Alright, as usual, here are my predictions for the Oscars
Best Picture
Will win: The Revenant
Could win: Spotlight
Should win: Brooklyn/The Martian
Best Director
Will win: Alejandro G. Inarritu - The Revenant
Could win: George Miller - Mad Max: Fury Road
Should win: George Miller - Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor
Will win: Leonardo DiCaprio - Hugh Glass in The Revenant
Could win: No one, it's his
Should win: Leonardo DiCaprio
Best Actress
Will win: Brie Larson - Joy "Ma" Newsome in Room
Could win: Saoirse Ronan - Eilis Lacey in Brooklyn
Should win: Saoirse Ronan
Best Supporting Actor
Will win: Sylvester Stallone - Rocky Balboa in Creed
Could win: Mark Rylance - Rudolph Abel in Bridge of Spies
Should win: Mark Rylance
Best Supporting Actress
Will win: Alicia Vikander - Gerda Wegener in The Danish Girl
Could win: Kate Winslet - Joanna Hoffman in Steve Jobs
Should win: Rooney Mara - Therese Belivet in Carol
Best Original Screenplay
Will win: Spotlight
Could win: Inside Out
Should win: Inside Out
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will win: The Big Short
Could win: Room
Should win: Brooklyn
Best Animated Film
Will win: Inside Out
Could win: Nothing
Should win: Inside Out
28 February, 2016
26 February, 2016
My Top 10 Films of 2015
Yes it might be over a month late, but the fact is I live in the UK and what can I say, our film release schedule isn't exactly helpful when it comes to fashioning a top 10 list. Many of these films actually didn't come out in the UK until January and I've only just been able to see recently. My point is, I'm not procrastinating; I'm being thorough. With that said, the rules:
A film is eligible to make the list if it is eligible to be nominated at the 2016 Academy Awards next month, that is to say in spite of the fact that some of these films didn't hit UK shores until 2016, they're eligible to be nominated for the Academy Awards that honour films from 2015. Also these films are not necessarily ranked in order of objective merit, they're based on my own personal preference, although I do think all these films are also very good. All clear? Splendid.
First of all, here are some honourable mentions, in no particular order:
So, without further ado, we're counting down...
The Top 10 Films of 2015
At #10: Spotlight
Formerly the hot favourite to win best picture at the Oscars later this month, Spotlight's position has come under threat from the surging momentum of The Revenant, particularly following it's BAFTA victory on Sunday. However of the two, I do think Spotlight is the better film. The Revenant is arguably more impressive in it's technical brilliance and it's stunning visuals, but I found Spotlight's simpler, more formulaic story carried more emotional heft in it's story about the Boston Globe team that broke the story about widespread sex abuse within the Catholic church, and was ultimately the more compelling film in my view. It's hampered somewhat by an unremarkable screenplay, but it's talented cast makes it more interesting than this journalism procedural film would otherwise be. As Oscar bait goes, I'll take this over The Artist any day.
#9: Creed
Is it a sequel? Is it a reboot? Is it just a standalone film set in a preexisting universe? Creed manages to deftly straddle the fine line between all three, paying respect to the original Rocky story but with a very clear identity of it's own. A cheap cash in this is not, Creed is crafted with passion and skill, and has earned it's place along with the very best films in the Rocky series. Michael B. Jordan gives an understated, perhaps occasionally a little passive leading performance as Adonis Creed, son of the late Apollo Creed who tracks down his father's old rival, Rocky Balboa, and asks that Rocky train him. Sylvester Stallone returns to the role that made him famous and gives what is surely the finest performance of his career, as Rocky wrestles with the pain of his past losses, the incessant forward march of time, and new battles unlike any he has fought before. It's a great performance in a great film, and Creed demonstrates that even in it's seventh outing, the Rocky franchise clearly still hasn't heard no bell.
