Oceans 8 (2018) film review

Year: 2018

Running Time: 110 minutes

Director: Gary Ross

Writers: Gary Ross and Olivia Milch

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, Richard Armitage, Dakota Fanning

Oceans 8 opens in Australia on June 7, 2018 and is distributed by Roadshow Films. Opening June 8, 2018 in the United States and distributed by Warner Bros.

Review by Nicki Newton-Plater

Oceans 8 is here to remind us that the female reboot is not just alive and well, but it is striving in it's  perfect health.

With the male dominated Oceans trilogy having lost it's legs and tiring out over a decade ago, Gary Ross along with co-writer Olivia Milch have revived the franchise with the same thrills we found with the original, but with a little more designer chic. 

Oceans 8 is joyous to watch as eight of entertainment's powerful female voices portray eight strong women who are even more interesting to watch than their male counterparts and far better dressed. The ladies team together to take on the impossible task of stealing one of the most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world during the glitz and glamour of the world famous Met Gala. The outcome of the heist may be extremely predictable and therefore not as suspenseful as it should be, but the organisation of the perfect crime is incredibly entertaining in it's fun and intelligent execution. 

While Sandra Bullock's Debbie Ocean, Cate Blanchett's Lou, Anne Hathaway's Daphne Kluger and Helena Bonham Carter's Rose Weil are the characters that are the most fleshed out, each lady has their own set of unique and distinct character traits and each is celebrated. The film speaks volumes about how there isn't one right way to be a strong woman and that being strong and independent doesn't mean belittling men nor does it mean said woman has to be physically powerful. The cast is diverse and embraces the beauty in minority groups, with specific focus on those in New York City. 

However much of a pun it may be, for some Oceans 8 may tend to flow a little too well with it not being overly intense or emotional. However, others may embrace this. The film is incredibly entertaining, easy to watch and enjoyable, especially with Blanchett's witty and well-timed dialogue and Hathaway's hilarious return to her comedic roots as a spoilt, pretentious socialite. It is a feast for the eyes with the outstanding costume design by Sarah Edwards of the ladies enviable wardrobes and Met Gala attire and exquisite production design by Alex DiGerlando. The recreation of the world of the prestigious Met Gala is aesthetically pleasing in every way with it's glamorous ambience, high-end fashion and overflow of A-list celebrities.

Oceans 8 is a whole load of fun and the type of reboot we crave where the filmmakers use the original as inspiration and not a chance to rehash a worn out story. 

8/10

12 Films that should be on your Sydney Film Festival Wishlist

After the lanch of it's always wonderfully diverse and exciting program last week...the countdown is on to the 64th Sydney Film Festival!

The festival, which will run from June 7-18, is growing every year and this year promises to be a greater celebration of cinema and it's magic than ever before. Although the festival itself is one of the oldest in the world, the Official Competition is in it's 10th year and this year 12 films are all in the running for the coveted winner title. This year will see the return of the ever popular Festival Hub and special guests include such names as David Wenham, Ben Mendelsohn, Vanessa Redgrave, Bong Joon-Ho and many more.

With 288 films from 59 countries being shown during this year's festival, there is something for everyone to see. Movie Critical has put together a diverse list of 12 films that should be on your wishlist for this year's festival and even if you feel like all 12 are not your cup of tea, you will be sure to find a couple that will make your festival experience all the more enriching.

#1 The Beguiled

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Straight from it's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Sofia Coppola's much anticipated The Beguiled will be competing in competition at the Sydney Film Festival. Adapted from the Thomas Cullinan novel of the same name, the film is set during the Civil War at a Southern girls boarding school where a mysterious injured soldier (portrayed by Colin Farrell) arrives and disturbs the peace. The Beguiled has an incredible cast which includes Nicole Kidman, Farrell, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning and holds the promise of being visually delicious and stunningly atmospheric. It is Coppola's first film since 2013's The Bling Ring, which was also part of the Sydney Film Festival that year.

