Original Vs. Remake: Halloween H20
I’m a big fan of Catie Rhodes and Tiffany White’s Original Vs. Remake blog series! Every month they review a classic film and its modern remake. Since they both know how much I LOOOOOOOVE Halloween, they let me play along!
I may have reacted like this…
Anyway…
Tiffany kicked us off reviewing the original, John Carpenter’s Halloween, and Catie will be reviewing the Rob Zombie remake.
So, what am I talking about?
Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later (1998)
Assuming a fake identity, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is now headmistress at a private boarding school, still haunted by her nightmarish past. When her psychopathic brother, Michael, escapes the asylum, Laurie’s greatest fears become reality once more. And this time, her son’s in danger too.
Reprising her role as the “Scream Queen,” Jamie Lee Curtis comes back as the female lead, Laurie Strode. Other recognizable faces include her mother, Janet Leigh (Psycho), Josh Hartnett (Pearl Harbor, Lucky Number Slevin), LL Cool J (Deep Blue Sea, NCIS: Los Angeles), Michelle Williams (Dawson’s Creek, My Week With Marilyn), Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (Nash Bridges, She’s All That), Adam Hann-Byrd (Jumanji) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock From the Sun, 50/50).
The storyline of H20 takes place as if all the sequels after Halloween II, never happened. It picks up from the second one. I gotta admit, I felt really sorry for Laurie Strode. Twenty years after her brother murdered her sister and came after her, she’s still suffering from insomnia, nightmares, living under a pseudonym, working in a gated private school, and raising her son as a single mother.
Does Laurie EVER get a happy ending???
The film is what I would describe as 80% camp-factor, meaning it’s pretty cheesy and all could’ve been well had a nurse not kept her patient files in her HOME and had Laurie Strode hired a security guard who didn’t spend all his time on the phone reading his romance novel to his girlfriend.
Yep.
Seriously, LL. It’s time to get off the phone now.
Fun Facts:
- Several of the original cast and team were set to come on board, but low budget and tentative timelines caused many to drop out. John Carpenter, the original director, was one of them.
- There’s a seen with Janet Leigh where she stands in front of her car from the movie Psycho. The music from Psycho also plays here.
- Sound editors added in music from several of the Scream movies as well as the original Halloween.
- In the scene where the girls are watching a movie, it’s Scream 2, however that was edited in post-production. Originally, the girls were watching So I Married an Axe Murderer – the joke being the fact that inside the Michael Myers movie, was a Mike Myers movie.
- The original’s line “Everyone is entitled to one good scare” makes a reappearance in this film.
- Michael Myers can be seen wearing two different masks. Too far into production, the director changed his mind on the mask and they had to CGI edit it in production.
- The teenagers in the beginning are watching Plan 9 From Outer Space – voted worst movie ever made so many times, it’s no longer allowed in the running. (P.S. I’ve watched it. It’s pretty bad.)
- Chris Durand, the actor who played Michael Myers, was a stunt double in Scream 2, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, and Armegeddon.
So Laurie is living out her life in fear. Her son grew up with that and is desperate to hang out with friends like a normal teenager. Against his mother’s wishes, he and his pals sneak out for a Halloween party. Meanwhile, Michael is on the loose. He’s watching Laurie at the school, at her home, and he knows where her son is too.
Cuh-reeeeepy!
Run for your lives!
Halloween H20 has its moments, but it doesn’t compare to the original. Nothing beats the original Halloween!
What do you think? What’s your favorite Halloween movie? Have you seen this one? What life would you have given Laurie 20 years after that fateful Halloween night?
Was The Host Worth Watching?
In getting over a cold this week, I spent my weekend pretty low-key. I rested and caught up on some movies that came in for me at the library. *Score!*
One of the titles I watched was The Host.
Based on the Stephenie Meyer (author of the Twilight series) novel of the same title, The Host is the story of a futuristic world where aliens of some sort – read sparkly balls of electricity – have traveled the galaxy overtaking one planet after the other by surviving in host bodies. Melanie Stryder, played by The Lovely Bones’s Saoirse Ronan, is a member of the human rebellion that is fighting against them.