#8: Bridge of Spies
Tom "America" Hanks and Steven Spielberg are at it again. Bridge of Spies doesn't try and do anything fancy with it's premise, what you're expecting going in is what you'll get, but it's story is told so competently and confidently, and Hanks is such a likeable screen presence that it doesn't detract from the experience at all. Matching Hanks stride for stride is Mark Rylance who gives a magnificent supporting performance as soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Ultimately there isn't much to say about Bridge of Spies, it's almost too straightforward for it's own good, but it's unadventurous screenplay tells a wonderful story, and that is more than enough to secure it a place on this list.
#7: Carol
Carol is a film that lives and dies on the strength of it's two lead actresses. Fortunately Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett are more than up to the task as Therese Belivet and Carol Aird respectively. They are magnificent in their roles and combined with the assured direction of Todd Haynes, Carol creates a truly engaging love story that I enjoyed every moment of. It's production values are excellent, it's score is perfect, it's a thoroughly well made film from beginning to end, and had it had a more satisfying ending it would have been higher on this list. As it is though, it's still a wonderful film, and not much else needs to be said about it.
#6: Mad Max: Fury Road
At it's heart, Mad Max: Fury Road is a big, dumb, popcorn movie. But it's a really, really good one. Fury Road is the best action film of 2015 by an absolute mile. It's action is creative, memorable, and visceral, the adrenaline rush rarely letting up. But so what? Many films are just wall to wall action and end up being an unenjoyable, brainless mess. What makes Fury Road different is that at it's centre are two likeable, competent main characters who you like and want to see succeed. A revolutionary concept, I know. The film could land George Miller a much deserved Best Director award at the Oscars, but equal praise should go to it's production values, it's cinematography, and the performances of Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy for making Fury Road, without hyperbole, one of the best action films I've ever seen.
#5: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
It's become something of a cliché, but The Force Awakens really did make me feel like a kid again. I saw better films than this in 2015, I saw films I liked more in 2015. Even comparing it to other films on this list, I'd find it difficult to argue that it's better than films like Fury Road or Carol. But the experience counts for a great deal, and The Force Awakens was by far the most fun I had at the cinema all year. It's an exhilarating, wonderful ride, and it's here for that reason. That's not to say it's just spectacle though, far from it. It boasts a terrific cast, including John Boyega who's solid and likeable as Finn; Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux is a kind of over the top but still fun bad guy, while Adam Driver's Kylo Ren perhaps doesn't quite work as an antagonist, but is an engaging, often sympathetic character. Leading the cast is Daisy Ridley giving a star-making turn as the film's protagonist, Rey. When she's finished with Star Wars, Ridley has a very bright future ahead of her. The force is indeed strong with this one. As it is with the film. The Force Awakens is a blast, I loved it. It's #5.
#4: The Martian
Well whether it's a comedy or a drama, The Martian is a tremendous film. It actually topped this list at one point, and while it has slipped a few places, it's quality is undoubted. Not only is it Ridley Scott's best film in years, it boasts the best performance of Matt Damon's career. Damon is terrific as Mark Watney, a botanist stranded on Mars who must call upon his knowledge of science to survive until he can be rescued. At it's heart, the Martian is a film about smart people solving hard problems in difficult situations, and while such a procedural could become wonkish and bogged down, Matt Damon's terrific central performance, and the performance of the cast in general, along with a witty, entertaining, and yes often funny script, help give heart to the film's head. In addition the film's staging of Mars is both beautiful and authentic, and the film is bolstered by snappy, solid direction that helps the film keep a good pace without ever feeling rushed. It really is a tremendous achievement, and if I were ranking these films based purely on merit, excluding personal preference, the Martian would finish a very close second.
#3: Brooklyn
This film is just beautiful. Not just visually, but as a film, as an entity, as a piece of art, Brooklyn is an astonishingly beautiful opus. The film is unashamedly, even proudly old fashioned, not in an antiquated way, but in a way that feels truly timeless, telling a story that would be as equally lovely in any era. Saoirse Ronan gives the best performance of the year as Eilis Lacey, an Irish girl who emigrates to the USA to build a life and ultimately find love. Though it may seem straightforward, Brooklyn tells it's story with great competence and total confidence. I laughed, I cried, most of all I smiled. It's one of the best written films of the year, with a screenplay that runs you through the emotional spectrum and in the perfect way, because every thing feels earned, nothing ever feels forced or contrived, it gives exactly the emotional payoffs it needs to, exactly when the audience wants them and exactly when the film needs them. I may be gushing here, but it's my list and I'm allowed to; Brooklyn is a wonderful, wonderful film.