Screenings:  Saturday June 17 (State Theatre)
                      Sunday June 18 (State Theatre)

#2 My Life as a Zucchini

My Life as a Zucchini is part of this year's Family Films program at the festival and is a must see. Claude Barras' film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at this year's Academy Awards and the Sydney Film Festival will be screening both the French version with subtitles and the English version for younger audience members. This unique stop-motion animation tells the tale of young Zucchini as he finds his way as a recent orphan and deals with important issues in a non-threatening, but realistic way which members of the whole family can enjoy.

Screenings: Saturday June 10 (Event Cinemas George St)

                     Monday June 12 (Casula Powerhouse)

                     Saturday June 17 (Dendy Newtown)

                     Sunday June 18 (Event Cinemas George St)

#3 I Am Not Your Negro

I Am Not Your Negro is an absolute must see. Raoul Peck's Oscar nominated film is part of the Official Competition and won the People's Choice Documentary Prize in Toronto. The film uses the intriguing works of James Baldwin and the writings he wished to put into his unpublished book regarding black rights. Baldwin's own words are narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and archival footage is used to bring extra meaning to Baldwin's words. I Am Not Your Negro is highly relevant even today. Producer Hebert Peck will be a guest at the festival and will be participating in an extended Q&A following the Tuesday screening.

Screenings:  Monday June 12 (State Theatre)

                      Tuesday June 13 (State Theatre)

                      Saturday June 17 (The Ritz Cinema Randwick)

#4 Ellipsis

Australian film royalty, David Wenham makes his feature film directorial debut with Ellipsis, a sweet and endearing love letter to Sydney. The film follows Viv (Emily Barclay) and Jasper (Benedict Samuel) as they get to know each other while taking in the sights of the city from Bondi to Kings Cross. Made in the same fashion as Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, the film was shot in only ten days. Wenham will be on hand to introduce his film and is also the special guest at the Ian McPherson Memorial Lecture with David Stratton.

Screenings: Thursday June 8 (Event Cinemas George St)
                     Wednesday June 14 (Event Cinemas George St)

#5 The Little Hours

After screening earlier this year at Sundance Film Festival, The Little Hours promises to shock with it's ballsy story of raunchy and atypical nuns in a 14th century convent who wreck havoc on their home when a new workman arrives. The Jeff Baena written and directed film has a unique brand of comedy that could either insult or leave people in hysterics with it's notable cast including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci and Dave Franco.

Screenings: Wednesday June 7 (Event Cinemas George St)

                     Friday June 9 (Event Cinemas George St)

                     Saturday June 17 (Event Cinemas George St)

#6 Whitney: Can I Be Me?

A film not just for fans of the late and great diva, Whitney: Can I Be Me is a comprehensive and touching look at a talent taken all too soon. Nick Broomfield's (who will also be attending the film festival) latest documentary explores the life of Whitney Houston with never before seen backstage footage and revealing interviews with the woman herself, friends and those she worked with. Of course, it is also a celebration of her music and much of which is included in the film.

Screenings:  Wednesday June 7 (Event Cinemas George St)

                      Friday June 9 (Dendy Newtown)

#7 Rip Tide

Rip Tide will be making it's World Premiere at Sydney Film Festival on Saturday June 10 and is the perfect film for young adults with it's focus on the moment you take control of your life and decide who you want to be. Filmed on the Illawarra coast, Disney star Debby Ryan makes her Australian debut in a film that embraces life, romance, friendship and, of course, surfing.

