tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post7197452387060290164..comments2024-03-28T08:13:56.915-04:00Comments on Best Actor: Alternate Best Actor 1987: Klaus Kinski in Cobra VerdeLouis Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-73867171405744761962018-11-29T21:36:47.159-05:002018-11-29T21:36:47.159-05:00Luke:
Creed II adheres to the Rocky formula, but ...Luke:<br /><br />Creed II adheres to the Rocky formula, but it is a testament to the strength of that formula that it works so well. Within the formula it again hits its marks so well in terms of granting the investment in the fight, and just offering sort of that inspirational thrust within the story. Although I'd say there is a touch less panache within the visual direction, Steven Caple, Jr. does some fine work overall. Of course there is more than that, as this is early rather than late Rocky style, despite the connections to IV. The personal story and character work is again terrific as it was in Creed. I'd say in one capacity, better, as the Dragos' story offers some real surprises giving a more fleshed out opponent than in the first film. Although with the main characters it doesn't hit the emotional heights of the original, it feels like such a natural progression for them, and I loved just spending more time with Rocky and Adonis.<br /><br />Jordan - 4.5(Jordan really doesn't lose anything in his portrayal the second time bringing once again that dynamic drive within his performance. He offers that sort passion of the fighter, but once again a real anger within it. This time though he channels it more specifically as this pain as connected to the loss to his father. It is similar to what the character was going through in the first film, but I like how Jordan never replays it showing it as this natural progression towards more. In addition he's great in his personal moments with Stallone and Thompson. Very good specifically in realizing the growth of the character as he slowly loses that angry young man he was in the first film, to become a more well rounded individual. It's the type of reprise I like as Jordan never regresses Creed, the missteps the character makes feel natural emotionally, and he does take him to somewhere new by the end of the film.)<br /><br />Stallone - 4(He doesn't rip your heart out like he did in the last film, but this is still some strong work from Stallone. He once again excels as this mentor figure with Adonis though never compromising his character as Rocky. I especially love one semi-comedic, but also honest moment early on where Rocky recounts something to help Adonis outside of the boxing ring. Stallone just is on point finding the right balance within the character, and brings the Rocky we've loved since 76 to the screen again.)<br /><br />Thompson - 4(Really strong work from her in creating this chemistry with Jordan that so naturally grows from the first film. I love how both of them convey the maturation of the relationship in this film. On her end Thompson is excellent in bringing an even greater emotional weight in her moments of speaking of their future and reacting to Adonis's fights. She takes it further than even the last film showing how the connection between the two of them has only grown.)<br /><br />Rashad - 3(Good work from her again in creating the right sort of combination of concern that combines a real warmth with a more intense attitude when it comes to the moments of argument with Adonis.)<br /><br />Hornsby - (Not a bad rendition of George Washington Duke from Rocky V, but they don't use him very much even though he shows up throughout the film.) Louis Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-89335892955332473002018-11-23T19:03:31.233-05:002018-11-23T19:03:31.233-05:00Well that's a good one, another I'd say is...Well that's a good one, another I'd say is that Cromwell didn't have more meat as a character, as the idea of such a wild man playing such a controlled individual could have been interesting. The film just simplifies Cromwell too much as the "hero". It's a shame as they did make a complicated lead in Charles which Guinness ran with. And just for a fantasy casting, I think I've said it before, I'll say it again I think he would've given a 5 star turn if he had played Malone in The Untouchables. The role just would've been perfect for him.<br /><br />Anonymous:<br /><br />There is so much more though within the orchestral score that captures this certain quite melancholy. It is rather atypical in this sense in the restraint shown in many of the choices with some minimal combinations such as just a bit of plucking on the violin with some quite strumming. It is far more low key than most lacking the traditional heroic themes, instead creating such a palatable atmosphere of near despair that amplifies the dread around are sad sack hero with the odds against him. It is wonderful low key work that stands out among westerns of the time.