December Big 8

Best Picture
Day of the Jackal
**The Devil in Austria**
Norjak
The Playground Factory
Silent Running

Best Director
Martin Campbell-Day of the Jackal
**Richard Eyre-Les Miserables**
Roland Joffe-The Playground Factory
Mike Nichols-Silent Running
Steven Spielberg-The Devil in Austria

Best Actor
Alec Baldwin-Silent Running
**Daniel Craig-The Devil in Austria**
Ben Foster-Booth
Bill Nighy-Les Miserables
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers-Aida

Best Actress
Sharon Leal-Aida
Michelle Pfieffer-Follies
Susan Sarandon-The Gift of Life
Meryl Streep-Through the Monsoon
**Renee Zellweger-Into the Woods**

Best Supporting Actor
George Clooney-Norjak
Tim Curry-Les Miserables
Hugh Jackman-Into the Woods
Domnhall Gleeson-The Lieutenant of Inishmore
**Djimon Hounsou-The Playground Factory**

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams-Into the Woods
Taraji P. Henson-Silent Running
Bernadette Peters-Into the Woods
Imelda Staunton-Les Miserables
**Kate Winslet-Les Miserables**

Best Adapted Screenplay
Aida
Into the Woods
Les Miserables
**The Lieutenant of Inishmore**
Silent Running

Best Original Screenplay
Booth
The Devil in Austria
Fire of the Sun
Norjak
**The Playground Factory**

December Reviews Part 2

The Gift of Life- C+

The Hunt and the Slaughter- C

Into the Woods- B-

The Lieutenant of Inishmore- B-

Les Miserables- B

Modern Warfare- C+

Norjak- B

The Playground Factory- B+

Reminiscence- C

A Simple Murder Trial- C-

Songs for a New World- C-

Through the Monsoon- C

The Coldest Winter Ever- C+

Silent Running- B+

December Reviews Part 1

Aida- B-

Booth- B

A Brother's Cry- C+

Camp Destiny, Vermont- C-

Day of the Jackal- B+

The Devil in Austria- A-

Fire of the Sun- B

Follies- C+

Coming Soon

It's the time of the month when I get to plug my next bait(s). This December, just as last year's, we are only allowed to submit one bait for the contest. It has taken me a very long time to decide which one to submit. I usually come up with my baits usually the day before the festival deadline, but I seem to have hit a little writer's block. I've decided to take a project I've had shelved for about 6 months, rewrite it, and submit that to the contest. Here is a brief overview:

"The Killer Eagles"
Directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Clint Eastwood, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Bacon, and Martin Sheen.

"The Killer Eagles" is the story of a widowed hotel owner who is forced to confront her estranged father when he stumbles into her establishment while on the run from a group of angry bandits. That group is the Eagle Brothers. They find their way to the hotel and the woman is forced to hide her father until things start getting out of hand. It is a Western in case you haven't figured that out.

If anybody wants to read/review it, send me an email at smartboy242006@aol.com.

November Big 8

Best Picture
Cartel
Havana Dreams
**The Nights that Roll Over White**
Sex Advice
The Unseen War

Best Director
Kenneth Branagh-The Madness of Lady Macbeth
Curtis Hanson-The Abstinence Teacher
**Lawrence Kasdan-The Unseen War**
James Mangold-Havana Dreams
Steven Spielberg-The Nights that Roll Over White

Best Actor
Gerard Butler-Dubai
Ed Harris-The Unseen War
**Ethan Hawke-Earshot**
Michael Pena-Cartel
Rainn Wilson-Sex Advice

Best Actress
Emily Blunt-Warner Girls
Cameron Diaz-Dubai
**Kelly Macdonald-The Madness of Lady Macbeth**
Mary-Louise Parker-The Abstinence Teacher
Hilary Swank-Under God

Best Supporting Actor
Oded Fehr-Dubai
**John Leguizamo-Cartel**
Jude Law-The Madness of Lady Macbeth
Seth Rogen-Sex Advice
Paul Rudd-Sex Advice

Best Supporting Actress
Isla Fisher-Sex Advice
Vivica A. Fox-Conceiving the Truth
Heather Graham-The Unseen War
Leslie Mann-Sex Advice
**Rita Moreno-Havana Dreams**

Best Adapted Screenplay
**The Abstinence Teacher**
A Density of Souls
Fiddler on the Roof
The Killers
Rainbow Six

Best Original Screenplay
Cartel
Dubai
**The Madness of Lady Macbeth**
The Nights that Roll Over White
The Unseen War

November Reviews Part 2

Dubai- B+

Earshot- B-

Fiddler on the Roof- B

Green Grow the Lilacs- C

Havana Dreams- B+

Ike- C

CCBAC Presents: I'm Not Missing You- C

The Killers- B-

The Lead- C

The Life of Mr. Willow- C-

The Madness of Lady Macbeth- B+

Make a Memory- B

The Maldonado Mansion- C

The Nights that Roll Over White- A-

On Her Laurels- C

The Phoenix- C

Rainbow Six- B

Recreating Jonah- C-

Rhythms of Passion- C-

Salvations End- C-

The Scarlet Ibis- C-

Sex Advice- B+

Shamus III: The Case of the Lonely Cabaret Singer- C+

True Story- C

Under God- B-

The Unseen War- B+

Warner Girls- B+

Welcome Thy Neighbour- D

The Winter War- C-

November Reviews

Excluding my baits: "The Kings of Baghdad", "The Resurrection of Groucho Marx", and "Under the Banner of Heaven"



840 Maple Street- C-


The Abstinence Teacher- B+


Across the River- C


Batman: End of All Hope- B-


Before She Sleeps- C+


Buzzed- B-



The Cabin- C+



Cartel- A-



Conceiving the Truth- C



Dancing with Auntie- C-



The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands- B-



Dem Berenstein Bearz- F



A Density of Souls- C+


The rest should be up either later tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who voted for "The Dead President" to win Best Picture!!! I know I've been kinda harsh to everyone lately but I've just been so frustrated with the competition and my own personal problems. This doesn't mean I'm gonna stop complaining about quality or anything, but it just signifies a change of heart. Thank you, again.

Well, November is already here and so are the next baits. Johnny surprised us all by allowing for 3 baits this month and I am definitely going to use that to my benefit. Here are my three baits for November.

"The Resurrection of Groucho Marx" Directed by Zach Braff. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Eugene Levy, and Kate Hudson. A man loses his family in a gruesome home invasion and returns home to deal with his grief. He looks to Groucho Marx, his childhood hero, for support and decides to become his greatest impersonator. With the aid of his father and publicity of a television reporter, he slowly begins to rise to fame and come to terms with his loss.

"The Kings of Baghdad" Directed by Terry George. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Gosling, Michael Biehn, and Mickey Rourke. A documentarian travels to Baghdad to make a movie about two brothers who are monopolizing the Iraqi tire market, but learns that their intentions run much deeper than capital gain. They are humanitarians hoping to restart the Iraqi economy, causing the military to become jealous.

"Under the Banner of Heaven" Directed by David Cronenberg. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Natalie Portman. Based upon the Book by Jon Krakauer. A journalist investigates the murder of a woman by her Fundamental Mormonist brothers-in-law. The story is told through interviews with the murderers and a dramatic reenactment of the situation.

October Big 8 Predictions

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Cloud
Criminal Origins
**The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger**
The Gold of Cajamarca
Thoroughly Modern Millie

This category is relatively easy to predict due to little options. "Dark Tower" and "Criminal Origins" are locks because of buzz and quality. "Millie" has had a lot of attention in the precursors, as is "The Cloud". Even though I doubt it, "Cajamarca" is vulnerable to the other "Dark Tower" bait because I think it fell into some category confusion. Expect "Dark Tower" to win because it probably won't be honored elsewhere.

