 1989 and has
continued to grow. I might even go as far to say it has become a
library. I am talking about the National Film Registry.
Every year the United States National
Film Preservation Board, established in 1988, names up to 25
“culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films”
for preservation. The films range in a wide variety of categories
such as narrative feature, animated (short/narrative), experimental,
documentary, etc. As of 2012, the registry holds 600 titles
including greats like Citizen Kane, Star Wars, Toy Story, and 2001: A
Space Odyssey along with unknown titles that worth checking out.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Top Ten Best Superhero Movies of All Time- BAYLEY
Top Ten Best Superhero Movies of All Time- BAYLEY
With the much-anticipated reboot of Superman heading to
theaters this week, you couldn’t color me as a more excited superhero fan. I
love Superman. I’ve loved this character since I saw Christopher Reeve take him
to flight in the 1978 “Superman”. But the genre has seriously become over-blown
since “Spider-man” gave audiences “the ultimate spin” in 2002 (Taglines are
fun).
Today, some consider the “superhero” to be our societies
greek-myths..these herculean god-like wonders whom struggle through the “good
vs. evil” story-arch we know and love. So which of the crop can be considered
the best of the best? Well, it’s open to interpretation of course, but here is
a list of my true favorites. The one’s I feel stand the test of time, adapt the
comic-book characters the best, and ultimately lent themselves to the art of
film in a fashion that will be remembered the most.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Napoli's Oscar Predictions
by Michael Napoli
I mentioned in my previous post that I would not post my predictions. But my dear friend Daniel posted his predictions, so the competitive side of me decided to give my predictions and see who comes out on top.
Best Picture
Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Best Director
Michael Haneke - Amour
Benh Zeitlin - Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ang Lee - Life of Pi
Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
David O'Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Monday, February 18, 2013
2013 Oscar Predictions- BAYLEY
Less than a week away...it's coming...it's almost here...finally.
It's the 2013 Academy Awards! The biggest film awards event of the year. The ceremony that will have just as many awkward, grating moments as satisfying enjoyments and yet I look forward to it every year. I love seeing the appreciation of film televised in a major way and getting into the history of film-making as seen through the prestigious eyes of this Academy. But man, there were years where I turned off the tube disappointed (Best Pictures' Crash and The King's Speech).
But it's a whole new year and 2012 was one for the record books. Some of the biggest blockbusters and the most enjoyable awards season crop in a long time. And I even saw a movie four times in the theater this year with the Avengers!
But enough with all that. It's time for you to win your Oscar pool at work or just get prepared and excited to shout at the tv before the winners are announced. It's my predictions for the 2013 Oscars!
Best Original Screenplay
Will Win: Quentin Tarantino- Django Unchained
Should Win: Mark Boal- Zero Dark Thirty
The nominees in this category are "Zero Dark Thirty", "Django Unchained", "Moonrise Kingdom", "Amour", and "Flight".
I'm frankly surprised that "Flight" is there but you'd be a drugged man in Vegas to bet on that film winning. "Amour" has a very good chance with Michael Haneke gaining much acclaim. But I see "Django Unchained" picking up the win. The Academy is back to appreciating Mr. Tarantino's work after "Inglorious Basterds" and after picking up the Golden Globe for Screenplay, I would say he is the favorite. I would have not awarded him for his overlong and frankly inconsistent work here and would have given the award to Mark Boal for his powerful character study and hard-hitting political drama, "Zero Dark Thirty".
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will Win: Chris Terrio- Argo
Should Win: David O. Russell- Silver Linings Playbook
The nominees are "Lincoln", "Silver Linings Playbook", "Argo", "Life of Pi" and "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
"Lincoln" may have taken 10 years to write and was seemingly historically accurate to a tee, but was very drawn out and thin, lacking subplot or developing dramatic value for me as a viewer. It still may come up as a winner so don't count it out. And while Russell I feel gives the most entertaining dramatic comedy film of the year, greatly in part for the writing, it is Terrio's "Argo" script that will be one of the big awards the film gets this year.
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
Should Win: Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
The nominees are Sally Field for "Lincoln", Anne Hathaway for "Les Miserables", Jacki Weaver for "Silver Linings Playbook", Helen Hunt for "The Sessions" and Amy Adams for "The Master".
This is locked and set and the Oscar is in the mail for Ms. Hathaway. She has swept the awards' season board in this category, and deservedly so. With very little screen time, she gives a raw and powerful turn as Fantine that is the standout here. Her one-take performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" is a must-watch.
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Christoph Waltz-Django Unchained
Should Win: Robert De Niro-"Silver Linings Playbook".
The nominees in this category are Christoph Waltz for "Django Unchained", Philip Seymour Hoffman for "The Master", Robert De Niro for "Silver Linings Playbook", Alan Arkin for "Argo", and Tommy Lee Jones for "Lincoln".
This is a three way race between Jones, Waltz, and De Niro. While Waltz and Jones picked up the Globe and SAG, De Niro has Weinstein campaigning hard for him and he has not won an Oscar since "Raging Bull". Not only is he long overdue, but this was the perfect performance to shake him out of his rut phoning in comedies that did not showcase his talents enough.
But alas I feel Waltz will shine on through here. His role as Dr. King Schultz was one of the best parts of "Django Unchained" and he is very settled in delivering Tarantino dialogue with just the right amount of smooth style and energy it demands. While Hans Landa was the charismatic and truly intimidating villain of "Basterds", Schultz is the equally charismatic sidekick to our hero who is in complete control of the film until Dicaprio's similarly showy performance rolls in. Tarantino is giving Waltz the roles of a lifetime and he hits them out of the park. The Oscar goes to Waltz here.
