© Picturehouse
THE TRAILER:
El Orfanato is the original title. It was produced by Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone). It’s about a mother never-ending effort in searching for her lost son. I watched it alone, wearing headphone in the middle of the night, but the sounds were way too creepy, I decided to delay watching it until daytime and with NO headphone.

2. The Others (2001)

© Miramax Films
THE TRAILER:
To me, this is Nicole Kidman’s best movie. The cast (especially the children), the setting and everything about the movie was perfect. If you decide to check the trailer, don’t read the comments below so it won’t ruin your movie experience.

3. The innocents (1961)

© ?
THE TRAILER:
It’s an old movie, in fact it’s in black and white so therefore no fancy special effects or CGI kind of things. It was so simple, but I think it was way more effective because it looks more real. I love The Others so much, I want to experience some scary movie at the same level and some people suggest me ‘The Innocents’, and it works (scares me) really well obviously.

4. The Sixth Sense (1999)

©Hollywood/Buena Vista
THE TRAILER:
“I see dead people…” That’s probably one of the most memorable quotes ever. Haley Joel Osment is perfect in his part as the kid who is, yes, seeing the dead people. He was so great he was nominated for Oscar. Just like The Others, it’s better not knowing anything about the movie before you watch it.

5. The Ring (2002)

©DreamWorks
THE TRAILER:
Usually the remake couldn’t match the original, but I actually prefer Naomi Watts’s version. Unfortunately, now there were too many copycats and parodies that could ruin the enjoyment of everyone who decided to watch this movie for the first time.

Any scary ghost movies that you’d like to share?

1. Godfather (Nino Rota)

The most haunting piece of music that I’ve ever heard. Definitely best of the best. No question on why the theme of this movie became classic just like the movie itself.

2. Up (Michael Giacchino)

Especially the track called Marriage Life. When the music is playing during the movie, you will experience the best of 4:21 minutes in cinema history. No kidding.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Alexandre Desplat)

I have been a fan for this franchise for years, but never really care with the score, until Deathly Hallows Part 1 hits the theatre. At least there three favorite tracks of mine: Obliviate, Snape to Malfoy Manor and Farewell To Dobby. I am so happy to know Desplat will do the second part as well.

4. Love Story (Francis Lai)

Not really my favorite movie, but it wasn’t a bad movie at all and I could understand why it became such a classic. However, the best part is obviously the score. You will probably have heard it even when you haven’t seen the movie.

5. Psycho (Bernard Herrmann)

Alfred Hitchcock favorite composer. He at least has written the scores for almost every Hitchcock masterpiece from The Trouble with Harry (1955) to Marnie (1964), of course the one for Psycho (1960) no doubt was his best work.

6. The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)

I almost couldn’t play this one while I am alone. Someone said this is the Lord of all horror soundtracks. Listen to it yourself if you don’t believe me. I played this while I am writing this, but maybe I shouldn’t as my neighbor might think I started a cult or something.

7. The Exorcist (Steve Boeddeker)

Quite confusing on whom did the score. It seemed it was done by many different artists, but the one that I love the most is called ‘Tubular Bells” composed by Mike Oldfield.

8. Lust, Caution (Alexandre Desplat)

I was so intrigued by every element at the movie: acting, story, direction, cinematography, and more especially the score. I thought it was brilliant and couldn’t wait to find out the person behind it. I was so happy to find out that it was no other than Alexandre Desplat.

9. Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2 (RZA)

I’d love to have Quentin Tarrantino playlist, it seemed we might like the same kind of music. Thanks to him, I got to know Nancy Sinatra and Shivarree’s goodnight moon. However, the track that caught my attention the most was called The Lonely Shepherd – Gheorghe Zamfir (produced by RZA), at the end of Kill Bill volume 1 (what a perfect ending).

10. Forrest Gump (Alan Silvestri)

My earliest memory in paying attention at movie scores. It’s still one of the best scores of all time.