Best Original Screenplay
Behind Closed Doors
Field of Desire
**For Pay**
A Modern Tale
Tabula Rasa

This one always offers some surprises. "For Pay" is a lock and, after its GG win, "Behind Closed Doors" seems on its way to recognition. I don't think it's going to be as well received as it was in the precursors because most of the voters for those cannot vote for the Oscars. "Field" is really baity (even though I feel its unoriginal). "Tabula Rasa" is unique and creative, it will be nominated. "A Modern Tale" will probably surprise. There usually is a comedy in there and it is the most well-received original one. "For Pay" will win, I'd be very surprised if it didn't, but if it lost to anything it would be "Tabula Rasa".

Best Supporting Actress
Maggie Gyllenhaal-Behind Closed Doors
Lisa Kudrow-The Curious Savage
Megan Mulally-Thoroughly Modern Millie
**Dominique Swain-For Pay**
Patricia Wettig-The Dead President

Gyllenhaal has won both the SAG and GG, but I don't fully believe all the hype for the bait. Mulally will probably get in because she's the best in a well-received, but not great, bait. Swain and Wettig enjoyed a lot of forum and precursor attention and both baits will be BP noms. Kudrow is the surprise. Her character is extremely baity and she is well cast. I feel voters will recognize that. Swain will win with Mulally being a potential spoiler.

Best Supporting Actor
Richard Chamberlain-For Pay
Colin Farrell-The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three
**Dennis Haysbert-Criminal Origins**
Jeremy Piven-The Dead President
David Strathairn-The Cloud

Chamberlain and Strathairn have very baity roles and in this weak category that's enough to score a nom. Haysbert has been widely buzzed and praised despite losing to Piven twice. Piven will get in on "Dead President" love. Farrell will get the fifth slot because the second "Dark Tower" will have to be rewarded somewhere. Haysbert will win on overwhelming buzz, but never underestimate the power of Piven.

Best Actress
Sutton Foster-Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jennifer Hudson-Mr. & Mrs. Woods
Natalie Portman-The Cloud
Meryl Streep-A Modern Tale
**Kerry Washington-Field of Desire**

Washington and Streep are locks. Portman and Foster are balancing on the edge, but this month is so weak it doesn't really matter. Hudson will surprise some, but not all. Susan Sarandon might get in for a very baity, but familiar, role in "Things We Lost in the Time of War". Washington will probably win, but watch out for Streep, she's sneaky.

Best Actor
**Jeff Bridges-The Dead President**
Macaulay Culkin-For Pay
Jude Law-Tabula Rasa
Daniel Day-Lewis-The Gold of Cajamarca
John Goodman-Behind Closed Doors

Bridges and Culkin are locks. No question about it. Goodman is riding enough support to get it. Law is a strong possibility, but could easily be knocked out by Mortensen. Day-Lewis steals the fifth spot on pedigree and an amazing role in an amazing bait. This race is somewhat similar to July 2006, in that a serial killer loses to someone completely unpredictable even after garnering unbelievable attention before the awards. Bridges fits that mold. He is predicted to be nominated but not to win.

Best Director
David Fincher-Criminal Origins
Marc Forster-The Cloud
David Lynch-The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
Mike Nichols-The Dead President
**Gus Van Sant-For Pay**

Van Sant is a lock and will win. Nichols and Fincher have been liked all around. Forster just won the GG. Lynch is Lynch. He always gets in even if it's undeserving, which in this case it isn't. Van Sant wins because I'll never win Best Director and he's the best of the 5.

Best Picture
The Cloud
**The Dead President**
For Pay
The Gold of Cajamarca
Thoroughly Modern Millie

"For Pay" and "The Dead President" are locks and will battle it out for the win. "Cajamarca" and "Millie" have good enough buzz to get in during the weakest of months. "The Cloud" is the surprise fifth nominee that is lucky to be acknowledged. "The Dead President" will win because I'm ready for it and it has gotten great buzz, despite losing the GG. "For Pay" has a great chance as well.

An Update

Thanks to everyone who voted for Jeremy Piven for Best Supporting Actor at the SAGs. It was very surprising. But more importantly, thanks for the Best Ensemble win for "The Dead President". I was shocked at how well received the bait was. I thought it was the weaker of my two but I guess the subject matter of "The Road We Traveled" turned a lot of people off. Oh well.

On another note, I will give a brief statement about my baits for November. The first will be a Zach Braff comedy called "The Resurrection of Groucho Marx", which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a man who loses his family and decides to become the greatest Groucho Mrax impersonator there ever was. Eugene Levy and Kate Hudson co-star.

The second is tentatively going to be a Terry George-directed film named "The Kings of Baghdad". It tells the story of a reporter (Reese Witherspoon) who's making a documentary about two brothers (Michael Biehn, Mickey Rourke) who monopolize Baghdad's tire market. Ryan Gosling also stars.

October Big 8 Awards

Best Picture
The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
**The Gold of Cajamarca**
Mr. & Mrs. Woods
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Welcome Back

Best Director
Richard Attenborough-The Good Guy
Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris-Mr. & Mrs. Woods
David Fincher-Criminal Origins
**Terrence Malick-The Gold of Cajamarca**
Gus Van Sant-For Pay

Best Actor
Edward Burns-Welcome Back
**Daniel Day-Lewis-The Gold of Cajamarca**
Viggo Mortensen-The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
Christopher Walken-Harvey Black.
Patrick Wilson-Thoroughly Modern Millie

Best Actress
Kristin Bell-Stuck on Level 13
Sutton Foster-Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jennifer Hudson-Mr. & Mrs. Woods
**Queen Latifah-The Curious Savage**
Meryl Streep-A Modern Tale

Best Supporting Actor
Adam Beach-The Gold of Cajamarca
Clancy Brown-Tabula Rasa
**Colin Farrell-The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three**
Dennis Haysbert-Criminal Origins
Sam Sheperd-Zeppelin 2020

Best Supporting Actress
Lisa Kudrow-The Curious Savage
Megan Mulally-Thoroughly Modern Millie
**Meryl Streep-Mr. & Mrs. Woods**
Dominique Swain-For Pay
Tilda Swinton-LD

Best Adapted Screenplay
Criminal Origins
**The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger**
The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three
The Gold of Cajamarca
Thoroughly Modern Millie

Best Original Screenplay
The Curious Savage
For Pay
**The Good Guy**
Mr. & Mrs. Woods
Welcome Back

October Reviews Part 2

The Ice Princess- C-

If Tomorrow Never Comes...- C-

Kathy's Desire- C-

LD- C+

A Modern Tale- B-

Mr. & Mrs. Woods- B+

Needle in the Hay- B-

Stanford's Prisons- C

Stuck on Level 13- D

Switching Time- C-

Tabula Rasa- B

Things We Lost In The Time Of War- D

Thoroughly Modern Millie- B+

To Serve Man- C

Welcome Back- B

The Witch of Portobello- D

Zeppelin 2020- B-


My Big 8 Awards will be up shortly.

October Grades Part 1

Excluding my baits "The Dead President" and "The Road We Traveled". I wanted to thank everybody who's given such great support to "The Dead President". It is greatly appreciated.

Part 2 will be up later tonight. I got tired of reading.

Behind Closed Doors- C

Catastrophe-Astrophe- C

The Cloud- B-

Criminal Origins- B-

The Curious Savage- B

The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger- B+

The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three- B

Field of Desire- C- (The plot is basically the same as "Border Man")

For Pay- B+

The Gold of Cajamarca- A-

The Good Guy- B-

Greensleeves- D

Harvey Black.- B-

The Haunting- D

Home Sweet Home- D-

Awards Profile: Into The Wild

"Wow." That's what I said to my friend as I slowly rose from my seat after seeing this movie. Nearly 2 1/2 hours in length, "Into the Wild" is a cinematic masterpiece filled with astounding cinematograpy, amazing acting, and exceptional direction. I'll be very angry if this doesn't show up in at least the Drama race at the Golden Globes. It deserves it for daring to be a visual feast of family lessons and naturalizm.

Emile Hirsch is in control the entire time and portrays the sense of slight insanity very well, only showing it when he should. Catherine Keener could slide into a nom if the rest of the field is weak. Her part isn't that big but she steals the show whenever she's there. She has one of the those monologues that the Academy just eats up to. Hal Holbrook could slip in too as acknowledgment for his years of devotion to television and film. He is very heartbreaking, especially in his eyes, which Penn utilizes to get inside the character.

