Louis: your thoughts and ratings on: - Greta Gerwig in Greenberg - Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole - Ruth Sheen in Another Year And yes, you really need to check out Poetry. Have you seen Please Give yet?
Louis: forgot to ask, have you seen Lady Bird? I'm really curious to read your thoughts on Ronan's performance and the film as a whole, considering how much you seem to dislike Gerwig and her style. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm a fan of hers so...
I'm pretty glad we're getting at least 1 five in supporting. Ben Kingsley wouldn't be reviewed if he wasn't going up and once again, I'm hopeful for Hawkes And Mendelsohn.
Stone - (I really thought the film itself was fairly disposable however Stone is superb in the lead nonetheless and proves herself to be one of the most effortlessly charming actors around currently. She excels her again in just being incredibly endearing and the bits of comedy that do work mostly come from her performance which is pitch perfect. In turn when there is a slightly dramatic element later on Stone does deliver on this as well, even if it feels like a bit of an afterthought for the film. Stone though wisely never went caricature to begin with providing some needed substance within the caricatures around it.)
Hawkins - (Well as a more low key Norma Rae, Hawkins is pretty terrific in giving a properly straight forward performance in this vein. She absolutely delivers in all of her passionate speeches scenes, though I like the somewhat of an unease she brings showing someone who isn't use to the position. She does well though to reduce or exacerbate it depending on the circumstances. In turn she's also very good in creating the right chemistry with everyone of her co-stars, whether it is one of overt sympathy, or more of tension like that with her onscreen husband.)
Azabal - (While the film itself is perhaps just a little too much in terms of just how harrowing the central character's life, I will give credit where it is due with Azabal's consistently powerful portrayal of the woman. She effectively goes from one horror to another and is careful never to make this repetitious in her performance. This is in moments of initially purely shutting down, but also other moments of creating more of an inherent hatred that compels her further. Although I do find the film puts her character through a little too much of a wringer Azabal brings the needed humanity in every phase of it giving every moment of it a real power nonetheless.)
Swinton - (I have to say it seemed she was written pretty limited Italian scenes, however this makes enough sense since her character was suppose to be foreigner, although it would have made more sense to just make her English. Anyway I have to say I really didn't care for the film which I thought was just a series of cliches, handled in a cliched fashion. Swinton though I will say at least offers a touch respectability within the cliches by granting some emotional honesty to them even if I don't think it quite elevated the film by any margin.)
Manville - (It an interesting performance that takes over the film even though she is technically supporting in terms of her character's perspective. Manville though is a proper mess in every regard portraying such desperation that is frankly hard to watch at times, however Manville makes it real without just falling to histrionics. It's fascinating as she seems bigger than she's actually playing the part because she so well portrays this presence of someone that forces you to tiptoe around her, and you always unpleasantly wait for her to make the wrong reaction to something. She's a proper horrible wreck in every way in creating that insular manner as she constantly clings yet is wholly self-absorbed.)
Richardson - 4(This sort of the classical type of scene stealing performance and Richardson as expected delivers just the right incisiveness to every one of her lines in such short order. It is nothing unexpected, however it is the expected done exactly as it should be.)
Steinfeld and Azabal should be switched. 4's.
Dunst - 4(Should have been in the "ands" as Dunst I found gave a pretty strong performance even though it is sadly cut off early and very unceremoniously at that. Dunst though I found created the real menace of the situation outside of Gosling's lackluster performance, by portraying such a genuine growing fear throughout the first half of the film. I think the film would have been better off it it had been from her perspective for the entire film, and ended when she exits.)
Waskiowska - 2(I like her in general but here she's just terribly bland. She can't give any life to the role, she's at least not embarrassing I'll give her that, but she is far too demure in a role that needed someone to bring real energy to.)
Carter - 1(Along with Depp perhaps the embodiment of all of Burton's worst tendencies. Everything here is up to eleven in a way that isn't funny, it isn't entertaining while being wholly ridiculous. She's a cartoon a very unpleasant cartoon.)
Skarsgard - 3(I guess I was perhaps just a little disappointed here as Skarsgard seems perfect casting for a dictatorial school/prison master. He's still good however it feels like pretty standard grimacing Skarsgard. I mean it still works well, and to be fair he does bring a bit of substance in a few moments. He just never quite becomes the embodiment of systematic cruelty, nor does he feel fully fleshed out as a person either.)
Nilssen - 3.5(He delivers somewhat that is missing in Helstad's performance in that he brings the right emotional vulnerability that he slowly builds interestingly towards a confidence that grants a logical sense to the eventual developments of the plot. His performance helps the film reach that point, though I will say even that his performance is moving enough yet never quite goes beyond a certain point still.)
Wight - 4(He's pretty good as a less egocentric mess than Manville though he effectively portrays the same sort of person in spirit. Wight brings the right type of waves emotions of a man who just can't seem to understand where he should go, or what he should do exactly. He balances this well with more earnestly warm moments in Broadbent though still even in those moments creating a sense of man's unease in life.)