Honorable mention: Rosemary’s Baby (Christopher Komeda), Life Is Beautiful (Nicola Piovani), Let Me In (Michael Giacchino), The Golden Compass (Alexandre Desplat), Heaven and Earth (Kitaro), The Chroncles of Narnia: The Lion, The Wich, and The Wardrobe (Harry Gregson-Williams) more especially the track called Evacuating London), Midnight Express (Giorgio Moroder)

Some scores that I love, but never seen the movie, here as follow: Breakfast at Tifanny’s (Henry Mancini), Romeo and Juliet (Nino Rota)

What about television show? There was one and only score that I love the most. It’s from the Twin Peaks and it’s written by Angelo Badalamenti.

Every year I make my own prediction on who are going to win the Oscar. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to watch every movies, so my prediction mostly just based on what I read or hear from media, blogs, movie reviews and then I tried to create my own conclusion. So here goes:

Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”
James Franco in “127 Hours”

The Oscar goes to: Colin Firth (he already wins Golden Globe and Critics Choice award).

Jesse Eisenberg is pretty strong contender. If Colin didn’t win, then he will. Bridges wouldn’t win because he just won last year, and it’s so unlikely for academy to have the same winner for two years in the row.

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”

The Oscar goes to: Christian Bale (He wins the Golden Globe and I don’t hear enough buzz from the other actors)

Even though they have much slimmer chance, but Oscar might choose Ruffalo and Rush as well.

Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”

The oscar goes to: Annette Bening (She has been nominated several times and always lost, so perhaps her time has arrived? Though, I wouldn’t be surprise if they choose Natalie Portman instead).

I decided to against all odds by choosing Benning. Most of prediction saying that Portman is going to win. However, from what I heard, Michelle Williams actually the one that gives the BEST performance ever, but not enough buzz for her. It’s good to see Kidman back on the race, but I don’t think she will win. My own preference is actually Julianne Moore. I only saw the performances by Benning, Portman and Moore, as much as I love the other two, but I like Moore even more and shocked that she wasn’t even nominated.

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”

The Oscar goes to: Melissa Leo (her recent winning at the Golden Globe winning might has influence my prediction)

Based on many reviews by critics and regular viewers, Steinfeild actually gave the amazing performance and many think that she should be nominated for leading role instead of supporting. However, she still pretty new in the race and I suspect the Oscar would rather award the more experienced actress. Though, I just read that recent Leo campaign could hurt her chance to win. If so, then Steinfeild might get it.

Animated Feature Film
“How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich

The Oscar goes to: Toy Story 3 (One of the best movie of the year. It will definitely win because it’s also got nominated in Best Picture category, so it would be too strange if they actually lost)

If Toy Story didn’t get nominated for the Best Picture, then How To Train Your Dragon had almost the same chance to win, who is surprisingly (according to people who have watched it) try to follow the Pixar footsteps by focusing in great storytelling.

Art Direction
“Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King’s Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

The Oscar goes to: Inception (Why? Simply because Inception is this year’s Avatar).

I think Deathly Hallows has amazing art direction as well, but Inception offering something new that we’ve never seen before, so it deserves to win.

Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King’s Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins

The Oscar goes to: Inception (they deserve it, in fact they SHOULD win all the technical categories).

However, The Black Swan might “steal” the Oscar. Many people think this movie was great in technical aspects too. I have to disagree, though. It was brilliant movie and I enjoy it a lot, but I don’t think it should win this category.

Costume Design
“Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood
“I Am Love” Antonella Cannarozzi
“The King’s Speech” Jenny Beavan
“The Tempest” Sandy Powell
“True Grit” Mary Zophres

The Oscar goes to: The King’s Speech (As one of the best pictures nominees, I think they might win other categories as well).

This time I am surprised that The Black Swan wasn’t nominated. I think Natalie Portman’s costume as the evil Black Swan was beyond beautiful. Weeks ago, I actually predict Alice In Wonderland that most likely to win in this category, but I’ve slowly begun change my mind after reading more news and reviews about The King’s Speech.

Directing
“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

The Oscar goes to: David Fincher (another category that I am almost 100% sure)

What a surprise that Christopher Nolan wasn’t even nominated. Talking about biggest Oscar snub this year.