Awards Contender:
Best Picture
Best Director-Sean Penn
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor-Emile Hirsch
Best Supporting Actor-Hal Holbrook
Best Supporting Actress-Catherine Keener
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Original Song (There are four options here, and all worthy)

Award Profile: In The Valley Of Elah

Based upon actual events, awards juggernaut Paul Haggis' new film "In The Valley of Elah" tells the story of a man searching for his son's murderer and ends up re-examining his beliefs about war. Haggis keeps the film very low key, with everything quiet and seeming to be a shade of grey. While some might say he beats you over the head with his message, I felt that it was very well presented, which is what I said about "Crash" and look at what happened there. Needless to say, this film probably has no shot at getting a BP nom, unless the rest of the major contenders crumble. The screenplay is good and worthy of a nomination, but not amazing. Tommy Lee Jones delivers yet another amazing performance like in "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" without the charm and happiness. He doesn't smile once while grieving for his son and balancing his increasing distrust with an institution he has lived by for years. While I would love to see him get in, I feel the performance is too bland when compared to what's been seen of Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" and Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead". Charlize Theron could actually slide into a Supporting nom even though she is obviously the female lead. Her performance is so collected and controlled, which has allowed for her to earn an undeserving nod for "North Country".

Awards Possibilities:
Best Director-Paul Haggis
Best Screenplay
Best Actor-Tommy Lee Jones
Best Supporting Actress-Charlize Theron
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Song

Next: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" or "Into the Wild"

No Wins This Month :(

Another month with no wins for me. Oh well. Maybe October. Last October I was favored to win with "Live From New York" but didn't because I assume the voters didn't want to create a double BOTM winner so early in the contest.

Congratulations to most winners, especially Maia for a very deserving win for Best Author! I completely disagree with the Bait of the Month, "Cinemateque", but shit happens.

I apologize to anybody who was looking forward to my commentary for September's contest. I just started my Sophomore year at college and have been swamped with work. In addition to that, I seem to have lost interest in some of the contest because, as most of you have noticed, I feel the bait quality is getting worse and worse.

For October, I hope to be vying for my 2nd BOTM with "The Road We Traveled", which is bound to become controversial because of its pro-drug use plotline. I do want to say that it should be considered a Comedy for the Golden Globes, but it's really a dramedy. My other bait "The Dead President" is aimed to garner acting attention but I wouldn't fight against Best Picture notices for it.

As the next contest begins, I will be giving reviews during the next week but I will only do 5, so get them in soon. If anybody else wants to read or review my baits for their blogs (I expect you to do so if I'm doing it for you) I will send them. Good luck in October!

October is Coming

October is almost here and y'all know what that means. New baits! Here are the plots for my October submissions.

"The Dead President" (Drama)
Directed by Mike Nichols, Written by David E. Kelley, Stars John Travolta, Jeff Bridges, Jeremy Piven, James Spader, and Frank Whaley. The President is brought to trial after learning he has a terminal disease and some politicians want him removed from office, while others take dramatic actions to undermine is credibility.

"The Road We Traveled" (Comedy/Drama)
Written and Directed by Danny Boyle, Stars Matthew Macfayden, Charlie Hunnam, Jamie Bell, Joe Anderson, Emily Blunt, and Cillian Murphy. Four friends set off on a journey across Great Britain to find a Scottish castle where a chemist claims he has created the greatest drug. Along the way, they encounter numerous quirky and life-altering individuals.

Awards Profile: Across the Universe

This film has no shot at getting any Oscar nominations. It is terrible. It takes everything bad about love stories and puts it all together with some Beatles' music. Jim Sturgess failed to live up to expectations and Evan Rachel Wood was laughable. The cinematography was some of the worst I've ever seen and the direction is muddled, at best. About 30 minutes into the film, it switches gears completely from being a classic musical to a symbolic/music video with acting. Eddie Izzard, while extremely funny, appears in a scene that should have been cut completely. "Across the Universe" is also predictable and cliche in every way.

But I wouldn't be writing this if I believed it had some shot at getting an award. If there was an Oscar for Best Cameo Performance, this year's winner would probably be Bono in this film. He plays a hippie philosopher who sings "I Am The Walrus" while on acid in a scene, which looking back at, makes absolutely no sense. Joe Anderson might also appear on some people's Best Supporting Actor lists for playing the brother of Wood's character who is reluctantly sent off to Vietnam. He is given the best songs and has a fantastic voice and his acting is very well-honed to.

Awards Possibilities:

Best Supporting Actor-Joe Anderson

Best Cameo Performance-Bono (I wish this was real)

Awards Profile: Eastern Promises

David Cronenberg delivers another cinematic jewel in "Eastern Promises", the story about a midwife (Naomi Watts) who stumbles upon the Russian mafia in London. While "A History of Violence" bases most of its story on violence, this new film focuses on the dialogue and the characters. The script is phenomenal and should show up in the final five.

Viggo Mortensen could be looking at his first nod as the driver for a powerful mafioso. He is very sedated throughout but comes out in full force towards the end of the film. He really has some balls (anybody who's seen it will get that joke). Mortensen's accent is so good that, sometimes, you can't understand what he is saying. Other than him, Armin Mueller-Stahl is the only other actor with a great performance. He is the bad guy and sadly they don't get honored very often (i.e. Jack Nicholson in "The Departed")

Awards Possibilities:

Best Director-David Cronenberg

Best Original Screenplay

Best Actor-Viggo Mortensen

Best Supporting Actor-Armin Mueller-Stahl

Best Cinematography

Next: "In The Valley of Elah" or "Across the Universe"

September Big 8 Awards

Best Picture
The Blue Max
**Gone Since November**
The Jersey Widows
St. James' Academy
To Dwell In Evil

Best Director
Noah Baumbach-Daniel The Informer
James Mangold-Gone Since November
**Michael Mann-The Blue Max**
Quentin Tarantino-Bandito Express
Robert Zemeckis-Mrs. King

Best Actor
**Jack Black-Daniel The Informer**
Matt Damon-St. James' Academy
Paul Giamatti-Isaac's Storm
Ryan Gosling-The Blue Max
Jake Gyllenhaal-One Life Two Live

Best Actress
Jacinda Barrett-Exposed
**Angela Bassett-Mrs. King**
Helena Bonham Carter-The Red Menace
Holly Hunter-The Jersey Widows
Jeanne Tripplehorn-Gone Since November

Best Supporting Actor
Jude Law-Shamus
**Alfred Molina-Gone Since November**
Nick Nolte-Bandito Express
Geoffrey Rush-The Blue Max
Jake Thomas-Daniel The Informer

Best Supporting Actress
Anna Faris-Daniel The Informer
Jill Hennessey-Blood and Oil
**Keira Knightley-One Life Two Live**
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio-The Jersey Widows
Uma Thurman-Bandito Express

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Blue Max
**Gone Since November**
Gross Pointe
Knights of the Old Republic
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Best Original Screenplay
Bandito Express
Daniel The Informer
**The Jersey Widows**
Mrs. King
St. James' Academy

September Bait Reviews

Bandito Express- B

Blood and Oil- C

The Blue Max- B+

The Business of Pain- C

Cherry Blossom- B-

Cinematheque- C+

Complete Cycles of One Day- C-

Daniel the Informer- B+

The Death King- C+

Down In Heaven- C

Exposed- B

Forged By Fire- C

Gone Since November- A-

Grosse Pointe- B

The Heiress- D

Isaac's Storm- B

The Jersey Widows- B

Knights of the Old Republic- B

Mrs. King- B

Newport- C

One Life to Live- B-

The Partner- C

Project Sin- C+

The Red Menace- B-

Scout's Honor- C-

Shadows in the Sun- D+

Shamus- B-

Shamus II: The Mystery of the Gypsy's Gardenia- C+

Shattered City- B

Sticks and Stones- C-

St. James' Academy- B

Stunt Man- C

Tapestry- C

That Girl Was Sweaty!- F

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?- D+

Three Uncles and a Bride- C-

To Dwell In Evil- B+

The Vulture- C-

Awards Profile: 3:10 To Yuma

I'm not really going to write that much for these anymore unless I really feel strongly about them. The only things that really stood out for this movie were the performances, especially Russell Crowe and Ben Foster. Christian Bale was as good as usual but didn't get a whole lot of chances to really shine. Crowe was by far the standout. Peter Fonda was also good but is basically a cameo (along with Luke Wilson).

