Posted by
Young Republican on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 3:30:38 PM
I've been meaning to post this but debated back and fourth about whether or not it was right on a political blog but part of the fun of blogging is get to know the blogger's personal taste and such. I've said before that I love going to the annual Oscar bash held in Southeastern Michigan. I have a blast, the food is great and it's always nice to meet new people. I've been going with a friend of mine for years and every year it just get's better. So I written a few words on the five nominated even though the Oscars were like four months ago but whatever now all the films are out of DVD so go the store for your fav.
5th place- Juno- Really enjoyable with wit and attitude that never seem in short supply. However the film never adds up to the greatness so many have attributed to it. It is simply a very good teen movie but not even the best of this decade in the genre. That would belong to "Mean Girls" and "Charlie Barlett" (which just came out on DVD).
4th place- No Country for Old Men- A story about a border town, a suitcase of money, and what it means to be a man and survive. An constantly thrilling ride but it is not profound. A really good rollar coaster is still just a rollar coaster.
3rd place Atonement- The movie that was suppose to win best picture but after people saw it said "not so much". It really is beautifully shot with excellent performances but it is cliched in terms of plot and brings nothing new to the screen.
2nd place- Michael Clayton- The annual liberal picture of the year was one of the best. Evil companies + George Clooney = Oscars? However while excellent, the actual charchter of Clayton is wrongly written, he's the guy with all the answers but we as the audience know before him. Taldia Swenton is superb as the villan (and yes I called the Oscar for her.)
1st place and true best picture winner- There Will Be Blood- We have seen nothing like this picture, this intensity, the Day-Lewis. He demands our attetion of the screen and we gladly give it. Actually knowing someone with Daniel's (the charchter's name not the actor) personality it showed a different type of man. Crazy but honorable in a crazy way. But the film really deserved the Oscar for the scenes between Eli (his foe in the film) and Daniel are so personal, funny and sad all at the same time all the way to the end with the immoratal words "I'm Done" you realize what you are seeing is a classic.
For all those who think the conservative critic won out in this selection, I'm afraid I have to add that my favorite film of 2007 was not nominated "Avenue Montiage" a french film with a lot of heart was the best of the bunch but do rent "There Will Be Blood".