A Reel Opinion: Oscar Picks - Part 1

It's Oscar Week! With the 90th Academy Awards just days away, this is a time not just to celebrate awards contenders, but the art and craft of filmmaking. From directors to writers to technicians to the people in front of the camera, this is the time to celebrate the power and magic of cinema.

In this first part of Oscar Picks, Reel Speak picks the winners in the four acting categories. This so far has been one of those rare years where the major awards from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Golden Globes, and British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) are all on the same page. Oscar may follow the trend and complete a sweep for our nominees, but there is always potential for an upset.

Best Supporting Actress

Having already won the SAG, Globe, and BAFTA in this category, Allison Janney looks to complete her awards season sweep for her firecracker role in I, TONYA. Similar to how the world always loves a grumpy old man on film, Janney’s portrayal of a grumpy old woman who operated behind the scenes of the one of the biggest sports scandals in history offered a unique insight and fresh angle to a story that the world has known so very well.

Winner: Allison Janney

Best Supporting Actor

Having already won the SAG, Globe, and BAFTA in this category (see the trend yet?), Sam Rockwell looks to complete his season sweep for his role as the biggest asshole in Ebbing, in THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Rockwell could very well be upset by his co-star Woody Harrelson, or even Willem Dafoe in the lower profile THE FLORIDA PROJECT, but Rockwell’s character went through a lot of different phases; going from jerk to sympathetic in a blink…and that is no easy task.

Winner: Sam Rockwell

Best Actress

This seems to be a lock for Frances McDormand and her powerful performance in THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI…which is an acting clinic. McDormand has already won this category at the Globes, SAG, and BAFTA, and is favored to complete the sweep. However, the much-adored LADY BIRD could play spoiler here. Saorise Ronan, an Irish actress, has captured a lot of hearts in her portrayal of an outspoken California teen, and her win could be the only Oscar LADY BIRD takes home, but McDormand is definitely the safe bet.

Winner: Frances McDormand

Best Actor

This category is a long-awaited clash of the titans, with the long-overdue Gary Oldman going up against the greatest of all time, Daniel Day-Lewis. Oldman’s towering performance as the famed Winston Churchill took a lot of work, as he had to act past the heavy prosthetics and sell the character with his eyes (again, no easy task), and he also has won this category in SAG, Globes and BAFTA. Daniel Day-Lewis has won this Oscar three times (best in history), and could play spoiler to Oldman’s long-awaited win. Another upset could come from Timothee Chalamet from the stupid CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, but Oldman should have this as easily as Churchill has a cigar.

Winner: Gary Oldman

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Read Reel Speak's picks in the elemental categories leading to Best Picture HERE

The Oscars will be awarded March 4^th.

A Reel Review: The Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films

Animated short films have the same challenges as live-action shorts; they need to tell a story and develop characters as swiftly and effectively as possible…but they have the advantage of working in the animated world, where anything and anywhere can be created. With no limits other than imagination, the Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films are always the category to look forward to the most.

Here are this year’s nominees and their Reel Reviews.

LOU – A schoolyard bully meets his match in a mysterious creature who lurks in the lost-and-found box.

This annual entry from Pixar ran in front of CARS 3 last summer, and in addition to being an effective, anti-bullying story, is one of the most inventive from the famed animation studio. Schoolyard toys and childhood playthings are combined to bring the mysterious being to life, and a clever twist towards the end suddenly has us rooting for the villain of the story.

DEAR BASKETBALL – Narrator Kobe Bryant explores what it is to chase a dream, achieve it, and leave it behind.

This star-studded nominee was created and narrated by former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, animated by Disney legend Glen Keane, and scored by the great John Williams. It is a literal love-letter to the game of basketball as told by Kobe, and while it seems self-serving at first glance, it runs deep as it covers what everyone must go through in life with their pursuits. The combination of Kobe’s unique insight and the creative team involved makes this a must-see for fans of both sports and cinema, and that is a rare combo. 

GARDEN PARTY – A group of frogs explore an abandoned house.

The first thing that must be said about this film is the animation is simply breathtaking; the texture on the frogs and the purity of the water looks as real as possible, which makes up for the lack of plot. The film merely tags-along with the frogs as they follow their instincts through the abandoned mansion, and a series of events slowly reveals to us just how the house became abandoned in a shocking and grotesque fashion.