Contender:
Best Picture
Best Dirctor- James Mangold
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor-Christian Bale
Best Actor-Russell Crowe
Best Supporting Actor-Ben Foster
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Sound Mixing
Best Sound Editing
Best Film Editing

Wow, Britney, wow.

Bad highlights.

Bad dancing.

Bad lip-synching.

Bad song.

Bad Britney.

Douglas Reese's "Daniel the Informer"

After much buzz about his assumed departure from the contest, Douglas Reese returns with "Daniel the Informer", a heartwarming comedy about a young boy who connects with his estranged father and his family for the first time and realizes they're not what he pictured.

Written and Directed by Noah Baumbach ("The Squid and the Whale"), "Daniel the Informer" stars Jake Thomas as the title character along with Jack Black and Anna Faris, playing his father and step-mother, respectively. Mary-Louise Parker co-stars as his mother and Corbin Bleu plays Daniel's boyfriend.

The bait is definitely quirky, which gives the bait a Baumbach feel, and also gets a very strong message across. It is about family and accepting who you are and where you come from. That sort of idea will get this bait recognition because it has a point. It's not just a story about a family coming together for the first time. The "gay son" factor makes the bait so much more interesting, although I fear many people will frown upon it because of the stigma against baits involving homosexuality.

Jack Black, while campaigned in the supporting category, could garner a Best Actor nomination as a wannabe rocker dad. His racist/homophobic character with a heart is the perfect setup for a comic actor to breakthough into drama. Jake Thomas might get some support at the SAGs but I think he will suffer from category confusion because Jack Black is more well-known. Anna Faris plays her usual dumb-blonde crossed with Southern Belle and will surely grab some attention because she would nail the role.

Overall, "Daniel the Informer" is a nice, worthy dramedy that will probably give Douglas the attention he has been missing.

Grade: B+

Awards Contender:

Best Picture

Best Director-Noah Baumbach

Best Original Screenplay

Best Actor-Jack Black

Best Supporting Actor-Jake Thomas

Best Supporting Actress-Anna Faris

Best Plot/Synopsis

Best Awards Campaign

Best Cast

Best Casting Choice

Most Original Bait

Tony's "To Dwell in Evil"

Hot of the success of "The Winter Sun", Tony crafts a bait of biblical proportions, literally, in "To Dwell in Evil". This new bait is the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, who grow apart and vengeance spawns resulting in the very first murder.

Directed by Ridley Scott and penned by Ronald Harwood, the film stars Ben Foster and Joseph Gordon-Leavitt as Cain and Abel, respectively. Maria Bello plays Eve and Guy Pearce is Adam with Christopher Lee as the voice of God.

The bait, undoubtedly, raises many questions because of its religious nature and the fact that it is more a parable than a story. The entire time I was reading it, I couldn't help but wish Tony had taken the story of Cain and Abel and adapted it to a different time period, but I assume he wanted to stay true to the original. This effort succeeds where so many have failed in that it is able to contain its plot in two paragraphs that are simple and well-written. I really don't have any problems with it.

The awards section is extremely in depth and puts across what it trying to say very effectively. It's one of the best in a while. This bait could show up in the BP shortlist but I say that reluctantly because the story is somewhat restrictive. Ben Foster is the bait's best shot at success as the vengeful Cain, a role that provides a range of emotions that would be perfect for this underrated young actor. I don't entirely agree with any of the casting in the bait but I can't really see it any other way that wouldn't use unknowns, which doesn't really work in this contest.

Grade: B+

Awards Contender:

Best Picture

Best Director-Ridley Scott

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Actor-Ben Foster

Best Plot/Synopsis

Best Awards Campaign

Best Poster

Most Likely to Become a Cult Film

Most Like to Become a Box-Office Success

Best Title

Best Tagline

Michael's "Newport"

The tale of Peter Pan and Captain Hook is being told again in Michael's bait "Newport", which first surfaced during the August Bait Tournament. It tells the story of how the classic enemies came to Never Never Land and how Hook became what most of the world knows him as. Consider it a prequel to the Disney classic.

Directed by Matthew Vaughn ("Stardust") and written by Rob Thomas (not the singer, the creator of "Veronica Mars"), "Newport" stars James Marsden as the title character, Stanley Tucci as Smee, Q'Orianka Kilcher as Tiger Lilly, and Ridge Canipe as Peten Pan.

The bait may have been too well-though out for its own good. The synopsis is brief and drifts away from what one believes the story is really about. Assuming by the title that the bait will mostly be about Captain Hook's life before Peter Pan, it becomes a story about how Peter Pan became the self-proclaimed leader of the Lost Boys. I was disappointed by this because I was hoping the bait would be about Hook and Hook alone, with Pan making a cameo appearance at the end. The plot could also detail more of the cast list and go more in depth into Hook's emotions.

The use of Rob Thomas as a screenwriter is a bit strange for me. "Veronica Mars" is edgy and cool, "Newport" is trying to be classic and magical. I can sort of understand the choice because Thomas is able to handle teen issues with maturity and "Newport" is taking an adult look at the story, but it still seems out of place.

Marsden and Tucci are the bait's only good chances at Big 8 awards, although Marsden could suffer category confusion but that didn't stop Oldman from winning in July. Tucci plays a role that everybody's knows and it is very showy, something that is usual Oscar bait. Unfortunately, the bait is just not good enough to sustain any other major awards.

Grade: C

Awards Contender:

Most Likely to Become a Box-Office Success

Best Casting Choice-Q'Orianka Kilcher

Best Actor-James Marsden

Best Supporting Actor-Stanley Tucci

Alfredo's "Grosse Pointe"

Acclaimed baiter Alfredo delves into the mysterious arena of comedy with his new bait, "Grosse Pointe", based upon the short-lived TV show by the same name.

Directed by David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada") and written by Darren Starr (TV's "Sex and the City"), "Grosse Pointe" stars some veterans from the original series (Al Santos & Kyle Howard) as well as a bevel of newcomers (Amy Adams, Rachel McAdams, Isla Fisher, Alec Baldwin, Amy Sedaris, and Bill Hader).

This bait, while well-written, probably won't be extremely successful because of its comedic nature and obvious television background. By the end of the synopsis, you say, "This should be a TV show" and then you realize that it was. This fact makes the bait less believable as a film, which is the same problem that other TV translations face in the contest and in the actual world. The reason they are TV shows is because the storylines are too complicated to be summed up in 120 minutes.

"Grosse Pointe" will probably see success at the Golden Globes where it will most likely be nominated for Best Picture-Musical/Comedy, although I could see Amy Adams remaining strong until the final awards. Her role is quirky and has a major conflict that should provide emotional range, similar to her Oscar-nominated performance in "Junebug". Kyle Howard could also get some surprise buzz as a stoner/free loader who causes laughs wherever he goes. Amy Sedaris plays a producer who wants the attractive guys on the show to take off their clothes in every scene, an idea that is so creepy that is so funny with Sedaris behind it. And finally, Bill Hader, best known for his spot-on impressions on "Saturday Night Live" and in the summer hit "Superbad", who is constantly underminded by Sedaris.

The bait lacks the emotional power to win the Oscar but could turn up some surprise acting nominations and even win.

Grade: B

Awards Contender:

Best Awards Campaign

Most Likely to Become a Cult Film

Best Cast

Best Casting Choice-Amy Adams

Best Tagline

Best Actress-Amy Adams

Best Supporting Actor-Kyle Howard

Best Supporting Actress-Amy Sedaris

Best Adapted Screenplay

Ian's "Tapestry"

Following the same formula as the 2001 masterpiece "Moulin Rouge!", Ian crafts a new musical in "Tapestry" using well-known songs to get the emotion out of his characters.