Best Actress
Will Win: Emmanuelle Riva- Amour
Should Win: Jessica Chastain- Zero Dark Thirty
The nominees are Naomi Watts for "The Impossible", Jessica Chastain for "Zero Dark Thirty", Jennifer Lawrence for "Silver Linings Playbook", Emmanuelle Riva for "Amour", and Quvenzhane' Walis for "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
I'm predicting Riva to win this due to her BAFTA "Best Actress" win and her critical acclaim. It will be a win reminiscent of Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" in 2007. While Lawrence and Chastain won the Globes, and Lawrence won the SAG, I think the Academy will go with the veteran actress here. She is the oldest nominee ever and would be the oldest to win (Fun Fact: She was also born the same year as the first Academy Award Best Picture "Wings" came out).
I would still award Chastain here. Maya was my favorite character of last year as a strong and stern CIA Officer in a male dominated government workplace that must stand up to superiors and stay true to her task in order to catch the most dangerous and lost terrorist in the world. I can't applaud this film enough.
Best Actor
Will Win: Daniel Day Lewis- Lincoln
Should Win: Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables
The nominees are Daniel Day Lewis for "Lincoln", Denzel Washington for "Flight", Hugh Jackman for "Les Miserables", Bradley Cooper for "Silver Linings Playbook" and Joequin Phoenix for "The Master".
In any other year I would say Jackman would have this. Reviving the musical, delivering riveting drama, and physical transformations are all on the plate for the role of Jean Valjean. Hugh Jackman gives the performance of a lifetime here. All of these performances had me walking out of the theater in awe, but none like the complexity the demanding role of Valjean had. Jackman has impressed me greatly. But alas...you just can't beat...
Daniel Day Lewis. This man is a machine. He loses himself in every role. There's nothing more I can say except he is one of the actors ever to grace the screen. He is the reason to go see "Lincoln". He creates a believable, likable, and surprisingly softer human out of our 16th president. What else more can I say. He will become the first actor to have won three Best Actor awards. You MUST bet on this win.
Best Director
Will Win: David O. Russell-Silver Linings Playbook
Should Win: David O. Russell- Silver Linings Playbook
The nominees are David O. Russell for "Silver Linings Playbook", Ang Lee for "Life of Pi", Steven Spielberg for "Lincoln", "Michael Haneke for "Amour" and Benh Zeitlin for "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
This is the most open race at the Oscars. With Ben Affleck being snubbed by the Academy, he has swept the board elsewhere probably due to equal parts sympathy and recognition by his peers. "Argo" is a great film and I would have had Affleck included in this bunch. But the award must go somewhere. I feel Spielberg has a GREAT chance but has had his time. Lee has lost momentum. Haneke and Zeitlin are happy to be included. The winner is...
David O. Russell. "Silver Linings Playbook" was the crowd pleaser. Weinstein is going to back him for it. It was a very personal film that messed comedy and drama greatly and I can honestly say I never had a dull moment with it. Though Spielberg had a beautiful cinematic scope and Ang Lee had some very powerful imagery, Russell had the "balance" of tone that won everyone over and entertained the masses the most. He is the favorite in my eyes.
Best Picture
Will Win: Argo
Should Win: Silver Linings Playbook
I love Best Picture. It's the award where you look back on the year and you remember every film that came out but "that" Best Picture winner was the one that the Academy chose to represent the year for the history books. Now, that hasn't always gone right at times. In fact it's gone horribly wrong. But this year, it looks like "Argo" just has it in the bag. It's a very good film that has a suspenseful climax, great performances, and meshes history with drama/comedy well. A good watch. But "Zero Dark Thirty" is my favorite film of the year. I walked out of that and said, "That is it. That's a perfect movie". Absolutely spell-binding storytelling. Kathryn Bigelow can direct suspenseful drama like no other. If you thought "Argo" got you on the edge of your seat, go see "Zero Dark Thirty" and get ready for a real rush.
So...why did I choose "Silver Linings Playbook" as my choice if "Zero Dark Thirty" is my favorite film of the year? I rarely do that. But I would award SLP not only because it is the best comedy of the year, not only because Lawrence, De Niro, and Cooper give some of their best work, not only because I think Russell is the director the year, but because it was the universal crowd pleaser. If we look back in history, I don't think anyone would be horribly upset it won. In fact, I think everyone would be happy. If I showed you these 9 films listed below, I think it might be your favorite. It's not as controversial as the political films, not as violent as "Django Unchained", it's accessible, funny, and all around a just damn good movie. "Zero Dark Thirty" might ruffle too many feathers with a win. But what can I say except, go see it. In fact, go see all these movies. 2012, you were one for the record books.
My other predicted winners below in bold...
Don't miss the 85th Annual Academy Awards, Sunday February 24th. And write me who you think will go home with Oscar gold.
-Daniel Bayley
It's the 2013 Academy Awards! The biggest film awards event of the year. The ceremony that will have just as many awkward, grating moments as satisfying enjoyments and yet I look forward to it every year. I love seeing the appreciation of film televised in a major way and getting into the history of film-making as seen through the prestigious eyes of this Academy. But man, there were years where I turned off the tube disappointed (Best Pictures' Crash and The King's Speech).