<br /><br />The cinematography is another stand out aspect of the film as its use of black and white is closer to noir than a lot of westerns. In that it creates a real distance in its lighting, and a vibrancy that actually isolates each subject. It subtly uses shadows again to create such lurid atmosphere. This is along with particularly dynamic compositions often with a deep focus that adds to that very unusual vibrancy that makes every shadow, and light source stand out.Louis Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-9910891334388656282018-11-23T16:33:38.839-05:002018-11-23T16:33:38.839-05:00Luke: Interesting that you mention The Field, sinc...Luke: Interesting that you mention The Field, since he was the only nominee from that film, and he very well could've won if the film was better than the final result, which in turn, could've lead to more nominations for the film and more support. Plus, he achieved veteran status by then, and definitely could've charmed the voters.<br /><br />Although I am glad Jeremy Irons has a statueBryan L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11734763991830926605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-65480405139039813702018-11-23T14:15:45.272-05:002018-11-23T14:15:45.272-05:00I could definitely see Driver getting in.I could definitely see Driver getting in.Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-68363137077135272712018-11-23T13:26:18.454-05:002018-11-23T13:26:18.454-05:00Calvin: I do think Vice will gather more momentum ...Calvin: I do think Vice will gather more momentum during this awards season whereas Widows could struggle especially if McQueen doesn't get the Director noms and Debicki's up against Robbie, Weisz and Stone for the last 2 spots in Supporting Actress so that could crossover to Supporting Actor as well, as I've seen some having Driver and Jordan in there as well.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-22658936138325827702018-11-23T13:12:13.027-05:002018-11-23T13:12:13.027-05:00Calvin: Of course, but even I've been hearing ...Calvin: Of course, but even I've been hearing praise for Carell in Vice as Donald Rumsfeld and Rockwell though apparently great isn't in it enough.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-21048123840722899292018-11-23T13:00:35.423-05:002018-11-23T13:00:35.423-05:00Just realized I've already given 16 5's th...Just realized I've already given 16 5's this year. <br /><br />Luke: You reckon Kaluuya will be in alternate supporting? I'd definitely agree that the prospects of an Oscar nomination are a bit slimmer but with Chalamet losing lots of steam and Rockwell, unlike Bale and Adams, hasn't got *that* much hype yet, there's still a chance.Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-40544086278336344992018-11-23T12:08:25.869-05:002018-11-23T12:08:25.869-05:00Alternate Supporting lineup
Nelson/Waits
Yeun
Fran...Alternate Supporting lineup<br />Nelson/Waits<br />Yeun<br />Franky<br />Hornsby<br />And either Kaluuya or Alessandro Nivola in Disobedience (Robert has an unused request which I guess he's saving for a 2018 review and it'll be one of these 2 I think)Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-51124483265983459722018-11-23T10:13:59.469-05:002018-11-23T10:13:59.469-05:00Louis: Thoughts on the score and cinematography fo...Louis: Thoughts on the score and cinematography for the 1957 3:10 to Yuma.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-202354325820190302018-11-23T09:02:46.662-05:002018-11-23T09:02:46.662-05:00Louis: In your opinion what's the biggest miss...Louis: In your opinion what's the biggest missed opportunity of Richard Harris's career. It could either be a part he should've played or a performance he gave that could've been greater, whether he didn't bring enough effort to the role (Rarely saw a lack of it) or there were other elements that let him down. For me, if the screenplay was far better than it was, The Field could've been a career-best for him.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-27700780894865791512018-11-23T08:19:07.844-05:002018-11-23T08:19:07.844-05:00Based on reviews alone I’m predicting a 5 for Gran...Based on reviews alone I’m predicting a 5 for Grant.Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-78461147106048713382018-11-23T08:17:03.753-05:002018-11-23T08:17:03.753-05:00And I can't rule out Richard E. Grant either i...And I can't rule out Richard E. Grant either in Can You Ever Forgive Me?.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-37897654188419267862018-11-23T08:13:13.419-05:002018-11-23T08:13:13.419-05:00Calvin: I predict between 4 to 6 fives for Support...Calvin: I predict between 4 to 6 fives for Supporting Actor. Nelson, Waits, Yeun and Franky being 4 of them. We'll see with Russell Hornsby in The Hate U Give. However, my mind hasn't changed on Kaluuya and we could get a couple more surprises.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-43995565202657349722018-11-23T08:04:34.482-05:002018-11-23T08:04:34.482-05:00Like: I could see Waits winning the overall.Like: I could see Waits winning the overall.Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-51070483210213918012018-11-23T07:05:02.530-05:002018-11-23T07:05:02.530-05:00Honestly for Scruggs I at least liked all the stor...Honestly for Scruggs I at least liked all the stories. Meal Ticket was probably the weakest but I still found it strangely moving. I actually wished Near Algodones was a bit longer, really enjoyed Franco’s constantly befuddled outlaw and the ending was powerful. Quite loved The Mortal Remains, and I’d probably give O’Neill a 4.5. <br /><br />And I loved the other three just about equally. Scruggs was hilarious and just amazingly fun, All Gold Canyon is just a beautiful one man show, and The Gal Who Got Rattled was such atypical yet incredible stuff from the Coens.Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-46481198962461044472018-11-23T04:46:39.612-05:002018-11-23T04:46:39.612-05:00Louis: More detailed thoughts on Creed II and rati...Louis: More detailed thoughts on Creed II and ratings/thoughts on the cast.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-77836356328137013912018-11-23T00:07:20.969-05:002018-11-23T00:07:20.969-05:00Louis: O'Neill is a strong 4 from me and I cou...Louis: O'Neill is a strong 4 from me and I could bump him up purely for those eyes of his. Matt Mustinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03310037237651825936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-56678365783832682452018-11-22T23:45:07.501-05:002018-11-22T23:45:07.501-05:00Heck - (Honestly could go higher with his performa...Heck - (Honestly could go higher with his performance because I love the way he slowly reveals this really vulnerable and honest man also within this western type. This being of the tough wagon train leader. I love how he brings such a vibrancy and earnestness in this. In that even in a comedic moment, such as his bad shooting, is realized with such a sincerity in Heck's performance. I like the way he slowly though sort of opens up the man's emotions yet still does it so quietly that still feels natural to the character. Simply wonderful work.)<br /><br />Hines - (He is mostly just there, but entirely fine at first. Once the "raid" happens though it is sort of this tour de force from him. There is just something so compelling as he conducts his performance with this overwhelming confidence. A confidence that is not only conveys the strength of the man in the situation, but also the emotional strength in terms of handling it with the fearful Alice with him. Although he doesn't dwell on it Hines delivers such a powerful empathy in these moments, and I found his quiet final delivery devastating by how simply yet so honestly he spoke the words.)<br /><br />Daly - (Perhaps left the least impression on me of the riders however she does sort of the overly sensitive biddy rather well for her part.)<br /><br />Gleeson - (Can deliver a proper emotion to his ballads but more than that the cheerfulness he adheres to his character is just wonderfully dark. Gleeson makes for a proper pair though as there is something also not quite right about him though in a, purposefully, more subtle way than with O'Neill.)<br /><br />O'Neill - (Speaking of just terrific work from him, and really I'd at least raise him to a 4. There is something so engaging in his work that is charming yet with this certain almost demonic bent. The way he so spiritedly speaks of matters of life and death, the same way he speaks of his stories is as a man who seems to treasure death in the way others do existence. O'Neill brings something slightly otherworldly in that gaze of his, and the way he so assuredly conducts himself.)<br /><br />Ross & Rubinek - (An enjoyable work from both them in delivering their own archetypes though with a little more granted to them. Ross being a bit more overtly comedic in his properly gruff way of speaking the knowledge of a trapper, while Rubinek granting something more within his reactions of trying to decipher the two strange men in front of him. His final silent moments are especially well handled as he says so much with just a tip of the hat.)Louis Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-35549898016283048942018-11-22T23:45:00.556-05:002018-11-22T23:45:00.556-05:00Calvin:
Watson - (Loved his straight laced delive...Calvin:<br /><br />Watson - (Loved his straight laced delivery of stating being the best gun slinger/singing cowboy in his intro. He then delivers that duet just beautifully.)<br /><br />Brown and Krumholtz are fun archetypes.<br /><br />Franco - (Franco does his sort of air headed cowboy with a proper comedic timing in his consistent level of bafflement as a man rather lost his world. He though also does manage to find a bit of poignancy in his final reaction as just a bit of joy.)<br /><br />Root - (Entertaining bit of madness from him.)<br /><br />Neeson - (I do think his presence is well suited to its cause, and that does add something to his role. His role though is very limited however I do think he does bring something towards alluding to some connection to his titular ticker. That being in his reaction at the very end of the story where he does deliver some weight within the implication.)<br /><br />Melling - (First of all, THAT's DUDLEY DURSLEY!, Secondly he certainly can act, with quite a few limitations to say the least. Melling's only lines are of monologues which he delivers brilliantly with the right combination of showmanship of the passion fueled drama. With that though I think he does manage to be moving in creating this very low key melancholy in his silent interactions with Neeson, even with the general contentment of his position.)