Written and Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film stars Ellen Page and Michael Angarano (pictured) as love-struck teens who are torn apart by the draft during the Vietnam War. The story is told through various song-and-dance numbers using such radio hits as "So Far Away" and "I Feel The Earth Move".

This bait does something that no other musical bait has done before. Ian integrates the songs into the actual synopsis, putting them in the places where they would be found in the film's story. This new method allows for greater understandibility and emotional impact, but doesn't help the baits numerous flaws.

First, the casting of Ellen Page, while appropriate, seems uninspired considering the amount of baits she is used in. The same can be said about Evan Rachel Wood, they are not the only two young actresses out there! My second issue with the bait is it's likeness to the Julie Taymor film "Across the Universe", which uses Beatles songs to tell the story of college lovers during the anti-war movements of the '60s and '70s. A great deal of appreciation for the bait is destroyed by the mere fact that the latter film is actually being released. It would be as if somebody made a mob bait about a snitch that stars Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio. Another problem, one which I am known for despising, is the bait's length. The synopsis is nearly a full page on word and gives away too much of the story, hampering a chance at the reader's imaginative thinking. And the fourth and final flaw is the choice of songs found throughout the bait. I felt as if it were some strange spin-off of "High School Musical" with all the songs used. For instance, "I Feel The Earth Move" is used when the two lead first fall in love while Ellen Page sings "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" so after. They seem rather out of place in a bait that is supposed to be romantic and dramatic, but songs like "You're My Best Friend" make it seem bubbly and ultra-commerical. Also the use of Chrstina Aguilera's "Beautiful" is placed in a completely cliche scene that drains the true beauty that is found in the song. Overall, Ian's bait is a well-planned out musical epic that has major shortcomings that will hurt it in the final awards. But expect it to show up at the Golden Globes, where low-rated musicals usually get their chance to shine.

Grade: C

Awards Contender:

Most Likely to Become a Cult Film

Best Title

Shameless Oscar Vehicle

Pat's September Baits

As I have been saying for the past month, one of my September baits will be "The Second Coming". It stars Matt Damon, Maribel Verdu, Adrien Brody, Patricia Clarkson, Colm Meaney, and Anthony Hopkins and is directed by Ridley Scott. The bait is about a theologist's struggle to find the truth when the world believes that Jesus has returned and will end the world.

The second bait was a spontaneous story I came up with this morning and am submitting it after much trouble with choosing my second. It is called "Extradition", an Edward Zwick directed political drama about a man who is sent to China by the US after he is accused of raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Uma Thurman, Harrison Ford, Michelle Yeoh, Bradley Whitford, and Mark Ruffalo as the accused man. Thurman plays his wife who, along with Wahlberg, travels to China to save him but encounter a dark trail of lies and money.

Hope ya like 'em.

A Baiter's Ensemble

Many film directors have certain actors that they like to use in their film. Quetin Tarantino frequently uses Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson. P.T. Anderson casts William H. Macy and Julianne Moore. Judd Apatow has Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd in his movies.

I just thought it would be interesting, seeing that I am really bored right now, to list my filmographic ensemble.

Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Other World", "Captain Fantastic"-nominated for Best Actor, "Photograph"-won Best Actor, "Endless Summer", "The Assassination Of The President", "Backseat")

Mark Wahlberg ("Extradition"-Coming Soon, "From Here To There", "The Moon and the Rain"-nominated for Best Supporting Actor, "The Home"-nominated for Best Supporting Actor)

Bruce Willis ("Everyday", "Two Towers", "Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit of Wealth")

Matt Dillon ("Run"-Coming Soon, "Battle Cries", "Dimension of Imagination", "Photograph")

Lucas Black ("Same Olde Lang Syne", "Beaumont", "The Captured", "Endless Summer")

Heath Ledger ("Captain Fantastic", "Beaumont", "Mercury")

Emma Thompson ("Captain Fantastic", "Tavistock Place", "Terri"-Best Actress winner)

Virginia Madsen ("Everyday"-nominated for Best Actress, "Sang Olde Lang Syne", "Two Towers")

There are many more but I've wasted too much time doing this.

August Predictions

Best Plot/Synopsis
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Deep Secret
The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Quiet Room
The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Winter Sun
Should Win: Deep Secret
Possible Upset: Quiet Room


Best Awards Campaign
Everyday
Fallout
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Rabbit Hole
The Witching Hour
The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Should Win: Fallout
Possible Upset: The Winter Sun


Best Online Awards Campaign
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Rabbit Hole
Six Days in 67
The Winter Sun
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Will Win: The Winter Sun
Should Win: Six Days In 67
Possible Upset: You're A Good Man Charlie Brown


Best Title
Cartoon Wars!
Diary of an Adopted Child
Foggy London Nights
No More Smiles
Off to Rome
The Truth Lies Within

Will Win: Foggy London Nights
Should Win: Foggy London Nights
Possible Upset: Off To Rome


Best Box-Office Potential
The Courtroom
Fallout
The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever
Shipwreck'd
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Will Win: The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever
Should Win: Fallout
Possible Upset: The Courtroom


Most Likely To Become A Cult Film
Bat Out of Hell
Blackwater Park
House of a Shattered Soul
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo

Will Win: Blackwater Park
Should Win: House of a Shattered Soul
Possible Upset: Bat Out of Hell

Most Original Bait
Blackwater Park
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
The Final Days
No More Smiles
Quiet Room
The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Winter Sun
Should Win: Quiet Room
Possible Upset: No More Smiles


Most Original Character
Daniel Etim (Clive Owen) in Blackwater Park
Eileen Kwiasniewski (Grace Zabriskie) in Cocker Spanchovy
Johnny Ringers (Daniel Radcliffe) in Foggy London Nights
Alice (Jennifer Connelly) in Quiet Room
Malcolm Vaughn (Ryan Reynolds) in The Truth Lies Within
Jack Hanson (Tom Hanks) in The Winter Sun

Will Win: Johnny Ringers (Daniel Radcliffe) in Foggy London Nights
Should Win: Eileen Kwiasniewski (Grace Zabriskie) in Cocker Spanchovy
Possible Upset: Jack Hanson (Tom Hanks) in The Winter Sun


Best Cast
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
The Courtroom
Deep Secret
Grey Gardens
Six Days in 67

Will Win: Six Days In 67
Should Win: Six Days In 67
Possible Upset: Grey Gardens


Best Casting Choice
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Ike in Fallout
Eddie Jemison as Martin Ziggle in The Lonely Life of Martin Ziggle
Julian McMahon as Rock Hudson in The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Catherine Zeta Jones as Yvonne DeCarlo in The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo
Kelsey Grammer as Bob Hope in My Life in Jokes
Chiwetel Ejiofor as LeRoi Jones in Six Days in 67

Will Win: Julian McMahon as Rock Hudson in The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Should Win: Eddie Jemison as Martin Ziggle in The Lonely Life of Martin Ziggle
Possible Upset: Catherine Zeta Jones as Yvonne DeCarlo in The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo


Best Crew
Friendly Enemies
Foggy London Nights
Indigo
Picture of Dorian Gray
Six Days in 67

Will Win: Foggy London Nights
Should Win: Six Days In 67
Possible Upset: Picture of Dorian Gray


Best Tagline
"In a State Run by Man, She Fought for Change"Equality
"Death is something you cry about. Tragedy is what makes you scream"Everyday
"Home is wherever you make it, and London is just the place to start it all"Foggy London Nights
"Time Isn't Always Going To Be There"The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever
"There is no truth without belief"The Truth Lies Within
"The sun is the soul as sorrow is the heart"The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever
Should Win: Equality
Possible Upset: The Winter Sun


Funniest Bait
Cocker Spanchovy
The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo
No More Smiles
My Life in Jokes
Off to Rome
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Will Win: Off to Rome
Should Win: Off to Rome
Possible Upset: The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo


Best Poster
Blackwater Park
My Life in Jokes
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Quiet Room
The Truth Lies Within
The Winter Sun