NEGATIVE SPACE – A boy connects with his father over the art of packing a suitcase.

This stop-motion film is the only one of the group in which real models and character-puppets were built. The paper-Mache look is a welcome throwback and the craftmanship can really be appreciated. The film is light on plot and is instead an unfolding of one man’s memories of his father. The final shot is a chuckler and doesn’t quite land as well as the bulk of the film.

REVOLTING RHYMES – Snow White, Red Riding Hood, and the Three Little Pigs come together for an adventure.

Based on the book by famed children’s author Roald Dahl, this adventure of revenge and deception is a wonderful tale which brilliantly combines the elements of the most famous fairy tales of all time. It mixes tragedy and laughs with a haunting and shocking ending…but not so shocking if we keep in mind the true nature of most fairy tales. The only knock against it is its running time; at 28 minutes, it is the longest of the nominees and pushes the limits of a short.

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The Oscars will be awarded March 4^th.

Read Reel Speak’s review for the Live Action Nominees HERE

A Reel Review: The Oscar Nominated Live Action Short Films

Short films can be considered to the purest form of filmmaking. With limited time to work with, the challenge is to tell a story and develop characters as effectively and swiftly as possible, and with the rules in place for all, independent filmmakers can easily compete with larger studios. This year’s batch of live-action Oscar nominees rises up to the challenge, while drawing inspiration from real life drama.

Here are the Reel Reviews for the nominees…

DEKALB ELEMENTARY – A lone gunman enters an elementary school and forms a bond with the terrified receptionist.

Inspired by a real-life 911 call during a school-shooting incident in Atlanta, this film feels like a chunk of a larger story, and could have benefitted from more setup and a stronger conclusion. But, on its own this is a harrowing movie, as it doesn’t pull any punches in dropping us right in the middle of a frightening ordeal.

WATU WOTE (ALL OF US) – In Kenya, a Christian woman is protected by Muslim passengers on a bus hijacked by terrorists.

Also based on a real-life incident, this powerful film also drops us right down the gun barrel. It’s an exploration of faith and trust, and how different religions can ultimately have one thing in common.

THE ELEVEN O’CLOCK – A delusional patient of a psychiatrist believes he is actually the psychiatrist.

The only comedy film of this year’s nominees is full of laughs, but at the same time can be obnoxious as the patient and doctor battle over their identities. The dialogue is sharp and witty and very clever, and it constantly changes what we think we know is going on…although the twist at the end is telegraphed very early.

MY NEPHEW EMMETT – A preacher in 1955 Mississippi tries to protect his 14-year-old nephew from racist killers.

This nominee is based on the real-life, infamous murder of an African-American teen in 1955, and has the potential for a feature-length film while standing well on its own. It’s a quick reminder of the vicious racism that plagued the deep south in the 1950’s, and also ramps up the tension once threats are made and guns are drawn. It’s the best-looking of the batch with stunning cinematography which seems to rely only on natural lighting.

THE SILENT CHILD – The parents of severely deaf little girl clash with her social worker/teacher over the best way to help her.

This little heartbreaker serves as a social statement and has the most potential as a feature-length. The idea here is that deaf children are at a disadvantage not only because of their handicap, but because schools and parents are un-equipped, or un-willing to take the right steps to help them. The acting in this is excellent, and the finale will have anyone reaching for the tissues.

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Review for the Animated Short Film nominees HERE

The Oscars will be awarded March 4^th.

A Reel Review: BLACK PANTHER

For director Ryan Coogler, the pressure was certainly on in bringing BLACK PANTHER to the big screen for the first time. Originally created in 1966, the character was the very first African-American superhero; a reaction to the Civil Rights movement, and over the years has come to mean a lot to a lot of people. The character represents equality and culture and a lot more, and deserved to be done right in the massive, and ever-growing series of Marvel’s super-films.

After the death of his father, T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) arrives home as the new king of Wakanda; a hidden, technologically advanced African nation which has remained secluded from the world for thousands of years. While being faced with the immense pressure of Wakanda’s future and living up to his father’s reign, T’Challa’s right to the throne is challenged by N’Jadaka (Michael B. Jordan), also known as Killmonger…who has big plans for Wakanda and its secrets.