Screenings:  Saturday June 10 (Event Cinemas George St)

                     Monday June 12 (The Ritz Cinema Randwick)

#8 Manifesto

Cate Blanchett absolutely stuns in Manifesto, a film made to honour some of the most influential art manifestos of our time. Blanchett is an absolute chameleon playing 13 different roles from a homeless man to a newsreader in Julian Rosefeldt's film and she was met with overwhelming praise when the film debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

Screenings:  Thursday June 8 (Hayden Orpheum Cremorne

                      Monday June 12 (Event Cinemas George St)

#9 We Don't Need A Map

Warwick Thornton's We Don't Need A Map is not only the festival's Opening Night film, but also part of the Official Competition. The Southern Cross is an image almost as recognisable and iconic as the Australian flag, but Thornton explores in his documentary the true meaning behind the constellation to the people who have been here longer than us and works to understand it's symbolism. A film that is informative, but also wildly entertaining with a wide range of footage and visuals. Warwick Thornton will be on hand to present his film at the festival.

Screenings:  Wednesday June 8 (State Theatre)

                      Sunday June 11 (State Theatre)

                      Tuesday June 13 (State Theatre)

#10 The Other Side of Hope

Also in competition at the festival, The Other Side of Hope is highly relevant as it shines a light on the Syrian refugee crisis. However, Aki Kaurimaki has achieved the incredible task of taking this tragedy and creating a respectful and amusing comedy. His film follows the unorthodox friendship between a Syrian refugee and the manager of a restaurant he finds work in. Sherwan Haji, who plays refugee Khaled will be a guest at the festival.

Screenings:  Sunday June 11 (State Theatre)

                     Monday June 12 (State Theatre)

                     Sunday June 18 (Hayden Orpheum Cremorne)

#11 Okja

The first ever Netflix film to appear at the Cannes Film Festival, Okja is the Sydney Film Festival Closing Night film and one of the only chances you will get to see it on the big screen. Despite the film being shrouded in controversy due to the tense relationship between Cannes and Netflix, Bong Joon-ho's film has been met with praise due to the unexpectedly sweet relationship between a girl and her best friend who just happens to be a super-pig. Also starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton, Okja is a spectacular way to finish your Sydney Film Festival experience.

Screenings:  Sunday June 18 (State Theatre)

                     Sunday June 18 (Event Cinemas George St)

#12 A Ghost Story

Shot in secrecy, A Ghost Story is a quiet film that looks at love and loss in the most unique of ways. David Lowery's film tells the story of a widow (portrayed by Rooney Mara) who is visited and watched upon by her late husband (Casey Affleck) as she learns to mourn and move on. A Ghost Story promises to be haunting, but beautiful and memorable.

Screenings: Tuesday June 13 (State Theatre)
                    Friday June 16 (The Ritz Cinema Randwick)
                    Saturday June 17 (Dendy Newtown)

Carol (2015) film review

Year: 2015
Running Time: 118 minutes
Director: Todd Haynes
Writers: Patricia Highsmith (based on the novel "The Price of Salt"/ renamed "Carol" by), Phyllis Nagy (screenplay)
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacy, John Magaro

Carol is now showing in Australian cinemas and is distributed by Transmission Films. Now showing in the United States and distributed by The Weinstein Company.

"I'm charting the correlation between what the characters say and how they really feel"

This early piece of dialogue said by the film loving character of Dannie (as portrayed by John Magaro) is a wonderful interpretation of Todd Haynes' Carol which is written into it's screenplay by Phyllis Nagy. It is not so much in what the characters say as what they show that is the heart of the this deep, beautiful and visually stunning film. The portrayals of these extraordinary and memorable characters by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara ensure that Carol is not just a film about forbidden love, but a story of self discovery and acceptance through our relationships with others and chance encounters.

1950's New York City: Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) lives a life that may seem fine from the outside, but she is left unfulfilled by her job at a department store when she aspires to be a photographer and also within her relationship with her boyfriend, Richard (Jake Lacy) who very much wants to make Therese his wife. A chance encounter with the older and more sophisticated Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) takes Therese's life in a different direction as she and Carol begin a close friendship which turns into something far deeper and emotional. The two travel on an idyllic road trip together, which comes to an abrupt halt when Carol receives word that her husband (Kyle Chandler) plans to use information about her and Therese against her in a court action that will result in her being denied a relationship with her beloved daughter.