Will Win: Blackwater Park
Should Win: Blackwater Park
Possible Upset: The Winter Sun


Best Author
Brian (Bee-Bee's Funhouse)
Josh P. (The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson & Foggy London Nights)
Pat (Everyday & Bat Out of Hell)
Sergio (Quiet Room)
Tony (The Winter Sun & Blackwater Park)
Zgamer (Fallout & Indigo Prophecy)

Will Win: Josh P.
Should Win: Josh P.
Possible Upset: Tony


Best Director
Jonathan Demme, Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Ang Lee, The Winter Sun
David Lynch, Quiet Room
Anthony Minghella, Deep Secret
Bryan Singer, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson

Will Win: Ang Lee
Should Win: Anthony Minghella
Possible Upset: Bryan Singer


Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Brian Cox, Deep Secret
Tom Hanks, The Winter Sun
Michael Imperioli, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Thomas Kretschmann, In Between
Will Smith, The Courtroom

Will Win: Michael Imperioli
Should Win: Thomas Kretschmann
Possible Upset: Will Smith


Best Actress
Jennifer Connelly, Quiet Room
Virginia Madsen, Everyday
Kerry Washington, Six Days in 67
Sigourney Weaver, Equality
Catherine Zeta Jones, The Munsters with Yvonne DeCarlo

Will Win: Jennifer Connolly
Should Win: Jennifer Connolly
Possible Upset: Catherine Zeta-Jones


Best Supporting Actor
James Gandolfini, The Winter Sun
Mandy Patinkin, Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Ron Pearlman, Fallout
Daniel Radcliffe, Foggy London Nights
Justin Theroux, Quiet Room

Will Win: James Gandolfini
Should Win: Justin Theroux
Possible Upset: Daniel Radcliffe


Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates, Rabbit Hole
Jill Clayburgh, Grey Gardens
Julie Christie, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Edie Falco, Everyday
Sara Ramirez, No More Smiles

Will Win: Edie Falco (although saying this probably curses my chances)
Should Win: Edie Falco
Possible Upset: Jill Clayburgh


Best Original Screenplay
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
The Courtroom
Deep Secret
Quiet Room
Six Days in 67
The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Winter Sun
Should Win: Quiet Room
Possible Upset: Deep Secret


Best Adapted Screenplay
Equality
Grey Gardens
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Rabbit Hole
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Will Win: The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Should Win: The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Possible Upset: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown


Best Picture
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Deep Secret
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Quiet Room
The Winter Sun

Will Win: The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Should Win: Deep Secret
Possible Upset: The Winter Sun

Predictions for August Awards

Best Adapted Screenplay:
**Deep Secret**
Fallout
The Picture Of Dorian Gray
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Deep Secret, Fallout, and The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson are locks because they are probably going to be nominated for Best Picture. Dorian Gray seems like a logical choice because the book is so well-known and the bait is getting a lot of praise. This is the only category that I think the bait will breakthrough in the Big 8. Charlie Brown is my really out-there choice and could easily be replaced by Grey Gardens or Indigo Prophecy, but I think voters will only go for one VG adaptation. Expect Deep Secret to take it with Rock Hudson as a spoiler.


Best Original Screenplay:
Foggy London Nights
In Between
Six Days In '67
Quiet Room
**The Winter Sun**

Six Days is in on the BP slot. Quiet Room and The Winter Sun will mostly get in because they were nominated at the GGs and have a large fanbase. In Between is a historical drama with romance, although it could be replaced by something more popular like The Courtroom. Foggy London Nights has somewhat of a cult following that usually shows up in the screenplay categories. Winter Sun will win because it is creative and I feel it won't get recognized elsewhere.


Best Supporting Actress:
Kathy Bates-Rabbit Hole
Jill Clayburgh-Grey Gardens
Edie Falco-Everyday
**Robin Wright Penn-Quiet Room**
Emma Thompson-The Final Days

Kathy Bates will get in because her role is very likeable and there aren't that many worthy candidates this month. Jill Clayburgh will get the Grey Gardens spot. Robin Wright Penn will most likely win because the bait she is in is very well liked and I doubt I'll win the same category two months in a row (even though it would be nice). And Edie Falco appears to have a strong following. Emma Thompson is my surprise nominee because her role is very baity and she has at least one vote. Don't be shocked if someone else from Grey Gardens makes it in or Jennifer Hudson from Bat Out of Hell.


Best Supporting Actor:
**James Gandolfini-The Winter Sun**
Ewan McGregor-Deep Secret
Julian McMahon-The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Daniel Radcliffe-Foggy London Nights
Justin Theroux-Quiet Room

Gandolfini has a lot of support from lovers of the bait and Tony Soprano. Theroux is in the strongest ensemble of the month. Radcliffe has a well-liked role. McGregor is in a probable BP. That leaves Julian McMahon, who will get in because people will want to recognize the bait all over the board. Although, Hinds or McAvoy from Six Days in '67 could make it in or Greg Kinnear from Rabbit Hole.


Best Actress:
Christina Applegate-No More Smiles
**Jennifer Connolly-Quiet Room**
Christine Ebersole-Grey Gardens
Kerry Washington-Six Days In '67
Catherine Zeta-Jones-The Munsters With Yvonne De Carlo

Zeta-Jones pulled off two huge surprises at the GGs and SAGs. Kerry Washington and Jennifer Connolly were nommed for both. Ebersole is playing probably the baitiest of all the women but she is the most likely not to get in. Applegate will get nommed because the category is limited and musical actresses usually slide in. Don't be surprised if Brittany Murphy or Sigourney Weaver make the list. Connolly wins because Zeta-Jones doesn't have enough support amongst Academy voters.


Best Actor:
Jeff Bridges-Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Brian Cox-Deep Secret
**Chiwetel Ejiofor-Six Days In '67**
Joseph Gordon-Leavitt- Fallout
Michael Imperioli-The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson

Imperioli and Cox are no brainers. Ejiofor is a very well written character in a very well written bait. Bridges has some minor support. Gordon-Leavitt will get in on love for Zgamer's bait. I wouldn't doubt Billy Crudup taking his place. And I'm gonna go out on a long shot and call Ejiofor the winner because I think the voters will tire of Imperioli's domination.

Best Director:
Jack Bender-Fallout
**Antoine Fuqua-Six Days In '67**
Ang Lee-The Winter Sun
David Lynch-Quiet Room
Robert Zemeckis-The Legend Of Zelda: The End of Forever

Lee and Fuqua are in. Lynch, while overrated, is definite. Bender is a default nominee. Zemeckis is a surprise nominee, although anybody else could get nominated. Fuqua will win because Lee peaked too late in the month.

Best Picture:
Deep Secret
Fallout
**The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson**
Quiet Room
Six Days In '67

Deep Secret, Fallout, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson, and Six Days In '67 seem like locks, although I feel any could be knocked out for a surprise. Quiet Room is getting a lot of praise that I think will carry it to a nom. Bee-Bee's Funhouse is a possible spoiler. Rock Hudson is a biopic, a great story, and written by a LOOOOOOOONG overdue author. It will win

Golden Globes Winners Announced!

The Golden Globe winners were announced today and I just wanted to say thank everyone who voted for Edie Falco (Best Supporting Actress winner) and "Bat Out Of Hell" (Best Picture-Musical/Comedy). I am truly surprised by both wins. And congratulations to everybody else who won awards.

As soon as the SAG winners are announced, I will post my predictions for the final awards, which the nominees will be announced on Sunday.

I also wanted to ask a question to the baiting community about my next two baits for September. My first is definately going to be Ridley Scott's "The Second Coming" starring Matt Damon, Maribel Verdu, Adrien Brody, Patricia Clarkson, Colm Meaney, and Anthony Hopkins and it is about the quest for truth when the world believes Jesus has returned.

I'm having trouble deciding the other bait I should submit. I'm going to list some possible baits/casts/mini-plots and I ask you, the readers, to comment on which you think I should submit.

