Oscars: Bridesmaids

The Academy Awards announced  the 2012 Oscars nominations last Monday. I wait for the announcements every year, hoping to recognize some of the nominees. This year, I’m quite happy to say that a comedy written and dominated by women made it to the list of nominees.

It was directed by Paul Feig. This film received a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 90 percent, and an audience rating of 76 percent.

This film will always bring good memories to me because I was fortunate enough to see it with my friends during my last year of college. Bridesmaids was the last movie we watched together before going our different ways.

Although it’s considered a little raunchy, this film had sentimental value for me. I was able to sympathize with the protagonist enough to bypass the vomiting scene. It’s also quite funny, my favorite scene is when Annie tries to get Officer Nathan Rhodes’s attention. She breaks a handful of  laws trying to get his attention, until finally he snaps.

The characters are uniquely corky, including the main character, Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig). She has a distinctive trait about her and a well formulated back story. The officer who captures her heart is quite lovable and funny. I thought they made a nice couple. He supports her dreams and encourages her to do the things she loves.

This film is definitely a change from all the things we saw in 2011. I’m happy to see it nominated, especially since the Academy rarely nominates comedies. Therefore, this film has made an impression and I can’t wait to see outcome.

Bridesmaids is not just a comedy, but a movie about friendship and loyalty. It’s the relationship between the characters and their personalities that make this film Oscar nominee (original movie) worthy for me.

At 125 minutes, ‘Bridesmaids’ is long for a comedy, but it earns its running time by fully developing its characters and their relationships. ~ Greg Maki (Star-Democrat)

Kisses & Hershey’s
Steph

The Descendants

(NO SPOILERS)

Alright, let’s get straight to the point. The Oscars nominations will be announced next week.

I have been in a rush to get ready for Oscar night. Therefore, I studied the Golden Globes winners’ list for a clue of possible Oscar nominees.

The Descendants has become a favorite. Alexander Payne directed this film, known for his satire and dark humor.  The Descendants made 1, 190, 096 dollars on its opening weekend. It rates at 89 percent at the Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience rating of 82 percent.

If nominated, Alexander Payne would be in the run for best screenplay and best picture. This film touches the hearts of the audience, with its authentic presentation of heartache, love, and relationships. The film revolves around a family tragedy. It’s about a family coming together  for support and learning about each other.

This film falls under the categories of comedy and drama. However, I found myself in tears by the end of it. These characters are dealing with real emotions and concerns. Overall, I would recommend this films to those who like serious films and dark humor.

Heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking story about love, death, duty and responsibility ~ Andrew L Urban (Urban Cinefile)

Kisses & Hersheys,

Steph

Oscar Update: Nominated for best picture, director, best actor, and editing… 

Les Aventures de Tintin

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Tintin Adventures came back to the big screen during the holidays. One of the most awaited films of the year 2011, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, made 24,107, 000 on its opening weekend in the United States. The film was given a percentage of 75 percent at Rotten Tomatoes, while 80 percent of the audience liked it.

Georges Remi wrote The Adventures of Tintin under the pen name Hergé. The first comic was released in 1929, and success was almost immediate. The series is known for its clever presentation of the world, showcasing topics such as politics, religion, crime, and humanity.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that many people around the world waited impatiently for the opening… or not.

The translation from comic/book to film usually leaves people unsatisfied. My limited knowledge of Tintin comes from a former French professor, who’s truly a fan of the series. I enjoyed the movie as a non-reader of the comics. Thus, I loved it and I was excited to see it. I’m also Doctor Who fan. I couldn’t leave the opportunity to see something written or co-written by Steven Moffat. My sister is ten years old and she loved it too. We came home and she insisted on putting Tintin’s picture as a computer background. I just rolled my eyes and smiled. She has a crush.

The Adventures of Tintin comes at you in a whoosh, like a volcano full of creative ideas in full eruption… It hits home for the kid in all of us who wants to bust out and run free. ~ Peter Travers (Rolling Stone)

Due to his success, it’s  hard to say anything bad about Speilberg. He is a cinematic genius. Nonetheless, hard-core fans might find this film lacking in authenticity and that which makes Tintin so lovable.

The action grows wearisome as it grinds on, and the film becomes a succession of dazzling set pieces devoid of simple feelings. ~ Joe Morgenstern (Wall Street Journal) 

Ultimately, if you want to feel deeply moved by this film, then it might not be the right film for you. This is definitely an adventure movie, filled with great action scenes. It’s fun and worth watching… at least once.

Best,

Steph

Update: Oscars nominated for best music.