Best Song: A Tough Decision

I've been pretty supportive so far of the Peter Gabriel song 'Down to Earth' from WALL-E as the best song in a film this year. However, I really like the song from the end of Slumdog Millionaire, 'Jai Ho.' Especially with the awesome dance number that comes with it. Here's a sweet video recently released. Note: There may be minor spoilers if you haven't seen the film.



P.S. Isn't Freida Pinto freakin' gorgeous?

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Top Ten of 2008

I know that January is almost over, but here is my belated top ten of 2008!

First, let me say that this year was not as strong as last year. Last year I had trouble just picking ten (you can see the list here), and while I've seen plenty of movies this year, few have had a lasting impact, which is somewhat required of all great movies. A movie has not done its job unless you're still pondering about it 24 hours later. This year, lots of films need to be fired.

1. WALL-E

I struggle with this choice, because choosing an animated film as my number one of the year seems taboo. Well, rules be damned, this is a spectacular film. Pixar has achieved such a significant level of storytelling that they scarcely even need dialogue anymore. WALL-E, both the robot himself and the film, possess an overwhelming compassion. WALL-E, with more determination than any robot has ever had before him, begins by pursuing his love for EVE, and ends up saving humanity. At first he tries to recover the plant to impress EVE, but along the way, somewhere, he realizes his purpose. Similarly, EVE transforms from a simple one-track robot to a real character, capable of more emotion than most characters in most other films. For these reasons, along with perfect animation, a great soundtrack, and a high 'cute' factor, WALL-E is the best film of the year.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

In my 'review' I copped out, saying that to reveal any plot details at all would dishonor the film and ruin the experience. I stand by that. This is not a film that is watched, but a story that is experienced. There is no better reason to go to the movies this year than to see this film. We shall discuss it later.

3. Revolutionary Road

Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, this is not a film for everyone. Revolutionary Road is a story likely to hit emotional chords with specific viewers, because its characters have big dreams and even bigger falls. The truth about life is that not everyone finds their happy ending or meets their one true love -- some people end up living in the suburbs and slowly die little by little every day. I have a feeling this is one of those films that will be praised ten years from now, but until then, be passed off as mediocre. Trust me, it is a great treasure.

4. The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke, as The Ram, struggles deeply with his identity, his past, and his addictions. What is so touching in this story of one man's life is not the actual wrestling, but how far his life has gone past its prime, and how determined he is to make it right, even after he blows it one time after the other.

5. In Bruges

I recently watched this again, and am thrilled that the film has a screenplay nod for the Oscars. Sure, the politically incorrect humor is funny, but behind the vulgar comedy is a fine layer of weaving between the characters and their actions that makes the film work. Each viewing leads to the picking up of something new, for instance, when Ken drops the coins from the top of the tower toward the end, he doesn't just happen to have coins (like most people), but they are the coins the clerk would not take way earlier in the film. Excellent.

6. Gran Torino

Can we all agree on something? Clint Eastwood is The Man. Not only is he one of the best actors to ever live, but he has directed many GREAT films -- not 'good' films, but great ones. Just counting recent years, we have: Million Dollar Baby, Letter From Iwo Jima, Mystic River, and now Gran Torino. Dealing with aggressive racial issues (sort of like In Bruges, but in its own way), Gran Torino is a spectacular film about acceptance, forgiveness, vengeance, and doing the right thing. No matter what you read, it will still not be what you expect, but you will enjoy every minute of it.

7. Iron Man

Yes, there is a superhero movie on this list. No, it is not the overrated Dark Knight. Iron Man is such a success because -- and this is fundamental to all stories -- we care about the protagonist, the man, the hero. Tony Stark, while kind of a jerk, makes us laugh, and laughter is the way to the heart, right? I think that's a proverb. This is a superhero film done extremely right, and the best since Spidey 2.

8. Rachel Getting Married

Seemingly strangely like a documentary, this film is a treasure. It uses a unique pacing style to include the audience as a member of the family, and by the end we still don't completely understand the dysfunction, but we appreciate it. Anne Hathaway has not been better, but the whole cast is perfect in this little film about what chunks of our past belong to us, which chunks are community canon fodder, and why some people can't stop being selfish, just for one day. But why should they have to?

9. Religulous

Bill Maher makes fun of every religion, pointing out all of the contradictions and implausible theories behind creationism, the virgin Mary, Jesus, etc. Not perfect, but very funny.

10. Milk

A film that is moving, because Harvey Milk was not just fighting for gay rights, but for the rights and equality of all peoples. He was beaten election after election, but through perseverance, determination, and a little luck, he succeeded. Again, not a perfect movie, but one that everyone could benefit from seeing.

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And that is it for 2008. Intentionally left off because they are undeserving of any 'best' list, or any 'Best Picture' nomination: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Dark Knight, The Reader.