#2: Inside Out
Inside Out is quite possibly my favourite Pixar film ever. It's world is more alive and fully realised than in Finding Nemo, it's more moving and poignant than Wall-E, it's highest peaks are higher even than the opening sequence of Up. I honestly believe that it's as good as either of the first two Toy Storys. Central to all this lavish praise is the strength of the film's screenplay which is one of the most intelligent and yet most heartfelt screenplays I've ever seen translated to screen. It communicates challenging, often nebulous concepts relating to growing up and coming of age, and it does it in a way that is coherent and thoughtful without ever feeling reductionist or like it's talking down in any way. It's characters are memorable, likeable, and engaging, and part of that credit must also go to the cast who all do a great job. As with Brooklyn, I laughed, I cried (yes, particularly at THAT scene, anyone who's seen it knows the scene I'm talking about), but mostly I smiled. It doesn't quite top this list, but as far as I'm concerned: Inside Out is the best film of 2015.
#1: Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was pretty much destined to top this list from the moment I first heard about it. A film starring Michael Fassbender and written by Aaron Sorkin, my favourite writer of all time, I didn't think anything was going to stop this from being my #1. And nothing did. I loved Brooklyn, I loved Inside Out, but Steve Jobs is my favourite film of 2015, and for all the reasons I expected it to be; the cast are all on top form, all of them rattling off Sorkin's trademark, quick-fire dialogue that's as entertaining as it's always been. I knew going in that I would be entertained, but I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in the relationship between Jobs and his daughter, which is the core of the film. But I did, and full credit goes to the writing and the performances by Fassbender and the three actresses who play Jobs's daughter Lisa throughout the film (Mackenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo, and Perla Haney-Jardine). I also want to give a special mention to the ending. Sorkin has both a penchant and a real talent for huge, emotional endings (Season 2 of both The West Wing and The Newsroom being perfect examples) and does he ever provide one here, I can think of few films that ended on such a wonderful, triumphant note. A few films came close, but Steve Jobs is my favourite film of 2015.
A film is eligible to make the list if it is eligible to be nominated at the 2016 Academy Awards next month, that is to say in spite of the fact that some of these films didn't hit UK shores until 2016, they're eligible to be nominated for the Academy Awards that honour films from 2015. Also these films are not necessarily ranked in order of objective merit, they're based on my own personal preference, although I do think all these films are also very good. All clear? Splendid.
First of all, here are some honourable mentions, in no particular order:
Ant-Man
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Jurassic World
Minions
Mr Holmes
The Big Short
The Revenant
So, without further ado, we're counting down...
The Top 10 Films of 2015
At #10: Spotlight
Formerly the hot favourite to win best picture at the Oscars later this month, Spotlight's position has come under threat from the surging momentum of The Revenant, particularly following it's BAFTA victory on Sunday. However of the two, I do think Spotlight is the better film. The Revenant is arguably more impressive in it's technical brilliance and it's stunning visuals, but I found Spotlight's simpler, more formulaic story carried more emotional heft in it's story about the Boston Globe team that broke the story about widespread sex abuse within the Catholic church, and was ultimately the more compelling film in my view. It's hampered somewhat by an unremarkable screenplay, but it's talented cast makes it more interesting than this journalism procedural film would otherwise be. As Oscar bait goes, I'll take this over The Artist any day.
