Golden Globes 2010!

So by now the Golden Globes have come and gone and all that's left are the remains of a pretty interesting awards show. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the GG's are the award shoe equivalent of dipping your toes into the water to test it: this is just the beginning, and it's a sign of what's to come. So let's get right down to the winners (note that I'm only going to cover the film categories...if I did tv I'd be here all night...)Oh and before I begin, let me say that Ricky Gervais was a bloody brilliant host. Just his one joke of 'I like a beer as much as the next guy...unless the next guy's Mel Gibson!' was worth watching the entire show for. Let's hope that Baldwin and Martin can live up to it when they co-host the Oscars together in February. MOVING RIGHT ALONG!

The Cecil B. DeMille Award
Martin Scorsese
I can honestly say that the introduction/tribute that DiCaprio did for this was truly one of the most heartfelt things that I've ever heard. DeNiro's was also good, but there was a quality to DiCaprio's that just screamed 'you are my hero'. The following video and speech by Martin himself was also great, and you can watch all of it here (sadly the DeNiro part is cut out).

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Avatar
Wow, who saw this one coming, right? It seems to me that the Golden Globes is the award show that's catered to the audiences of the world, and the Oscars are the award show for the true film lovers and critics. That being said, it's easy to see how Avatar beat out The Hurt Locker for this one, which shocked both no one and everyone at the same time. If you know your film, you know this should've gone to something else, and if you're a casual movie goer, you were content to see James Cameron hit a home run once again. Speaking of Cameron, his acceptance speech was far from the 'King of the World!' stint he did at Oscars when he won for Titanic. Seems Cameron (as apparent after thanking the whole room for making such great art) had quite a few slices of humble pie during his hiatus.


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Sandra Bullock (for The Blind Side)
Can I be the first to say that I am so sick of hearing about this film? While it is true that yes, I haven't seen it, I hate the type of movie that it is. You know the kind that I mean: the feel good movie that can appeal mildly to critics and veraciously to audiences? The 'based of a true story' up-lifter on the list that captures the hearts of housewives? Yeah, that's the kind of movie that this is. I would've liked to have seen Gabourey Sidibe win for Precious, but hey, why shine light on a movie about a young black girls struggle when you could shine light on an already highly advertised movie about a white woman that graciously lends her time and help to a struggling young black man? Oh I'm sorry, was that too political?


Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture- Drama
Jeff Bridges (for Crazy Hear)
The dude abides! Yes I know that joke has been tweeted about a thousand times over but I just had to say it too. Sadly I haven't had the chance to check out this film yet, but from what I hear its simply amazing. What can I say? Out of the group of nominees, I'm happy to see Bridges win this one.


Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
The Hangover
Okay let me start by saying why the hell are musicals and comedy's tied in together in one category? I can kind of understand that not many musicals get released per year, but really? We're talking about two completely different genres! Don't believe me? Nine (based off of the classic Fellini film 8 1/2) is a film about a tormented artist, and it was up against It's Complicated, a 50 and up sex comedy. Really? No one else sees anything wrong with that? Okay, moving on: what else can really be said about The Hangover? It's hilarious, and a must see of 2009. Really, even my dad saw it and just had to tell me about it: 'Hey, have you seen that movie The Hangover? It's hilarious! Well....it's kind of vulgar...I don't know if I really want you seeing it...but it's sooo funny!'
Thanks Dad.


Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)
Well, T Bone Streep has done it again! And I must say that this one really is well deserved. Maybe it's because I'm a total 'foodie' but I fell in love with this movie. And it's not just the fantastic story (of Julia Child, that is. In my opinion, Amy Adams' plot could've been totally cut out) but it's also the fact that Streep completely becomes Child herself, it's completely uncanny. In her speech, Streep said 'I portray so many great women, that I get mistaken for one myself.' I beg to disagree, Ms.Streep.


Best Performance by an Actor - Musical or Comedy
Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes)
My man Downey! Now I hate to say it, but I'm a bit biased on this one because it's a fact that I am in fact, completely in love with Robert Downey Jr. I know that I'm supposed to have journalistic integrity and all that, but everyone has their kryptonite. But here's where my heart is torn: my other (not so guilty) guilty pleasure is the incredible Joesph Gordon Levitt, who, coincidentally, was also nominated in this category for the indie darling of 2009, (500) Days of Summer, the turned on it's head, realistic rom com that captured the hearts of thousands (my review of it will be up soon!) So you can understand that I was both over joyed and depressed when Robert won over Joesph. But with his acting ability, I'm sure that Gordon-Levitt will get his gold in the near future.


Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Mo'nique (for Precious, based on the novel Push by Sapphire)
Now I'm one of those people that read the book, and judging by that alone, Mo'nique must have given her all in order to do this role right (and judging by her award, I'm guessing she did, and she did it right). I have yet to experience the film for myself, but I'm sure that it will completely move me when I do. I'm almost emotionally physc-ing myself up for this one, because I know there will be tears. And lots of 'em.


Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Christopher Waltz (for Inglorious Basterds)
Tarintino's bloody, twisted, World War II epic has yet to capture my imagination, but I have to say that I am so excited to see it. There are two camps of people on this one: the ones who love it for the dialogue-rich sequences that show case Quentin's knowledge of film, and the ones that hate it for that. I'm interested to see where my opinion will land.


Best Animated Feature film
Up
To the surprise of absolutely no one I was thrilled by this. While I love Wes Anderson's old school take on stop motion animation in Fantastic Mr.Fox (a story that I read when I was a kid) my heart will forever be with Up. In case you didn't already know my thoughts on this, I am of the opinion that this is not just one of the best animated films of all time, it's one the best films of all time. Period. Full review here.


Best Foreign Language Film
The White Ribbon (Germany)
Now I can honestly say that I hadn't heard about this film before last night. Last year, I had a little bit of knowledge of a few of the films nominated, but this one is completely (mind the pun) foreign to me. But from the small clip and brief overview that was made last night, I am genuinely interested in seeing it. Germany on the brink of World War I with kids? Genius.


Best Director - Motion Picture
James Cameron (for Avatar)
Again, this came as a surprise to no one and everyone. Most people thought that at least either this, or best motion picture would go to the Hurt Locker, but no, it seems that the world has gone Avatarded (sorry) for Cameron's latest outer space epic. Like the governor said 'If you haven't seen the film, the numbers show that you're pretty much the only one that hasn't'. My review here.


Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner (for Up in the Air)
I have to say that this is one of the movies that I'm excited to see. I love everything else that Reitman's done, and I have yet to hear something bad about Up in the Air, so this is definitely on my 'to do' list. I think that quite a few people were surprised that this one didn't go to Inglorious Basterds, though. Surely Tarintino would win something for his version of WWII right? Well, wrong. Apparently.


Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Micheal Giacchino (for Up)
Yes. Yes yes yes yes. I'm so happy about this, despite my love for Karen O, because the music for Up is, simply put, brilliant, and fits the film to a tee. The best example of this is the other day, when I was writing and had the score for Up playing in the background. At one of the sadder, heavier parts in the music, I had to stop writing because I was so over come with emotion. Tears welled up and I almost cried just from the MUSIC. Awhile later, when I pulled it together, the films main, cheery film came on and I felt a huge sense of elation that I haven't experienced in a long time...all from just a few notes strung together! Re-watching the film also made me see how brilliantly the music fits it. As I sit here typing this, I'm listening to it right now, and I'm still feeling that sense of elation and joy. Only a true genius could do this, so my hat is tipped to Giacchino for creating something that could evoke this kind of emotion.


Best Original Song - Motion Picture
The Weary Kind (theme from 'Crazy Heart')
What can I say about this? I haven't seen the movie, I haven't heard the song! I'll get back to you when I have a good idea of what the other contenders sound like!


So that's it! Those were the 2010 Golden Globes! Were you happy with the outcomes? Sad? Enraged? Tired beyond all belief because it's 12:30 and you're writing a blog about what happened last night? Oh wait, maybe not all of those apply to you....but anyway, the point is that the HFPA put on a damn good show every year, and they manage to make a great jumping off point for this whole crazy time we call Awards Season. Next stop, The Oscars!

I'm feel UP from watching Disney/Pixars Up!