Bradley - 4(A very moving performance though in a very subtle way. Bradley's terrific though in portraying the general state of the man who is basically seized up in his grief. A grief that has settled to a certain extent the leave the man somewhat aimless. Bradley's particularly effective in the way this is the constant and moments of anger or amiability are basically the atypical ones.)
Hoskins - 4(Like Hawkins he similarly delivers in a pretty straight forward role. He is there to deliver a few passionate speeches and be generally supportive. He does both quite well as is to be expected.)
Deiner:
Gerwig - 2(No sir still don't like her to the point that I have this almost physical aversion to her work. It's a very strange thing that I can't fully explain, however I just don't like seeing her onscreen in most circumstances. Perhaps it is seeming a singular invention of an indie free spirit lead, with her performance only amplifying that notion that causes something most bizarre, and unpleasant for me.)
Kidman - 3.5(Like Eckhart I do like her performance in general however it never delivers really that extra something you'd expect given the subject matter. She's there, she portrays the grief fairly well however she just never quite takes the next step for me to really explore the character in a way that greats a real empathy or at least emotional impact in the story.)
Sheen - 3.5(Much like Broadbent she acts as the warm center of the film and her chemistry with him is wonderful in just how unassuming they are together. Past that though I felt she had perhaps fewer tests within that state then what is found in Broadbent's performance, however she's good in portraying well the consistency of this type of presence in a believable fashion.)
I'm actually rather looking forward to Ladybird as even though I'm not a fan of her acting, after all I don't care for Quentin Tarantino as an actor, especially since it seems like EVERYONE at least likes the film, even Armond White gave it a positive review.
Omar:
Hoffman - 3.5(He's pretty enjoyable in doing what he usually does these days which is casual Hoffman. In that he never quite goes for the intensity of his old days, but this is a good example of just kind of coasting on his natural charm and comic timing.)
Pike - (This is the most I've ever liked her in anything as I did not know she could honestly be this warm given she's pretty icy even when not playing ice queens. She's quite wonderful here in being completely against her usual type and I love just how honestly she makes the good nature of her character in every one of her scenes with Giamatti. She's great in being so effectively genuine in every moment in creating their relationship particularly in the final scenes where she's actually quite heartbreaking. In addition, as Calvin mentioned, she quite naturally ages as well throughout.)
Driver - 3.5(The shrewish role it seems she's been a little strangely pigeonholed in it seems. I found her relatively entertaining here though giving enough of a substance to the role that could have completely turned to caricature, while also being properly funny in her more intentionally overt moments.)
Speedman - 2(I don't think he really makes any impact which is problem for his character. There just needed to be someone a bit more dynamic in the role since I kind of forgot about him the moment he leaves even though that is suppose to be a major element of the story.)
Rubinek - 3(I thought he was quite funny in his brief scene, and wouldn't have minded a bit more of him honestly.)
I know you don’t like her in her most of her work, but I really hope you give her more credit for 20th Century Women. To me outside of drastically toning down her usual shtick, Abby was a far more interesting and demanding role than she’s usually given. I still think the best acted scene last year was her reaction to finding out she can’t have kids.
McGregor - 3.5(His role isn't all that much outside of being the love interest honestly, however his performance does work through the chemistry he strikes up with Carrey. The two manage to be endearing and even quite sweet even within Carrey's characters more amoral actions, this through that chemistry by both actors that is wholly convincing.)
Fawkes - (Among a score that is a lot bland generic Williams tunes this one actually stands out. It is pure Williams to be sure but in a great way as he crafts such splendor particularly through the juxtaposition between the consistent strings, along with those quiet little interruptions. It captures the needed majesty with perhaps just a bit of mischief for the Phoenix.)
Harry in Winter - (Patrick Doyle is best when working with Kenneth Branagh, and much of this score blends together. This is one piece within it that truly stands out granting a real atmosphere of winter, using perhaps the old tricks with bells and light strings, however I'll say so what. It works in being a properly wonderful piece reflecting sort of an icy beauty in sound.)
Snape to Malfoy Manor - (Desplat personally upping the ante for the entire series properly taking it up a notch for the conclusion. Desplat does not hold back from the start bringing a proper urgency, yet still with that Pottermystic styling in there. It is intense in its use of strings however with still those little flourishes that call back to Williams's original score in the right way.)
Apparition on Train - (Brilliant work calling back to his work in Jaws with the high pitched strings along with a bit bass brass, though with an original bent fitting on a different type of horror. Never sounds repetition of that older score creating its own unique sense of unease, with a messiness and scratching quality about it that just seems to embody the dementors.)
Finale - (A pretty strong farewell from Williams to the series in a way, and an excellent combination of the past as well as things to come in terms of a combination of darkness and light. As the song becomes with the abject horror beautifully realized of the strings with the faint voices even building to a respite of more gentle voices, than a grander horns that beautifully segues into the harpsichord, and recorder, before building together again in sort of the classical Williams splendor.)