"Run" Directed by Curtis Hanson. Stars Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Russell Crowe, Matt Dillon, Natalie Portman, and Robert Downey Jr. It is about a young New York enforcer in the 1920s who escapes to Chicago only to get caught up in a mafia plot again. (Drama)

"The Lucky Long Island Sisters" Directed by Nancy Meyers. Stars Scarlett Johanssen, Mary-Louise Parker, Kate Walsh, and Jack Nicholson. It is about three sisters who compete for their dead mother's fortune during a vacation at their father's home in the Hamptons. (Comedy)

"Made In America" Directed by Paul Greengrass. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jamie Foxx, Kate Hudson, and Kurt Russell. Two FBI agents try to capture a serial killer who gives all the information about the time and place of a murder but never fails to make the kill. (Thriller)

"Finding Louis" Directed by Joel Coen. Stars Frances McDormand, Edie Falco, Steve Buscemi, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. A dying woman tries to reconnect with her estranged husband with the help of her eccentric half-sister and bumbling private detective. (Comedy)

"The Killer Eagles" Directed by Clint Eastwood. Stars Cate Blanchett, Clint Eastwood, Kevin Bacon, and Jeff Bridges. A single mother in 1874 California encounters her father after he left her as a child and learns that he is being hunted by a band of gunslinging thieves, who he stole from. (Western)

"San Pietro" Directed by Martin Scorsese. Stars John Cusack, David Strathairn, Jeff Goldblum, and Roberto Benigni. John Huston makes a documentary about young soldiers in a unit that is fighting the Italian Army in a small city called San Pietro during WWII. (War)

"Black Gold" Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Stars Matt Damon, Pierce Brosnan, Sharon Warren, Djimon Hounsou, and Peter Sarsgaard. Two representatives from global oil companies vie for the last large oil field on the land of a stubborn African heiress while government officials hope to kill the African women and take the oil for their own. (Drama)

"Campaign" Directed by John Fortenberry. Stars Jeremy Piven, Don Cheadle, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin James, Kiefer Sutherland, and Julianne Moore. An inexperienced bar owner awaits for the results in his election against the incumbant while his wife wants a divorce, his brother has a heart attack, his campaign manager files a sexual harassment suit against him, and the local sheriff tries to rig the election. (Comedy)

Tony's Back

...well, at least in the Bait an Oscar contest. It must be because "The Sopranos", one of the best TV shows of all-time, just ended, but it seems that the authors (myself included) can't part from the actors who've been on the tubes for nine wonderful years.

Tony himself, James Gandolfini, was baited by the other Tony in "The Winter Sun" and managed to garner a Supporting Actor nomination at the Golden Globes. And Michael Imperoli was also nommed for his role in "The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson". He, of course, played the fated role of Tony's right hand man Christopher Moltisanti. And then if those two weren't enough to fill the void left by "The Sopranos" end, Edie Falco pops up again at the Golden Globes for her Supporting performance in my bait, "Everyday".

Thanks to everyone who voted for Falco and my three other nominations for "Bat Out Of Hell". The Best Picture (Musical/Comedy) nomination marks my 4th in that category and Jared Leto's is my 5th for Best Actor (Musical/Comedy). Unfortunately, I don't think I'll win either. Andrew Simpson or Billy Crudup will probably take Best Actor and "No More Smiles" should just take the statue now.

How to tell if a Multi-Camera Sitcom is good or bad

Although not as popular as they once were, traditional multi-camera sitcoms still define a great part of television history. Think about the funniest comedies of all-time and what do you get? "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Friends", "Seinfeld", "Frasier", "Cheers", "Taxi", "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "I Love Lucy", and "Bewitched" all come to mind. But for everyone of those hysterical shows comes a bevel of others that are so much worse.

Just look at a TV guide now and you can see all the bad shows that exist through this medium. "Til Death", "The War At Home", "The Class", and anything on The CW. Here are a couple of warning signs to tell if the multi-camera sitcom you are watching is of good or poor quality:

1. If a great deal of the comedy is based upon the popularity of the lead, run away! My favorite example of this is "8 Simple Rules", the fated series starring the late John Ritter, because there was one episode from the first season that featured Ritter returning to the set of his breakout hit "Three's Company". In the episode, Ritter and the rest of the cast make fun of the '70s hit and it ends with Ritter in bed with Don Knotts (who was also in "Three's Company"). The episode is only designed to make fans of the older show feel happy that Ritter hasn't moved on. If you never watched "Three's Company" then you won't laugh. "Til Death" is the same way in that the producers assume that people will watch because Brad Garrett is playing a role similar to his Emmy-winning performance as Robert Barone.

2. If a person sings while nothing else is going on, also run away! A comedy TV show is a TV show, not a music video. I have to use "8 Simple Rules" as another example. In a Christmas episode, Katey Segal sings a carol at a church service and that is all we see, someone singing. Ricky Gervais' good sitcom "Extras" parodies this rule and others in it's second season when Gervais' character gets a role on a very bad sitcom. In one episode of the show within the show, Chris Martin shows up in a completely inplausible circumstance and spontaneously sings "Fix You". The only reason the shows are giving musical performances is because they have run out of ideas for the episode or are promoting musical artists to get money because nobody is watching the show anyway.

3. Potty humor should stay where it belongs. If a sitcom featuring adults and adult situations ever makes a joke about farting or pooping, then it must be confused about it's audience. I can't really think any examples for this one but I'm sure there are many.


And now I will explain about the picture that goes with this post. "How I Met Your Mother" is probably the best multi-camera sitcom on the airwaves that gets no attention. "The King Of Queens" used to hold this title because it was always in the shadow of "Everybody Loves Raymond", a show that I think paled in comparison to Kevin James' 30-minute laugh fest. "How I Met Your Mother" suffers the same plague except with hit-or-miss show "Two-and-a-Half Men". The acting is great, the writing is sharp and witty, and the directing is some of the best in multi-cam history. If you don't believe me, then I suggest you watch the first season episode "The Pineapple Incident". That is what a good sitcom is and it wouldn't surprise me if "How I Met Your Mother" becomes the next great TV sitcom. "Seinfeld" started off poorly in the ratings and at the Emmys in its first two seasons but then took off in its third, which it won Best Comedy Series for. "How I Met Your Mother" enters its 3rd season this fall, so hopefully it will follow in the footsteps of other hit multi-camera comedies.

Hopefully this article will help you realize what is worth watching, unless you fall into the demographic that a bad show aims for. "That '70s Show" went for stoners and retro-lovers. "The War At Home" went for vulgar Republicans. "The Bill Engvall Show" went for people who liked the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour". So if you smoke like a chimney, love Bill O'Reilly, or live with hicks then bad comedy must be for you!

"Superbad" is super awesome

I wish I could be as cool and brave as McLovin.

Funnier than "Knocked Up". Not as good as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" but pretty damn close. Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, and and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (pictured) were all very good and hilarious in the their roles and are the best ensemble I've seen all year long. I can't wait for the other Judd Apatow-graced jewels of film comedy that will grace the silver screen over the next year: "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" with John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, and Kristin Wiig, "The Pineapple Express" starring Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, and James Franco, "Drillbit Taylor" featuring Owen Wilson, Josh Peck, Leslie Mann, and Alex Frost, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" with Jason Segel, Kristin Bell, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, and Paul Rudd, and finally "You Don't Mess With Zohad" starring Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider.

Thoughts on the August Contest

I seem to be getting more and more aggravated lately and that would be the reason as to why I am writing this post. Several factors in the contest over the past two weeks have seriously caused me to consider leaving the contest.

When I read the baits this morning, I had a hard time getting into the baits because of poor grammar. I don't know if I'm just noticing it more than before or what, but everyone should've taken time and checked their baits from grammatical mistakes. It's very annoying when you're trying to read a story and a sentence is so messed up that you can't even figure out what it's trying to say.

And I say this month after month, and it seems to have no impact but I will continue to profess it, the baits are drifting away from what the contest is really about: creating a movie idea that would actually win Oscars. Movies about gruesome murders or supernatural beings would not win Oscars. "Silence of the Lambs" was an exception because it was so well executed and acted and that year was bad for other movies. "The Sixth Sense" had the amazing twist with a classic, heartbreaking ending. Those two films were just two scary movies over the past 20 years that have been recognized. Horror baits are what the tournament is for. But I will agree that there are a few exceptions, Zgamer's "Fallout" comes to mind because it was very well written and the plot wasn't extremely outlandish.

