Best Picture of 2008

[bruce_pullen]

Note: I know Happy Feet was worse. But, Wall*E has greater coattails.

..And the destination is the same.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by coolmilo

4. In Bruges

Please explain, read my earlier post.

[emm7th]

WALL•E

[coolmilo]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Please explain, read my earlier post.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Bruges

^^^ This was a fantastic film that was released around Feb 08. Unfortunately it never made its way onto BD perhaps because of the format war. It remains on my best of the year list.

[masoud90]

Slumdog Better get original score...the score was just amazing.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by coolmilo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Bruges

^^^ This was a fantastic film that was released around Feb 08. Unfortunately it never made its way onto BD perhaps because of the format war. It remains on my best of the year list.

Here's my original post.

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

In Bruges (2008) , starts well, and ends well.

Unfortunately, the middle is a complete failure. The midget, the drugs, the love-affair, all of this, is untidy. It goes on and on. Farrell and Gleeson, have chemistry, but they have nothing to say. There are witty lines, here and there. But the film, is a burger, whose middle is spam, not beef.

And sadly, that's where it fails. A mid-section that lacks coherence or grace. The film is cool. I'll give it that. But coolness, doesn't grant you a pass; if the film doesn't, deliver the goods.

Understand, the beginning and end, are quite interesting. But there's nothing to make either matter, in between.

Note: Finnes’ wife. Now, that's someone, you could film.

Did you like the middle? Please explain?

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by coolmilo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Bruges

^^^ This was a fantastic film that was released around Feb 08. Unfortunately it never made its way onto BD perhaps because of the format war. It remains on my best of the year list.

Fantastic in what way? How was it cool? Explain, beyond a sound bite.


My Take:

In Bruges (2008), had interesting promise, but threw it, all away.

(Spoilers Ahead)

You had the train imagery, the flashback killing, and the two men. Basic, interesting, filmic, the film gets your attention.

The soundtrack has tragedy, built-in to the music. So sonically, the film has you.

Bruges, as a setting, is fetching; the medieval architecture adds to the film.

Gleeson and Farrell are well cast, and create sympathy.

However, as the film unfolds, we get surreal. David Lynch hijacks the picture. Midgets, drugs, and fog, take hold. A romance blooms. The midget has philosophical conversations with the killers. Farrell turns out to be child-like. And the film makes little sense. Then we add Ralph Finnes, to the mix. For a very confusing stew, the film simply, gives up.

At the close, the film kicks into high gear, with a convincing chase. But by then, the chase has no meaning. Finnes ends up dead, but there’s no meaning to it. He follows his own rules, but the film had none: to begin with.

If you follow, the mid-section, that is.

Please explain, what makes it, the best picture of the year.

Maybe I missed, some “deep” inner meaning, to In Bruges. But honestly, just cause it’s weird, doesn’t make it deep.

Just cause it’s strange, doesn’t make it, a classic.

Last Thought: I guess the “deep” meaning is: if you kill a kid, you go to Bruges with Lord Voldemort. Then, live to talk about it.

Now that’s a Renaissance Festival.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by emm7th

WALL•E

Go Wall*E Go! Go Wall*E Go!

GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! WAAAALLLLLL****EEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

(Sighs)

I wish you'd explain, why you like it.

Rather, than just write it.

GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! WAAAALLLLLL****EEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Astalder]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

I will ask you, did you watch Wanted, once or twice. There is a difference.

I own it, and I did warm up to it a lot more on the second viewing from the first. I like it for a lot of the reasons I liked the first Matrix, that's why I picked it up. It never gets onto best picture level though.

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

..Happy Feet won the Oscar. Now, here's Wall*E. When will you take offense?

Heh believe me I hear you, I stopped paying to see anything I deem primarily a Hollywood message movie a long time ago, they're not qualified to lecture people. I was surprised by WallE's message, I didn't expect that going into it based on the previews. I'm not saying I approve of it, just that I expect it to win despite it.

[fighthefutureofhd]

why do people have to explain to this bruce fellow? is the leader here or something?

[fighthefutureofhd]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Note I said, my five were.... My five were. Did you find my original post. My explanation for each.



Guess not.



Next time do your research.

i did my research. that's why i said quote you think lakeview terrace and rambo deserve oscars for best picture. interesting. unquote. let's not kid ourselves here. hell could freeze over and they still won't give rambo or lakeview terrace a oscar nomination for best picture. they won't do that for i want to believe and i made that clear in my original post. i just find interesting that you attack my choices for best picture nominations at the oscars when yours are just as out there. but that's your opinion and that's cool. everyone's entitled to one.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

why do people have to explain to this bruce fellow? is the leader here or something?

I'm sorry. I guess, I wish people thought, about what they believed, more often.