2000's Directed by Jonathan Glazer:
Soo-hyun: Sean Bean Kyung-chul: Liam Neeson Tae-Joo: Gary Oldman Chief Jang: Tom Wilkinson Section Chief: Robbie Coltrane
2010's Directed by Paul McGuigan:
Soo-hyun: Paul Bettany Kyung-chul: Daniel Craig Tae-Joo: Cliff Curtis Chief Jang: Malcolm McDowell Section Chief: Eddie Marsan
Side Note: I do not want to see that American remake happen.
Kim: Paddy Considine Jang: Brendan Gleeson Police Chief: Peter Mullan Tae Joo and Se-jung: Tim Roth and Essie Davis
2010s Version directed by Robert Eggers
Kim: Domhnall Gleeson Jang: Could have Brendan again (that'd be super creepy), but if not, perhaps Damian Lewis Police Chief: Ralph Ineson Tae Joo and Se-jung: Chris O'Dowd and Carmen Ejogo
Also, I think his method acting principles would be seriously challenged by the role, but I could easily see Daniel Day-Lewis in any version of Choi Min-sik's best performances.
Also, on McGregor just learnt that he's left his wife for Mary Elizabeth Winstead now. While it's not my position to comment on an actor's private life, have to say it's a shame, he and his wife seemed to really love one another.
Covered that already a bit last post, however in terms of personal preference it was disappointing to see Blade Runner and Three Billboards miss out.
In terms of what it means for the races, it doesn't say too much, but it does indicate a little. Winners from NBR can miss out, it's no guarantee of a win or even a nomination. It can put people on the map who weren't there before, like Stallone in 2015, and the top ten does say something. No one was added to the map from the wins. It does say though that The Post and Phantom Thread are at least part of the race. It also suggests at least some weakness in Three Billboards and Shape of Water's potential award chances which again should have been expected given they are idiosyncratic films from idiosyncratic filmmakers. I think both will find their success elsewhere, but they were never going to be sweepers.
Robert:
Look forward to those brutal murders set to Billboard's Top 50 of the 1980's!
I'm really hoping Hammer gets a 5. Entitled characters are so easy to overplay or caricaturize, yet he plays both of them with levels of sympathy that are uncommon to their archetype. They're still pompous, but he never portrays them as villains or even that much of bullies.
I thought it was fantastic. I'm actually really looking forward to the likes of Cumberbatch, Boseman and Holland taking over the reins. Visually it looks compelling, the stakes seem high (I imagine whatever they do with Vision will hit hard), and I can't wait to see Nomad Cap in action.
Luke: I feel like they're going to make exits for Downey Jr., Evans, Renner and maybe Huddleston and Johansson after the two Infinity Wars. It would seem to make sense that Thor and Hulk will carry on.
Calvin: It does have potential to be as good if not better than Civil War but they should've left out Black Panther and Wakanda altogether until after his solo film is released.
Lezlie: I'm honestly leaning towards McGregor or McDiarmid in Episode III. But I would say the best ACTED scene in the prequels surprisingly came from Christensen in Episode III when he finds out Padme is pregnant. I'm not big on the Nostalgia Critic, but I agree with his assessment on that scene and that Christensen's performance in Revenge is good when he isn't talking.
Lezlie: I'd say the same as Robert. My favourite scene is 'You were the Chosen One'. And I agree that Christensen would've been much better with a more competent script and direction.
Definitely agree about Christensen's wasted potential. While I don't think he would ever have been great, he definitely could have been much better with a better script and direction.
For the preequels as a whole, my favourite was McGregor. I couldn't really pick one scene that I'd say was outstanding, but looking at the trilogy, for me, he was the most consistently servicable, and he really seemed to have fun with the role. If they indeed make a post Ep. III Obi-Wan movie, I wouldn't mind seeing him back in the robes.
I just want a 15/R rated Hunchback remake yet Disney don't have the guts to make it.
I'm not interested in a Mulan remake, It has only one great song and frankly It's difficult to cast though they should cast John Lone as Mulan's father.
I've always thought a proper old fashioned war film with Mulan and a gang of soldiers like in 'Wonder Woman' would be pretty cool; off the top of my head, Nicolas Tse, Hayden Szeto, and Takeshi Kaneshiro (not Chinese but speaks the language) would be great choices for Shang.
Calvin: As with Beauty and the Beast, I'll most likely check it out once it gets to Digital, since neither of them are my favorites from Disney.
Luke: I'm still baffled by Stephen Daldry's hiring, though it's possible Disney badly wants directorial stability with their non-saga films. Still not sure why they went with Daldry though haha
3 for Tucci and Clarkson who I find mildly amusing though technically one note in portraying kind of hippie parents caricatures. 2.5 for Church, Kudrow and McDowell who I felt were wasted with the Church/Kudrow subplot being really underdeveloped. Everyone else wavers from a 2.5 to a 2.
Tahmeed:
No.
Luke:
Courtyard Apocalypse - (Again Desplat delivering the needed intensity still within the framework of Potterdom's musical voice, and with a genuine epic quality within it again that offers something special for the final act. There such a palatable emotional undercurrent in the almost simple yet potent combination of strings and the percussion.)