In the opening scene, Melanie risks her life by leading the “Seekers” away from her younger brother, and in turn, she is captured. She is placed as a host body for an alien lifeforce, but the transition is anything but smooth. Melanie is a fighter, and so her soul does not die, but becomes trapped in her body along with the alien force, who goes by the name Wanda.
I was curious just how “Stephenie Meyer” this storyline was going to be, and true to her voice, it’s a teenage love story with a triangle as well. Fans of Team Edward need only to tape over their t-shirts to read Team Jared, while Team Jacob groupies need to spray paint the name Ian over theirs. Father FAN-atics of the Team Carlisle breed are going to be disappointed when forced to vote for Team Uncle Jeb (played by William Hurt).
Team Jared!
Team Ian!
Team Uncle Jeb? … Um… Where’s Carlisle?
So – if you’re still with me on the storyline – Melanie/Wanda is living in the same body. Melanie loves Jared but Wanda has “human feelings” for Ian, and this after Ian tried to kill Melanie/Wanda, but then had a change of heart and swore he’d love Wanda even if she wasn’t Melanie/Wanda hybrid-humanost. Melanie gets mad when Wanda kisses Jared and Ian, yet there is a fair amount of kissing because this is a Stephenie Meyer story.
Melanie is a more redeeming female character than Bella Swan. At least Melanie never falls down just because. She cares about her brother, so I’ll give her that. But I’m still amazed at how fast these characters fall truly madly deeply in inter-species love. Vampire/Human, Human/Werewolf, Humanost/Human. But there’s a problem.
Wanda can’t be with Ian in her true form. Firecrackly electricity ball, remember? What’s a poor, little 1,000 year old sparkler to do?!
*****
I’m not going to just TELL YOU! You have to see the movie! Or read the book. 😛
Overall, I think the film was better than Twilight, but its characterization is very similar. If you can forgive and forget that two people who met in a hostage situation moments prior can now be soulmates and ready to die risking their lives to be together, then you’re going to LOVE this movie!!!
If, however, you require your cinematic viewing pleasure to contain some semblance of realism, then might I suggest Dexter? 😉
What did you think? Did you enjoy The Host? Have you read the book?
How important is believability in the movies? When is it ok to suspend belief?
The Little Hitchcock Film That Could
Have you seen the film Hitchcock? The movie stars Anthony Hopkins in the lead role with Helen Mirren playing his wife, Alma. It’s the love story between Alfred and his wife during the tumultuous filming of his epic movie, Psycho.
I had no idea that Hollywood refused to back Hitchcock on the release of Psycho. They wouldn’t even finance it. Hitch and his wife put their own house on the line to produce the funds needed to make Psycho. The producers wanted another North by Northwest, and who could blame them? It’s my favorite Hitchcock movie too. Or didn’t you know I’m obsessed with Cary Grant?
Already in his 60’s, Alfred Hitchcock became obsessed with telling the story of Psycho after reading the book by Robert Bloch. The book and film are based on the real life of Wisconsin psychopath, Ed Gein. He is also the basis for the killer, Buffalo Bill, in Silence of the Lambs. A real creepy guy. My friend Catie Rhodes wrote a blog about Ed Gein a year ago. You can read it here.
When everyone else thought Psycho would flop, when the censorship bureau was breathing down Hitch’s neck, and when his marriage was brought to the breaking point, Hitch didn’t stop. He made his movie and he made it his way. Psycho pushed boundaries at its 1960 release. It hinted nudity and it showed pretty graphic violence for its day. It was also the biggest film of Alfred Hitchcock’s career.
What was so inspiring to me about this film is realizing how brave Alfred Hitchcock was. He believed in his story and he believed in his ability to create it. Just because someone told him no, he didn’t stop. And he was an incredible marketer.
Do you know they thought Psycho would only run one show and be done in the theaters? Well, Mr. Hitchcock wrote and distributed a pamphlet on how to promote Psycho. In it, he advised theater management to bring in security to hold back rowdy crowds. He demanded strict time management upon movie goers allowing no late admittance and warning security that some may run out of the theater due to disturbing images. His self created uprising over the film ensured NO ONE would miss it! Audiences fled to the theaters and the rest is history!