#9: Creed
Is it a sequel? Is it a reboot? Is it just a standalone film set in a preexisting universe? Creed manages to deftly straddle the fine line between all three, paying respect to the original Rocky story but with a very clear identity of it's own. A cheap cash in this is not, Creed is crafted with passion and skill, and has earned it's place along with the very best films in the Rocky series. Michael B. Jordan gives an understated, perhaps occasionally a little passive leading performance as Adonis Creed, son of the late Apollo Creed who tracks down his father's old rival, Rocky Balboa, and asks that Rocky train him. Sylvester Stallone returns to the role that made him famous and gives what is surely the finest performance of his career, as Rocky wrestles with the pain of his past losses, the incessant forward march of time, and new battles unlike any he has fought before. It's a great performance in a great film, and Creed demonstrates that even in it's seventh outing, the Rocky franchise clearly still hasn't heard no bell.
#8: Bridge of Spies
Tom "America" Hanks and Steven Spielberg are at it again. Bridge of Spies doesn't try and do anything fancy with it's premise, what you're expecting going in is what you'll get, but it's story is told so competently and confidently, and Hanks is such a likeable screen presence that it doesn't detract from the experience at all. Matching Hanks stride for stride is Mark Rylance who gives a magnificent supporting performance as soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Ultimately there isn't much to say about Bridge of Spies, it's almost too straightforward for it's own good, but it's unadventurous screenplay tells a wonderful story, and that is more than enough to secure it a place on this list.
#7: Carol
Carol is a film that lives and dies on the strength of it's two lead actresses. Fortunately Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett are more than up to the task as Therese Belivet and Carol Aird respectively. They are magnificent in their roles and combined with the assured direction of Todd Haynes, Carol creates a truly engaging love story that I enjoyed every moment of. It's production values are excellent, it's score is perfect, it's a thoroughly well made film from beginning to end, and had it had a more satisfying ending it would have been higher on this list. As it is though, it's still a wonderful film, and not much else needs to be said about it.
#6: Mad Max: Fury Road
At it's heart, Mad Max: Fury Road is a big, dumb, popcorn movie. But it's a really, really good one. Fury Road is the best action film of 2015 by an absolute mile. It's action is creative, memorable, and visceral, the adrenaline rush rarely letting up. But so what? Many films are just wall to wall action and end up being an unenjoyable, brainless mess. What makes Fury Road different is that at it's centre are two likeable, competent main characters who you like and want to see succeed. A revolutionary concept, I know. The film could land George Miller a much deserved Best Director award at the Oscars, but equal praise should go to it's production values, it's cinematography, and the performances of Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy for making Fury Road, without hyperbole, one of the best action films I've ever seen.
#5: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
It's become something of a cliché, but The Force Awakens really did make me feel like a kid again. I saw better films than this in 2015, I saw films I liked more in 2015. Even comparing it to other films on this list, I'd find it difficult to argue that it's better than films like Fury Road or Carol. But the experience counts for a great deal, and The Force Awakens was by far the most fun I had at the cinema all year. It's an exhilarating, wonderful ride, and it's here for that reason. That's not to say it's just spectacle though, far from it. It boasts a terrific cast, including John Boyega who's solid and likeable as Finn; Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux is a kind of over the top but still fun bad guy, while Adam Driver's Kylo Ren perhaps doesn't quite work as an antagonist, but is an engaging, often sympathetic character. Leading the cast is Daisy Ridley giving a star-making turn as the film's protagonist, Rey. When she's finished with Star Wars, Ridley has a very bright future ahead of her. The force is indeed strong with this one. As it is with the film. The Force Awakens is a blast, I loved it. It's #5.
#4: The Martian
Well whether it's a comedy or a drama, The Martian is a tremendous film. It actually topped this list at one point, and while it has slipped a few places, it's quality is undoubted. Not only is it Ridley Scott's best film in years, it boasts the best performance of Matt Damon's career. Damon is terrific as Mark Watney, a botanist stranded on Mars who must call upon his knowledge of science to survive until he can be rescued. At it's heart, the Martian is a film about smart people solving hard problems in difficult situations, and while such a procedural could become wonkish and bogged down, Matt Damon's terrific central performance, and the performance of the cast in general, along with a witty, entertaining, and yes often funny script, help give heart to the film's head. In addition the film's staging of Mars is both beautiful and authentic, and the film is bolstered by snappy, solid direction that helps the film keep a good pace without ever feeling rushed. It really is a tremendous achievement, and if I were ranking these films based purely on merit, excluding personal preference, the Martian would finish a very close second.