Documentary (Feature)
“Exit through the Gift Shop” Banksy and Jaimie D’Cruz
“Gasland” Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
“Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
“Restrepo” Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
“Waste Land” Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley

The Oscar goes to: I don’t know and hard to guess at all.

Documentary (Short Subject)
“Killing in the Name” Nominees to be determined
“Poster Girl” Nominees to be determined
“Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
“Sun Come Up” Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
“The Warriors of Qiugang” Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon

The Oscar goes too: No clue at all.

Film Editing
“Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” Pamela Martin
“The King’s Speech” Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” Jon Harris
“The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

The Oscar goes to: The Black Swan (I can’t say that I agree if they really win, I think Inception should win, but it doesn’t even get nominated)

The Fighter has a good chance too (I assumed it must be quite hard to edit fighting scene).

Foreign Language Film
“Biutiful” Mexico
“Dogtooth” Greece
“In a Better World” Denmark
“Incendies” Canada
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria

The Oscar goes to: In a Better World (It’s already won the Globe, that’s why)

Makeup
“Barney’s Version” Adrien Morot
“The Way Back” Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
“The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

The Oscar goes to: The Wolfman (the only movie that I am familiar with)

No Alice In Wonderland? No Deathly Hallows? Not even The Black Swan?

Music (Original Score)
“How to Train Your Dragon” John Powell
“Inception” Hans Zimmer
“The King’s Speech” Alexandre Desplat
“127 Hours” A.R. Rahman
“The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

The Oscar goes to: The Social Network

My personal preference will be Desplat score for Deathly Hallows. That was just amazing and I am really root for him. Oh, well. I am glad he got nominated for The King’s Speech.

Music (Original Song)
“Coming Home” from “Country Strong” Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
“I See the Light” from “Tangled” Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
“We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3″ Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

The Oscar goes to: Coming Home from Country Strong.

Best Picture
“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter’s Bone” Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers

The Oscar goes to: The King’s Speech

Only recently that I start to have faith that the academy will choose different winner than Golden Globe. In that case, then The King’s Speech might win. Until a week ago, I actually predicted The Social Network will win hugest award, still they still have huge chance to win more than any other nominees

Short Film (Animated)
“Day & Night” Teddy Newton
“The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
“Let’s Pollute” Geefwee Boedoe
“The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
“Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)” Bastien Dubois

The Oscar goes to: Day and Night (Day and Night was the only one I’ve seen and familiar with, but I won’t be shocked if the academy will choose other instead)

Short Film (Live Action)
“The Confession” Tanel Toom
“The Crush” Michael Creagh
“God of Love” Luke Matheny
“Na Wewe” Ivan Goldschmidt
“Wish 143” Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

The Oscar goes to: No clue.

Sound Editing
“Inception” Richard King
“Toy Story 3” Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
“Tron: Legacy” Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
“Unstoppable” Mark P. Stoeckinger

The oscar goes to: Toy Story 3

Not enough love from academy for Inception to win.

Sound Mixing
“Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
“The King’s Speech” Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
“Salt” Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
“The Social Network” Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

The oscar goes too: Inception (not really sure though)

Visual Effects
“Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
“Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
“Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
“Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

The oscar goes to: Inception

This time it got better chance than the other nominess

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter’s Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

The oscar goes to: The Social Network

It’s already won the Golden Globe for the same category.

Writing (Original Screenplay)
“Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King’s Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler

The oscar goes to: The Kids Are All Right
I hope the academy will show a little love for this movie.

I have a thing in movie like this. This one seemed like a mix between Single White Female with Fight Club, with a little touch of Persona even Mulholland Dr. Does anyone also ever seen L’Appartement? If not, then maybe you should. Come to think about it, 3 Women by Robert Altman had almost the same formula. Even though the Black Swan setting is in US, but you cannot help to feeling European thriller atmosphere; minimal dialog and more focused on expression, camera movement, and in this case… the ballet itself. Natalie Portman (we knew there was something about her when we first saw her on The Professional) is Nina Sayers, a dancer who got chosen for a once in a lifetime role in The Swan Lake. The ballet director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) thinks she was perfect as the innocent white swan, but not so much for the evil twin, the black swan. The whole movie is about Nina trying to prove that she could play both role, then here comes Lily, another girl that Nina fears after the same role. She was also talented and more confident than Nina, the kind of girl that fits as the black swan. The differences between this movie and the others that I wrote earlier, the twist isn’t the strongest side of this movie. It is more focused on the main characters. Natalie Portman gives a solid performance and maybe the best on her career yet, with the result of Oscar nomination, and maybe she could win it as well. The other cast gave a great performance, more especially by Barbara Hershey as Erica Sayers, Nina’s mother.