Buckbeak's flight - (Really terrific work from Williams again that plays a bit with his usual style nicely with his heavy drums that open it to slowly building towards such a genuine splendor that seems to evoke the images of the flight within the notes. Williams crafting again a piece that call upon his other fantastical works though here with just the right tenets of the musical language he granted to Potter.)
Lily's Theme - (The old single somber voice is something I think can get tired easily, but here is an example where I love it. Perhaps because of the way Desplat so modestly uses like an echo that seems to evoke the past rather than the present. He then so poignantly segues to the still modest orchestra realization of a simple yet powerful melody that just seems perfect for the idea of Harry's Mother.)
A Window to the past - (Love the use of the recorder where again Williams proves his ability a little outside his expected work in this score. The whole introduction is beautiful inn its restraint before slowly building upon in perhaps more classical Williams fashion yet brilliantly so before its outro where it again returns to that quiet theme.)
Hedwig's Theme - (The reason you get Williams. The main Potter melody is perfection as again with the very best of Williams the moment you hear it you exactly think of Potter. A particularly memorable introduction of this though was found through the music box intro that is simply splendid and is properly magical for the lack of a better word. This leads though in to such great segue as he brings the strings changing the melody to the brass before expanding upon it seemingly opening the world all the more. The piece was essential as it helped set the tone for the series, and did so incredibly effectively.)
In terms of the Mary Magdalene trailer I can't quite say my exact take as there were moments where it really seemed to work, mostly those focusing directly on Mara, and other times seemed a potential disaster. I'll say I'm cautiously interested to see how it turns out as it could be great or it could be terrible.
Calvin:
Would've have liked to have seen the vision scene in the actual movie. Otherwise I will say it was pretty good, though I am always suspicious of these more intense Marvel trailers after what they pulled with Age of Ultron and Iron Man 3. I just hope Brolin is genuinely menacing and not just made to be another joke.
Yes.
Mulan I think is one they should make as a non-musical as the central idea could make a great film completely outside of the original Disney interpretation.
85 comments:
1. Hammer
2. Kai Chi
3. Kingsley
4. Waititi
5. Lonsdale
1. Kingsley
2. Lonsdale
3. Waititi
4. Hammer
5. Kai Chi
Louis: Make sure to watch Poetry. Yoon Jeong-Hee could potentially take the Lead Actress win.
Please take your time with this lineup. I really want you to see the films that I mentioned on the previous post.
And thoughts on the female performances. Ratings on Wong, Richardson and Moretz.
Louis: your thoughts and ratings on:
- Greta Gerwig in Greenberg
- Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole
- Ruth Sheen in Another Year
And yes, you really need to check out Poetry. Have you seen Please Give yet?
Louis: forgot to ask, have you seen Lady Bird? I'm really curious to read your thoughts on Ronan's performance and the film as a whole, considering how much you seem to dislike Gerwig and her style. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm a fan of hers so...
Luke: Aside from Robin Hood obviously, surely there is no reason for him to see that lol.
Thoughts on
Dustin Hoffman
Stellan Skarsgard
Trond Nilssen
Peter Wight
David Bradley
Bob Hoskins
And Updated thoughts on Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit.
Anonymous: I'm actually rather curious on what his thoughts are on Crowe and Isaac. And I don't dislike it as much as most people do.
Louis: Thoughts on Dunst in All Good Things and Wasikowska & Bonham Carter in Alice In Wonderland.
1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai-Chi
1. Kingsley
2. Lonsdale
3. Waititi
4. Hammer
5. Kai Chi
I'm pretty glad we're getting at least 1 five in supporting. Ben Kingsley wouldn't be reviewed if he wasn't going up and once again, I'm hopeful for Hawkes And Mendelsohn.
Louis: I may be asking for much but please Re-Watch Inception.
Louis: thoughts and ratings on the cast of Barney's Version.
Actually, I'm gonna switch around Kingsley and Waititi.
1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Liu
5. Lonsdale
2. Waititi
3. Lonsdale
Also, I saw Good Time. Bit overhyped but it's a pretty solid thriller on the whole, visually great and a very good soundtrack. Bit unfocused though.
Pattison - 4.5
Safdie - 3.5/4
Leigh - 2.5
Abdi - 3.5
Duress - 3
Webster - 3
Luke:
Stone - (I really thought the film itself was fairly disposable however Stone is superb in the lead nonetheless and proves herself to be one of the most effortlessly charming actors around currently. She excels her again in just being incredibly endearing and the bits of comedy that do work mostly come from her performance which is pitch perfect. In turn when there is a slightly dramatic element later on Stone does deliver on this as well, even if it feels like a bit of an afterthought for the film. Stone though wisely never went caricature to begin with providing some needed substance within the caricatures around it.)
Hawkins - (Well as a more low key Norma Rae, Hawkins is pretty terrific in giving a properly straight forward performance in this vein. She absolutely delivers in all of her passionate speeches scenes, though I like the somewhat of an unease she brings showing someone who isn't use to the position. She does well though to reduce or exacerbate it depending on the circumstances. In turn she's also very good in creating the right chemistry with everyone of her co-stars, whether it is one of overt sympathy, or more of tension like that with her onscreen husband.)