So whether you’re a New York Times Bestselling Author or your writing the first draft of your novel in your crappy apartment above a fertilizer plant, I don’t care what anyone says, you just TELL YOUR STORY! Who knows, you could be the next big thing!
Hitchcock Movie Trailer
Psycho Movie Trailer
What Hitchcock movie is your favorite? Do you remember the first time you saw Psycho? I know I freaked out at the ending! Have you read Bloch’s book? It’s also uber creepy!
How do you stay motivated when someone tells you no?
Guilty Pleasures: Flashback Fun
Have you been reading the Movies Teach Us posts on Thoughts Appear? They are hilarious! The author, Thoughtsy, has been inviting her friends over to talk about lessons they learned from watching some of your favorite flicks.
Peg-o-leg talks about Romy and Michelle in What Happens After High School.
She’s a Maineiac blogged about the Breakfast Club with The Breakfast of Champions.
Go Jules Go blogged about Clueless’s Cher and Dion in Somebody Please Get a Clue.
and Misty’s Law blogged about The Princess Bride in As You Wish.
These fabulously funny ladies got me craving all kinds of flashback fun for this week’s guilty pleasure. And I hope they won’t mind me sharing a few of my own fave movies that teach.
Reality Bites
- It is not ok to steal a candy bar at your job because you think your boss doesn’t pay you enough.
- Ben Stiller will never be an appropriate love interest.
- If you have something difficult to tell your parents, try acting it out with your friends first.
- The answer is pizza.
The Truth About Cats and Dogs
- If you really like a boy, it’s probably not a good idea to ask your model friend to pretend to be you.
- Pinching the tips of a dog’s ear will calm them down.
- Intimate phone conversations during bubble baths are the key to a man’s heart.
200 Cigarettes
- The 90’s was when it was cool to love Courtney Love, and her band Hole, this is no longer true.
- If you’re going to a party at your cousin’s house, remember to bring the address!
- New Year’s Eve is magical, even if you smell like dog sh*t.
- If you are feeling sad and lonely, don’t spend your night watching Love Story.
Bed of Roses
- When a guy you barely know floods your apartment with sterling roses, it isn’t creepy in the slightest, it’s a grand romantic gesture.
- When you get a gift a flowers, put a little 7up in the water. It sounds funny, but it works.
- Scarlet’s Independent Love Song may be one of the best tunes in movie soundtrack history. Made even better by this awesome fan video…
Singles
- When seeking a soulmate, all that’s really important is someone who says ‘God Bless You’ when you sneeze.
- When making your singles profile tape, invite desired individuals to visit you in [Insert Your Name Here] Country. It’s more exotic.
- If you really want someone to know how much you care, give them the remote that connects to your garage door opener.
Those are some of my favorite films for life’s educational purposes.
What are some of yours?
Sinister: A Scary Good Example of Plot
Are you like me? Do you show off how much you love scary movies like you’re so badass brave? But then when it comes time to watch them, you’re the one who’s like “Guys, let’s keep the light on. Somebody might need to get up and use the restroom, and I don’t want anyone to stub a toe!”
I admit I do this a lot. And then I spend the next week sleeping with the TV on and maybe a lamp (or two) to convince my overactive imagination the characters in the movie won’t suddenly show up in my bedroom. he he.
Last night I begged my boyfriend to watch the movie Sinister. The movie stars Ethan Hawke (Before Sunrise, Training Day) as a true crime writer who moves his family into the crime scene home of his current work. Finding a box of 8mm home movies, he uncovers a series a murders that may be too close to home – literally.
This. Movie. Freaked. Me. Out.
But – the plot was amazing!
Early in the film we learn what our protagonist’s normal world is like. The Oswalts are moving into their new home when the Sheriff pulls up to the house. Ellison (Hawke) walks out to meet him, as his wife berates him to act nice. With just a few lines of dialogue we learn that Ellison’s previous books have caused quite a stir, and most people are reluctant to help the family. A fact that is even more difficult for their children, who have been getting picked on at school for their father’s subject matter.