#3: Brooklyn
This film is just beautiful. Not just visually, but as a film, as an entity, as a piece of art, Brooklyn is an astonishingly beautiful opus. The film is unashamedly, even proudly old fashioned, not in an antiquated way, but in a way that feels truly timeless, telling a story that would be as equally lovely in any era. Saoirse Ronan gives the best performance of the year as Eilis Lacey, an Irish girl who emigrates to the USA to build a life and ultimately find love. Though it may seem straightforward, Brooklyn tells it's story with great competence and total confidence. I laughed, I cried, most of all I smiled. It's one of the best written films of the year, with a screenplay that runs you through the emotional spectrum and in the perfect way, because every thing feels earned, nothing ever feels forced or contrived, it gives exactly the emotional payoffs it needs to, exactly when the audience wants them and exactly when the film needs them. I may be gushing here, but it's my list and I'm allowed to; Brooklyn is a wonderful, wonderful film.
#2: Inside Out
Inside Out is quite possibly my favourite Pixar film ever. It's world is more alive and fully realised than in Finding Nemo, it's more moving and poignant than Wall-E, it's highest peaks are higher even than the opening sequence of Up. I honestly believe that it's as good as either of the first two Toy Storys. Central to all this lavish praise is the strength of the film's screenplay which is one of the most intelligent and yet most heartfelt screenplays I've ever seen translated to screen. It communicates challenging, often nebulous concepts relating to growing up and coming of age, and it does it in a way that is coherent and thoughtful without ever feeling reductionist or like it's talking down in any way. It's characters are memorable, likeable, and engaging, and part of that credit must also go to the cast who all do a great job. As with Brooklyn, I laughed, I cried (yes, particularly at THAT scene, anyone who's seen it knows the scene I'm talking about), but mostly I smiled. It doesn't quite top this list, but as far as I'm concerned: Inside Out is the best film of 2015.
#1: Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was pretty much destined to top this list from the moment I first heard about it. A film starring Michael Fassbender and written by Aaron Sorkin, my favourite writer of all time, I didn't think anything was going to stop this from being my #1. And nothing did. I loved Brooklyn, I loved Inside Out, but Steve Jobs is my favourite film of 2015, and for all the reasons I expected it to be; the cast are all on top form, all of them rattling off Sorkin's trademark, quick-fire dialogue that's as entertaining as it's always been. I knew going in that I would be entertained, but I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in the relationship between Jobs and his daughter, which is the core of the film. But I did, and full credit goes to the writing and the performances by Fassbender and the three actresses who play Jobs's daughter Lisa throughout the film (Mackenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo, and Perla Haney-Jardine). I also want to give a special mention to the ending. Sorkin has both a penchant and a real talent for huge, emotional endings (Season 2 of both The West Wing and The Newsroom being perfect examples) and does he ever provide one here, I can think of few films that ended on such a wonderful, triumphant note. A few films came close, but Steve Jobs is my favourite film of 2015.
12 March, 2014
David Silverman's Cross
So, David Silverman is at it again.
I happened to catch a glimpse of a... "debate", on Fox News the other day, and after a long eye bath while blasting one of theoreticalbullshit's videos on Youtube to clear it out of my system (check him out if you haven't, smart guy), I analysed it a little further. David Silverman, for those who don't know, is the president of American Atheists, an organisation that campaigns for the rights of atheists in America and that challenges Christianity when it gets special treatment in public, as it almost always does.
