The Oscars are tonight and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World-my pick for best movie of the year-has zero nominations. Travesty! Here's what it should have been nominated for.
Editing
Scott Pilgrim is so frenetic and crazy it could easily have been turned to mush in editing. But it wasn't, if anything the editing improved the movie and made it all the better. Should have at least got a nom.
Visual Effects
Okay, so it didn't have the folding city from Inception, the giant dragon from Alice in Wonderland or...whatever was in Hereafter, but Scott Pilgrim did something different. Rather than using visual effects to distract the audience, they were used directly to make it more like a comic book, and improve immersion. I don't think it should have one, but it shows a lack of vision that didn't even get nominated.
Best Supporting Actor-Kieran Culkin as Wallace
Scott Pilgrim didn't have any oscar-worthy performances, aside from Kieran Culkin as Wallace. The first third, before things really get wild, he pretty much carries the film. Toward the end he basically disappears, which is sort of a shame, because he brings so much to the role. Snubbed!
Best Adapted Screenplay
Okay, so it wouldn't win, but a nomination would have been nice.
Best Director-Edgar Wright
The day after the Oscar Noms were announced, the internet was flooded with the whining rants of Christopher Nolan fanboys. For those of you who don't know, the internet is full of those idiots. Christopher Nolan is not one of my favorite directors. He makes good movies, but he's not a fantastic director. Memento is probably his most balanced work. Batman Begins, Dark Knight and Inception all have pacing issues in the last third. His shots aren't particularly inventive, and he doesn't really do anything new from a directorial standpoint. Edgar Wright on the other hand, puts forth a revolutionary film, with literally dozens of shots a second that all need to work perfectly and flow from one to the other. And they all do. Much of this is due to the editing, but you can't deny that Wright does stuff that hasn't been done before, and he is vastly superior to Nolan on the directing front. This is probably the biggest snub of all.
Best Picture-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Well, duh. Screw 127 hours. To heck with Winter's Bone. Fooey on The Kids are All Right. Forget about the King's Speech. Drop dead Inception. Bug off True Grit. Go punch yourself, The Figher. Molt and die Black Swan. Ignore friend request, Social Network. Burn and die Toy Story 3.
SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD is the BEST PICTURE 2010!
Showing posts with label scott pilgrim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scott pilgrim. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Best of 2010 (A top 5 from what I saw)
Self-explanatory. If your favorite movie isn't on here, it's probably because I didn't see it. Or it sucked.
5. True Grit
Okay, so I've never seen the original, but who cares? This was amazing, not a moment I didn't enjoy. Okay, the ending was a little drawn-out, but seriously, who cares. The story was well-constructed, the characters well-developed, and it had all the elements of style you could every hope to expect. This one's still in theaters, go see it NOW if you haven't already.
4. Inception
What the What? Number 4? Yeah. I know. Let's just say it was a good year for movies. While Inception is a smart, tight and fun action movie, it isn't quite what the fan-boys would have you think. Upon further reflection, it is a bit silly. That's part of what makes it good though, that you don't think about it while you're watching it. Definitely worth seeing, at least once.
3. Toy Story 3
I thought a lot about this. There is an element of the film I don't appreciate. It's so commercial. It basically glorifies consumerism and reinforces a desire for more stuff. But how can you not love it for everything else? It's so much fun, and has a bit of bite to it too. Despite a few nitpicks, this deserves to be on every top 10 list, and I'm sure it will be. (except for Armond White, a major IRL troll, and everyone knows it)
2. The Social Network
Now here's a film with which I have no complaints. Everything is perfect. It tells a real-life story, but remains unpredictable and engaging. It has a great poignancy and raises big questions about the modern age, without actually raising them. Aaron Sorkin's script is beyond genius, and should be taught in film-school as a shining example of excellent screen-writing. All of the actors perform there jobs well, but Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield both deliver award-worthy work. Simply amazing.
1. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
I think the reason I hated Tron so much was because I saw this movie first. It's smarter, faster, cooler, and just way way better. Funnier than Toy Story 3, more of a mind-frag than Inception and the most fun I've had all year. Is it really that good John? Yes, yes it is.