Ellison’s wife: “Just promise me we didn’t move in two houses down from a crime scene.”
Ellison: “I promise.”
They moved in to the EXACT house where the crime took place.
Right from the get go, the viewer knows the family is stressed out and uncomfortable with the move. We know Ellison lied to his wife and kids about the history of their new home. And we know the police are not going to help them. They are on their own.
The next day at breakfast the Oswalts establish their house rules. Dad’s office must be kept locked at all times. They don’t want their young children wandering in where he could have photos of the deceased laying out. We now know that the kids cannot get in that room.
What Ellison finds next is the box of home movies that’s been left in the attic. As he watches each film, he witnesses the murder of the families in each video. And in every instance, one of the children is missing. As he rewatches them, he sees a gory looking man in the reflections or background of the film.
We meet our villain.
As the movie unfolds, Ellison gets closer and closer to piecing together what links these gruesome murders. But our villain and the missing children get closer to Ellison as well.
Every night, Ellison is waking up to the sound of the projector running in his office. The office that remains locked. He hears noises in the attic and footsteps around the house, but he never can find what’s there.
Are you creeped out yet?
At this point I was cowering behind my boyfriend’s body and periodically checking behind me.
Our rising action occurs as the paranormal activity heightens. Ellison’s son is having night terrors. They find him screaming from inside a cardboard box, and later outside in the bushes. Ellison’s daughter is painting pictures of one of the missing children. And Ellison thinks he saw the bad guy in his yard.
Every good main character needs a wise friend. A teacher, a best friend, a voice of reason. Frodo had Sam. Sherlock had Watson. Sandy had Frenchie. 🙂
For Ellison, he connects with Jonas, a professor of the occult, who helps him discover the meaning of the symbol that appears in every video. What he learns will only add to his fears.
I don’t want to create spoilers for anyone who wants to watch the movie, but I’m telling you this was a great film for illustrating conflict and high risk in the plot!
And I loved the premise. What could be a better set up than a true crime author moving into a crime scene and thinking it would not affect his family. Of course it will! You’re living, eating, breathing, sleeping in your body of work. There is no escape. And as Ellison dives further into his research, the world around him becomes too real and much too close for comfort.
There is a great little twist in the end as well, but you’ll have to see it to believe it!
Are you putting this movie on your must see list? Do you need to borrow my night light? You can have it sometime next week when I’m sleeping again.
Safety Not Guaranteed
If you saw a classified ad offering you a chance to time travel, would you check it out?
That’s the premise of the recently released film, Safety Not Guaranteed, directed by newcomer Colin Trevorrow. Starring Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Jake Johnson (New Girl), and additional newcomer Mark Duplass (The League, The Mindy Project), this film is definitely a new guilty pleasure favorite of mine!
Utterly lovable characters, each with their own agendas and quirks, entwine paths by answering an unusual ad placed in a newspaper. There’s Jeff (Johnson), the magazine writer who finds the article and uses the story idea to vacay to a town where a lost girlfriend lives. Hitching along for the ride, are interns Darius (Plaza) and Arnau, who will get more involved then they mean to in the life of Kenneth (Duplass), the man on a mission to go back in time.
What the team isn’t banking on is their lives changing forever. Jeff’s fantasy isn’t all he thought it would be. Arnau may not be the rule abiding intern he thinks he is. And Darius’ world will forever change after she takes the roll of training with Kenneth to prepare for the launch date of their time travel. Perhaps some things aren’t as impossible as we think they may be.
Add in some secret agents, a covert operation to a laser technology facility, and some martial arts training on the beach, and we’ve got ourselves a whopper of a wonderfilm!
For many of the actors and crew involved, this film was a make it or break it story. They wanted to make a movie, but they knew it had to be well written and it would involve a lot of growth from everyone in the process. In my opinion, they did it exceptionally well.
If you had regret, and more specifically regret about the loss of a loved one, would you travel back? If you thought you could save them? In this central emotion, Darius and Kenneth connect, and though they might be crazy, they’re going to see it through.