I guess I'm not really going to speak much further on this topic because almost everyone seems to be on the other side and I've never had success in this venture before, so what makes me think that this month will be any different? James Somerton and his Twisted Thoghts (idk if you meant to spell it wrong or what) should just come out and say that his articles are mostly about my complaining but I feel that my opinions are justified and that the baiters with James' are trying to hijack the contest from Johnny by changing his original vision to make it something easier for everyone else.

So if this post causes me to lose voters, then fuck you, because this is my blog and I can say whatever the fuck I want.

Pat's August Big 8 Awards

Best Picture
**Deep Secret**
Fallout
In Between
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Six Days In '67

Best Director
Jack Bender-Fallout
Alfonso Cuaron-Like Beauty
**Antoine Fuqua-Six Days In '67**
Anthony Minghella-Deep Secret
Billy Ray-In Between

Best Actor
Brian Cox-Deep Secret
Chiwetel Ejiofor-Six Days In '67
Michael Imperioli-The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Thomas Kretschmann-In Between
**Al Pacino-Shipwreck'd**

Best Actress
Jennifer Connolly-Quiet Room
**Chloe Sevigny-Deep Secret**
Kerry Washington-Six Days In '67
Naomi Watts-The Final Days
Grace Zabriskie-Cocker Spanchovy

Best Supporting Actor
Norbert Leo Butz-No More Smiles
Hugh Grant-The Final Days
Ciaran Hinds-Six Days In '67
Ewan McGregor-Deep Secret
**Tim Roth-In Between**

Best Supporting Actress
Kate Beckinsale-In Between
Jill Clayburgh-Grey Gardens
Claire Danes-Grey Gardens
Sara Ramirez-No More Smiles
**Emma Thompson-The Final Days**

Best Adapted Screenplay
Grey Gardens
Fallout
**Like Beauty**
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Shipwreck'd

Best Original Screenplay
**Deep Secret**
The Final Days
In Between
No More Smiles
Six Days In '67

August Bait Reviews

El Baile Amor- C-
Bee-Bee's Funhouse- C+
Blackwater Park- C+
Cartoon Wars- B
Cocker Spanchovy- B-
The Courtroom- B-
Deep Secret- A-
Diary of an Adopted Child- D+
Equality- B-
Fahrenheit 451- B-
The Final Days- B
Foggy London Nights- B-
Fallout- B+
Grey Gardens- B
Hard Candy: The Last Stand- C-
House of a Shattered Soul- C
In Between- A-
Indigo Prophecy- B-
The Legend Of Zelda: The End of Forever- C(nice effort and the poem really was very good, but when I want to read a synopsis, a poem is not what I want)
My Life In Jokes- D
Like Beauty- B-
The Lonely Life of Martin Ziggle- C+
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson- B+
The Munsters With Yvonne De Carlo- C-
No More Smiles- B
Off To Rome- B-
The Picture of Dorian Gray- B-
Quiet Room- B
Rabbit Hole- C
Reset- C-
Shipwreck'd- B
Six Days In '67- B+
The Truth Lies Within- C-
The Winter Sun- C+
The Witching Hour- D+
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown- B-
Friendly Enemies- D+

Zgamer's "Fallout"

Zgamer's newest bait, "Fallout", which is based upon the 1997 video game of the same name, could be one of the best video game adaptations this contest has seen and is one Zgamer's best. It tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world where the Cold War actually transpired into worldwide destruction and the only people that survived were those who escaped into bomb shelters or "vaults". The vaults remain in communication 30 years later until someone who wants to rule the world starts taking out the vaults one by one, forcing a group of survivors to fight against the oncoming oppressor.

"Fallout" is directed by acclaimed director Ridley Scott ("Gladiator") and written by Joss Whedon ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer"). Scott is, in my opinion, the only flaw in the bait. I could not see him directing this even though he did "Blade Runner". It seems he's moved past sci-fi. I think somebody from "Lost" or Danny Boyle should have done it. Although, Boyle would get criticized because of comparisons to "28 Days Later".

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Ike in the only role that is likely to get attention. Even though Ron Perlman and John Hurt have roles that could garner some attention, I feel that the bait's strengths lie in it's technical aspects and story.

Zgamer did a very good job writing this one, combining narrative power with fear and paranoia, which should be enough to secure at least a Best Author nomination. Again, I want to state that this is the best video game adaptation Zgamer has ever done and is probably the best the contest has ever seen.

Grade: B+

Awards Contender:

Best Picture

Best Director-Ridley Scott

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Actor-Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Best Plot/Synopsis

Best Awards Campaign

Most Likely to Become a Box-Office Success

Most Likely to Become a Cult Film

Best Author

Matt's "Deep Secret"

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Alex's "Rabbit Hole"

Based upon the award-winning play of the same name, Alex's "Rabbit Hole" is the story about a married couple who try to cope with the tragic death of their young son at the hands of a 17-year-old boy who made a mistake while driving. Becca and Howie also encounter numerous strange relatives and acquiantences who help them deal with their grief.

"Shakespeare In Love" director John Madden directs the script from the original playwright, David Lindsay-Abaire, in his second attempt at stage-to-screen translation (coming after 2005's "Proof").

Diane Lane plays Becca, the part that won Cythnia Nixon her Tony during the show's initial Broadway run, and Alex does a very good job at showing the range an emotion that comes with her role. Expect her to become a contender for Lead Actress. But other than that, unfortunately, I believe this bait will have a hard time breaking into any other categories, save for Adapted Screenplay, which is always so limited that even unworthy contenders get recognition.

The plot details what the play is about and where it goes up until the end of the story when the introduction of the 17-year-old boy spawns the bait's title. At that point it becomes irrelevant and downright confusing to the reader, who is unsure whether to feel happiness because the issue is resolved or continued sadness. The Awards Campaign is lengthy and spends too much makes references to times when it's actors should've won Oscars. Overall, the bait seemed to be lacking in the "umph factor" (yes, I just came up with that) that previous BOTM winners have had.

Grade: C

Awards Contender:

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Actress-Diane Lane

Best Casting Choice-Kathy Bates

Alfredo's "Six Days In '67"

Alfredo's newest bait for the August contest, titled "Six Days In '67", follows six individuals living within the city of Newark, New Jersey, during one of the country's numerous racially charged riots of the 20th Century. Sparked by the unwarranted police beating of a black truck driver, the riots caused six days of violence, looting, and heartbreak.

Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") directs the film from a script by Robert Rodat ("The Patriot") and both seem to be very good choices. A perfect mix of historical knowledge and street-smart tactics is guaranteed in this bait.

The cast isn't anything too flashy, which is a very good thing with an ensemble drama because too many big names in one bait will cause an uproar if handled incorrectly. Kerry Washington plays a nurse trying to protect her kids. Chiwetel Ejiofor (pictured) plays an activist bent on toppling the oppression in what is destined to be one of the best roles of the month. Michael Imperioli plays a racist cop who has a hard time understanding what caused the riots. James McAvoy and unknown Columbus Short play a journalist and a college student, respectively. But the character that stands out the most with such few words is Ilya Abramov, played by Ciaran Hinds. Abramov is a shop owner who is desperate to protect his hard earned business. Hinds has a very good chance at getting recognized in the Supporting Actor category.

Overall, this bait is very, very well written and is able to show emotion from its story in a small amount of space. Alfredo deserves credit for obtaining what some authors in the contest have been unable to comprehend. Although, I don't really like the title; it's too obvious.

Grade: B+

Awards Contender:

Best Picture

Best Director

Best Original Screenplay

Best Actor-Chiwetel Ejiofor

Best Supporting Actor-Ciaran Hinds

Best Supporting Actor-Michael Imperioli

Best Plot/Synopsis

Best Awards Campaign

Best Author

Best Cast

Best Crew

Best Casting Choice-Chiwetel Ejiofor

Shameless Oscar Vehicle