2016 OSCAR PREDICTIONS FOR 2015 FILMS

OK, I have seen all eight best picture nominees and a few other titles but not all.  There are very likely surprises in a couple major categories.  Enjoy!

PICTURE-3 way race among The Revenant, The Big Short, and Spotlight- Momentum and timing are everything so The Revenant by a snowflake-hoping for Spotlight.                              

ACTOR-Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant

ACTRESS-Brie Larson in Room

SUPPORTING ACTOR-Sylvester Stallone in Creed but I loved Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies.    

SUPPORTING ACTRESS-A good year for Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl (The Man from UNCLE and Ex Machina) although Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs is a possibility.

DIRECTOR-Alejandro G. Iñárritu for The Revenant over deserved George Miller for Mad Max:Fury Road.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY-Spotlght

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY-The Big Short

ANIMATED FEATURE-Inside Out

FILM EDITING-Mad Max:Fury Road

CINEMATOGRAPHY-The Revenant 

PRODUCTION DESIGN-Max Mad:Fury Road

ORIGINAL SCORE-The Hateful Eight

ORIGINAL SONG-Til It Happens To You from The Hunting Ground

SOUND EDITING-Mad Max:Fury Road                                             

SOUND MIXING- Mad Max:Fury Road                                             

COSTUME DESIGN-Cinderella

MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING- Mad Max:Fury Road                                              

VISUAL EFFECTS-Star Wars:The Force Awakens but a sweep by Mad Max:Fury Road might happen

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM-Son of Saul                                                                                           

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-Amy

Various SHORTS-who cares?

Figure Mad Max will get a ton of Tech awards, some very good films may be shutout like The Martian, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, and Carol.

Life Decisions in BROOKLYN

Brooklyn is one of the best films of 2015. Set in the early 1950s, a young Irish woman named Eilis, immigrates to New York City in America to find a new life. There she learns about the world and its culture, and she finds love and a sense of self through her growing pains. As she explores her new life, she is pulled by her family ties to Ireland. It’s an emotional film not unlike coming of age films like I Remember Mama and An Education. What's remarkable is Eilis’ character growth from naïve and lonely to self-assured and experienced. As Eilis, Soairse Ronan (Atonement) is a revelation in capturing the accent, body movement, and soul of a young woman in the big city. (She will be an acting force for years to come.) Very solid support by Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters. Beautifully shot, the details of period recreation and a peek into the bonds of an Irish family would make director John Ford (The Quiet Man) proud. It’s a sentimental, nostalgic film of another period of time, but it rings true in any age.

 What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. e of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected th
ets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. e of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trif

The Harsh Beauty of THE REVENANT

The Revenant is a visually powerful work about survival and revenge; it also features an impressive performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as trapper Hugh Glass who in the 1800’s in the Midwest, was badly mauled by a bear and left for dead by fellow trappers (done previously as Man in the Wilderness with Richard Harris).  The primeval beauty and vastness of the American wilderness forms an overwhelming backdrop to a brutal, realistic depiction of one man’s impossible struggle in dragging his broken body across miles of rugged terrain amid the danger of Indians and French trappers while staving off starvation and the harsh elements.  Fueled by hunting down those responsible for his plight and the murder of his native son, Glass is singularly driven beyond the limits of endurance.  The cinematography is outstanding (Emmanuel Lubezki is gunning for his third consecutive Oscar).  DiCaprio, in a tortuous, demanding role, shines and is given a worthy adversary in Tom Hardy, (the ultimate chameleon of actors). This is a demanding film that should be experienced on the big screen, and when you finally reach the ending, you’ll be grateful for having survived it.

Reworking a masterpiece as MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Mad Max: Fury Road is a reboot of sorts by director George Miller of his original Mad Max trilogy, and he has lost none of his power. Given a canvas of desert expanse and a terrific cast including Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Miller totally reimagines a post apocalyptic world ruled by a ruthless gangs in weaponized vehicles who horde scarce resources.  Essentially structured as one extended chase over the course of the entire film, Miller extends his masterpiece sequence from The Road Warrior and embellishes it with super, spectacular action scenes, outrageous stunt work, and special effects. But what this visual stunner never loses sight of is the redemptive human element and how a group of disparate and desperate characters can bond together for a greater good and reveal a bit of humanity in a cruel, barren world. An outstanding piece of filmmaking that transcends its genre.

A Mother and Son’s Bond in ROOM

In the emotional film Room, the unthinkable becomes a way of life for Joy (Brie Larson) and her five year old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) whose existence consists of a room with one skylight window. Under the control and prisoner of a mysterious man, she must not only endure an abusive relationship but shield her child from the horror. It is this bond between mother and child and the dawning hope and reality of a world outside their existence that forms the core of this heart wrenching drama. This features not one (Larson) but two Oscar worthy performances with Tremblay a revelation. It is a haunting study of a mom's love and a child's self discovery. Thoughtful and memorable.