Toy Story 3

TOY story 3 maybe is one of the movies I couldn’t wait to see this year (maybe second after Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows). I like part one and two, I like Tom Hanks and I like Pixar. So, that were probably the reasons why I didn’t want to miss this one.

Last year, I re-watched part one and two on the theater in 3D. That was great experience because I thought I have lost the chance to ever view those on big screen especially for part two, which for some reason I missed when it was played on theater. I didn’t know why I missed that because I remember enjoyed part one a lot. Maybe due to me having almost no money at that time (hey, I was only a jobless student after all).

I’ve been dreaming of seeing part three on imax. Well, I kept wondering when Pixar finally released something on imax. I always thought they’re going to be the first animation company to do so, but for some reason they didn’t.

When I saw Wall-E then later Up, I kept thinking how those movies will be looked great on imax 3D.

Last year, I was impressed with everything about Up. The movie was perfect. I even root for that to win the best picture for academy award. They didn’t win, but I wasn’t that disappointed, I still have a hope that one day soon they will definitely will win.

Unfortunately, I missed seeing Pixar first ever feature on imax due to my four months trip to Indonesia. I was disappointed because this should be a historic moment for a pixar fan like me.

Strangely, I declined to watch it 3D. It’s not like I agree with Roger Ebert view on that topic, but since I already missed that on the biggest screen on theater, I didn’t want to make this experience even smaller. The 3D technology seemed to make the screen looked smaller, so I thought that viewing that on regular screen was better than 3D.

Now, let’s talk about the movie. So, Andy is growing up and about to leave for college. What about the toys then? They’re still the same, they didn’t grow up, and they’re purpose were still the same, to be played by children. The problem is, Andy is no longer a children.

In part two, Jessie (the cowgirl toy) shared her sad story being abandoned by Emily, the owner who grew up. Now, it seemed like Emily situation all over again.

Without spoiling the story too much, Woody and the gang ended up at Sunnyside daycare. It seemed like this was probably the best ending for those toys, but we know it wouldn’t because then there would be no story.

So, yes just like the previous movies, there would be villains in this one. Unfortunately, the villain character on this movie seemed repetitive from the part two, again I won’t spoil that one because I still think this is a must movie see.

Was I disappointed? Not at all. I still enjoyed the movie and would not mind seeing it again. Of course there were some touchy moments (though ‘Up’ still tops the list on that subject).

Of course there were some funny moments a la Pixar that until now still couldn’t be beaten by Dreamworks and any other animation out there. Some of my favorite were the ones with Buzz Lightyear (though he’s never been my favorite character, or with Barbie and Ken (Michael Keaton did an awesome job).

Overall, the story quite predictable and there weren’t really surprising moment. However, the geniuses behind the movie knew how to please the audience, so you didn’t really care about the predictable plot and such and you still walk away of theater satisfy just like I did.

… And now some quick review from other movies…

Frost/Nixon

I thought this one going to be “heavy” movie, so I kept declined to watch it until I am ‘mentally’ read, then I decided to give it a chance anyway despite feeling worried I may be won’t be able to finish it. I was so dead wrong. This movie was actually very light, easy to understanding and very entertaining as well. It’s a must see movie for everyone, especially if you’re in media/journalism field. Frank Langela deserved his Oscar nod, but I think Michael Sheen should get nominated as well.