So as you can tell from my older review of Wall E, I'm kind of a Pixar fan girl. Now, I'm not so much of a fan girl that I can't accept when Pixar makes some not-as-great-as-usual films (Monsters Inc. and Cars wasn't their best, and when I say that I mean it was good, but it isn't their usual level of awe-inspiring great), but for the most part I have accepted that my heart belongs to Pixar, and that every year, a part of my pay check will go towards supporting their work, be it by buying a movie theater ticket, a DVD copy, or dare I say it, soundtracks and knick knacks from their films. And just when I thought that they couldn't out do themselves due to Wall E's pure awesomeness, they come along with a film that I truly and honestly love, and is what I consider to be the best film this year.

Up is one of those films that is just amazing, in the true sense of the word. It has appeal to almost any audience you can imagine, and has so many layers that I could write a whole paper, or novel, on the gravity that this film has. The animation is stunning, the characters

are developed and lovable, the story is timeless, the dialouge is pitch perfect, and the score fits perfectly with the feel of the movie. This is one of those rare gems that will make you laugh, cry, miss your childhood, look forward to your golden years, and make you step back and see a new perspective on life. And all of this from an animated movie about a house floating away on balloons. Well that, and so much more.

When I first heard reviews flooding in from last years Fantastic Fest that within its first ten minutes, Up had audiences sobbing, I was skeptical. I like to think that I'm one of those stone hearted cynics that, when it comes to movies, you have to do a lot to make me care, and do even more to make me cry. So I was surprised when I found myself bawling during the opening montage that portrays the marriage and lives of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen. This single montage is one of the most moving, emotional, beautiful things that I have ever seen portrayed on film, and that sequence alone deserves every award out there to give, and should be seen by everyone at least once in their lives. I honestly have a hard time putting into words how amazing this part of the movie is.

The plot is as follows: af

ter the death of Carl Fredricksen's wife Ellie (aka the love of his life) he has been living a grouchy, hermit lifestyle in solitude, alone in his beloved house. When face with the threat of being kicked out and moved to an old folks home, Carl uses his ex-balloon salesmen skills and riggs up thousands of colorful balloons to his house, in an attempt to fly himself and his house to Paradise Falls, the one place where he and Ellie always wanted to go, but never got to. And thus the adventure ensues from there, introducing characters like Russel, the lovable little kid that unintentionally joins Carl on his adventure, Dug, the talking dog and Kevin, a colorful tropical bird.

Now with that last sentence I know what you're thinking: talking dogs? Great. But please bear with me, these aren't your usual Disney like talking dogs. These dogs use dialouge that actual dogs would use if they could talk, not some smart-alecky sarcastic quips made up by a writer. I may not be making a lot of sense here, but trust me, the talking dog thing isn't a comic relief shtick and it never gets annoying or juvenile.

Which brings up yet another great thing about this film: the movie isn't juvenile. This movie refuses to talk down to kids, and uses a very grown up story in a kid friendly medium (animation) to teach kids (and adults, teenagers, and seniors alike) a very important lesson about life and love. I don't want to ruin what it is by saying it, but its something that can be lost on some people in this day and age.

The characters as I mentioned before are fantastic, and you'd be hard pressed to find a person that didn't instantly identify and fall in love with them. Carl is your jaded, old neighbor with a heart of gold that loves a lot, Russel is you when you were a kid: over active, loud, energetic and has a soft spot for animals and the wilderness. Dug is the outsider of his group who can't seem to do anything right or fit in, but eventually finds his place. Ellie is that person who walked into your life and changed everything, the loud adventurous person that made you come out of your shell...the list goes on and on, but as I mentioned before, all of them are lovable, relatable, and above all else are developed so well and have so many layers to them that they seem realistic and will win you over.

The animation in this film is your regular Pixar grade quality stuff, meaning that it yet again impresses and looks gorgeous. The sequence of thousands of balloons exploding from Carl's house is a triumph in this medium: they're vibrant, translucent, they float and move like real balloons and just like you were when you were a kid, you're captured by them and can't take your eyes off them for a second.

I've seen this film about five times so far, and I've teared up every single time. I've also shown this film to about six people and each of them have walked away loving it just as much as I do (its interesting to note that each of these people is from a different age group, ranging from teenagers to small kids to adults). To say it once again, all of these things show that this is a perfect, truly great film. I believe that this is the single greatest film I've seen all year, and deserves a spot in the various lists of the greatest movies of the decade. With the Academy Awards expanding their Best Picture category to 10, it is also possible that Up might get nominated, which would not only be well deserved, but would be a great win for all of animation in general. If you haven't seen this film yet, I can't suggest it more highly: you must see this film.