The Art of Denial in THE BIG SHORT

A fascinating microcosm of the financial world gone amuck and its subsequent collapse is detailed in The Big Short, based on the best seller by Michael Lewis (Moneyball). An ensemble cast (Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt) excels at depicting the few who saw the mortgage industry on the brink of failure and decided to take a huge risk by betting against Wall Street and potentially netting an enormous windfall in profit. Soon a picture emerges of a broken, corrupt system driven by phenomenal greed and ultimately undermined by subprime mortgages while the rest of the world was oblivious or in denial. It's a remarkable, factual chronicle that registers tension, macabre humor, and disbelief, and even though you know what's coming, it thoroughly engages its audience. One of the best films of the year.

CAROL and the Power of Love

Carol is an acting showcase for Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara under the sensitive direction of Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven). A frustrated housewife with a broken marriage meets a young female store clerk and the two are drawn to each other amid 1950's America. It is essentially about two lonely souls searching for comfort and happiness amid overwhelming social and personal adversity. Stylistically it shares much in common with the classic Technicolor melodramas of the decade (Peyton Place, Magnificent Obsession) with sumptuous period set details and costume design. Among the likely Oscar nominations for this thoughtful, fine film, count on acting nods for Blanchett and Mara; acting doesn't get much better than this.

The Promise of JOY

 

Joy, the latest pairing of director/writer David Russell and Jennifer Lawrence, is an entertaining and at times fascinating take on the real life rags to riches story of inventor Joy Mangano whose desire to create an invention and better her existence is stifled with a thoroughly dysfunctional family and the seemingly insurmountable challenges and heartbreak of starting her own business. Although this film is not quite as strong as American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, it showcases Lawrence's acting prowess in an Oscar caliber performance as a woman who empowers herself against tremendous odds. If you like Jen, go see it. She won't disappoint.

Abrams’ Triumph in STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS

 

I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Uptown Theater with some hardcore fans/friends/family. The film is very good with plenty of reverence for the original trilogy especially in its style and spirit. There are rousing action scenes and moments of poignancy and yes, sadness. Director J. J. Abrams has achieved the right mix of respect and embracing the Star Wars legacy while forging new directions for the franchise that offers some startling surprises. The classic cast blends seamlessly with the engaging new faces. There are plenty of funny lines of dialogue that enrich a well written screenplay.  I already knew halfway that this film was way better than the prequels.  It is among the better Star Wars films and ranks probably just below The Empire Strikes Back.  In fact when it ended on a memorable shot.  I wished it could still go on.  If you loved Star Wars:A New Hope, then go see this one-it is your destiny.  seamlessly with the engaging new faces. There are plenty of funny lines of dialogue that enrich a well written screenplay. I already knew halfway that this film was way better than the prequels. It is among the better Star Wars films and ranks probably just below The Empire Strikes Back. In fact when it ended on a memorable shot, I wished it could still go on. If you loved Star Wars: A New Hope, then go see this one-it is your destiny.

The Brilliance of SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight is the best film about investigative journalism since All the President's Men. Based on actual events in 2001,The Boston Globe newspaper explored supposed molestations by local priests and the cover up of these crimes. The team of reporters uncovered a vast conspiracy of lies and silence amid a growing list of victims over the decades. Told in a non-sensationalistic, methodical narrative, the story starts as a mystery that unfolds bit by bit until the scope of the scandal grows to unconscionable proportions. Director/Writer Tom McCarthy has meticulously documented a tragic moment in history with support by a wonderful ensemble cast including Liev Schreiber, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Ruffalo. Rarely has journalism been so realistically portrayed on film. The screenplay has Oscar written all over it.

BRIDGE OF SPIES and Its Fascinating History Lesson

I finally saw Bridge of Spies, and Steven Spielberg should keep making films inspired by true events and people. If only movies could be this compelling and well made. This chronicle of the capture of a Soviet spy during the height of the Cold War (and erecting of the Berlin Wall) and the American lawyer (James Donovan) who must defend him parallels the loss of a US spy plane and its pilot Francis Gary Powers over Russia resulting in a tense game of posturing and negotiations that Donovan must maneuver to secure an exchange of prisoners. Tom Hanks has one of his greatest roles as Donovan who had to operate without official sanction amid a political minefield of uncertainty and distrust. No one comes as close to the spirit of Jimmy Stewart as Hanks these days. The period flavor of the late 1950s and its Red scare paranoia is convincingly reenacted from a terrific script aided in part by the legendary Coen brothers. This is not only a fascinating history lesson but one of the best films of the year. Oscar nominations are virtual locks for Hanks, Spielberg, Best Picture, and for Mark Rylance as a wily spy.