Safety Not Guaranteed.
Have you seen this movie? What do you think?
Would you time travel if it was possible? Why would you go back and who would you take with you? Better yet, what would your classified ad look like?
Guilty Pleasures – Beautiful Creatures
Did I say I was going to stop watching movies? Oh c’mon guys, you know me better than that!
So when wednesday rolled around, and it was date night…
I convinced my guy to go see Beautiful Creatures!
The film is based off the book series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Incredibly well webbed, Creatures tells the story of Lena Ducannes (played by New Zealand actress Alice Englert), just returned to the small, judgmental town of Gatlin, LA. There, she meets Ethan Wate (played by Steven Spielberg discovered Alden Ehrenreich), a boy who is counting the days until graduation and his subsequent escape from Gatlin.
Rounding out the spectacular cast of the movie, we see Viola Davis (The Help) as Amma, a Seer, Emmy Rossum (Phantom of the Opera) as Ridley, Lena’s wicked cousin, Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee) as the Church zealot Mrs. Lincoln, and one of my man crushes, Jeremy Irons (Man in the Iron Mask, Voice of Scar in The Lion King) as the patriarch of Lena’s family, Macon Ravenwood.
Early on we learn that Lena and her family are different from the other townspeople. In fact, they’re witches, or “Casters” as they prefer. As Lena and Ethan become closer, their family histories will become more and more entwined than they can imagine.
What I loved about the movie, and it has to be said that my guy liked it to, so if you’re guy is saying he doesn’t want to go, he’ll probably like it!
…Where was I?…
Oh yes! What I loved about the movie is that it’s the story of good vs. evil, but with depth. There really aren’t any characters that seemed one-sided. Even though they all stand for one side, their emotions, their dreams, and most crucially their families are intertwined.
I was really impressed with newcomer Alden Ehrenreich who plays Ethan. As a fan of accents (and someone who tries to pick them constantly) I loved his portrayal of southern boy charm. Within minutes of the opening scene, my honey commented, “I like this guy.” That’s saying something!
The plot line for those are obsessed with paranormal YA books may be predictable, but I still loved how every bit of tension possible was maximized and yet believable. The ongoing tension of the first film is Lena’s upcoming claiming. On her 16th birthday, she will be claimed for either the light or the dark and her fate will be sealed. There was a variety of elements at play though. Yes, destiny has its spotlight, but there’s also a family curse, a forbidden love, and the conviction of your own beliefs.
Nothing was easy, but it was very entertaining.
If I can compare Beautiful Creatures to any movie, I’d say Twilight, which I do like. But Creatures is done much better all around! Guess here’s another series for me to be addicted to!
Have you seen Beautiful Creatures yet? Have you read the book? What did you think?
If you haven’t seen it, do you want to? What are your favorite YA films or books out there?
And the Oscar for Best Party Goes To…
Welcome Friends!
I had a fabulous time watching the Academy Awards last night! How many of you did the same? I loved popping in on Facebook and Twitter to see what everyone was thinking.
There was some ranting going ON!
But today it’s all about who stole the show with their looks, what wins were most shocking, and at my place, the FOOD! 😀
Let’s Start the Show!
First things first, Guests, please load up your plates with this year’s Oscar treats! Food included:
- Chilled Green Beans with Lemon and Sea Salt
- Bacon and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
- Crab Nachos
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Sunflower Crackers with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Potatoes with Lavender
- Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard and Poppyseed
- Aloo Mater with Rice
AND SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!
There’s still our annual “Oscar-served” pudding parfaits with strawberries, and Lemon Curd Cake with Raspberry Sauce!
Time to Talk Wardrobe!
What were some of your favorite looks this year? I do wish there had been more color on the Red Carpet this year, but everyone truly looked STUNNING! There wasn’t a single dress I disliked. The ladies who really nailed it though, I think are:
Best Actress Winner, Jennifer Lawrence
She looked amazing and was so charming on the Red Carpet! She looked young, but glamorous and very natural with her make up! I’m thrilled for her! 22 years old, her second nomination, and her first win! She’s also been a phenomenal spokesperson for people with mental illnesses since her shooting of Silver Linings Playbook.