Now, I'm not a big fan of David Silverman. Like Richard Dawkins, his heart is in the right place and he should be lauded for his intent, but his tactics often do more harm than good (his anti-religious "you know it's a myth" billboard springs immediately to mind) but, as he himself said on a recent interview in The Guardian, he fights the battles that are not popular to fight, but need to be fought regardless. There is nothing more difficult than doing something you know you're going to be publicly crucified for (pun not intended) and I respect him for that. Now, let's take a look at what he's picking a fight over this time
So there's this iron cross at what has become known as ground zero, the sight of 9/11 that has become a memorial for all who lost their lives on that tragic day. Silverman is arguing that not only is this a religious symbol on public land, which he argues violates the US constitution, but that it is discriminatory to all the victims of 9/11 who weren't Christians. Now, let me make something quite clear. The cross in this instance doesn't really bother me. It's not something I would be campaigning so heavily about BUT that doesn't mean I don't agree with Silverman's points. On the first point, there is no grey area, he is absolutely right when he says the US constitution expressly forbids religious iconography on public ground. The establishment cause of the first amendment of the US constitution states "congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion". Well, what the constitution wants, the constitution gets, it's the same deal with the so called "war on Christmas" that Bill O' Reilly likes to bang on about every December because he, like many other Americans, insist that their religion gets special treatment, constitution says no. So much for 'murica being a "Christian nation".
As for the second point about discrimination, I personally don't feel discriminated against, but then again I wasn't an atheist/muslim/hindu/buddhist etc. who lost someone on 9/11. If there is to be a memorial erected, why shouldn't it be all inclusive? Why can't it be religiously neutral, in fact why should religion be brought in to it at all considering we're talking about a terrorist attack perpetrated by religious fundamentalist extremists? Because it's alright, so long as Christianity gets special treatment. I'm aware that there will be many Christians who agree with David Silverman, I know not all of Christianity can be tarnished with the same Ken Ham/Ray Comfort brush and I wouldn't dream of doing so, but to progressive Christians who may read this, I implore you: talk to your people.
I happened to catch a glimpse of a... "debate", on Fox News the other day, and after a long eye bath while blasting one of theoreticalbullshit's videos on Youtube to clear it out of my system (check him out if you haven't, smart guy), I analysed it a little further. David Silverman, for those who don't know, is the president of American Atheists, an organisation that campaigns for the rights of atheists in America and that challenges Christianity when it gets special treatment in public, as it almost always does.
Now, I'm not a big fan of David Silverman. Like Richard Dawkins, his heart is in the right place and he should be lauded for his intent, but his tactics often do more harm than good (his anti-religious "you know it's a myth" billboard springs immediately to mind) but, as he himself said on a recent interview in The Guardian, he fights the battles that are not popular to fight, but need to be fought regardless. There is nothing more difficult than doing something you know you're going to be publicly crucified for (pun not intended) and I respect him for that. Now, let's take a look at what he's picking a fight over this time
So there's this iron cross at what has become known as ground zero, the sight of 9/11 that has become a memorial for all who lost their lives on that tragic day. Silverman is arguing that not only is this a religious symbol on public land, which he argues violates the US constitution, but that it is discriminatory to all the victims of 9/11 who weren't Christians. Now, let me make something quite clear. The cross in this instance doesn't really bother me. It's not something I would be campaigning so heavily about BUT that doesn't mean I don't agree with Silverman's points. On the first point, there is no grey area, he is absolutely right when he says the US constitution expressly forbids religious iconography on public ground. The establishment cause of the first amendment of the US constitution states "congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion". Well, what the constitution wants, the constitution gets, it's the same deal with the so called "war on Christmas" that Bill O' Reilly likes to bang on about every December because he, like many other Americans, insist that their religion gets special treatment, constitution says no. So much for 'murica being a "Christian nation".
As for the second point about discrimination, I personally don't feel discriminated against, but then again I wasn't an atheist/muslim/hindu/buddhist etc. who lost someone on 9/11. If there is to be a memorial erected, why shouldn't it be all inclusive? Why can't it be religiously neutral, in fact why should religion be brought in to it at all considering we're talking about a terrorist attack perpetrated by religious fundamentalist extremists? Because it's alright, so long as Christianity gets special treatment. I'm aware that there will be many Christians who agree with David Silverman, I know not all of Christianity can be tarnished with the same Ken Ham/Ray Comfort brush and I wouldn't dream of doing so, but to progressive Christians who may read this, I implore you: talk to your people.
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