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Looking at the Weekend: September 3-5, 2010

George Clooney takes on Danny Trejo at the box office this weekend and it's bound to be a blow out match. The American stars Clooney as a hitman performing what he hopes to be his final job. Machete stars Trejo as a vengeance seeking vigilante promising to bring the pain. Trying to muscle into their competition are Drew Barrymore and Justin Long in the long-distance romantic comedy Going the Distance. Joining the three wide releases this week are limited releases for documentary The Tillman Story, high school gym comedy The Winning Season and South African wedding comedy White Wedding.

Consensus

Below is a list of what we have come to a general consensus on. The number in parens represents the percentage of our contributors who agree with the statement.

The American: It's a full split verdict with each of us feeling wildly different about the film, but each likely to watch it at some point. We all agree that it's an Oscar contender (100%), only Tripp thinks it's a major one.
Machete: We are split on whether or not to see the film (50%), but agree it's not an Oscar contender (100%).
Going the Distance: We generally won't be seeing it (75%) and it isn't an Oscar contender (100%).
The Tillman Story: Mostly erring on the side of watching it (75%) and generally consider it to be an Oscar contender (75%)
The Winning Season: We're not sure whether to watch it or not (50%), but we're certain that there are no Oscars in the film's future (100%)
White Wedding: Another split verdict (50%) an another unified anti-Oscar sentiment (100%)

WIDE RELEASES

THE AMERICAN

See the original
CinemaSight
Trailer & Poster
Preview
Will We See?
Will We See?
Will We See?
Will We See?
Oscar Chances
Oscar Chances
Oscar Chances
Oscar Chances
Thoughts

The first trailer had me thinking I wanted to see it. The second trailer assured me I didn't. Now, I'm not so sure. A lot depends on the response form fellow critics.

Thoughts

George Clooney's star power notwithstanding, this is a 60s style art house flick a la Antonioni which could be intriguing, or could prove to be a missed opportunity.

Thoughts

This looks like a real sharp film, and I think will be one to watch out for this winter.

Thoughts

It could be entertaining and could yield an Oscar nomination for George Clooney, although I think it's probably unlikely.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Previews ( Continue reading )
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This Day in Oscar History: September 1

Here's what happened today in Oscar History.

Born

  • 1890: Chester Franklin (63 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Two-Reel Short Film - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1901: Harry Stradling (68 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Cinematography (Black-and-White), Cinematography (Color); Oscar Nominee: Cinematography, Cinematography (Black-and-White), Cinematography (Color) - 14 Noms, 2 Wins}
  • 1907: Nathan Juran (95 at death) {Oscar Winner: Art Direction (Black-and-White) -
    2 Noms, 1 Win}
  • 1909: Beirne Lay Jr. (72 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Motion Picture Story - 2 Noms, 0 Wins}
  • 1913: Christian Nyby (80 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Editing - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1920: Richard Farnsworth (80 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Nominee: Lead Actor,
    Supporting Actor
    - 2 Noms, 0 Wins}
  • 1929: Anne Ramsey (58 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Nominee: Supporting Actress -
    1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1939: Lily Tomlin (71) [Pictured] {Oscar Nominee: Supporting Actress - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}

Died

  • 1977: Ethel Waters (80) {Oscar Nominee: Supporting Actress - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1979: Aaron Rosenberg (67) {Oscar Nominee: Picture - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1981: Ann Harding (80) {Oscar Nominee: Lead Actress - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 2001: Jack Maxsted (85) {Oscar Winner: Art Direction - 1 Nom, 1 Win}
  • 2005: Clave (92) {Oscar Nominee: Art Direction (Color), Costume Design (Color) - 2 Noms, 0 Wins}

Released

  • 1928: The Patriot (Wide Release) {Best Picture Nominee, 1928/29}
  • 1938: You Can't Take It With You (New York City Release) {Best Picture Winner, 1938}



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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Academy Awards History ( No Comments )
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Trailer Watch: August 31, 2010

There were no new trailers or posters for me to review today, so you get a night off...or, should I say I get a night off.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Previews ( No Comments )
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The DVD Report #171: Oscar on DVD – 1953

After two years of shocks, the 1953 Oscar went to the film everyone expected to win – Fred Zinnemann’s production of James Jones’ novel about life at Pearl Harbor just before the Japanese attack in From Here to Eternity.

The film, which won eight of the thirteen Oscars it was nominated for, was a critical and box-office hit featuring memorable performances by Montgomery Clift as the sensitive hero, Burt Lancaster as his tough sergeant, Deborah Kerr as the company commander’s nymphomaniac wife, Frank Sinatra as Clift’s buddy and Donna Reed as Clift’s prostitute girl-friend, here called a “dance hall girl”. All were nominated for Oscars, the latter two winning. For Sinatra, it was a comeback after several years of decline in which his career took a back seat to then wife Ava Gardner. For Kerr and Reed, it was a career changer in that although they would go back to playing good girls for the remainder of their careers, neither would ever be thought of again as only capable of playing “nice” ladies.