Nicole Kidman
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman
Possibly my favorite dress of them all, I thought Nicole Kidman looked killer! Presenting this year, I thought she had the whole package – a well fitted, gorgeous gown, romantic updo, minimal jewelry but all around great look!!!
Kerry Washington
I said I loved color, and Kerry Washington’s dress was so elegant and beautiful for spring on the Red Carpet! Her jeweled bodice looked great on her, and I loved the soft, smooth skirt and train of her dress in that bubblegum pink!
Best Actress Nominee, Jessica Chastain
I caught Jessica’s pre-show interview and she picked this dress because it reminded her of Old Hollywood – Marilyn Monroe, and I couldn’t agree more. Critics raved for her look and how the flesh tone dress is stunning on her pale skin with the pops of red from her hair and lips. You know this redhead was a fan! Plus, she took her grandmother as her date, y’all! So cute!
Charlize Theron
Presenting with Dustin Hoffman, Ms. Theron looked amazing in her chic white gown and I loved the short hair with it! And did you guys catch her dance number with Channing Tatum??!! She reminded me of Julie Andrews in Sound of Music!
And the Oscar Goes To…
Were you pleased with the Oscar wins this year? Here’s a recap of the big ones:
Best Picture: Argo
Best Director: Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained
I was overall VERY pleased with the variety of films recognized this year. I had expected a sweep of either Les Mis or Lincoln, and it wasn’t the case at all! Almost all of the 9 nominated films for Best Picture won in some of the categories. Amour won Best Foreign Film, Zero Dark Thirty won Best Sound Editing; the only film not to receive an Oscar but was nominated for many was Beasts of the Southern Wild. I had high hopes it would take the Best Adapted Screenplay award, but that went to Argo. I’m sure we’ll hear more from the cast and crew of this film in the years to come!
May I present your Oscar?
And I have to announce the winner of my Red Carpet Giveaway is…
Memory Making Moments
There were a few call out performances at the Oscars this year, including its theme of Music in the Movies! There were stellar performances from Barbara Streisand during the In Memoriam portion, as well as the ENTIRE cast of Les Miserable joining together on stage for a Les Mis medley!
My favorites were of course – Adele! Taking home the Oscar for Best Original Song, Skyfall, from the James Bond film, Skyfall, she was awesome! And it seemed so fitting with the Academy also recognizing 50 years of Bond movies!
I also loved the performance of my favorite Bond song, Goldfinger, by Dame Shirley Bassey! This video shows the awesome montage of Bond films they made followed by Bassey’s performance. Sing it, sista!
By the by, Joe took a shot of me pre-party start when I wasn’t expecting it, and now we’re calling it my Bond girl shot. What do you think? I believe my Bond girl name would be…Cinema! But who will my James Bond be?!
Just For Fun
What would your Oscar face look like if you just found out you won?
(My friend, Cat, and I – AKA the Sequin Sisters – share some examples!)
Oh my God, I won!!!
We call this Screams of Success vs. Tears of Joy
Well, you win all the pudding parfait you can eat!
Happy Oscars Everyone!
Countdown to the Oscars: Prediction Time
There’s only one more week until awards night. The countdown has officially begun. How many of the nine nominated films for Best Picture have you seen? I’ve managed to catch five of the nominees!
And now it’s time to cast your ballots, Ladies and Gentlemen! We’re having an Oscar Party here on The Happiness Project!
And you’re invited!
The Schwag: The commenter with the most correct Oscar picks from the below categories wins
- Copies of all the delectable Oscar Party appetizers featured on next week’s blog.
- AFandago Gift Card to be used at the Cinema of your choice!
- A schwag bag fit for the stars filled with extra goodies!