Azabal - (While the film itself is perhaps just a little too much in terms of just how harrowing the central character's life, I will give credit where it is due with Azabal's consistently powerful portrayal of the woman. She effectively goes from one horror to another and is careful never to make this repetitious in her performance. This is in moments of initially purely shutting down, but also other moments of creating more of an inherent hatred that compels her further. Although I do find the film puts her character through a little too much of a wringer Azabal brings the needed humanity in every phase of it giving every moment of it a real power nonetheless.)
Swinton - (I have to say it seemed she was written pretty limited Italian scenes, however this makes enough sense since her character was suppose to be foreigner, although it would have made more sense to just make her English. Anyway I have to say I really didn't care for the film which I thought was just a series of cliches, handled in a cliched fashion. Swinton though I will say at least offers a touch respectability within the cliches by granting some emotional honesty to them even if I don't think it quite elevated the film by any margin.)
Manville - (It an interesting performance that takes over the film even though she is technically supporting in terms of her character's perspective. Manville though is a proper mess in every regard portraying such desperation that is frankly hard to watch at times, however Manville makes it real without just falling to histrionics. It's fascinating as she seems bigger than she's actually playing the part because she so well portrays this presence of someone that forces you to tiptoe around her, and you always unpleasantly wait for her to make the wrong reaction to something. She's a proper horrible wreck in every way in creating that insular manner as she constantly clings yet is wholly self-absorbed.)
Richardson - 4(This sort of the classical type of scene stealing performance and Richardson as expected delivers just the right incisiveness to every one of her lines in such short order. It is nothing unexpected, however it is the expected done exactly as it should be.)
Steinfeld and Azabal should be switched. 4's.
Dunst - 4(Should have been in the "ands" as Dunst I found gave a pretty strong performance even though it is sadly cut off early and very unceremoniously at that. Dunst though I found created the real menace of the situation outside of Gosling's lackluster performance, by portraying such a genuine growing fear throughout the first half of the film. I think the film would have been better off it it had been from her perspective for the entire film, and ended when she exits.)
Waskiowska - 2(I like her in general but here she's just terribly bland. She can't give any life to the role, she's at least not embarrassing I'll give her that, but she is far too demure in a role that needed someone to bring real energy to.)
Carter - 1(Along with Depp perhaps the embodiment of all of Burton's worst tendencies. Everything here is up to eleven in a way that isn't funny, it isn't entertaining while being wholly ridiculous. She's a cartoon a very unpleasant cartoon.)
Skarsgard - 3(I guess I was perhaps just a little disappointed here as Skarsgard seems perfect casting for a dictatorial school/prison master. He's still good however it feels like pretty standard grimacing Skarsgard. I mean it still works well, and to be fair he does bring a bit of substance in a few moments. He just never quite becomes the embodiment of systematic cruelty, nor does he feel fully fleshed out as a person either.)
Nilssen - 3.5(He delivers somewhat that is missing in Helstad's performance in that he brings the right emotional vulnerability that he slowly builds interestingly towards a confidence that grants a logical sense to the eventual developments of the plot. His performance helps the film reach that point, though I will say even that his performance is moving enough yet never quite goes beyond a certain point still.)
Wight - 4(He's pretty good as a less egocentric mess than Manville though he effectively portrays the same sort of person in spirit. Wight brings the right type of waves emotions of a man who just can't seem to understand where he should go, or what he should do exactly. He balances this well with more earnestly warm moments in Broadbent though still even in those moments creating a sense of man's unease in life.)
Bradley - 4(A very moving performance though in a very subtle way. Bradley's terrific though in portraying the general state of the man who is basically seized up in his grief. A grief that has settled to a certain extent the leave the man somewhat aimless. Bradley's particularly effective in the way this is the constant and moments of anger or amiability are basically the atypical ones.)
Hoskins - 4(Like Hawkins he similarly delivers in a pretty straight forward role. He is there to deliver a few passionate speeches and be generally supportive. He does both quite well as is to be expected.)
Deiner:
Gerwig - 2(No sir still don't like her to the point that I have this almost physical aversion to her work. It's a very strange thing that I can't fully explain, however I just don't like seeing her onscreen in most circumstances. Perhaps it is seeming a singular invention of an indie free spirit lead, with her performance only amplifying that notion that causes something most bizarre, and unpleasant for me.)
Kidman - 3.5(Like Eckhart I do like her performance in general however it never delivers really that extra something you'd expect given the subject matter. She's there, she portrays the grief fairly well however she just never quite takes the next step for me to really explore the character in a way that greats a real empathy or at least emotional impact in the story.)
Sheen - 3.5(Much like Broadbent she acts as the warm center of the film and her chemistry with him is wonderful in just how unassuming they are together. Past that though I felt she had perhaps fewer tests within that state then what is found in Broadbent's performance, however she's good in portraying well the consistency of this type of presence in a believable fashion.)
I'm actually rather looking forward to Ladybird as even though I'm not a fan of her acting, after all I don't care for Quentin Tarantino as an actor, especially since it seems like EVERYONE at least likes the film, even Armond White gave it a positive review.