<br /><br />Kazan - (Rather liked her performance here in that I though she managed to be sort of this western type while never falling into either caricature nor does she betray that type. She rather realizes that type into an honest person even within that creating the right subdued emotion within the character's plight. She effectively shows someone who is of this reserved nature, but still allows us to wholly sympathize with her.)Louis Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-31496825520301748412018-11-22T23:44:29.025-05:002018-11-22T23:44:29.025-05:00Saw Creed II, the Rocky II of Creed movies, which ...Saw Creed II, the Rocky II of Creed movies, which means pretty good even if it doesn't do anything too out of the ordinary. <br /><br />Robert & Tahmeed: <br /><br />I'll certainly keep those recommendations in mind. <br /><br />Anonymous:<br /><br />1. Dante Ferretti<br />2. Yoshiro Muraki<br />3. Charles D. Hall<br />4. Hein Heckroth<br />5. Jack Fisk<br />6. Van Nest Polglase<br />7. Dennis Gassner & Nancy Haigh<br />8. Otto Hunte<br />9. Ken Adam<br />10. John Box<br /><br />The Tin Star is one of Mann's best westerns, as once again he's working with one of his best scripts. It is just extremely well plotted in terms of setting up the town, creating the dynamic between the green sheriff, and the hardened drifter. It grants the time into the interpersonal relationships both through the main characters, but also just in terms of smaller moments. This includes just the bandits themselves, as well as the quick to judgement towns folk. It sets its pieces up extremely well, while also making it such a compelling narrative to drive the central relationship between the two characters who are so well developed throughout the film. It creates such a natural progression in their dialogue together in terms of the lessons granted to the sheriff, and making his maturity by the end of the film feel wholly earned. <br /><br />Bryan:<br /><br />Dean - Can certainly see it with early Brando in creating that sort of angst, but also the low key romance of the flashback scenes.<br /><br />Hanks Roles - Agree with Calvin. <br /><br />Wallace - Hmmm maybe actually, as the sort of later Brando indulgence could potentially have worked there. <br /><br />Toby Howard - Very early Brando most certainly who could share the spotlight without being boring either. <br /><br />Connie - Again very early Brando most definitely, though I think Clift is probably the more natural fit there. <br /><br />Tahmeed:<br /><br />It's a terrific episode in terms of what is essentially the centerpiece of the episode. That being the wedding where you really see the greatness of the interplay realized between the characters there, through the tensions both directly and indirectly revealed. One would wish that this level of writing could find itself a bit more in the later seasons as the interactions both are dynamic and natural. Of course this building so well to the climax of the episode granted towards the death of one of the most despised of all GOT characters. Speaking of despised the episode does feature an important moment of Ramsay, which sadly was eliminated to a degree later on, in terms of his interactions with his father. We also get one of the great Alfie Allen moments, in his particularly heartbreaking reaction to hearing the news of Robb, which I like has bit of something more through Roose's reactions to Ramsay's torture. <br /><br />1. Showing off his "dog"<br />2. Pork sausage<br />3. Pretending to be a friend<br />4. demise<br />5. Being made a Bolton<br /><br />Luke:<br /><br />Hmmm, great effects but looks quite pointless. Louis Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933180959140340196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-18110341975313240732018-11-22T22:05:03.929-05:002018-11-22T22:05:03.929-05:00Louis: could I have your thoughts on the Buster Sc...Louis: could I have your thoughts on the Buster Scruggs cast sans Nelson and Waits? Calvin Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392068349392739631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-55326469031686584492018-11-22T17:57:37.483-05:002018-11-22T17:57:37.483-05:00Louis: Your thoughts on The Lion King teaser.Louis: Your thoughts on The Lion King teaser.Luke Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07075392435078135757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-59695916151249282352018-11-22T14:13:31.697-05:002018-11-22T14:13:31.697-05:00Louis: Your thoughts on the Game of Thrones episod...Louis: Your thoughts on the Game of Thrones episode 'The Lion and the Rose', and your top 5 Iwan Rheon acting moments. Tahmeed Chowdhuryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07946081425647648210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-53228704108385302762018-11-22T13:57:24.642-05:002018-11-22T13:57:24.642-05:00Louis: Oh and Brando as Connie Nikas?Louis: Oh and Brando as Connie Nikas?Bryan L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11734763991830926605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2457552600380761837.post-87239431724656794672018-11-22T11:58:33.972-05:002018-11-22T11:58:33.972-05:00Calvin: I figured that as well, but remember, Copp...Calvin: I figured that as well, but remember, Coppola got the best out of him in that decade. I think he at least could've pulled off Zach'ry, since he was adept at Shakespeare, and this wouldn't be far off. Although the other roles would've been a huge wild card...Bryan L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11734763991830926605noreply@blogger.com