Next in popularity, William Wyler’s Cinderella romance, Roman Holiday was nominated for ten Oscars and won three including Best Actress, Audrey Hepburn. It was her first major film and she beguiled even the harshest critics with her charm and ease as the runaway princess who shares a brief romance with reporter Gregory Peck.

The film also won for Edith Head’s Black-and-White Costume Design and for Dalton Trumbo’s Screenplay, credited to another writer due to Trumbo’s blacklisting.

One of the screen’s most popular and most durable westerns, George Stevens’ Shane was nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture and two Supporting Actors, Jack Palance and ten year-old Brandon De Wilde, but not star Alan Ladd or co-stars Jean Arthur and Van Heflin. The story of a stranger who helps a family, then rallies a town against the bad guys, the film’s best screens were those involving Ladd and the hero-worshiping De Wilde. Who can ever forget De Wilde’s plaintive wailing of film’s last line, “Shane! Come back!”

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Written by: Peter J Patrick - () | Filed under: DVD Report ( Continue reading )
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This Day in Oscar History: August 31

Here's what happened today in Oscar History.

Born

  • 1889: Tom Held (72 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Editing - 2 Noms, 0 Wins}
  • 1899: Albert Akst (58 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Editing - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1902: Phil Charig (57 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Song - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1905: Dore Schary (74 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Original Story;
    Oscar Nominee: Original Story, Screenplay, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short,
    Two-Reel Short Film
    - 6 Noms, 1 Win}
  • 1908: William Saroyan (72 at death) {Oscar Winner: Motion Picture Story - 1 Nom, 1 Win}
  • 1913: Helen Levitt (79 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Story and Screenplay - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1918: Alan Jay Lerner (67 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Adapted Screenplay,
    Story and Screenplay, Song
    ; Oscar Nominee: Adapted Screenplay, Story and Screenplay, Song, Original Song or Adaptation Score - 7 Noms, 3 Wins}
  • 1928: James Coburn (74 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Supporting Actor - 1 Nom, 1 Win}
  • 1940: Larry Hankin (70) {Oscar Nominee: Live Action Short Film - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1948: Lowell Ganz (62) {Oscar Nominee: Original Screenplay - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}

Died

  • 1973: John Ford (79) {Oscar Winner: Directing; Oscar Nominee: Picture, Directing -
    6 Noms, 4 Wins}
  • 1978: Lee Garmes (80) {Oscar Winner: Cinematography; Oscar Nominee: Cinematography, Cinematography (Black-and-White), Cinematography (Color) - 4 Noms, 1 Win}


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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Academy Awards History ( No Comments )
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Trailer Watch: August 30, 2010

A short day to begin the week with documentary Decade of Disturbed the only new trailer this week, plus two new posters, one for Alpha and Omega and one for Burlesque.

DECADE OF DISTURBED

Plot Summary: A documentary covering the rise to fame of the heavy metal band Disturbed.
Release Date: August 26, 2010

Trailer

Poster

Rating: C-
Commentary: There are plenty of topics for which documentaries aren't really necessary. This would be one of them. A whole decade is hardly a measure of influence. Sure, that's quite a long time in the heavy metal world, but it's just not the kind of film that non-fans will have any desire to see.
Rating: B-
Commentary: I'm giving it points for being a fantastic piece of art. I'm deducting points for feeling more like a concert poster than a documentary poster.
Trailer Link: Apple Trailers
Oscar Chances: None.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Previews ( Continue reading )
5

Contest: Week 16 – FINAL Results and Standings

Week sixteen, the last, of our contest is now complete with Takers taking the top spot in a close race with The Last Exorcism (estimates had placed Exorcism above Takers, but actuals switched their one-two finish). Our new competition (without prizes) starts Wednesday. Come back then to submit your predictions. A few more fun rules will be added to the mix, so I hope to see you guys back on Wednesday!

#1 Film at the U.S. weekend box office

Correct Response: Takers
Larry and Mike Furlong get 1 point each.

Highest grossing new release with how much

Correct Response: Takers, $20,512,304
Larry receives the final contest week point with his prediction of $20 M for The Last Exorcism, just a $512,304 difference.

Final Standings

  1. 19 Points - Mike Furlong
  2. 16 Points - Larry
  3. 15 Points - Sam
  4. 9 Points - Mike W
  5. 1 Point - Barry, Hollywood Z, TmG

This was a terrific and close game, but we must declare winners.

Congratulations to Mike Furlong for taking First Place. He will win two Blu-rays/DVDs of his choice from the list of selections in the original contest post. Larry comes in Second Place, barely beating out Sam, and will get to choose one from the list. Thanks also to Sam and Mike W. for participating and finishing strongly.

Some facts: Larry got the most 1st Place Position predictions correct wit 13 out of 16 weeks. Mike Furlong came in second with 12 and Sam finished right behind with 11. Mike Furlong was the biggest point winner for getting closest to the actual final three-day total, doing so a health 7 times. Sam managed it 4 times and Larry 3. Mike W. did quite well also with 8 1st Place Position predictions and 1 New Release Estimate win. Week 3 was the only week where no one correctly predicted a 1st Place finisher, everyone choosing Sex and the City or Prince of Persia over Shrek Forever After. The only week in which no one scored points for the New Release Estimate prediction was Week 15 when no one saw Vampires Suck doing the most business for the weekend. And finally, though he came in fourth, Mike W. was the only contestant who managed to win all the points in Week 12 when none of the other predictors saw a third week at number one for Inception and correctly low-balled the estimate on Dinner for Schmucks as a result. Two points total for the week and they were all his.