Omar:
Hoffman - 3.5(He's pretty enjoyable in doing what he usually does these days which is casual Hoffman. In that he never quite goes for the intensity of his old days, but this is a good example of just kind of coasting on his natural charm and comic timing.)
Pike - (This is the most I've ever liked her in anything as I did not know she could honestly be this warm given she's pretty icy even when not playing ice queens. She's quite wonderful here in being completely against her usual type and I love just how honestly she makes the good nature of her character in every one of her scenes with Giamatti. She's great in being so effectively genuine in every moment in creating their relationship particularly in the final scenes where she's actually quite heartbreaking. In addition, as Calvin mentioned, she quite naturally ages as well throughout.)
Driver - 3.5(The shrewish role it seems she's been a little strangely pigeonholed in it seems. I found her relatively entertaining here though giving enough of a substance to the role that could have completely turned to caricature, while also being properly funny in her more intentionally overt moments.)
Speedman - 2(I don't think he really makes any impact which is problem for his character. There just needed to be someone a bit more dynamic in the role since I kind of forgot about him the moment he leaves even though that is suppose to be a major element of the story.)
Rubinek - 3(I thought he was quite funny in his brief scene, and wouldn't have minded a bit more of him honestly.)
Calvin: Why Leigh only a 2,5?
Yeah I have a good feeling about Lady Bird too Louis. You have to wonder what made it click for Armond.
Omar: she's fine, just gets nothing much to do.
Louis: What's your ratings and thoughts on the rest of the Easy A cast?
Yep, Louis reacted to Easy A the way I thought he would: a good leading performance from Emma Stone, but not much to speak of outside it.
1. Kingsley
2. Kai Chi
3. Waititi
4. Lonsdale
5. Hammer
I know you don’t like her in her most of her work, but I really hope you give her more credit for 20th Century Women. To me outside of drastically toning down her usual shtick, Abby was a far more interesting and demanding role than she’s usually given. I still think the best acted scene last year was her reaction to finding out she can’t have kids.
Has anyone seen Jim & Andy?
Your thoughts on Ewan McGregor in I Love You Philip Morris.
My domain was acting screwy before but I've got it now. Just so everyone knows this is the address for my blog.
https://leadactorawards.blogspot.ca/
Mitchell: Robert won't be pleased.
whys that?
Mitchell: I believe he hates Crowe in A Beautiful Mind.
Mitchell: Because I'm on record here on the blog that I thought Crowe was a disaster in A Beautiful Mind.
ahh.. well were not going to agree on everything
Anyway, best of luck with the blog Mitchell. :)
Louis: Your cast and director for a 2000s/10s UK version of I Saw The Devil.
And your thoughts on #10-6 Harry Potter pieces.
Luke:
McGregor - 3.5(His role isn't all that much outside of being the love interest honestly, however his performance does work through the chemistry he strikes up with Carrey. The two manage to be endearing and even quite sweet even within Carrey's characters more amoral actions, this through that chemistry by both actors that is wholly convincing.)
Fawkes - (Among a score that is a lot bland generic Williams tunes this one actually stands out. It is pure Williams to be sure but in a great way as he crafts such splendor particularly through the juxtaposition between the consistent strings, along with those quiet little interruptions. It captures the needed majesty with perhaps just a bit of mischief for the Phoenix.)
Harry in Winter - (Patrick Doyle is best when working with Kenneth Branagh, and much of this score blends together. This is one piece within it that truly stands out granting a real atmosphere of winter, using perhaps the old tricks with bells and light strings, however I'll say so what. It works in being a properly wonderful piece reflecting sort of an icy beauty in sound.)
Snape to Malfoy Manor - (Desplat personally upping the ante for the entire series properly taking it up a notch for the conclusion. Desplat does not hold back from the start bringing a proper urgency, yet still with that Pottermystic styling in there. It is intense in its use of strings however with still those little flourishes that call back to Williams's original score in the right way.)
Apparition on Train - (Brilliant work calling back to his work in Jaws with the high pitched strings along with a bit bass brass, though with an original bent fitting on a different type of horror. Never sounds repetition of that older score creating its own unique sense of unease, with a messiness and scratching quality about it that just seems to embody the dementors.)
Finale - (A pretty strong farewell from Williams to the series in a way, and an excellent combination of the past as well as things to come in terms of a combination of darkness and light. As the song becomes with the abject horror beautifully realized of the strings with the faint voices even building to a respite of more gentle voices, than a grander horns that beautifully segues into the harpsichord, and recorder, before building together again in sort of the classical Williams splendor.)
2000's Directed by Jonathan Glazer:
Soo-hyun: Sean Bean
Kyung-chul: Liam Neeson
Tae-Joo: Gary Oldman
Chief Jang: Tom Wilkinson
Section Chief: Robbie Coltrane
2010's Directed by Paul McGuigan:
Soo-hyun: Paul Bettany
Kyung-chul: Daniel Craig
Tae-Joo: Cliff Curtis
Chief Jang: Malcolm McDowell
Section Chief: Eddie Marsan
Side Note: I do not want to see that American remake happen.
