The Oscar nominations will be announced on Tuesday morning, but until it's official, I'm trying my hand at my own predictions of who I think will get a nod this year. I've already tackled the major acting categories, so now I'm moving on to the people behind the scenes: the directors.
Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment
There are just a few hours to go until the action starts at this evening's SAG Awards, and we're hoping the ensemble casts for the films in the running for Best Picture attend together. Nine, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, An Education, and The Hurt Locker are all nominated for the honor, though a few of the big stars, like Brad Pitt and Daniel Day-Lewis, have yet to show up on any red carpets. It would be nice to see everyone out at the same event at least once, so tell us — which cast are you hoping to see at the show?
I can't get over the number of new DVD releases hitting shelves this week (I know what I'll be doing Saturday!). Along with these three picks, you also have Charlize Theron in The Burning Plain, Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Downloading Nancy with Maria Bello, and the political satire In the Loop.
A small film with big word-of-mouth buzz, The Hurt Locker was one of the cinematic dark horses of this past year. The behind-the-scenes story of an elite bomb squad in Iraq is an action movie with depth, as it explores how the members cope with the weight of their high-risk job. Critics love it, and I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't catch Locker when it first hit theaters. I plan on making up for lost time by devoting my Saturday to it — before it runs away with all of the award season trophies. Of special note is Kathryn Bigelow, who is receiving the most accolades for her directorial work.
DVD extras include a commentary and a behind the scenes documentary.
Most of you said that you wanted to see Fame in theaters, but you can take it home now in case you missed it (or if you want to see it again!). This update of the 1980s musical follows a whole new class of singers, musicians, and actors at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. It feels a little more cutesy, teeny-bopper than the original, but seeing as how I'm sucker for dance movies, I'm adding it to my queue for the flashy production numbers alone.
DVD extras include deleted scenes and the Fame National Talent Search Contest Winner.
One more release to check out when you read more
In just a few weeks we'll start seeing which of 2009's finest films are awarded with various accolades, but for now it's your turn to pick your favorites. So far The Hangover is winning best comedy and Up leads the pack for best animated film, but what's your pick for the best drama of 2009?
Don't forget to vote on all of my Best of 2009 polls!
2009 had an amazing Summer at the box office, and that was due in part to some amazing action flicks. Surprisingly, they weren't all blockbusters, and they weren't all about just blowing stuff up. What was your favorite action flick of the year?
Don't forget to vote on all of my Best of 2009 polls!
Everyone loves an underdog, and 2009 seemed to be the year for them. Several movies with lesser-known stars and/or low budgets held their own against their Goliath-sized counterparts, winning the hearts of fans and critics alike. Time will only tell if they can pull off a dark horse upset in awards season, but I'm willing to wager that a couple of these will at least earn mentions. Tell me, which is your favorite?
Don't forget to vote on all of my Best of 2009 polls!
"If The Hurt Locker is not the best action movie of the summer, I'll blow up my car." — A.O. Scott, New York Times.
All of a sudden, I really want to see The Hurt Locker. For one thing, this movie is getting incredibly positive reviews, with most critics noting that this may be the first movie about the Iraq war that audiences will actually enjoy. For another, it sounds suspenseful and action-packed — like, blow-your-mind-and-your-eardrums style. And for a third, it's already gotten some recognition before it even hits theaters in the form of two Independent Spirit Awards nominations. Here's a description:
[The Hurt Locker is] an intense portrayal of elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: disarming bombs in the heat of combat. When a new sergeant, James, takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict, he surprises his two subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge, by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat.
The movie stars Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie and also features Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, and Evangeline Lilly. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break), The Hurt Locker opens in New York and LA today and will hit another group of cities July 10. This trailer's definitely worth a watch, and you can check it out when you read more