Thanks everyone for participating and I hope you'll join me in our new four-week competition starting Wednesday: Awards Season Box Office Predictions.

For those who won, please contact me either via Facebook, the UAADB or through the Contact Us link in the sidebar at the right in the Contributors section. I'll need to get your full names and a mailing addresses as well as your prize selections to send your prizes out to both of you. And again, congratulations to everyone who participated. It was great fun. And to give you guys an extra challenge, I'll be participating (even though I'm admittedly bad at such things) and I encourage everyone who didn't participate before because they didn't think they had a chance of winning to join us in the amazing fun our contest provides.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Trivia and Games ( 5 Comments )
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The Morning After: August 30, 2010

Today, we look at this week's Feed the Queue entry, noir thriller Out of the Past, Warren Beatty's epic Reds, Bette Davis/Mary Astor drama The Great Lie and the two pilots of sci-fi western series Firefly.

So, here is what I watched this weekend:

REDS


There have been dozens of romantic epics and each one attempts to create a timeless story that decades later will still resonate with audiences. And while Reds may not have the staying power of Gone With the Wind, Doctor Zhivago or Titanic, it remains one of the most resonant social dramas in the last half century. The story resolves around an acclaimed American writer who attempted to protect the American worker from money-hungry capitalists by embracing what he saw in the Russian Revolution as a chance to bring a worker-centric government to the U.S. only to discover Communism itself was just as prone to abuse and corruption as capitalism.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Reviews ( Continue reading )
2

Results: Film Fun Friday #20

Results are in for Week #20 of Film Fun Friday. (Updated: 12:29p - Added missing nomination information for the Oscar Trivia answer; and gave credit to Lallolupo for his right answers.)

Game: Identify the Poster

The correct answers were: The Bribe (Foreign Poster) and The Mummy (Negative Poster). Peter correctly identified the foreign poster. Lallolupo came along early this morning to get the negative poster.

Game: Quotes

The quote "You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do." came from Raiders of the Lost Ark. This one managed to stump everyone until Lallo posted his response this morning..

Game: Oscar Trivia

It was a tough question, but only required a little bit of research. Four boxing films have won the Best Editing award. Those films were: Body and Soul (1947), Champion (1949), Rocky (1976) and Raging Bull (1980). Three boxing films were nominated: Somebody Up There Likes Me, Million Dollar Baby and Cinderella Man. So, a total of seven boxing films have been nominated for the Best Editing award.

Lallolupo mostly got this one right. Although On the Waterfront was about a boxer, it wasn't a film about boxing and thus is why I did not include it.

Game: Six Degrees of Oscar Separation

Peter was the only one to connect all three actresses, Katharine Hepburn, June Allyson and Winona Ryder, but did not attempt the extra credit assignment.

And that's our results for this week. Come back Friday for more fun and games.

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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Trivia and Games ( 2 Comments )
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This Day in Oscar History: August 30

Here's what happened today in Oscar History.

Born

  • 1889: Edwin Burke (55 at death) {Oscar Winner: Adaptation - 1 Nom, 1 Win}
  • 1896: Raymond Massey (86 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Nominee: Lead Actor - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1897: Fredric March (77 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Lead Actor - 5 Noms, 2 Wins}
  • 1898: Shirley Booth (94 at death) [Pictured] {Oscar Winner: Lead Actress - 1 Nom, 1 Win}
  • 1899: George Marion Jr. (68 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Title Writing - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1901: Conrad Salinger (59 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Musical Score - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1906: Joan Blondell (73 at death) {Oscar Nominee: Supporting Actress - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1943: Gianni Quaranta (67) {Oscar Winner: Art Direction - 3 Noms, 1 Win}
  • 1954: David Paymer (56) [Pictured] {Oscar Nominee: Supporting Actor - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}

Died

  • 1938: Waldemar Young (60) {Oscar Nominee: Screenplay - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1961: Charles Coburn (84) {Oscar Winner: Supporting Actor - 3 Noms, 1 Win}
  • 1984: Emil Newman (73) {Oscar Nominee: Musical Score - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}
  • 1984: John O. Aalberg (87) {Oscar Winner: Gordon E. Sawyer Award, John A. Bonner Medal, Sci-Tech Award - Type III (Certificate); Oscar Nominee: Sound/Sound Mixing, Special Effects -
    10 Noms, 3 Wins}
  • 1985: Thomas Howard (Unknown) {Oscar Winner: Special Effects - 2 Noms, 2 Wins}
  • 2002: J. Lee Thompson (88) {Oscar Nominee: Directing - 1 Nom, 0 Wins}

Released

  • 1935: Top Hat (New York City Release) {Best Picture Nominee, 1935}



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Written by: Wesley Lovell - () | Filed under: Academy Awards History ( No Comments )