I find many folks, simply believe something, without analysis.

I meant no disrespect. I am a film animal. And, if someone has an opinion, I want them to explain it, I guess.

Unless you can't. A conversation goes both ways.

[bstrate117]

gran torino hands down

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

i did my research. that's why i said quote you think lakeview terrace and rambo deserve oscars for best picture. interesting. unquote. let's not kid ourselves here. hell could freeze over and they still won't give rambo or lakeview terrace a oscar nomination for best picture. they won't do that for i want to believe and i made that clear in my original post. i just find interesting that you attack my choices for best picture nominations at the oscars when yours are just as out there. but that's your opinion and that's cool. everyone's entitled to one.

Uhh... sir, I said research my quotes, before you misquote them.

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

the x-files: i want to believe is the worst movie of the year and the clear razzie winner yet you think lakeview terrace and rambo deserve oscars for best pictures. interesting.

By the way, thanks for ingoring the Roger Ebert, Andrew Sarris, and A.O. Scott quotes, respectively.

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

As for, what I think will be nominated, here’s my list.

2008 Academy Award Nominees: Best Picture (What Will Get It)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire

Reasons:

1. Button, because of guilt, of past Burton neglect.
2. The Dark Knight, because of the accolades and Heath Ledger.
3. Frost/Nixon, because of Ron Howard. And Richard Nixon, Oscar loves “true” stories.
4. And biopics, Milk is Brokeback II.
5. And every year, there’s that cheery flick.

The Winner: The Dark Knight.

It is the one picture, that appeals to the Academy (as a whole).

Sir, I said, my five Oscar selections, knowing full well, that won't happen.

Why else, did I give the list above. That's what I believe will win, not my five.

I'm not saying mine, should win. But, I do defend them. And I'm not alone.

Again below, is my opinion, not what will be. Please get you facts straight.

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

My choice: 2008 Best Picture Nominees

(Based on what I’ve seen)

The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Lakeview Terrace
Rambo
Wanted

1. It is a masterpiece. Endlessly watchable, poignant and crushing. It is simply, one for the ages. The Dark Knight, is a seminal watershed.

2. Populist popcorn, at it’s most daring. Screwball comedy, structured drama, all unveiling with pin-point accuracy. It is a slam-dunk. (Iron Man)

3. Small moments, moving drama, it’s refreshing to see a minority baddie. Jackson, does commendable work, in top notch pot-boiler. The film speaks to many things. (Lakeview Terrace)

4. The film shines with seismic force. It builds and builds. Some would balk, I know better. Rambo is real. Despite, what critics say. (Rambo)

5. Amazing picture, the film moves. Performances shimmer, Wanted rewards, multiple viewings. Ask yourself, is this amusing? Then ask, did I try, to be amused?

Runners’ Up

The Bank Job
The Changeling

Winner:

The Dark Knight

It is the film of the year, and maybe the decade. What else, can I say. It meshes perfectly with past Oscar winners.

No Country For Old Men, The Departed, desperation is in.

Again, read my words, before commenting on them.

You'll do better that way. Trust me.

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

i just find interesting that you attack my choices for best picture nominations at the oscars when yours are just as out there. but that's your opinion and that's cool. everyone's entitled to one.

Thanks for saying that. Let me add, only this: Rambo and X-Files: I Want To Believe are out there. (X-Files: I Want To Believe got a 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, Rambo got a 37% percent). Both pictures, are rejects.

Lakeview Terrace received 49 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Basically a split decision. So, you may, be right on one. The other is even steven. Time will tell.

Let me add, I believe Rambo and Lakeview Terrace are solid entertainments. And frankly, I'll take that over, "message movies" any day of the week.

And thanks, for the effort. I meant nothing negative. Merry Christmas.

P.S. Choice is different than "should win". I guess, I didn't explain that.

Thanks fightthefutureofhd, for keeping me sharp.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by Astalder

Heh believe me I hear you, I stopped paying to see anything I deem primarily a Hollywood message movie a long time ago, they're not qualified to lecture people. I was surprised by WallE's message, I didn't expect that going into it based on the previews. I'm not saying I approve of it, just that I expect it to win despite it.

Agreed, I'm glad to know, I'm not the only one.

Thanks, by the way.

... One question. Have you seen The Changeling yet?

[fighthefutureofhd]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Uhh... sir, I said research my quotes, before you misquote them.




By the way, thanks for ingoring the Roger Ebert, Andrew Sarris, and A.O. Scott quotes, respectively.



Sir, I said, my five Oscar selections, knowing full well, that won't happen.

Why else, did I give the list above. That's what I believe will win, not my five.

I'm not saying mine, should win. But, I do defend them. And I'm not alone.

Again below, is my opinion, not what will be. Please get you facts straight.