Carol is not just a story of a love affair between two women, it is a story about a twist of fate or simple event that see's your life take on new meaning and direction. In this film, it is the simple glance between Carol and Therese before they meet that symbolises the changing of Therese's life and the start of her leaving behind her unsettled and awkward self to understand who she really is. It is also an incredibly nostalgic experience, both visually and by way of the mentality of the times. While the love between two people of the same sex is very much accepted in today's society, the 1950's were much less accepting and unforgiving. It can be quite distressing to see the way in which the character of Carol is treated by her husband and family and how she is not considered to be a fit mother by way of her sexual orientation, as well as the methods they employ to try and change her. This does seem distressing by today's standards, but it is an imprint of the way society thought in the 1950's and what was deemed acceptable.

However, the nostalgia of the film is far more attractive in it's stunning visuals. The recreation of mid-century New York City is wonderful and incredibly atmospheric. The costume design by the acclaimed Sandy Powell is absolutely exquisite. The costumes are not only a fine representation of the time period, but they also are very character specific and, as is the case with Therese, they change to represent the development and change of character throughout the film. The cinematography by Edward Lachman is equally intriguing and works to give the film it's nostalgic edge along with it's wonderful use of colour. Lachman frames the main characters in certain shots in such a way that makes sure one is not distracted by anything that is not relevant to subject at hand.

The result of the marriage between Todd Haynes' direction of his two leading ladies and Phyllis Nagy's screenplay is phenomenal. Throughout the film there are some absolutely superb and memorable lines of dialogue which are relatable even if one is not in the same situations as the characters. One particularly beautiful quote from Rooney Mara's Therese is "I don't know what I want. How could I know what I want if I say yes to everything?"

Even though Carol is set in the 1950's, it is considered a modern idea to say yes to everything and have this open you up to a world of opportunity. Yet, Therese verbalises here that saying no is just as important as saying yes, as saying yes too many times does not distinguish your character or shape you as a person. The exquisite dialogue is not only accompanied by, but strongly supported by the simple actions of the characters that are not exaggerated, but speak louder about what the characters are feeling than words. A brief glance or a touch of the hand that does not linger says a great deal more about what they are feeling than their words say, but works together with what they do say to create greater emotion and understanding.

Both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara give incredible performances which are worthy of their Academy Award nominations. Blanchett's performance is intriguing as the older woman who displays the strong characteristics one would associate with the more powerful and experienced half of a couple. Yet she is also a very fragile woman who, as one finds out as the film goes on, is not as emotionally strong as she appears to be.

Even though Blanchett portrays the title character, Carol is just as much Rooney Mara's film. Mara shines as the young Therese who is unsure of her place in the world until she meets Carol. She has a pixie-like quality which makes her incredibly endearing and likable. She is a character many will see themselves in a she is trying to fit into what she believes society would have her be, but is destined to live a more meaningful existence.

On the surface, Carol is a beautiful film with it's nostalgic images and classy cinematography. Yet underneath it is just as beautiful with it's relatable themes that accompany an already deeply emotional story.

8.5/10

Cinderella (2015) film review

Year: 2015
Running Time: 105 minutes
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Chris Weitz (screenplay)
Cast: Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Chaplin, Hayley Atwell, Derek Jacobi, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Stellan Skarsgard, Nonso Anozie

Cinderella will open on Australian cinemas on March 26 and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Now showing in the United States and United Kingdom.

Disney's Cinderella is a lovely, charming adaptation of the beloved children's fairy tale. Rather than follow the trend of classic stories being retold with a difference, it stays true to the original story with many references to the 1950 animated film, which is ironically refreshing. Ella (Lily James) is a beautiful girl who lives in her family's country manor with her bereaved father (Ben Chaplin) in a faraway kingdom. In his last attempt of happiness and before his last fateful trip, he remarries and leaves Ella with an unloving stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and two horrid stepsisters (Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera). Ella experiences only heartbreak and hardships at the hands of her new family, but a chance encounter with the kingdom's Prince (Richard Madden) brings her happiness and when the ball is announced, she dreams of attending although her stepmother will do everything in her power to prevent this from happening. With the arrival of her Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), Ella does indeed become the belle of the ball.