But it's a whole new year and 2012 was one for the record books. Some of the biggest blockbusters and the most enjoyable awards season crop in a long time. And I even saw a movie four times in the theater this year with the Avengers!
But enough with all that. It's time for you to win your Oscar pool at work or just get prepared and excited to shout at the tv before the winners are announced. It's my predictions for the 2013 Oscars!
Best Original Screenplay
Will Win: Quentin Tarantino- Django Unchained
Should Win: Mark Boal- Zero Dark Thirty
The nominees in this category are "Zero Dark Thirty", "Django Unchained", "Moonrise Kingdom", "Amour", and "Flight".
I'm frankly surprised that "Flight" is there but you'd be a drugged man in Vegas to bet on that film winning. "Amour" has a very good chance with Michael Haneke gaining much acclaim. But I see "Django Unchained" picking up the win. The Academy is back to appreciating Mr. Tarantino's work after "Inglorious Basterds" and after picking up the Golden Globe for Screenplay, I would say he is the favorite. I would have not awarded him for his overlong and frankly inconsistent work here and would have given the award to Mark Boal for his powerful character study and hard-hitting political drama, "Zero Dark Thirty".
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will Win: Chris Terrio- Argo
Should Win: David O. Russell- Silver Linings Playbook
The nominees are "Lincoln", "Silver Linings Playbook", "Argo", "Life of Pi" and "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
"Lincoln" may have taken 10 years to write and was seemingly historically accurate to a tee, but was very drawn out and thin, lacking subplot or developing dramatic value for me as a viewer. It still may come up as a winner so don't count it out. And while Russell I feel gives the most entertaining dramatic comedy film of the year, greatly in part for the writing, it is Terrio's "Argo" script that will be one of the big awards the film gets this year.
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
Should Win: Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
The nominees are Sally Field for "Lincoln", Anne Hathaway for "Les Miserables", Jacki Weaver for "Silver Linings Playbook", Helen Hunt for "The Sessions" and Amy Adams for "The Master".
This is locked and set and the Oscar is in the mail for Ms. Hathaway. She has swept the awards' season board in this category, and deservedly so. With very little screen time, she gives a raw and powerful turn as Fantine that is the standout here. Her one-take performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" is a must-watch.
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Christoph Waltz-Django Unchained
Should Win: Robert De Niro-"Silver Linings Playbook".
The nominees in this category are Christoph Waltz for "Django Unchained", Philip Seymour Hoffman for "The Master", Robert De Niro for "Silver Linings Playbook", Alan Arkin for "Argo", and Tommy Lee Jones for "Lincoln".
This is a three way race between Jones, Waltz, and De Niro. While Waltz and Jones picked up the Globe and SAG, De Niro has Weinstein campaigning hard for him and he has not won an Oscar since "Raging Bull". Not only is he long overdue, but this was the perfect performance to shake him out of his rut phoning in comedies that did not showcase his talents enough.
But alas I feel Waltz will shine on through here. His role as Dr. King Schultz was one of the best parts of "Django Unchained" and he is very settled in delivering Tarantino dialogue with just the right amount of smooth style and energy it demands. While Hans Landa was the charismatic and truly intimidating villain of "Basterds", Schultz is the equally charismatic sidekick to our hero who is in complete control of the film until Dicaprio's similarly showy performance rolls in. Tarantino is giving Waltz the roles of a lifetime and he hits them out of the park. The Oscar goes to Waltz here.
Best Actress
Will Win: Emmanuelle Riva- Amour
Should Win: Jessica Chastain- Zero Dark Thirty
The nominees are Naomi Watts for "The Impossible", Jessica Chastain for "Zero Dark Thirty", Jennifer Lawrence for "Silver Linings Playbook", Emmanuelle Riva for "Amour", and Quvenzhane' Walis for "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
I'm predicting Riva to win this due to her BAFTA "Best Actress" win and her critical acclaim. It will be a win reminiscent of Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" in 2007. While Lawrence and Chastain won the Globes, and Lawrence won the SAG, I think the Academy will go with the veteran actress here. She is the oldest nominee ever and would be the oldest to win (Fun Fact: She was also born the same year as the first Academy Award Best Picture "Wings" came out).
I would still award Chastain here. Maya was my favorite character of last year as a strong and stern CIA Officer in a male dominated government workplace that must stand up to superiors and stay true to her task in order to catch the most dangerous and lost terrorist in the world. I can't applaud this film enough.
Best Actor
Will Win: Daniel Day Lewis- Lincoln
Should Win: Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables
The nominees are Daniel Day Lewis for "Lincoln", Denzel Washington for "Flight", Hugh Jackman for "Les Miserables", Bradley Cooper for "Silver Linings Playbook" and Joequin Phoenix for "The Master".
In any other year I would say Jackman would have this. Reviving the musical, delivering riveting drama, and physical transformations are all on the plate for the role of Jean Valjean. Hugh Jackman gives the performance of a lifetime here. All of these performances had me walking out of the theater in awe, but none like the complexity the demanding role of Valjean had. Jackman has impressed me greatly. But alas...you just can't beat...
Daniel Day Lewis. This man is a machine. He loses himself in every role. There's nothing more I can say except he is one of the actors ever to grace the screen. He is the reason to go see "Lincoln". He creates a believable, likable, and surprisingly softer human out of our 16th president. What else more can I say. He will become the first actor to have won three Best Actor awards. You MUST bet on this win.
