Best Picture
The Bluest Eye
**Brooks and Kane**
The Dark Tower
Magic Lantern
Their Grace
Best Director
**Bernardo Bertolucci-Magic Lantern**
Carl Franklin-The Bluest Eye
David Lynch-The Dark Tower
Deepa Mehta-Their Grace
Mike Nichols-Brooks and Kane
Best Actor
Don Cheadle-The Bluest Eye
James Marsden-Brooks and Kane
**Viggo Mortensen-The Dark Tower**
Brad Pitt-Finding Death
Stellan Skarsgard-Magic Lantern
Best Actress
Kate Hudson-Angels Weep in Pakistan
Keke Palmer-The Bluest Eye
Anna Sophia Robb-A Corner of the Universe
Sigourney Weaver-Tentpole!
**Michelle Williams-Their Grace**
Best Supporting Actor
Tobin Bell-The Dark Tower
Frank Langella-Their Grace
Ray Liotta-Finding Death
**Tim Robbins-Angels Weep in Pakistan**
Seth Rogen-Tentpole!
Best Supporting Actress
Julie Delpy-Magic Lantern
Aunjanue Ellis-The Bluest Eye
Catherine Keener-Kubrick Unfinished
**Frances McDormand-Their Grace**
Sara Ramirez-Brooks and Kane
Best Adapted Screenplay
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Bluest Eye
**The Dark Tower**
Magic Lantern
Their Grace
Best Original Screenplay
**Brooks and Kane**
Finding Death
Kubrick Unfinished
Primary Concerns
Tentpole!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
January Reviews
All Quiet on the Western Front- Bloated cast and the plot is pulling for baitiness a little too much C
Angels Weep in Pakistan- I liked it up until the plot started moving in real time. I don't like it when the endings are revealed either B-
Between the Line of Life and Death- Definitely not a Clooney vehicle, not even for his character. Resembles my "American Tragedy" a little but I enjoyed the way the synopsis was delivered B-
Blood Harmony- Needs a ton of work, not enough to go on C-
The Bluest Eye- Very interesting, well written, good family drama A-
Brooks and Cane- Great new musical, perfect mix of "Chicago" and "Dreamgirls" A-
A Corner of the Universe- Kinda long and hard to read, casting could use work C+
The Dark Tower- Good conclusion to the saga. I totally got the whole dreamscape idea but that could be because I've read the books and I know the feeling. One of the best endings in literature. B+
Death Whispered a Lullaby- I was bored and had a hard time following it C-
The Elusive Flame- I didn't believe the ending C-
Finding Death- Character names could've been more creative (Alfred Pennasworth=Alfred Pennyworth...hmmm?), not a Coppola movie, would've worked better with Fincher or Nolan B
Killer Queen- Well, you remade one of my classic baits "Mercury", and I'll do have to say that I really like the Casey Affleck casting, but because I have such a strong bias in terms of grading this bait, I will not. Sorry.
Kubrick Unfinished- Not a fan of the casting and the events seem too recent C+
A Life of Death- Okay. I understand the Burton/Depp/Carter collaboration and it fits, but I can't help but wonder if it would look and feel too much like "Sweeney Todd" B-
Magic Lantern- I would've liked to see more of his favorite actors like Max Von Sydow in there instead of Ingrid Bergman. The director choice is excellent. B+
Monsieur Verdoux- At Bait an Oscar we have trends that get really annoying. First it was the ensemble wave (the biggest yet) after "Crash" won Best Picture. Then came the 5 Months of Ryan Gosling. In the past few months, starting with "Blackwater Park" there have been so many baits about serial killers and I'm downright sick of them. This one was average, at best C
Pine Terrace- Way too much like "Reservation Road" and the end didn't make sense C-
Primary Concerns- First let me say, the last word in the plot is "pubic". Someone should change that. It's got very good intentions but doesn't tell us something the media already hasn't C
Problem Solver- What about this is baity? C-
Tentpole!- Not an Apatow film but fun nonetheless B-
The Trial of Alice Adams- Way too long, bloated cast, mediocre story C-
Their Grace- Well cast, good director, grounded plot, forceful meaning B+
WeekEnd- Terrible ending to a plot that had some traction D
Angels Weep in Pakistan- I liked it up until the plot started moving in real time. I don't like it when the endings are revealed either B-
Between the Line of Life and Death- Definitely not a Clooney vehicle, not even for his character. Resembles my "American Tragedy" a little but I enjoyed the way the synopsis was delivered B-
Blood Harmony- Needs a ton of work, not enough to go on C-
The Bluest Eye- Very interesting, well written, good family drama A-
Brooks and Cane- Great new musical, perfect mix of "Chicago" and "Dreamgirls" A-
A Corner of the Universe- Kinda long and hard to read, casting could use work C+
The Dark Tower- Good conclusion to the saga. I totally got the whole dreamscape idea but that could be because I've read the books and I know the feeling. One of the best endings in literature. B+
Death Whispered a Lullaby- I was bored and had a hard time following it C-
The Elusive Flame- I didn't believe the ending C-
Finding Death- Character names could've been more creative (Alfred Pennasworth=Alfred Pennyworth...hmmm?), not a Coppola movie, would've worked better with Fincher or Nolan B
Killer Queen- Well, you remade one of my classic baits "Mercury", and I'll do have to say that I really like the Casey Affleck casting, but because I have such a strong bias in terms of grading this bait, I will not. Sorry.