Honorable Mentions:
-How to Train your Dragon
-Let me In
5. True Grit
Okay, so I've never seen the original, but who cares? This was amazing, not a moment I didn't enjoy. Okay, the ending was a little drawn-out, but seriously, who cares. The story was well-constructed, the characters well-developed, and it had all the elements of style you could every hope to expect. This one's still in theaters, go see it NOW if you haven't already.
4. Inception
What the What? Number 4? Yeah. I know. Let's just say it was a good year for movies. While Inception is a smart, tight and fun action movie, it isn't quite what the fan-boys would have you think. Upon further reflection, it is a bit silly. That's part of what makes it good though, that you don't think about it while you're watching it. Definitely worth seeing, at least once.
3. Toy Story 3
I thought a lot about this. There is an element of the film I don't appreciate. It's so commercial. It basically glorifies consumerism and reinforces a desire for more stuff. But how can you not love it for everything else? It's so much fun, and has a bit of bite to it too. Despite a few nitpicks, this deserves to be on every top 10 list, and I'm sure it will be. (except for Armond White, a major IRL troll, and everyone knows it)
2. The Social Network
Now here's a film with which I have no complaints. Everything is perfect. It tells a real-life story, but remains unpredictable and engaging. It has a great poignancy and raises big questions about the modern age, without actually raising them. Aaron Sorkin's script is beyond genius, and should be taught in film-school as a shining example of excellent screen-writing. All of the actors perform there jobs well, but Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield both deliver award-worthy work. Simply amazing.
1. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
I think the reason I hated Tron so much was because I saw this movie first. It's smarter, faster, cooler, and just way way better. Funnier than Toy Story 3, more of a mind-frag than Inception and the most fun I've had all year. Is it really that good John? Yes, yes it is.
Honorable Mentions:
-How to Train your Dragon
-Let me In
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Why Scott Pilgrim Bombed, and Vampires Sucked was a Hit
Sometimes Hollywood can have major tragedy. Death of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and depending on how much of a conformist idiot you are, Michael Jackson. But sadder than any of these events, is when a horrible movie does well, and a fantastic movie does poorly.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was awesome. If you haven't seen it yet, go see it, or at least add it to your Netflix queue. However, audiences didn't seem interested, and it's something of a bomb.
Vampires Suck was terrible. I haven't seen it, but I know that. I know because the film-makers haven't made anything remotely watchable. However, audiences were interested, and it's something of a hit.
Okay, not really a hit, it made about 12 million opening weekend, but it cost so little that it'll make it's money back. Scott Pilgrim on the other hand won't, here's why.
1. Marketing
Vampires Suck was marketed to Twilight Haters, of which there are many, promising to lampoon the much hated series. The advertisements were all clear about this. Scott Pilgrim was marketed as...well a movie...I guess. It set up a clear premise, but didn't give very compelling reasons to see it. Among its failings was the lack of inclusion of Edgar Wright's name in its ads. People respect his work, Hot Fuzz and Shawn of the Dead. If they had been mentioned, it would have done better. But the real problem is they came off as a typical hipster flick, and while not generic, certainly less than amazing.
2. Timing
Vampires Suck came out less than two months after Twilight Eclipse. That means, people have seen it and had a chance to hate it, but haven't yet forgotten it. Perfect timing. Scott Pilgrim, well...perfect timing was hard to find, and it probably would have been killed due to marketing anyway. But opening in mid-August against a film fueled by action stars didn't help anything. If they'd gone for a Fall release, like Zombieland it could have done much better, or maybe a spring 2011 release like Kick-A
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was awesome. If you haven't seen it yet, go see it, or at least add it to your Netflix queue. However, audiences didn't seem interested, and it's something of a bomb.
Vampires Suck was terrible. I haven't seen it, but I know that. I know because the film-makers haven't made anything remotely watchable. However, audiences were interested, and it's something of a hit.
Okay, not really a hit, it made about 12 million opening weekend, but it cost so little that it'll make it's money back. Scott Pilgrim on the other hand won't, here's why.
1. Marketing
Vampires Suck was marketed to Twilight Haters, of which there are many, promising to lampoon the much hated series. The advertisements were all clear about this. Scott Pilgrim was marketed as...well a movie...I guess. It set up a clear premise, but didn't give very compelling reasons to see it. Among its failings was the lack of inclusion of Edgar Wright's name in its ads. People respect his work, Hot Fuzz and Shawn of the Dead. If they had been mentioned, it would have done better. But the real problem is they came off as a typical hipster flick, and while not generic, certainly less than amazing.