BLACK PANTHER arrives as the 19^th (!) film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since 2008, and right away makes the smart decision to focus its story on a single, isolated region which rarely ventures out, even though the eventual stakes have far-reaching consequences. It’s a battle for the throne and the future of Wakanda, with the latter point being the most important. Wakanda is a region of long-standing tradition; with the tradition of never interfering or assisting the world with its problems the hardest one to break. It’s a world-building exercise that gives T’Challa, his supporters, and his enemy Killmonger good territory to battle over, as the film leans heavily on a theme of what to do with old traditions when they seem obsolete; is it a betrayal of ancestry to adopt to the changing times, or a necessity to survive?

Far from a basic origin story (it’s not an origin story at all), BLACK PANTHER goes deeper with its characters for even more meat to chew on. T’Challa is struggling with the burden of rule and getting out of his father’s shadow, while Killmonger is a villain coming out of tragedy. Killmonger especially is given strong motivations to take over Wakanda, and his ideas of how the isolated kingdom should be using its riches and technology is debatably on the right side. This gives BLACK PANTHER an important depth.

Once the action starts BLACK PANTHER truly soars. The fight scenes, especially the hand-to-hand combat are a thrill, and every time T’Challa dons the Black Panther suit, the screen is commanded by his presence. The film is packed with tragedy with character deaths and lots of stabbing with spears and claws, and the stakes to every fight are always felt. The film looks beautiful and every shot is framed nicely. Editing and pacing could be a little tighter in some places; scenes leading up to a few action sequences needed some more energy and forward momentum. Ludwig Goransson’s score is excellent. The film is saturated in African culture; clothing, traditions, and music are a major part of the film’s identity and give it a uniqueness in the Marvel catalog and the superhero genre.

Chadwick Boseman is excellent as the struggling ruler and as the hero. The burden of leadership can always be seen on his face, but he switches from unsure to fierce in a blink, and his accent is perfect. Michael B. Jordan matches Boseman nicely, and is given a lot to do while nearly stealing the movie. Boseman is surrounded by a great supporting cast; Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, Daniel Kaluuya, and Forest Whitaker are well-cast and are very good, and Jordan trades barbs with returning Marvel bad-guy Andy Serkis…who is always a joy to see. Martin Freeman also reprises his role as a government man; his character feels a little extraneous but his worth is eventually felt by movie’s end.

The final battle of BLACK PANTHER relies on way too much spectacle and becomes a bit of a CGI headache, but the film still wraps with a satisfying conclusion, and despite being firmly entrenched in the MCU, operates very well as a standalone film. As a superhero movie, BLACK PANTHER excels in action and character, and its few flaws don’t derail it as a fitting adaptation to an important hero.

BOTTOM LINE: See it

A Reel Preview: Everything You Need to Know About BLACK PANTHER

This week, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases their 18^th film in their series since 2008 in the form of BLACK PANTHER, which may be one of the most anticipated superhero films of all time. In this preview, is everything you need to know about this newest Marvel adventure…

What’s the big deal? – The big deal is that the character of Black Panther is the first African-American superhero to appear in the comics, predating other well-known heroes such as Luke Cage, Falcon, and the DC Comics’ character John Stewart/Green Lantern. Although cinema has brought us black superheroes before in BLADE (1998) and HANCOCK (2008), the Black Panther character pre-dates those, and is the first solo outing for the character in the MCU.

What is this all about? – Picking up after the events of CIVIL WAR (2016), BLACK PANTHER follows T’Challa, who is returning home as the king of Wakanda; a fictional, technologically advanced secret city in East Africa. T’Challa uses his wealth, technology, and skills to moonlight as the Black Panther hero, and he finds himself challenged by a long-time adversary…leading to global consequences.

Who is behind the camera? – BLACK PANTHER is directed by Ryan Coogler, who brought us the magnificent CREED in 2015. His other notable credit is the acclaimed FRUITVILLE STATION in 2013.