Best Director
Will Win: David O. Russell-Silver Linings Playbook
Should Win: David O. Russell- Silver Linings Playbook
The nominees are David O. Russell for "Silver Linings Playbook", Ang Lee for "Life of Pi", Steven Spielberg for "Lincoln", "Michael Haneke for "Amour" and Benh Zeitlin for "Beasts of the Southern Wild".
This is the most open race at the Oscars. With Ben Affleck being snubbed by the Academy, he has swept the board elsewhere probably due to equal parts sympathy and recognition by his peers. "Argo" is a great film and I would have had Affleck included in this bunch. But the award must go somewhere. I feel Spielberg has a GREAT chance but has had his time. Lee has lost momentum. Haneke and Zeitlin are happy to be included. The winner is...
David O. Russell. "Silver Linings Playbook" was the crowd pleaser. Weinstein is going to back him for it. It was a very personal film that messed comedy and drama greatly and I can honestly say I never had a dull moment with it. Though Spielberg had a beautiful cinematic scope and Ang Lee had some very powerful imagery, Russell had the "balance" of tone that won everyone over and entertained the masses the most. He is the favorite in my eyes.
Best Picture
Will Win: Argo
Should Win: Silver Linings Playbook
I love Best Picture. It's the award where you look back on the year and you remember every film that came out but "that" Best Picture winner was the one that the Academy chose to represent the year for the history books. Now, that hasn't always gone right at times. In fact it's gone horribly wrong. But this year, it looks like "Argo" just has it in the bag. It's a very good film that has a suspenseful climax, great performances, and meshes history with drama/comedy well. A good watch. But "Zero Dark Thirty" is my favorite film of the year. I walked out of that and said, "That is it. That's a perfect movie". Absolutely spell-binding storytelling. Kathryn Bigelow can direct suspenseful drama like no other. If you thought "Argo" got you on the edge of your seat, go see "Zero Dark Thirty" and get ready for a real rush.
So...why did I choose "Silver Linings Playbook" as my choice if "Zero Dark Thirty" is my favorite film of the year? I rarely do that. But I would award SLP not only because it is the best comedy of the year, not only because Lawrence, De Niro, and Cooper give some of their best work, not only because I think Russell is the director the year, but because it was the universal crowd pleaser. If we look back in history, I don't think anyone would be horribly upset it won. In fact, I think everyone would be happy. If I showed you these 9 films listed below, I think it might be your favorite. It's not as controversial as the political films, not as violent as "Django Unchained", it's accessible, funny, and all around a just damn good movie. "Zero Dark Thirty" might ruffle too many feathers with a win. But what can I say except, go see it. In fact, go see all these movies. 2012, you were one for the record books.
My other predicted winners below in bold...
Best Animated Feature Film
Frankenweenie
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Wreck-It Ralph
ParaNorman
Brave
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Wreck-It Ralph
ParaNorman
Brave
Best Foreign-Language Film
Amour (Austria)
No (Chile)
War Witch (Canada)
A Royal Affair (Den)
Kontiki (Norway)
No (Chile)
War Witch (Canada)
A Royal Affair (Den)
Kontiki (Norway)
Original Score
Anna Karenina, Dario Marianelli
Argo, Alexandre Desplat
Life of Pi, Mychael Danna
Lincoln, John Williams
Skyfall, Thomas Newman
Argo, Alexandre Desplat
Life of Pi, Mychael Danna
Lincoln, John Williams
Skyfall, Thomas Newman
Original Song
"Before My Time," J. Ralph; Chasing Ice
"Pi's Lullaby," Mychael Danna & Bombay Jayashri; Life of Pi
"Suddenly," Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boulil; Les Misérables
"Everybody Needs a Best Friend," Walter Murphy & Seth McFarlane; Ted
"Skyfall," Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth; Skyfall
"Pi's Lullaby," Mychael Danna & Bombay Jayashri; Life of Pi
"Suddenly," Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boulil; Les Misérables
"Everybody Needs a Best Friend," Walter Murphy & Seth McFarlane; Ted
"Skyfall," Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth; Skyfall
Achievement in Production Direction
Anna Karenina
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Achievement in Cinematography
Anna Karenina, Seamus McGarvey
Django Unchained, Robert Richardson
Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda
Lincoln, Janusz Kaminski
Skyfall, Roger Deakins
Django Unchained, Robert Richardson
Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda
Lincoln, Janusz Kaminski
Skyfall, Roger Deakins
Achievement in Costume Design
Anna Karenina, Jacqueline Durran
Les Misérables, Paco Delgado
Lincoln, Joanna Johnston
Mirror Mirror, Eiko Ishioka
Snow White and the Huntsman, Colleen Atwood
Les Misérables, Paco Delgado
Lincoln, Joanna Johnston
Mirror Mirror, Eiko Ishioka
Snow White and the Huntsman, Colleen Atwood
Best Documentary Feature
5 Broken Cameras
The Gatekeepers
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Searching for a Sugar Man
The Gatekeepers
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Searching for a Sugar Man
Best Documentary Short Subject
Inocente
Kings Point
Mondays at Racine
Open Heart
Redemption
Kings Point
Mondays at Racine
Open Heart
Redemption
Achievement in Film Editing
Argo
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling
Hitchcock
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
Best Animated Short Film
Adam and Dog
Fresh Guacamole
Head Over Heels
Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
Paperman
Fresh Guacamole
Head Over Heels
Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
Paperman
Best Live-Action Short Film
Asad
Buzkashi Boys
Curfew
Death of a Shadow
Henry
Buzkashi Boys
Curfew
Death of a Shadow
Henry
Achievement in Sound Editing
Argo
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty
Achievement in Sound Mixing
Argo
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall
Achievement in Visual Effects
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Life of Pi
Marvel's The Avengers
Prometheus
Snow White and the Huntsman
Life of Pi
Marvel's The Avengers
Prometheus
Snow White and the Huntsman
Don't miss the 85th Annual Academy Awards, Sunday February 24th. And write me who you think will go home with Oscar gold.
