EARLY OSCAR PICKS!

Early Oscar Picks

I realize the Oscars are a full 5 months away. I think the movies that open between now & year’s end will be the most likely contenders to take home golden statues (with the exception of Waitress – Kari Russell is really good in that little film). Read on for my current favorites for Oscar. At the bottom is a list of independent films that have a shot at Oscar. Happy watching, and as TO says, “Getcha popcorn ready!”

Kate

WE OWN THE NIGHT

Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg & Eva Mendes

SYNOPSIS: Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg star as two brothers taking on the Russian mob to protect their father, the chief of police.

WHY I LIKE THIS ONE: It sounds like a tight story line, lots of conflicts & family drama, but I picked this one because of JOAQUIN PHOENIX. I think he should have won a couple years ago for starring as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (but Philip Seymour Hoffman won for Capote that year), so this just might be his year and the movie to push him over the edge. He is a diversified actor with a wide repertoire.

ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE

Cate Blanchett & Clive Owen

SYNOPSIS: Cate Blanchett reprises her role as the 16th century Queen, whose rule is challenged by neighboring nations and royal intrigue.

WHY I LIKE THIS ONE: The academy LOVES period pieces, and the first Elizabeth scored nominations for actress (Cate), cinematography, and costume design. I think Cate could win like Helen Mirren did last year for The Queen (which is a GREAT rental is you haven’t seen it!).

GONE, BABY, GONE

Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris
Directed by Ben Affleck

SYNOPSIS: Two young private detectives are hired to take a closer look at the mysterious disappearance of a little girl and soon discover that nothing is what it seems. Ultimately, they will have to risk everything -- their relationship, their sanity, and even their lives -- to find a little girl-lost.

WHY I LIKE THIS ONE: Ben Affleck proved he could write a script with Good Will Hunting. I want to see if he can direct. Plus, I love Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris. The story line sounds dark, which is the only reason I might not see this one. By the way, this movie has the highest ratings among real critics of any of the ones I’ve chosen.

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE

Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro

SYNOPSIS: Halle Berry stars as a widow trying to rebuild her life, forging an unlikely relationship with her husband's childhood best friend.

WHY I LIKE IT: Sounds like another great story line. Del Toro (Traffic is another great rental if you’ve never seen it) will most likely be an Oscar contender for this movie. I have to see it to decide if the Oscar should go to Joaquin or him!

RENDITION

Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhall

SYNOPSIS: Reese Witherspoon is the wife of an Egyptian-born chemical engineer, who is being held by the CIA as a terrorist suspect.

WHY I LIKE IT: This is Reese’s first big movie after Walk The Line. Typically those are train wrecks for the actors. This one has good buzz and sounds like an interesting story. Jake needs to prove he’s more than just a good looking guy with this film. I think he can, I think he will!!!

INDEPENDENT FILMS:
The Jane Austen Book Club
My Kid Could Paint That
Across The Universe (If you LOVE the Beatles, you would enjoy this film… think FANTASIA for grown-ups!)
Lust, Caution (Ang Lee directs)
In The Shadow of the Moon
La Vie En Rose
Once