Surviving THE MARTIAN

 

You might wonder why Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain would do another major scifi space film so soon after Interstellar. Maybe it was the great story based on a best selling novel. Abetted by a very strong ensemble cast (including Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Kate Mara) and under the kinder, gentler hand of director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down), The Martian is a compelling tale of survival and human spirit. (Yes, it is almost the flipside of Gravity.)  Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill-fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow food and much more.  (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)

What sets this apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing.  The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.  Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner.  With this, he has perfected the trifecta. 

Feeling INSIDE OUT

 

If you haven't already done so, do see Pixar's Inside Out. It oozes creativity and imagination and as Pixar does so well, has a strong storyline brilliantly conceived. Such a simple premise of a child's inner feelings as personified by Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear when her family relocates to a new city becomes an engaging tale of childhood amid the nostalgia of memories and moments in time. Amy Poehler leads a wonderful cast of voices and this film builds its plot slowly and deliberately to an emotional wallop. A children's film made for adults. Pixar has made great films before and this one stands among its pantheon. Bravo, Pixar!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE:ROGUE NATION Soars with Cruise

 

If Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol raised the bar on the franchise adaptation of the venerable TV series, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation maintains its high. Tom Cruise is a movie star and showman, and he gives this film his all in sheer conviction and physical action in breath taking stunts on land, sea and air. The convoluted plot has the IMF being disbanded by Congress while an evil organization, The Syndicate, represents a mirror image of the IMF, and its mastermind is out to target Ethan Hunt (Cruise). Some of the old gang like Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames and new faces Alec Baldwin and standout Rebecca Ferguson shine in support. Replete with well constructed suspense, the spectacular action set pieces open with that famous shot of Cruise hanging on for dear life outside a plane taking off. Writer/director Christopher McQuarrie (the Usual Suspects script) keeps everything humming along. Mission accomplished!

The Pleasures of TRAINWRECK

 

Trainwreck is at times a bit raunchy and bawdy, but at its core it is a deeply felt story of a broken person (Amy Schumer) whose philandering ways with men turns the traditional male playboy stereotype on its head. While writing a magazine article, she meets a sports doctor (Bill Hader) who stirs feelings within her and challenges her fear of commitment. Can Amy hope to find happiness in this crazy mixed up world? The journey is part of the fun aided by a strong supporting cast let by Tilda Swinton, Colin Quinn, and LeBron James as well as some cute cameos by SNL regulars. Top comedy director Judd Apatow guides a wonderful (Oscar worthy) script by Schumer with surprisingly heartwarming and hilarious results. Above all, it is a star making turn by an extremely bright talent, Amy Schumer.

ANT-MAN the Little Giant

 

Ant-Man was a risky venture even for Marvel but then so was Guardians of the Galaxy. Both films exhibit comedy mixed with the right amount of origin story and action. Both never lose sight of strong plotting and characters. The result might not be as smashing as Guardians, but this is certainly the most family friendly entertainment form Marvel yet. Paul Rudd is perfect as the title character and injects a nice infusion of humor and everyman believability. The shrinking effects are stunning. (Will someone finally do a remake of Fantastic Voyage?!) Michael Douglas is very convincing as a mentor and there are nice tie-ins to the bigger Marvel world for fans. You might think twice about ants after this one; I mean it! And do stay for two post credit scenes.

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON: More is Less

 

The Avengers:Age of Ultron is a slam bang action filled adventure and continuation of the Marvel Cinematic world and a sequel to 2012's The Avengers. James Spader lends the ideal gravitas as the menacing Ultron who is created by Tony Stark with the best of intentions only to see a modern day Frankenstein that evolves and replicates itself to threaten the world. We still have the main cast led by Capt. America, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye supplemented by some familiar faces and a couple new ones that have implications for the future. Add to this the wild card twins, Quicksilver and Wanda, whose powers are formidable. This is a darker, more grown up Avengers, and while the action borders on Transformers-like destruction and the quiet moments in the middle threaten to slow things down a tad, the whole thing works with some nice moments and more than a few memorable lines. Director/Writer Joss Whedon pulls off quite a feat by successfully juggling so many characters amid a moralistic tale of peace at any cost and its consequences. This has themes that will carry over to Captain America: Civil Wars next year. For me personally this is a thrill to see storylines and characters I grew up reading in my comic books brought to life on the big screen so convincingly! Not quite the achievement of its predecessor, but quite good.