-Daniel Bayley
Friday, February 8, 2013
If Napoli Picked the Winners...and a Loser.
Author: Michael Napol
Two weeks until the Oscars. It is definitely one of the most interesting races I've seen since I started watching.
Like every year we see our fair share of "favorite to win" scenario, this year is no exception. Daniel Day-Lewis, Anne Hathaway, and Life of Pi. All names you will most likely hear on Oscar night winning their respected categories.
As I write this review, the 6000 member Academy are voting and submitting their ballots for the best of the year.
Of course we never know how the Academy votes. Sometimes we predetermine how things will turn out. But sometimes they tend to surprise us. Some for the good and others...well you get the idea.
Now you can go to any awards obsessed site to get your odds on what will win best makeup. Frankly, people have made this a sport out of it. Every detail carefully thought out. BUT, I'm not going to give you my prediction on who will win. I will tell you who I would vote for if I was an Academy member. This would be my ballot.
Best Picture
Who Should Win: Life of Pi
Runner Up: Zero Dark Thirty
Snubbed: Skyfall, The Master, Moonrise Kingdom
For those who have seen my top ten of 2012, I chose Kathryn Bigelow's gripping Zero Dark Thirty as the best film of the year. Though the film is one of the best political thrillers in recent memory;Having performances, writing, and editing at the top of it's form, when it came down to handing the title of Best Picture, somehow Ang Lee's Life of Pi kept coming back to me.
Though Zero Dark Thirty is a neatly constructed film, Life of Pi takes the scope and beauty of film as art and goes above and beyond. It's a true cinematic experience. A book that is considered unfilmable, becomes a beautiful tale of a boy's journey against nature, God (in Pi's case Gods), and of course Richard Parker. It's a blend of music, image and heart that only filmmakers of true passion can handle. Also, I think many people tend to forget that this was rated PG. This film is for everyone. It allows all people to be apart of Pi's spiritual journey through the seas. Not many movies do that anymore.
My personal ranking:
1. Life of Pi
2. Zero Dark Thirty
3. Beasts of the Southern Wild
4. Argo
5. Silver Linings Playbook
6. Lincoln
7. Amour
8. Les Miserables
9. Django Unchained
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Oscar Nomination: Napoli's Reactions
The Oscar Nominations: Or How I Feel the Academy Got It Right
by Michael Napoli
Well as many of you know by now, the Academy Award nominations came out this morning. There were many questions that were being asked the past few weeks.
Which film, Lincoln or Les Miserables, will come out as the front runner?
How many films will round out Best Picture?
Will Joaquin Phoenix make it into the Best Actor race? If so, who gets kicked off?
Due to technicalities from every guild, does Beasts of the Southern Wild have what it takes to break into the major categories?
What we discovered this morning was quite surprising then what every pundit had been anticipating.
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Best Films of 2012
Written by Michael Napoli
What a strong year for film. Though the first half of the year showed signs if greatness, I never expected to experience so many diverse and interesting movies in the later part of the year.
What I noticed this year was many anticipated films were in the realm of average or disappointing. On the other hand, we saw many of the critically praised films become some of the years most popular films. Which really goes to show that no matter how large the budget is, people just want to see go movies.
Looking back of all the films of 2012, it is very hard for me to compile this list together. Not for which ones are the best, but that there are so many to recommend and discuss about. I believe that's why people like top ten lists. It's always a good subject for debate. So without further ado. I present the Best Films of 2012.
Predictions: The 2013 Academy Award Nominations (Napoli)
Daniel Bayley and Michael Napoli make the predictions for Thursday, January 10'ths Oscar nominations. Whoever gets closer buys the other man a burger (happens every year my friends). May the best man win! Let us know what you think of the picks.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Predictions: The 2013 Academy Award Nominations (BAYLEY)
Daniel Bayley and Michael Napoli make the predictions for Thursday, January 10'ths Oscar nominations. Whoever gets closer buys the other man a burger (happens every year my friends). May the best man win! Let us know what you think of the picks.
Remember: This is not necessarily who I would like to see nominated in most cases but what I feel will end up being the result of the Academy nominations.
Daniel Bayley's Predictions
Best Foreign Language Film
Best Animated Feature
Best Original Screenplay
1. The Master - Paul Thomas Anderson
2. Moonrise Kingdom- Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
3. Zero Dark Thirty- Mark Boal
4. Django Unchained- Quentin Tarantino
5. Amour- Michael Haneke
Best Adapted Screenplay
1. Argo - Chris Terrio
2. Beasts of the Southern Wild - Lucy Alibar and Benh Zietlin
3. Lincoln - Tony Kushner
4. Life of Pi- David Magee
5. SIlver Linings Playbook - David O. Russell
Best Supporting Actress
1. Maggie Smith- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
2. Sally Field - Lincoln
3. Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
4. Helen Hunt - The Sessions
5. Nicole Kidman - The Paperboy
Best Supporting Actor
1. Alan Arkin - Argo
2. Robert DeNiro - Silver Linings Playbook
3. Christoph Waltz- Django Unchained
4. Philip Seymour Hoffman - The Master
5. Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln
Remember: This is not necessarily who I would like to see nominated in most cases but what I feel will end up being the result of the Academy nominations.