And the Nominees Are:
Best Picture
- Amour
- Argo
- Beasts of the Southern Wild
- Django Unchained
- Les Miserables
- Life of Pi
- Lincoln – *Who I think the Academy will pick
- Silver Linings Playbook – *Jess’s pick
- Zero Dark Thirty
Best Actress
- Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) – *Academy Darling
- Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) – *Jess’s pick
- Emmanuelle Riva (Amour)
- Qvenzhane’ Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild)
- Naomi Watts (The Impossible)
Best Actor
- Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook) – *Jess’s pick
- Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln) – *Who I think the Oscar will go to
- Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables)
- Joaquin Phoenix (The Master)
-
Denzel Washington (The Flight) – *I’d be totally happy with him winning – impressive flick!
Best Supporting Actress
- Amy Adams (The Master)
- Sally Field (Lincoln)
-
Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables) -*Let’s face it, she’s most likely to take home the Oscar.
-
Helen Hunt (The Sessions) – Would be very happy for Helen to win!
- Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) – *Jess’s pick
Best Supporting Actor
- Alan Arkin (Argo) – *Who I think the Academy will choose…maybe. I’m most torn on this category.
- Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook)
- Phillip Seymour Hoffman (The Master)
- Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln)
- Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) – *Jess’s pick
Best Original Writing
- Michael Haneke (Amour)
- Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained) – *Jess’s pick
- John Gatins (Flight) – *And the Oscar goes to…
- Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom)
- Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty)
To see trailers, the full ballot list, and more Oscar buzz, go to ABCnews.com!
It’s totally fine if you haven’t seen the nominated films, just guess! Cast your votes below in the comments section! And just for fun, let’s all gush about what we’d wear to the red carpet!
Joe and I from the 2010 Oscar Party – Nooo, if we actually went to the Academy Awards, he would not be allowed to wear jeans. And I have something even more fabulous planned for this year!
Countdown to the Oscars: Django Unchained
Reunited and it feels so good…
Back together again, Director Quentin Tarantino and Christoph Waltz, both nominated for their work in 2009’s Inglorious Basterds, share the silver screen again in Best Picture Nominee, Django Unchained.
Django is the story of an unlikely partnership between a German bounty hunter (Waltz) and a slave (Jamie Foxx) to collect bounties on several criminals, and ultimately find and rescue Foxx’s wife (Kerry Washington), a slave owned by one of the most ruthless plantation owners in the south (Leonardo DiCaprio).
I must admit, I have a crush on Christoph Waltz. I love his acting, he’s brilliant, and I adore the sound of his voice. He is quickly earning a slot in my Top 10 Cinematic Men Crush List. Right up there with Gabriel Byrne and Jeremy Irons! Rrrrawr! The fact that we share the same birthday is further evidence that we must be kindred spirits!
Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Waltz could very likely earn a second Oscar with this role! His portrayal of Dr. King Schultz, bounty hunter and civil rights advocate, is equal parts charm and business sense.
In true Tarantino form, this film is quite gory. But I’m a fan of his style, so I was one of those people in the theater seats shouting, “Oooooh, snap!”
It also has a killer soundtrack, as all his films do. If I had to compare the emotion of this film to anything, I’d say it’s like attending a tea party where everyone is loaded up like Rambo and when the bullets run out, get ready to break a dish and saucer someone’s a**!
Critics hailed the film for its different take on slavery. At the heart of Django’s mission, he must pretend to be the worst kind of man there is; he must pretend to be a black slave seller. In order to get close to Calvin Candie (DiCaprio) and his plantation, Django (Foxx) has to act as a scout for the toughest, strongest black slaves who can be sold into fighting. In Django’s world, no one is more despised than a black slave seller.
While I loved the film, I sadly don’t think it’s a contender for the ultimate prize of Best Picture. I am hoping that Christoph Waltz takes home the Best Supporting Actor title and that he calls me to thank him for my unwavering support and would I like to go out for dinner?
Eh-hem… As I was saying, such a well made movie! I highly encourage you to see it! Still, I’m betting my bucks on Lincoln or Les Mis to take home the Oscar!
Are you a Tarantino fan? What’s your favorite flick of his? Have you seen Django Unchained yet? What did you think? Who are you rooting for at the Oscars?
Jess Witkins' Happiness Project 