2. Timing
Vampires Suck came out less than two months after Twilight Eclipse. That means, people have seen it and had a chance to hate it, but haven't yet forgotten it. Perfect timing. Scott Pilgrim, well...perfect timing was hard to find, and it probably would have been killed due to marketing anyway. But opening in mid-August against a film fueled by action stars didn't help anything. If they'd gone for a Fall release, like Zombieland it could have done much better, or maybe a spring 2011 release like Kick-A
Monday, May 3, 2010
Watch this, Not That: Summer Edition
The long-anticipated summer edition of what I so pompously wrote about in spring. Without further ado, watch this not that, summer edition.
Watch This
Iron Man 2 (May 7)
Directed by: Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Zathura, Elf)
Written by: Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Bettany
The surprise hit of 2008, making over $300 million domestically. I was determined to hate the first film, but I just couldn't do it, and I'm at least a little excited for the sequel, due out this Friday. All the major cast is solid, adding Scarlett Johansson (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Prestige), academy award nominee Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), Sam Rockwell (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Galaxy Quest), Samuel L. Jackson (Unbreakable, Pulp Fiction) and Don Cheadle (Ocean's 13, Traitor) to replace Terrence Howard. Of concern however, is the change in writers from Mark Fergus and Hawk Otsby (Children of Men), Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Punisher: War Zone), to relative newcomer Justin Theroux (who appeared recently on NBC's "Parks & Recreation"). Also, early word of mouth is largely luke-warm, making this sound like another Spiderman 2 (or for people who liked Spiderman 2, insert Spiderman 3).
Trailer for Iron Man 2 (Even though I know you've already seen it)
The A-Team (June 11)
Directed by: Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, Narc)
Written by: Brian Bloom, Michael Brandt (Wanted, 3:10 to Yuma), Skip Woods (Hitman, Swordfish)
Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Sharlto Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Based on the infamously cheesy 80's TV show of the same name, this movie looks like it has potential for awesomeness. Then again, it might be a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions, but either way I recommend a watch. I haven't seen any of Joe Carnahan's work, but the critics seem to think it was mostly solid. The same goes for writer Michael Brandt, but Skip Woods has a less glowing resume. Liam Neeson is always fantastic, but the rest of the cast seems mediocre at best. The main reason this is on the "watch" list is due to a lack of better stuff out there in mid-June.
Trailer for The A-Team
Toy Story 3 (June 18)
Directed by: Lee Unkrich (Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Cars)
Written by: Michael Arndt (Litte Miss Sunshine)
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Michael Freaking Keaton, Bonnie Hunt, Wallace Shawn
I'm probably the biggest skeptic this film has, most everyone seems excited for it, but I'm not so sure. Lee Unkrich's last film Cars was a phenomenal disappointment for me, and the writers of the original Toy Stories aren't returning. Still, definitely going to see it and recommend that you do to. Plus, Michael Keaton is the man.
Toy Story 3: The Trailer
Despicable Me (July 9)
Directed by: Pierre Coffin (Gary's Fall), Chris Renaud (No time for Nuts)
Written by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul (Horton Hears a Who, College Road Trip)
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Jason Segel, Ken Jeong, Will Arnett, Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Danny McBride
I love animated films. I really do. So even though it has two new-coming directors, writers of serviceable, but largely uninspired kids films and enough big-name stars to sink any treasure ship, let alone a film, I want to see this. To quote the trailer, "This is garbage! You like this stuff?" Yes, yes I do.
Despicable Me Trailer
Dinner for Shmucks (July 23)
Directed by: Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers)
Written by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul *Mentioned Above*
Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis
Comedies are perhaps the hardest genre of film to market these days. Making a film stand out as a comedy is incredibly difficult, and there is really no known workable formula for success (unless you're talking Rom Com). Two tactics are big-name stars and an insanely original premise. Neither have a very good success rate. Dinner for Shmucks has both, and I think it looks darn funny. I haven't liked Jay Roach's previous work, it was all a bit too mean-spirited, and I think there may be more of that this time around. Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul don't inspire much confidence either. But I still think this is at least worth a look, queue the trailer.