Daniel Bayley's Predictions
Best Foreign Language Film
1. Amour (Austria)
2. The Intouchables (France)
3. A Royal Affair (Denmark)
4. No (Chile)
5. Beyond the Hills (Romania)
2. The Intouchables (France)
3. A Royal Affair (Denmark)
4. No (Chile)
5. Beyond the Hills (Romania)
Best Animated Feature
1. Brave
2. Frankenweenie
3. Paranorman
4. Wreck It Ralph
5. Rise of the Guardians
2. Frankenweenie
3. Paranorman
4. Wreck It Ralph
5. Rise of the Guardians
Best Original Screenplay
1. The Master - Paul Thomas Anderson
2. Moonrise Kingdom- Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
3. Zero Dark Thirty- Mark Boal
4. Django Unchained- Quentin Tarantino
5. Amour- Michael Haneke
Writer's Note: I made this pick before Looper was nominated for a Writers Guild Award. That might take a spot.
Best Adapted Screenplay
1. Argo - Chris Terrio
2. Beasts of the Southern Wild - Lucy Alibar and Benh Zietlin
3. Lincoln - Tony Kushner
4. Life of Pi- David Magee
5. SIlver Linings Playbook - David O. Russell
Best Supporting Actress
1. Maggie Smith- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
2. Sally Field - Lincoln
3. Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
4. Helen Hunt - The Sessions
5. Nicole Kidman - The Paperboy
Writers Note: While Amy Adams in The Master was one of my favorite performances for this category, I feel the film has the chance of being neglected.
Best Supporting Actor
1. Alan Arkin - Argo
2. Robert DeNiro - Silver Linings Playbook
3. Christoph Waltz- Django Unchained
4. Philip Seymour Hoffman - The Master
5. Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln
Writers Note: Leonardo Dicaprio in Django Unchained and Dwight Henry in Beasts of the Southern Wild might be the surprises. I personally hope to see Ewan McGregor have a nomination for The Impossible.
Best Actress
1. Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
2. Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
3. Marion Cotillard- Rust and Bone
4. Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild
5. Naomi Watts - The Impossible
Best Actor
1. Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
2. Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
3. John Hawkes - The Sessions
4. Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables
5. Denzel Washington - Flight
1. Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
2. Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
3. Marion Cotillard- Rust and Bone
4. Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild
5. Naomi Watts - The Impossible
Best Actor
1. Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
2. Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
3. John Hawkes - The Sessions
4. Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables
5. Denzel Washington - Flight
Writers Note: Can Joaquin Phoenix score a nomination for The Master after verbally bashing his hatred for awards ceremonies? Let's hope.
Best Director
1. Ben Affleck - Argo
2. Ang Lee - Life of Pi
3. Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
4. David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
5. Kathryn Bigelow - Zero Dark Thirty
Best Picture
1. Argo
2. Beast of the Southern Wild
3. Django Unchained
4. Les Miserables
5. Life of Pi
6. Lincoln
7. The Master
8. Moonrise Kingdom
9. Silver Linings Playbook
10. Zero Dark Thirty
1. Ben Affleck - Argo
2. Ang Lee - Life of Pi
3. Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
4. David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
5. Kathryn Bigelow - Zero Dark Thirty
Best Picture
1. Argo
2. Beast of the Southern Wild
3. Django Unchained
4. Les Miserables
5. Life of Pi
6. Lincoln
7. The Master
8. Moonrise Kingdom
9. Silver Linings Playbook
10. Zero Dark Thirty
Thanks for reading! Check back on January 10th to see the results.
-Daniel
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Best Films of 2012 BAYLEY
Daniel Bayley’s Top 10 of 2012
This year in film has been notable for several reasons. While I wasn’t thrilled with two films I greatly anticipated (Prometheus and The Amazing Spider-man), and was greatly disappointed by others (Snow White and the Huntsman and Dark Shadows), I can say I saw much more than ten films that I would jump out of my chair to recommend to you. Any one of the films below that I mention, I hope you will go and check out because they all contained a memorable story and influence that I believe deems them representational of 2012. What a great year for movies!
Without further ado, here is my list of the Top 10 of 2012.
Please comment and write about your favorites of the year. Because the great
thing about “best of lists” is to compare perspectives, see what films
resonated the most with audiences, and come together to enjoy this great
artistic medium.
10. The Impossible: This is the most intense film-going
experience I have ever had. Depicting the true story of a family on Christmas
vacation in Thailand in 2004, their lives are forever changed when the tragic
tsunami hits their tropical resort. Naomi Watts’ character, Maria, goes through
what I can only describe as a Passion of
the Christ film circumstance of having to carry herself completely broken
and beaten emotionally and physically back to safety, along with her son Lucas
(played by Tom Holland). Holland deserves much recognition for his leading
performance and earns a spot as the newcomer to watch out for. My favorite
element of the piece is Ewan McGregors' performance as the father, Henry. I
won’t spoil anything but there is a scene involving McGregor having to call him
to describe what had happened, and it is just as powerful as any acting
performance you will see this year. This is a tough movie to watch so I
will add the element of caution here. But this is one moving piece I will never
forget.
Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
9. Paranorman: It’s no secret…I love Halloween and I love
stop-motion. So I was very excited to watch this. But what I didn’t expect to see was a surprisingly hilarious and enjoyable story that has earned its place as my nominee for the
“Best Animated Feature” Academy Award. The story is about Norman, a boy who has
the ability to see ghosts that nobody else can see. This makes him unpopular in
the town, but when a witch’s curse presents itself as a threat, Norman must
find a way to stop the witch from returning. With plenty of twists and turns,
and laugh out loud moments, this was one of the most entertaining
films I saw this year.
Directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell
8. The Perks of Being A Wallflower: Adapted from the book
that captures high school adolescence so well, Stephen Chbosky really hit his film
adaptation out of the park. As a person who had read the book before the movie,
I knew what to expect story-wise but was surprised to see the vision of the
film matched and even enhanced the one I had before. Logan Lerman plays Charlie,
who is entering high school and befriends two lovable and quirky seniors, Sam
and Patrick. Emma Watson fully breaks out of her “Hermoine Granger” shell as
the sweet and strong-minded Sam who Charlie’s affection clings to. But it is
Ezra Miller’s Patrick that is the show-stopper, in a performance full of teenage
energy and dimension that rings true in the piece. No film this year, or in
many years, has captured a story of suburban high school youth and emotion quite like
this one.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky
7. Cabin in the Woods- I am one true fan of Drew Goddard and
Joss Whedon’s writing. Just ask the number of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel
DVDs on my shelf. But here, they have not only payed homage to the horror genre
they love, they have broken down the doors and created a hilarious commentary
on all the story-telling elements we love about these films. Joss Whedon, much
like the Avengers, has a very
distinct way of telling his stories in three acts. The first act develops the
characters, sets the mood, and implies future conflict. The second act will set
the motions into place and have all the characters discover not only that
everything isn’t exactly what it seems, but the characters themselves don’t
know as much as they think they do. The final act in both films is “balls to
the wall”, anything goes, anything you can imagine, s*** gets real action and
visuals that are eye-candy all the way. I can note I saw this film alone in a sold-out theater in Manhattan and when this film’s third act kicked into high
gear, everyone was enjoying it together in a hilarious revelry. The crowd of horror-buffs came together that night in some fashion I won't soon forget. It’s one of the
best comedies of the year, and I mean comedy when I say it.
Directed by Drew Goddard
6. Skyfall- As a big fan of the 007 series, I'll just say I've seen all 22 Bond adventures multiple times. This is the 23rd enstallment
into the franchise and marks the 50th year of martini’s, gadgets,
Bond girls with odd names, villains with odd physical features, and a hero on a
mission to protect Queen and country. But this one was just different. It’s a
standalone Bond feature with a director who really wants every image, every
frame, to bleed emotion and help you get to know just what kind of a man Bond
is doing what he does day in and day out. With the world’s best
cinematographer, Roger Deakins, composing every shot as if it were a painting,
the film looks sensational. Bardem deserves Oscar consideration for Best
Supporting Actor as the devilishly delightful Silva who is just as charismatic
as he is creepy. And with Judi Dench giving her best performance in years as M,
she is the true “Bond girl” of the film, playing off Daniel Craig’s Bond very
well.
My only concern with Skyfall
is that it is perhaps too similar to The
Dark Knight. Sam Mendes has mentioned that The Dark Knight was very
influential to him about taking on this film and even making it, but there are
a few scenes that are constructed almost as mirror images of Nolans Batman
film. I won’t give one away because it’s intrical to the story but one I can
mention is this…how many movies are we going to see where the villain gets
captured on purpose only to destroy the hero’s base from within!? This modern
cliché’ must end!
All in all, it’s not only a fantastic Bond adventure that
throws in plenty of fan-favorite nudges to the series, but is a stand-alone
thriller. While I may still prefer Casino
Royale to this, Skyfall is a Bond
film I’ve been waiting to see.
Directed by Sam Mendes
5. Silver Linings Playbook- I admit, when I first saw this
trailer, I thought, “Oh great, A film where everyone is quirky and problematic.
I wonder what hilarity will ensue! I’m gonna skip that one!”. After much
critical acclaim and friendly recommendations, I finally sucked it up and saw
it in the theater. And boy, did those quirky and problematic characters delve
into some hilarity! It was one of the funniest and enjoyable films of the year.
Bradley Cooper plays Pat, a former teacher who moves back in with his parents
(Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) as he works to better himself, find those
“silver linings” in life, and win back his wife who cheated on him. He meets
Jennifer Lawrence’s Tiffany, and while these two characters are seen as
“crazy”, everyone in Russell’s film is so filled with idiosyncrasies, you’d
wonder what being “normal” in this town could be. All the characters give
impressive work to the film. At one point I looked over to my friend and said,
“If the film were to shut off right now, I’d be so upset because I am so
engaged in this story it’s not even funny”. Please, take my advice and go see
this film in the theater. You will walk out feeling great.