Who is in front of the camera? – Chadwick Boseman reprises the role of T’Challa/Black Panther, which he debuted in CIVIL WAR. Boseman is also well-known for his role as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013). The aforementioned adversary of T’Challa is played by Michael B. Jordan, who is a long-time collaborator with Coogler…having appeared in CREED and FRUITVILLE STATION. Returning Marvel actors include Martin Freeman (CIVIL WAR), and Andy Serkis (AGE OF ULTRON). The rest of the strong cast includes Lupita Nyong’o (12 YEARS A SLAVE), Daniel Kaluuya (GET OUT), Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.

Random Facts – Andy Serkis’ character and T’Challa’s country were introduced in AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON in 2015. Wakanda was also mentioned as a location in IRON MAN 2 (2010) * Wakanda is the home of vibranium mines, which is what Captain America’s shield was made out of * The fighting style in the film is based on Africa martial arts * The filmmakers cite BLADE RUNNER (1982) as an inspiration for Wakanda’s design * The February release is the earliest ever for an MCU film * This is the second solo movie for a character introduced in CIVIL WAR. The first was Peter Parker/Spider-man in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (2017) *

What to expect – Beginning with the creative team behind the camera, Marvel has succeeded time and time again because they always seem to get the right people for the right jobs. The decisions in their directors and actors have been solid. The call to bring Ryan Coogler aboard, a well-established and acclaimed filmmaker, can only be a good thing. Coogler has shown great skill behind the camera and an ability to express his characters very well. In front of the camera, Chadwick Boseman brought chills his first time out as Black Panther in a limited role, and having him in a film full-time is sure to be a treat. Boseman is surrounded by a great cast and he can only thrive on that. All these pieces should add up well, with the sum-total another home-run, and historic hit for Marvel.

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BLACK PANTHER arrives February 16^th.

A Reel Birthday

This month marks the 8^th anniversary of Reel Speak.

This little blog was founded on a love for cinema; a love that began in a darkened theatre in 1977 when the magnificent STAR WARS captured the imagination and heart of me, and the entire world. It was a night that set me on a career and life path, with Reel Speak founded on a desire to share that love and expand on the wonderful world of movies.

Each year, to celebrate Reel Speak’s first blog entry on February 24^th, 2010, this Blogger is proud to share the Top 20 reasons Why I Love the Movies. It’s my favorite one to post each year, as I get to revisit this list of direct and indirect references to films which have captured me the same way STAR WARS did over 40 years ago. This list has changed and evolved, and each year it offers an opportunity to reflect. The events of the past year in my life has me looking back at family, and my family’s love for movies which led us to that theatre in 1977. Dad was a John Wayne fan, and was all about watching The Duke in THE COWBOYS and THE GREEN BERETS. Mom is all about GONE WITH THE WIND. My brother and sister followed in my footsteps with STAR WARS, INDIANA JONES, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and this Blogger’s girlfriend is all about THE SOUND OF MUSIC and MARRY POPPINS. Cinema has been with me for years, and it always shall be.

So here are my reasons for loving film, which can give a glimpse into what makes me tick, and maybe inspire you to examine what films are important in your life, and why.

WHY I LOVE THE MOVIES

20. Because the trick is not minding that it hurts.

19. Because if they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you.

18. Because a Jaguar Shark ate my best friend.

17. Because we will not walk in fear of one another.

16. Because of John Williams.

15. Because I have been, and always shall be your friend.

14. Because what we do in life echoes in eternity.  

13. Because Red October was hunted.

12. Because the only Virtue is Vengeance. A Vendetta.

11. Because Crom laughs at your four winds!

10. Because it’s a wonderful night for Oscar.

9. Because they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

8. Because “I love you”, and “I know”.

7. Because every man dies. Not every man really lives.

6. Because I will drink your milkshake.

5. Because if someone asks me if I’m a god, I say yes.

4. Because they needed a bigger boat.

3. Because there had to be snakes.

2. Because the Fellowship will not fail.

1. Because of what happened on May 25^th, 1977.

A Reel Review: The Super Bowl Movie Trailers - The Good, The Bad, & The Glorious

The Super Bowl, the NFL’s championship game and annual cultural milestone, is always one of the most watched TV events of the year. Advertisers take full advantage of even the most casual observer tuning in to roll out a new campaign, as does Hollywood. This year’s crop of movie trailers was on the light side, but still offered plenty of Good, Bad, and Glorious. Here’s how it played out during Super Bowl LII (that’s 52, for you muggles)…

The Good

-Airing before kickoff, but still worth a mention are John Krasinski’s horror-thriller A QUIET PLACE and the Jennifer Lawrence-led spy flick RED SPARROW. Both offered new footage while ramping up the tension and action.