Roll Film
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (August 10)
Directed by: Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead)
Written by: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall (Bookies, Maniac)
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Alison Pill
Scott Pilgrim looks like the kind of movie that will either be non-stop total win, or non-stop total fail. However, with Edgar Wright aboard (I've never seen his films, but others rave about them) it looks like win is the order of the day. Still, Michael Macall isn't the one he worked with on his best received films, and Michael Cera hasn't exactly shown diversity in his acting set. I remain open-minded, and will definitely give this one a chance.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The Trailer
Watch This
Iron Man 2 (May 7)
Directed by: Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Zathura, Elf)
Written by: Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Bettany
The surprise hit of 2008, making over $300 million domestically. I was determined to hate the first film, but I just couldn't do it, and I'm at least a little excited for the sequel, due out this Friday. All the major cast is solid, adding Scarlett Johansson (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Prestige), academy award nominee Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), Sam Rockwell (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Galaxy Quest), Samuel L. Jackson (Unbreakable, Pulp Fiction) and Don Cheadle (Ocean's 13, Traitor) to replace Terrence Howard. Of concern however, is the change in writers from Mark Fergus and Hawk Otsby (Children of Men), Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Punisher: War Zone), to relative newcomer Justin Theroux (who appeared recently on NBC's "Parks & Recreation"). Also, early word of mouth is largely luke-warm, making this sound like another Spiderman 2 (or for people who liked Spiderman 2, insert Spiderman 3).
Trailer for Iron Man 2 (Even though I know you've already seen it)
The A-Team (June 11)
Directed by: Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, Narc)
Written by: Brian Bloom, Michael Brandt (Wanted, 3:10 to Yuma), Skip Woods (Hitman, Swordfish)
Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Sharlto Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Based on the infamously cheesy 80's TV show of the same name, this movie looks like it has potential for awesomeness. Then again, it might be a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions, but either way I recommend a watch. I haven't seen any of Joe Carnahan's work, but the critics seem to think it was mostly solid. The same goes for writer Michael Brandt, but Skip Woods has a less glowing resume. Liam Neeson is always fantastic, but the rest of the cast seems mediocre at best. The main reason this is on the "watch" list is due to a lack of better stuff out there in mid-June.
Trailer for The A-Team
Toy Story 3 (June 18)
Directed by: Lee Unkrich (Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Cars)
Written by: Michael Arndt (Litte Miss Sunshine)
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Michael Freaking Keaton, Bonnie Hunt, Wallace Shawn
I'm probably the biggest skeptic this film has, most everyone seems excited for it, but I'm not so sure. Lee Unkrich's last film Cars was a phenomenal disappointment for me, and the writers of the original Toy Stories aren't returning. Still, definitely going to see it and recommend that you do to. Plus, Michael Keaton is the man.
Toy Story 3: The Trailer
Despicable Me (July 9)
Directed by: Pierre Coffin (Gary's Fall), Chris Renaud (No time for Nuts)
Written by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul (Horton Hears a Who, College Road Trip)
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Jason Segel, Ken Jeong, Will Arnett, Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Danny McBride
I love animated films. I really do. So even though it has two new-coming directors, writers of serviceable, but largely uninspired kids films and enough big-name stars to sink any treasure ship, let alone a film, I want to see this. To quote the trailer, "This is garbage! You like this stuff?" Yes, yes I do.
Despicable Me Trailer
Dinner for Shmucks (July 23)
Directed by: Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers)
Written by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul *Mentioned Above*
Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis
Comedies are perhaps the hardest genre of film to market these days. Making a film stand out as a comedy is incredibly difficult, and there is really no known workable formula for success (unless you're talking Rom Com). Two tactics are big-name stars and an insanely original premise. Neither have a very good success rate. Dinner for Shmucks has both, and I think it looks darn funny. I haven't liked Jay Roach's previous work, it was all a bit too mean-spirited, and I think there may be more of that this time around. Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul don't inspire much confidence either. But I still think this is at least worth a look, queue the trailer.
Roll Film
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (August 10)
Directed by: Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead)
Written by: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall (Bookies, Maniac)
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Alison Pill
Scott Pilgrim looks like the kind of movie that will either be non-stop total win, or non-stop total fail. However, with Edgar Wright aboard (I've never seen his films, but others rave about them) it looks like win is the order of the day. Still, Michael Macall isn't the one he worked with on his best received films, and Michael Cera hasn't exactly shown diversity in his acting set. I remain open-minded, and will definitely give this one a chance.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The Trailer
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