Cinderella is Disney doing what Disney does best, putting the magic back into a story that deserves a little pinch of fairy dust to make it sparkle in the present. Even though the film doesn't bring too much new to the story, it is quite an exquisite adaptation which works as well in live action as it did animated over 60 years ago. It is a film that will delight families and lovers of fantasy. The thing is with a film like Cinderella is that one goes into the film knowing what to expect so there is no need for disappointment in the story or for the film being what it is. It is a light, simple story with classic themes which include courage and kindness.

Kenneth Branagh's retelling of the fairy tale stays true more than anything to the original Disney film from 1950. Much of the film is as though the characters have jumped out of the animation and into live action, with many of the colour schemes of the costumes in both films mirroring each other, the animals having the same names and the Fairy Godmother's magic words being "Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo" amongst other similarities. Yet Chris Weitz's screenplay does allow for background information on the characters which gives a greater understanding as to how and why things came to be. Ella was born a beautiful girl, but the reason she has such a beautiful nature is because she has abided by her mothers dying words everyday of her life which has moulded her into the person she is. These small differences to the traditional Cinderella flesh out the story and characters in a way which enhances the screenplay and keeps the story interesting while paying tribute to those that came before it.

Visually Cinderella is every bit the magical fairy tale. The production design of every location is absolutely exquisite and every part of the kingdom from the royal castle to the town markets are wonderfully designed. The costume design is incredible, particularly Ella's ball gown which is everything you would want it to be. Sandy Powell, who has been nominated for ten and has won two Academy Awards for her incredible talent in costume design, has once again done a phenomenal job. The pivotal moment in the film when Ella is transformed from simple into her ball-ready self is awe inspiring and so beautiful visually that is can bring at tear to one's eye. The cinematography and beautiful visuals of the film work perfectly together to create that magical atmosphere which is so craved in a fairy tale remake.

In what is surely a star making role for lead Lily James, she is physically everything one would hope Cinderella to be. Her performance is fine and is clearly what has been asked of her, but her character is somewhat troublesome. Despite the explanation of why she is so carefree and happy even in the most difficult of situations, Ella can sometimes lack the human quality she would need for one to truly connect with her. This isn't to say that she does not have emotional moments in the really moving scenes, but her passive and whimsical nature is on the exaggerated side where it becomes unbelievable. True this is a fairy tale where we should be leaving our sphere of reality behind, but belief should still lie in the characters emotions.

However, James works well on screen with her co-stars, particularly Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden who both give fine performances. Blanchett does exceptionally well as the Stepmother who's character could have been well overdone and exaggerated, but is more cold and ambitious rather than truly evil. Richard Madden as the Prince is actually a wonderful surprise. Not only do he and James have wonderful chemistry, but his character is one that is truly likable and also rather deep. He and Derek Jacobi share a truly beautiful scene of a father and son understanding each other for the first time. Helena Bonham Carter is also a charming treat as the Fairy Godmother who adds comic relief to the film, as does the hilarious cameo by Rob Brydon.

Cinderella is a exceptionally beautiful and charming retelling of the timeless classic. It does not attempt to change anything about the original, but rather flesh out the humanity behind the characters and remind people why they love this fairy tale so much. It will definitely be a favourite with little girls, but has plenty that other members of the family will appreciate.

7.5/10

How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Year: 2014
Running Time: 102 minutes
Director: Dean Deblois
Writers: Cressida Cowell ("How To Train Your Dragon" book series), Dean Deblois (screenplay)
Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Kit Harrington, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig

Although How To Train Your Dragon 2 does not feel quite as significant as it's 2010 parent, it avoids the usual sequel pitfalls and makes for a fun and entertaining watch. The film manages to do what so many animated sequels fail to do and that is to admit that it's lead character is growing up and develop him accordingly. There is unsuspected emotional depth during the film, but the majority of revelations that occur during the film don't meet the same level of originality that they do in the original film.