-It’s always fun to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson doing anything, and the trailer for his new thriller SKYSCRAPER didn’t disappoint. The trailer offered some dizzying visuals and a surprise handicap for the Rock’s character.

-The MISSION IMPOSSIBLE series with star Tom Cruise is about to bring its sixth film since 1996, and the new trailer for the July release, subtitled FALLOUT, was a showcase for some great-looking stunts.

The Bad

-The good news about the trailer for JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM is that it was full of people being chased by dinosaurs. The bad news about the trailer is that it was full of people being chased by dinosaurs. Just the same old thing all over again.

-You get negative points for not showing up. No trailer for the Warner Bros. adaptation of DC Comics’ AQUAMAN (they need positive vibes badly), and nothing for high-profile releases such as TOMB RAIDER, PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING, THE INCREDIBLES 2, or READY PLAYER ONE.

-Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER was cross-promoted with a car commercial. Fans don’t care about cars, they want to see their heroes.

The Glorious

-Where Disney may have stumbled with BLACK PANTHER and INCREDIBLES 2, they made up for it in the superhero department with a new spot for the much anticipated AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. The quick spot drove home the point that this is the beginning of the final chapter of a journey that started a decade ago, and also managed to feature the majority of the massive cast.

-You get major points for pulling a surprise, and Disney won the cinematic night with the first look at SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. We heard that there would be a trailer last week, and then told no...we’d have to wait until Monday, so when that famed LucasFilm logo faded up, attentions were no doubt grabbed. The trailer was quick and snappy with some stunning visuals of the old Empire and the Millennium Falcon, and the first look at Alden Ehrenrich as Han Solo. And as a bonus, the trailer served as a teaser for the full-trailer release which arrived today. STAR WARS is still full of surprises.

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Super Bowl LIII will be played February 3^rd, 2019.

A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2018 - Episode II

The bad news about the cinematic month of February is that it’s still in Movie Siberia; where cast-offs go to quickly die. But the good news is that it’s a short month, and this year there is at least one high-profile release to look forward to. Here are the notable releases for the upcoming month:

WINCHESTER – Based on the true location of the famed Winchester manor, this horror film follows the widow to the creator of Winchester Firearms (played by Helen Mirren) who is haunted by spirits in the mansion. Jason Clarke (ZERO DARK THIRTY) co-stars.

FIFTY SHADES FREED – Based on the novel by E.L. James, this erotic thriller is the third and final entry to the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY series. Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan reprise their roles.

PETER RABBIT – The beloved creation by Beatrix Potter comes to life in this live-action, CGI hybrid. James Corden provides the voice of the rabbit, and he is joined by Margot Robbie, Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne, Sam Neill, and Daisy Ridley (THE LAST JEDI).

THE 15:17 TO PARIS – Famed director Clint Eastwood returns with this true story adaptation of three American friends who confront a terrorist on a train bound for Paris. Those three American friends star as themselves.

BLACK PANTHER – It’s not often we see a high-profile superhero film released in the first two months of the year, but Marvel has earned the clout to do whatever the hell they want at this point. Chadwick Boseman reprises the role of Black Panther which he originated in CIVIL WAR, and he is joined by Michael B. Jordan (CREED), Lupita Nyong’o (THE LAST JEDI), Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kuluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. It is directed by Ryan Coogler, who directed the acclaimed CREED (2015), and FRUITVILLE STATION (2013).

ANNIHILATION -  Director Alex Garland, who brought us the most-excellent sci-fi thriller EX MACHINA (2015), returns to sci-fi with this thriller in which scientists and soldiers venture into a mysterious disaster zone. Stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac (THE LAST JEDI).

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the month of March.