Kubrick Unfinished- Not a fan of the casting and the events seem too recent C+
A Life of Death- Okay. I understand the Burton/Depp/Carter collaboration and it fits, but I can't help but wonder if it would look and feel too much like "Sweeney Todd" B-
Magic Lantern- I would've liked to see more of his favorite actors like Max Von Sydow in there instead of Ingrid Bergman. The director choice is excellent. B+
Monsieur Verdoux- At Bait an Oscar we have trends that get really annoying. First it was the ensemble wave (the biggest yet) after "Crash" won Best Picture. Then came the 5 Months of Ryan Gosling. In the past few months, starting with "Blackwater Park" there have been so many baits about serial killers and I'm downright sick of them. This one was average, at best C
Pine Terrace- Way too much like "Reservation Road" and the end didn't make sense C-
Primary Concerns- First let me say, the last word in the plot is "pubic". Someone should change that. It's got very good intentions but doesn't tell us something the media already hasn't C
Problem Solver- What about this is baity? C-
Tentpole!- Not an Apatow film but fun nonetheless B-
The Trial of Alice Adams- Way too long, bloated cast, mediocre story C-
Their Grace- Well cast, good director, grounded plot, forceful meaning B+
WeekEnd- Terrible ending to a plot that had some traction D
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2008: A Bait Odyssey
First off, I want to thank everyone who voted for "The Killer Eagles" last month. I was extremely surprised by its win because I really didn't think I had a chance when I sent it in. I really only submitted it as a vehicle for Director Clint Eastwood, the only Big 8 award that I haven't won yet. Even I didn't get it, I'm very grateful for the five wins especially for Cate Blanchett. I also want to thank the voters for giving me my third Best Author award. It is a very personal honor and I am very gracious.
Now that 2007 is down the drain, we can move onto the future. I'm going to list my 2008 contenders, which may or may not be released, considering I have a habit to shelve pre-planned baits to make way for more spontaneous ones.
For January:
"Masterpiece" Directed by Marc Forster. Starring Max Von Sydow, Paul Dano, and Lauren Bacall. A young artist in NYC takes up a job as an assistant to an aging sculptor, who is depressed by the fact that his wife is slipping into dementia and he has yet to make a name for himself. The two form a strong bond and quickly embark on a journey to find artistic enlightenment.
For any month in the future or never:
"They Walk Among Us" Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, John C. Reilly, and Patrick Dempsey. In the 1970s, a NASA official claims to see alien lights in the sky, causing his wife and boss to become concerned with his mental health until other begin to make claims as well.
"The Cure" Directed by Stephen Soderbergh. Starring Heath Ledger, Don Cheadle, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Seu Jorge, and Albert Finney. Two scientists discover a possible cure for HIV/AIDS at a research facility in Brazil. A WTO official is sent to procure the antidote for international distribution by the UN, but other pharmaceutical companies race to get it by bribing the doctors and using brutal force. The WTO guy is forced to rescue the doctors back to the United States.
"Made In America" Directed by Paul Greengrass. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jamie Foxx, Kate Hudson, and Kurt Russell. The FBI and NYPD track a serial killer who takes out his victims by warning the authorities and media but never fails to make the kill.
"The Lucky Long Island Sisters" Directed by Nancy Meyers. Starring Scarlett Johanssen, Kate Walsh, Mary-Louise Parker, Billy Crudup, and Jack Nicholson. After their mother dies, two estranged sisters and their half-sister are forced to travel to their father's Hamptons estate to collect their inheritance, but learn that their father wishes that they reconnect before the money is handed over.
"Run" Directed by Curtis Hanson. Starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Russell Crowe, Matt Dillon, Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr., and Ray Winstone. A New York enforced escapes his mob and moves to Chicago with his wife where he ends up getting caught up in a racket there. He is unaware that his former boss has sent a hitman after him.
Now that 2007 is down the drain, we can move onto the future. I'm going to list my 2008 contenders, which may or may not be released, considering I have a habit to shelve pre-planned baits to make way for more spontaneous ones.
For January:
"Masterpiece" Directed by Marc Forster. Starring Max Von Sydow, Paul Dano, and Lauren Bacall. A young artist in NYC takes up a job as an assistant to an aging sculptor, who is depressed by the fact that his wife is slipping into dementia and he has yet to make a name for himself. The two form a strong bond and quickly embark on a journey to find artistic enlightenment.
For any month in the future or never:
"They Walk Among Us" Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, John C. Reilly, and Patrick Dempsey. In the 1970s, a NASA official claims to see alien lights in the sky, causing his wife and boss to become concerned with his mental health until other begin to make claims as well.
"The Cure" Directed by Stephen Soderbergh. Starring Heath Ledger, Don Cheadle, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Seu Jorge, and Albert Finney. Two scientists discover a possible cure for HIV/AIDS at a research facility in Brazil. A WTO official is sent to procure the antidote for international distribution by the UN, but other pharmaceutical companies race to get it by bribing the doctors and using brutal force. The WTO guy is forced to rescue the doctors back to the United States.
"Made In America" Directed by Paul Greengrass. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jamie Foxx, Kate Hudson, and Kurt Russell. The FBI and NYPD track a serial killer who takes out his victims by warning the authorities and media but never fails to make the kill.
"The Lucky Long Island Sisters" Directed by Nancy Meyers. Starring Scarlett Johanssen, Kate Walsh, Mary-Louise Parker, Billy Crudup, and Jack Nicholson. After their mother dies, two estranged sisters and their half-sister are forced to travel to their father's Hamptons estate to collect their inheritance, but learn that their father wishes that they reconnect before the money is handed over.
"Run" Directed by Curtis Hanson. Starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Russell Crowe, Matt Dillon, Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr., and Ray Winstone. A New York enforced escapes his mob and moves to Chicago with his wife where he ends up getting caught up in a racket there. He is unaware that his former boss has sent a hitman after him.
Friday, December 14, 2007
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**
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**
Thursday, December 13, 2007
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+
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+
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+
Saturday, November 24, 2007
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.
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