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If I Could Pick the Oscar Nominees....

I hate predicting Oscar nominees. That means I have to get five things right in each category. What a joke. And I hate when people list their five, and then have an 'alternate' and a 'potential upset' and a 'dark horse.' What the hell is that? Picking eight choices? Such a cop out.

Now, note, I still have a couple movies to see from this year. I have, however, seen most of the notable films, so this is a close-to-complete list. Note: These will all be in order of preference.

Also, note, that these are highly chimerical and unlikely at best.

Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Revolutionary Road
The Wrestler
In Bruges

Best Director
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Sam Mendes, Revolutionary Road
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Andrew Stanton, WALL-E
Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler

Best Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Sean Penn, Milk
Colin Farrell, In Bruges
Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino

Best Actress
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
I have not seen enough great actress performances, so Kate Winslet wins by default

Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Brad Pitt, Burn After Reading
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt (bandwagon pick)

Supporting Actress
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristin Barcelona
Frieda Pinto, Slumdog Millionaire
Cate Blanchett, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Original Screenplay
Andrew Stanton, WALL-E
Martin McDonagh, In Bruges
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York
Robert D. Siegal, The Wrestler
Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Adapted Screenplay
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
Justin Haythe, Revolutionary Road
Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Iron Man
...anything besides The Dark Knight

Best Editing
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
WALL-E
Revolutionary Road
Frost/Nixon

Best Cinematography
Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire
Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Roger Deakins, Revolutionary Road
Harry Savides, Milk
Wally Pfister, The Dark Knight

Not gonna bother with the rest, other than WALL-E for animated feature, obviously.

We'll see tomorrow!

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Vote: WALL-E / EVE

Inevitably as it comes closer to the time of election, everyone over the age of 18 will be asked: "Who are you voting for?" And if you agree with the asking party, you'll be praised, and if you disagree, expect either a long debate or a long stare of disapproval.

In times like these, there's really only one safe way to vote. And that vote is:

But why? A candidate should not be voted on strictly because of his or her cuteness and emotional appeal. We, as voters, should take into consideration a candidate's policy on all fronts. But unsurprisingly, WALL-E and EVE dominate both Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin.

Environment

We all know that we're wrecking the Earth. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it's hard to deny that all the trash we make and energy we waste will be a problem eventually. But no one knows that better than WALL-E, the candidate with first-hand experience with this issues. WALL-E is an everyday man, going to work with his lunchbox just like the rest of us. He has lived through what the other candidates only predict will happen.



WALL-E's running mate, EVE, is a female Vegetation Evaluator. Have any of the other candidates spent their whole lives searching for and rescuing plants in order to restore life to its home planet? I think not. How can they compete with this?

Women

Are you voting for McCain/Palin because you'd like to see a woman in office? I should hope that's not your only reason, but if it is, consider WALL-E/EVE. EVE does not equivocate -- you know exactly what she plans to do. Are any of the candidates this straightforward? No. EVE is a strong-minded individual who is looking out for the best of us and the betterment of the planet. Does Palin fit that bill? Maybe. But she has to wear glasses. Can we really count on a vice president with poor eye sight?

Equal Rights

Let's examine a paparazzi shot of WALL-E with his best friend.



WALL-E's personal life is filled with diverse individuals, and judging from his actions, I find it impossible to think he would allow anyone to be considered a second class citizen.

Energy

WALL-E is a known advocate of solar power. Why use batteries when one can run for days on the sun's natural energy? Why oil, a finite resource, when solar power will last for centuries? WALL-E understands our needs and is already in action.



With these issues at the front of the WALL-E / EVE campaign, I don't see how anyone can vote otherwise.

Have a question about the candidates' policies? Feel free to inquire in the comments.

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Notes, and WALL-E

First off, yes, I know. I do have a new Movies to Study post in the works. It is partially typed up, but I feel I should re-watch the film again to give a better analysis. I doubt many of you will be surprised at which movie it is, but nonetheless I feel the next post will be a good one.

Also, today I finally saw WALL-E. Yes, I know. I tried to see it opening weekend, but circumstances prevented that from happening.

I may do a full review in the future (or possibly put it under 'Movies to Study'), but for now let me just say this: The only possibly better done animated film is Finding Nemo, but even then, it's still a close call. WALL-E (the robot, not the film) is easily the most lovable thing of the last decade -- if not in all of cinema. But not only WALL-E himself, but the super-advanced EVE, and still all the other robots that we encounter are adorable. I do not wish to spoil this film, but let's just say that for the first time in many, many films, I was almost (yes, 'almost') in tears at the end of the film. Seriously, it is impossible not to love this robot, Pixar, and this movie. If you have not seen this film yet, you are seriously missing out. A certified 10/10.

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