Louis thoughts on the NBR awards?
Oh dear lord, Adam Wingard is the one attached to the I Saw the Devil remake.
Luke: I'll jump on the bandwagon for this
2000s Version directed by Shane Meadows
Kim: Paddy Considine
Jang: Brendan Gleeson
Police Chief: Peter Mullan
Tae Joo and Se-jung: Tim Roth and Essie Davis
2010s Version directed by Robert Eggers
Kim: Domhnall Gleeson
Jang: Could have Brendan again (that'd be super creepy), but if not, perhaps Damian Lewis
Police Chief: Ralph Ineson
Tae Joo and Se-jung: Chris O'Dowd and Carmen Ejogo
Also, I think his method acting principles would be seriously challenged by the role, but I could easily see Daniel Day-Lewis in any version of Choi Min-sik's best performances.
Also, on McGregor just learnt that he's left his wife for Mary Elizabeth Winstead now. While it's not my position to comment on an actor's private life, have to say it's a shame, he and his wife seemed to really love one another.
I’m more surprised that Winstead left Riley Sterns, they seemed like that one would last.
Anonymous:
Covered that already a bit last post, however in terms of personal preference it was disappointing to see Blade Runner and Three Billboards miss out.
In terms of what it means for the races, it doesn't say too much, but it does indicate a little. Winners from NBR can miss out, it's no guarantee of a win or even a nomination. It can put people on the map who weren't there before, like Stallone in 2015, and the top ten does say something. No one was added to the map from the wins. It does say though that The Post and Phantom Thread are at least part of the race. It also suggests at least some weakness in Three Billboards and Shape of Water's potential award chances which again should have been expected given they are idiosyncratic films from idiosyncratic filmmakers. I think both will find their success elsewhere, but they were never going to be sweepers.
Robert:
Look forward to those brutal murders set to Billboard's Top 50 of the 1980's!
I'm really hoping Hammer gets a 5. Entitled characters are so easy to overplay or caricaturize, yet he plays both of them with levels of sympathy that are uncommon to their archetype. They're still pompous, but he never portrays them as villains or even that much of bullies.
1. Ben Kingsley
2. Taika Watiti
3. Armie Hammer
4. Michael Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
Seen all of them except Liu, hoping the top 4 get strong 4.5s at least (and obviously that Kingsley gets a 5).
1. Kingsley
2. Watiti
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
1. Kingsley
2. Hammer
3. Watiti
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi
1. Kingsley
2. Watiti
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
Michael McCarthy: Your ratings and thoughts on the cast of The Way Back.
Louis: Thoughts on #5-1 Harry Potter pieces.
Louis: Is McGregor a 5 for The Ghost Writer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjNQq0iXJYY
Infinity War teaser.
What did you think of it Calvin. I like the teaser though it would've been better if they saved it until after Black Panther.
I thought it was fantastic. I'm actually really looking forward to the likes of Cumberbatch, Boseman and Holland taking over the reins. Visually it looks compelling, the stakes seem high (I imagine whatever they do with Vision will hit hard), and I can't wait to see Nomad Cap in action.
Luke: I feel like they're going to make exits for Downey Jr., Evans, Renner and maybe Huddleston and Johansson after the two Infinity Wars. It would seem to make sense that Thor and Hulk will carry on.
Calvin: It does have potential to be as good if not better than Civil War but they should've left out Black Panther and Wakanda altogether until after his solo film is released.
Louis: Your thoughts on the teaser and the trailer for Mary Magdalene.
1. Ben Kingsley
2. Taika Watiti
3. Armie Hammer
4. Michael Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
Changing mine:
1. Hammer
2. Kingsley (though I think you guys are overrating him a bit)
3. Waititi
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi
1. Ben Kingsley
2. Taika Watiti
3. Armie Hammer
4. Michael Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
Rating predictions
Kingsley - 5
Waititi - 4.5/5
Hammer - 4.5/5
Lonsdale - 4.5
Kai Chi - 4
And upgrades for Hawkes, Mendelsohn, Bale (I think he should be Supporting) and Rush (He's Borderline for me)
Louis: could Landry Jones potentially go up to a 4 for Three Billboards?
Are you sure Kingsley deserves a 5? I mean, it's good work by him, but... a 5?
Alex: I have him at a 4.5, but as I said earlier, he wouldn't be reviewed if he wasn't being upgraded.
The alternative probably would've been Colin Farrell in The Way Back.
Alex: Also, Michael would be the guy to answer that question since Kingsley's his winner for the year.
Louis: also, Hawkes. The more I think about it the more I appreciate how he didn't make his character just a one-note straw man/jerk.
Personally I don’t think Kingsley should go above a 4, but then again I’m not big on the movie itself.
1. Armie Hammer
2. Ben Kingsley
3. Taika Waitit
4. Michael Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
I haven't posted in a while :P
Some extra questions: What did you think of Olivier Rabourdin in Of Gods and Men?
Who do you think gives the best performance in the maligned Star Wars prequel movies?
Lezlie: Good to see you again after a couple of years away. :)
He hasn't seen Of Gods And Men yet.