The film meets up with Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his faithful dragon, Toothless four years after the two first united and proved to Hiccup's village Berk and his chieftain father, Stoick (Gerard Butler) that Vikings and dragons could live together in peace. When Hiccup and his girlfriend, Astrid (America Ferrera) encounter a dragon hunter by the name of Eret (Kit Harrington) and his crew, they find out that an enigmatic and old enemy of Stoick, Drago (Djimon Hounsou) is assembling a dragon army. With Hiccup feeling the pressure to take over as chieftain of Berk from his father, he feels that he must step up and convince Drago that dragons and humans can live together and stop him from declaring war.

How To Train Your Dragon was a whole lot of fun, and How To Train Your Dragon 2 brings more of that fun. The story itself is more serious, yet because the revelations in the film are not that dissimilar from the original it misses out on feeling as significant as what it could. In the original film, Hiccup tries to convince his elders that dragons are not the evil creatures they believe they are and in this film he is trying to convince another group of people of this. Of course the ways which he achieves this are different in the two films, but those who have seen the first film will feel like they have just seen a different version of the first rather than a new adventure. However, the similar storyline is disguised as the characters have grown and developed, particularly Hiccup. Many sequels (animated sequels in particular) will present their characters as not far gone since the last film, but Hiccup and his friends have grown up and are now adults rather than awkward adolescents. It is refreshing to see that the main character has developed with time passing rather than it be the same character with the same attributes that we knew before. Hiccup's basic personality traits remain unchanged, but you can absolutely tell the difference the time passed has made.

One thing that How To Train Your Dragon 2 does more than it's predecessor, is that it is a more emotional experience, especially at a particular moment in the film. As a result of this and the maturing of the characters, this sequel does feel like it is not as much directed towards children as the first film. The lack of younger characters in the film make it harder from children to relate to the situations in the film, but Toothless and the other dragons still do enough to keep younger audiences attention. The story itself isn't complex enough to categorise it as a film for adults. It wavers somewhere in the middle, which is more an observation than a positive or negative as the film is still entertaining. The animation is impressive and the final dragon battle scenes spectacular.

When one is familiar with Jay Baruchel's work, How To Train Your Dragon 2 does not seem like he has really stretched his boundaries. He doesn't do a great deal with his voice, as was also the case in the first film. Listening to him as Hiccup is basically listening to Jay Baruchel as he is in every other film. Yet, besides the lack of versatility to Baruchel's vocal performance, there is no denying that he is Hiccup and any other voice wouldn't add to the character the way his does.

Gerard Butler and Kit Harrington do vocally what they are best at. Butler is being a heroic Viking who strives on action and glory and Harrington is a adventurer on a quest to protect. Cate Blanchett's vocal performance is quite intriguing. Playing Hiccup's long lost mother, Valka, her accent can come across as a strange mixture of several dialects. However, what she does do with her voice is perfect for a woman who has only had dealings with dragons for decades. She is hesitant and slightly restrained as she comes to grips with speaking to humans again, which works very well for her character.

How To Train Your Dragon 2 may not reach the heights which the first film does, but it is still entertaining and fun. It's originality lies in it's character development from one film to the next rather than in it's storyline.

7/10

Academy Award 2014 Predictions as Movie Critical Heads To Hollywood

Today marks the official beginning of Oscar Week 2014. This time of the year is always very exciting for film enthusiasts. Even if you don't consider yourself a movie buff, it is still the day when you sit down and pick your favourites to barrack for in the night of nights and discuss who is wearing what best.

It is with great excitement that we announce that Movie Critical is once again heading to Hollywood to be part of the excitement! Over the next week we will be posting photos of Hollywood Blvd. as it gets ready for the night and other exciting events. Last year we had a great time being at the centre of the Academy Award universe and we are expecting this year to be even better. We are leaving Sydney for Los Angeles today so the coming days will see lots of Oscar here at Movie Critical!