Again, read my words, before commenting on them.

You'll do better that way. Trust me.


Thanks for saying that. Let me add, only this: Rambo and X-Files: I Want To Believe are out there. (X-Files: I Want To Believe got a 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, Rambo got a 37% percent). Both pictures, are rejects.

Lakeview Terrace received 49 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Basically a split decision. So, you may, be right on one. The other is even steven. Time will tell.

Let me add, I believe Rambo and Lakeview Terrace are solid entertainments. And frankly, I'll take that over, "message movies" any day of the week.

And thanks, for the effort. I meant nothing negative. Merry Christmas.

P.S. Choice is different than "should win". I guess, I didn't explain that.

Thanks fightthefutureofhd, for keeping me sharp.

i understand it's your opinion, which is why i stated things the way i did. i don't think i misread anything or glossed over much. the point is still valid. your "choices" and "opinions" are still out there. especially with the "preaching" bit. if you don't like preaching or moral messages in movies then i guess your out of luck. hollywood's been doing that for forever it seems. at least since the 50's and 60's. it's nothing new, and really isn't that big a deal. wall-e for example didn't cram a message down our throats. in fact if you're not looking for it you won't see it. it's moral message isn't as strong as the moral messages in the dark knight (at least not in my mind), which you happen to love.

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by masoud90

Slumdog Better get original score...the score was just amazing.

First thing I did when getting home from Slumdog is download the score lol.

[coolcanadiandude]

For NON COMERCIAL-

Best Picture
Curius Case of Benjimon Button
Slumdog millionaire -WIN!
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Dark Knight- its commerical but it was written well... and besides LoTR won back in 03 and this is worth a nom in such a case.. but i dont care just as long as:

Actor/Supporting Role
-Heath Ledger-win
-Heath Ledger-win
-Heath Ledger again-win
-for the 50th ****ing time HEath LEdger-win
0r!!!!!! guess who:
-Heath LEdger-win

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

i understand it's your opinion, which is why i stated things the way i did. i don't think i misread anything or glossed over much. the point is still valid. your "choices" and "opinions" are still out there. especially with the "preaching" bit.

Well, if no one else is saying it. Let me be, John the Baptist.

And you, implied I was irrational for thinking Rambo and Lakeview would win.

Again, that is misreading or bad intrepretation, be my guest. They're my best choices (of what I've seen), not the Academy's. (sighs)

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

if you don't like preaching or moral messages in movies then i guess your out of luck. hollywood's been doing that for forever it seems. at least since the 50's and 60's. it's nothing new, and really isn't that big a deal.

It should be a big deal. It dictates culture and values. It shouldn't, but it does. Why do you think, I mention it. For, my health?

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

i wall-e for example didn't cram a message down our throats. in fact if you're not looking for it you won't see it. it's moral message isn't as strong as the moral messages in the dark knight (at least not in my mind), which you happen to love.

Different demographics, my friend. Different demographics.

What works for us, won't for kids.

By the way, mountains of trash, B & L billboards, dust storms out of Mad Max, “if you're not looking for it you won't see it.” Umm…, green everywhere (Go Green anyone??), B & L slushes, an abandoned planet, “Go Red, it’s the new Blue”, the commune at the end.. uhh.. if you say so. Check those lenses.

The Dark Knight, had Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Cillian Murphy, as it's cast.

Universal, used to say, "A good cast, is worth repeating." When you have skill, on display, it tempers the material. Making it, whatever you want.

The film is a Rorschach. It's different to everyone. So, what you see, isn't what I see. Or what Ebert sees.

Christopher Nolan, handled the film, to where, you can make you're own conclusions. When both Entertainment Weekly and Glenn Beck, think it's their movie, that's ideal.

Originally Posted by fighthefutureofhd

it's (Wall*E's) moral message isn't as strong as the moral messages in the dark knight (at least not in my mind), which you happen to love

When the film, makes the audience decide the content. That is the goal. However, Wall*E has one interpretation. TRASH…. BAD. HUMANS…..BAD. PLANTS….GOOD. Sounds like Boris Karloff, doesn’t it?

The Dark Knight, is hard to pin down. And that, is why it works. As for moral messages, it varies depending on, who you ask. Try getting that out of X-Files 2.

Suggestions:

1. Billy Connolly should shave. …No, he shouldn’t.

2. Dana should shut up. No…, she can’t.

3. Is the Caribbean CGI? …I… don’t know?

So, it depends on what you want.

Thanks again.

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by coolcanadiandude

Actor/Supporting Role
-Heath Ledger-win
-Heath Ledger-win
-Heath Ledger again-win
-for the 50th ****ing time HEath LEdger-win
0r!!!!!! guess who:
-Heath LEdger-win