Directed by David O. Russell
4. Moonrise Kingdom- As a fan of Wes Anderson’s signature
style, you will get all of the camera-pans, signature set-design, and even some
slow-motion you’ll always go to see. But this film also holds a wonderful story
of Sam and Suzy (played by Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) whose young love is
tested by their family and scout-troop. When these two kids run away from home
to be together, we are shown the journey through landscape of the greatly
calculated island setting as well as cuts over to characters played by Bill
Murray, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton who
all worry and bicker amongst themselves about the fates of these two children.
It’s a nostalgic fantasy film where this ‘60’s time-period feels right at home
and the characters are lively and lovable where you can’t wait to get to know
more about each of them. While still filled with oddities and awkward moments
to keep the Anderson-tone in check, this is a story I feel could appeal to a
mass audience and age-group where many of his films may not have. The writing
is superb here and I hope it’s recognized with an Oscar nomination.
Directed by Wes Anderson
3. Les Miserables- Now here is the return of the movie
musical! With this as an adaptation of the play that is constructed purely of singing, the actors
perform all of their music live on screen, in a daring move by Director Tom
Hooper. Now while Hooper is receiving some backlash for how he handled this
film, and I will agree with some of that, I will not forget the experience this
movie brings which is one that engulfs you into the emotionality of the work I
feel perfectly portrays the story on screen. With Hugh Jackman giving his best
work yet as Jean Valjean, a man who stole a loaf of bread and will for the rest
of his life be on the run from the ever-persistent Inspector Javert. While
Russell Crowe’s voice may have been the weakest as he portrays Javert among a
cast of some pretty heavy-hitting singers, he was actually my favorite to watch
for the intensity of his acting. He was
my favorite to watch.
Anne Hathaway is getting considerable Oscar-talk for her
small role as Fantine that may earn her her first Academy Award. Her scene of
“I Dreamed A Dream” holds the perfect example of Hooper’s
handi-cam/close-up/one-take direction being put to good use as we just watch
the actress act out her singing and really get into the emotion of every word
she sings in the song. The only problem I have with Hooper is the question of
why he had to keep this same technique with virtually every single
solo-performance? Not every scene warranted this technique and with such a
beautiful setting constructed, why not show it around in wide-shot a bit and
give us a sense of scale and gravitas? Oh well. This minor flaw for me did not
stop me from walking out singing every song in the film and being moved
emotionally by the great story well told.
Directed by Tom Hooper
2. The Avengers- I was sure until I recently saw the #1 film on my list that this was going to be my “Best
Film of the Year”. It was the film that met all expectations. The movie that
kick-started the summer. It’s the movie I’ve seen the most in theaters ever
with four viewings. After a 5 year journey spanning 5 different Marvel films,
introducing the iconic comic-book characters to the big screen, The Avengers came out and brought all of
them together to the big-screen in an epic unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
With Joss Whedon’s signature wit and nack for character interaction and detail,
this gorgeously shot CGI blockbuster shows that you can have multiple
characters in one spot and share their screen-time evenly in a film that
doesn’t shy away from any of the great character moments we’ve been waiting
for. Mark Ruffalo’s interpretation of “the Hulk” steals the show, and I want
this note to in no way digress from the reiteration that this is one of the
best “team” and ensemble movies you will find. The only thing that may steer non-Marvel
lovers away is that you would really need to watch the films that lead up to The Avengers in order to get the full
enjoyment the rest of the audience will be feeling in seeing characters they
love all in one spot. With that being said, this film has laughs, spectacle, a
brain to the script, and a great sense of monumental scope that brings in a
great sense of drama to the action. You’re not going to get a better
blockbuster action this year. This movie is grade-A enjoyment at it’s best that
I can’t wait to watch again and again!
Directed by Joss Whedon
1. Zero Dark Thirty- And my Best Picture of 2012 is…Zero Dark Thirty. Yes, Kathryn Bigelow’s
team-up with writer Mark Boal worked wonders in 2009 with The Hurt Locker and while they create a film that seems very
similar to their 2009 work, this film is still a stand-alone gripping thriller
that you won’t want to miss. Jessica Chastain plays Maya, a CIA Officer who
works for over 10 years on the greatest manhunt of all time: tracking down
Osama Bin Laden. Based on first-hand actual accounts on the events leading up to
the “30 minutes after midnight” military mission that brought down the
terrorist, the film almost feels too real with very realistic violence that can
be quite jarring at times. The reality of the film helps us invest in Maya and
how her one goal in life is to find a “disappeared man” that is near impossible
to trace in risky scenarios that can cost not only her career, but her and her
teams' lives. With high stakes subject matter, Bigelow really knows how to pump
up the adrenaline and direct scenes that you will not be able to take your eyes
off of. While I had said in the past I didn’t feel this film was entirely
necessary and it perhaps was too soon to have this story brought to the screen,
Zero Dark Thirty is more of an
analysis of a woman who gives her entire life to a mission and we see what the
rewards and repercussions of that sacrifice will give. It’s powerfully acted,
action filled, heart-wrenching, and moving cinema that resonates with the dark
times we live in, the questions of ethics we ask in times of war, and the
people whose life’s work can amount to a country’s successes and failures. I
highly recommend this film and would nominate it for Best Picture,
Director, Actress, and Original Screenplay.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Other Great Films to Watch from 2012 (in alphabetical order)
Argo
Beast of the Southern Wild
Chronicle
Chronicle
The Dark Knight Rises
Django Unchained
Frankenweenie
The Hobbit
Liberal Arts
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Looper
The Master
Safety Not Guarenteed
Seeking A Friend for the End of the World
The Sessions
21 Jump Street
-Daniel
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