Before we leave, we can't talk Oscars without predicting who will take home the big awards on the night. Here are the nominees for each of the big awards and our predictions as to who will win these awards come Sunday night.

Best Motion Picture Of The Year

Nominees
The Wolf Of Wall Street
American Hustle
Nebraska
Captain Phillips
Philomena
Dallas Buyers Club
12 Years A Slave
Gravity
Her

Prediction - 12 Years A Slave
Steve McQueen's haunting and confronting film about a free man who was sold into slavery, 12 Years A Slave  will be hard to beat. The film is exceptionally well rounded with a solid screenplay, brilliant performances, amazing cinematography and beautiful musical score, as well as being emotionally driven and very powerful.


Best Achievement in Directing

Nominees
David O. Russell- American Hustle
Alfonso Cuaron- Gravity
Alexander Payne- Nebraska
Steve McQueen- 12 Years A Slave
Martin Scorsese- The Wolf of Wall Street

 

 

Prediction- Alfonso Cuaron Gravity

Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity truly is an incredible achievement in direction. While the film really only stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, Cuaron had to direct as though in zero gravity in space with the aid of CGI and mechanical apparatus'. Gravity maintained a high level of tension for the entirety of the film. An ambitious film and exceptional directing achievement.

 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

 

Nominees

Christian Bale- American Hustle

Bruce Dern- Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio- The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor- 12 Years A Slave

Matthew McConaughey- Dallas Buyers Club

 

 

Prediction- Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club

It's shaping up to be the year for Matthew McConaughey. Although he has tough competition from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leonardo DiCaprio, McConaughey has had a superb run with his choice of films and with Dallas Buyers Club he is at the top of his game and fans and peers alike are responding. His portrayal as Ron Woodroof was brilliant and completely intriguing.

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

 

Nominees

Amy Adams- American Hustle

Cate Blanchett- Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock- Gravity

Judi Dench- Philomena

Meryl Streep- August: Osage County

 

 

Prediction- Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine

This category has pretty much been a one woman race from the start of award season. Cate Blanchett plays an extremely unstable and disturbed character in Blue Jasmine and did so perfectly. There has been talk of late by many that her chances for the Oscar have been derailed by the Woody Allen controversy, but the Academy surely acknowledges that Blanchett has nothing to do with these happenings and shouldn't be punished for giving the best performance of the year in one of his films. Blanchett is a certainty for this one..

 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Rolw

 

Nominees

Barkhad Abdi- Captain Phillips

Bradley Cooper- American Hustle

Michael Fassbender- 12 Years A Slave

Jonah Hill- The Wolf of Wall Street

Jared Leto- Dallas Buyers Club

 

 

Prediction- Jared Leto Dallas Buyers Club

Like Blanchett, Jared Leto is pretty much a sure thing to take home this award. After a six year hiatus from film, Dallas Buyers Club has been the comeback from heaven for Leto.  His performance as the transgender Rayon was incredibly natural and avoided all cliché and stereotypes. Although McConaughey was incredible and will more than likely win the Oscar in his category, Leto overshadowed McConaughey whenever he was on screen and the film was at his best when he was involved.

 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role



 

Nominees

Sally Hawkins- Blue Jasmine

Jennifer Lawrence- American Hustle

Lupita Nyong'o- 12 Years A Slave

Julia Roberts- August: Osage County

June Squibb- Nebraska

 

 

Prediction- Lupita Nyong'o 12 Years A Slave

This is the category that is presently creating the most interest as it seems to be a race to the finish for both Lupita Nyong'o and Jennifer Lawrence. Nyong'o has taken home the Screen Actors Guild Award while Jennifer Lawrence has won both the Golden Globe and the BAFTA. Yet, it seems hard to go past Nyong'o. She was heartbreakingly exquisite in 12 Years A Slave and deserves the award. However, Lawrence was certainly fun to watch and isn't far behind Nyong'o...if she is at all.