And the highest rated performance is a 3 for Christopher Lee in Attack Of The Clones.
Lezlie: I'm honestly leaning towards McGregor or McDiarmid in Episode III. But I would say the best ACTED scene in the prequels surprisingly came from Christensen in Episode III when he finds out Padme is pregnant. I'm not big on the Nostalgia Critic, but I agree with his assessment on that scene and that Christensen's performance in Revenge is good when he isn't talking.
Lezlie: I'd say the same as Robert. My favourite scene is 'You were the Chosen One'. And I agree that Christensen would've been much better with a more competent script and direction.
Definitely agree about Christensen's wasted potential. While I don't think he would ever have been great, he definitely could have been much better with a better script and direction.
For the preequels as a whole, my favourite was McGregor. I couldn't really pick one scene that I'd say was outstanding, but looking at the trilogy, for me, he was the most consistently servicable, and he really seemed to have fun with the role. If they indeed make a post Ep. III Obi-Wan movie, I wouldn't mind seeing him back in the robes.
1.Kingsley
2.Lonsdale
3.Waititi
4.Hammer
5.Kai Chi
1. Armie Hammer
2. Ben Kingsley
3. Taika Waitit
4. Michael Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi
Leslie: There actually is an Obi-Wan solo film being developed by Stephen Daldry. Not sure yet if McGregor is coming back though.
Bryan L: He wants to come back and it would be idiotic for Disney to go with anyone else. What worries me is Daldry.
What are everyone's thoughts on the upcoming Mulan remake?
I just want a 15/R rated Hunchback remake yet Disney don't have the guts to make it.
I'm not interested in a Mulan remake, It has only one great song and frankly It's difficult to cast though they should cast John Lone as Mulan's father.
I've always thought a proper old fashioned war film with Mulan and a gang of soldiers like in 'Wonder Woman' would be pretty cool; off the top of my head, Nicolas Tse, Hayden Szeto, and Takeshi Kaneshiro (not Chinese but speaks the language) would be great choices for Shang.
Yeah, a Hunchback live-action would be great.
Calvin: As with Beauty and the Beast, I'll most likely check it out once it gets to Digital, since neither of them are my favorites from Disney.
Luke: I'm still baffled by Stephen Daldry's hiring, though it's possible Disney badly wants directorial stability with their non-saga films. Still not sure why they went with Daldry though haha
Matt:
3 for Tucci and Clarkson who I find mildly amusing though technically one note in portraying kind of hippie parents caricatures. 2.5 for Church, Kudrow and McDowell who I felt were wasted with the Church/Kudrow subplot being really underdeveloped. Everyone else wavers from a 2.5 to a 2.
Tahmeed:
No.
Luke:
Courtyard Apocalypse - (Again Desplat delivering the needed intensity still within the framework of Potterdom's musical voice, and with a genuine epic quality within it again that offers something special for the final act. There such a palatable emotional undercurrent in the almost simple yet potent combination of strings and the percussion.)
Buckbeak's flight - (Really terrific work from Williams again that plays a bit with his usual style nicely with his heavy drums that open it to slowly building towards such a genuine splendor that seems to evoke the images of the flight within the notes. Williams crafting again a piece that call upon his other fantastical works though here with just the right tenets of the musical language he granted to Potter.)
Lily's Theme - (The old single somber voice is something I think can get tired easily, but here is an example where I love it. Perhaps because of the way Desplat so modestly uses like an echo that seems to evoke the past rather than the present. He then so poignantly segues to the still modest orchestra realization of a simple yet powerful melody that just seems perfect for the idea of Harry's Mother.)
A Window to the past - (Love the use of the recorder where again Williams proves his ability a little outside his expected work in this score. The whole introduction is beautiful inn its restraint before slowly building upon in perhaps more classical Williams fashion yet brilliantly so before its outro where it again returns to that quiet theme.)
Hedwig's Theme - (The reason you get Williams. The main Potter melody is perfection as again with the very best of Williams the moment you hear it you exactly think of Potter. A particularly memorable introduction of this though was found through the music box intro that is simply splendid and is properly magical for the lack of a better word. This leads though in to such great segue as he brings the strings changing the melody to the brass before expanding upon it seemingly opening the world all the more. The piece was essential as it helped set the tone for the series, and did so incredibly effectively.)
In terms of the Mary Magdalene trailer I can't quite say my exact take as there were moments where it really seemed to work, mostly those focusing directly on Mara, and other times seemed a potential disaster. I'll say I'm cautiously interested to see how it turns out as it could be great or it could be terrible.
Calvin:
Would've have liked to have seen the vision scene in the actual movie. Otherwise I will say it was pretty good, though I am always suspicious of these more intense Marvel trailers after what they pulled with Age of Ultron and Iron Man 3. I just hope Brolin is genuinely menacing and not just made to be another joke.
Yes.
Mulan I think is one they should make as a non-musical as the central idea could make a great film completely outside of the original Disney interpretation.
1. Watiti
2. Kingsley
3. Lonsdale
4. Liu Kai Chi
5. Hammer
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