To Kill a Mockingbird

GREGORY Peck is exactly what I thought Atticus Finch would act/look like, but from what I hear the actor did like “Atticus Finch” to his own children. Maybe that’s why he could deliver his part so well. The credit also goes to Mary Badham who played the daughter, Scout (now I see why Bruce Willis and Demi Moore also named their daughter, Scout). Of course, the movie couldn’t catch up to the brilliance of the book, but I think they quite succeed.

The Vanishing (the remake)
The beginning was great because they were still faithful to the original. The cast was great, especially Sandra Bullock, who looked amazingly gorgeous and she got something on her that would make you sympathize and wondered on what happened to her after she went missing. My only (but the biggest) problem is how they changed their ending into typical Hollywood thriller. They basically change the essence of the original and that just simply wrong thing to do.

Let’s started with the host, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. It seemed like a brilliant idea to combine two talented people. Was it worked?

I wouldn’t say they failed, but compare to past host such as Billy Crystal, Jon Stewart or Ellen, they didn’t do too much for me. Pretty good, but nothing special.

Maybe it’s Hugh Jackman’s fault for setting a high level of hosting Oscar last year? I MUST say, Hugh Jackman should win Oscar for hosting. Honestly, the part with him was the most memorable thing in that Oscar last year.

They should bring Jackman back next year or even Billy Crystal.

Well, since I started with not such a “positive” side of the Oscar, let’s continue then.

I think the Oscar SHOULD make it really clear about the time length for the speech, or did they, but the winners just ignored it? Too many uncomfortable moments where the winner tried to say something, but either the microphone has been ‘muted’ nor the orchestra had been played.

I was hoped for Up to win The Best Picture and The Best Original Screenplay, although I knew it didn’t really have a chance so I wasn’t that disappointed. In fact, I already predicted that they wouldn’t bring the Oscar on that categories.

What’s up with Twilight were shown in Horror tribute? I have never seen the movie, but I thought, even though it had werewolves and vampires, it mostly about teenage romance?

Like I said before, I like Sandra Bullock, but I’ve been hoping to see Meryl Streep wins the award. I thought she would win last year with Doubt. But, when she didn’t I was happy she got nominated again with her role in Julie and Julia (and she was VERY good in it). I thought this was finally is going to be her year.

I didn’t even realize that on ‘In Memoriam” section until Roger Ebert mentioned on his Twitter, that they didn’t show Farrah Fawcett. Academy would have lot of explanations to do. However, I like this year ‘In memoriam’ better than last year. If you remembered, it had Queen Latifah sung a song beautifully, but unfortunately the camera seemed show her too much and missed to zoom out the pictures of some stars that died that year.

What’s up with the dance during the Original Score category. I just didn’t think it fits. They should do that on Grammy instead or maybe on a show like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’?

Last, but not least (on my least like moments), this year’s Oscar less innovative and creative, at least compare to last year’s Oscar, which was the best one I’ve ever seen.

On to positive note, I like that The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow wins the award for best picture and director. I saw the movie and I LOVE it a lot (Istill like Up and The Road better though).

Tom Hanks presented the award. Well, it’s always great to see him anywhere, any time.

Michael Giacchino won for Best Original Score. This is probably the one that I root the most! I’d be EXTRA disappointed if he lost. Up’s score was the best of the best.

It’s great to see the voice behind Up at the audience.

I don’t really care that they didn’t show the live performance of the nominated songs. Usually, I used that time to take a break anyway.

What an introduction that

Lastly, I’d rate this year Oscar: C-.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart” (Fox Searchlight)
George Clooney in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
Colin Firth in “A Single Man” (The Weinstein Company)
Morgan Freeman in “Invictus” (Warner Bros.)
Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment)

The Oscar goes to: Jeff Bridges.
He had won several awards including Golden Globe.

My personal choice would be: Jeremy Renner
Among all the nominees for this category, I only saw The Hurt Locker and he impressed me so much.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Matt Damon in “Invictus” (Warner Bros.)
Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger” (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones” (DreamWorks in association with Film4, Distributed by Paramount)
Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company)

The Oscar goes to: Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”
This is quite hard because I HAVEN’T seen any of this movies, but I kept hearing how great Waltz performance was.

My personal choice would be: None.

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros.)
Helen Mirren in “The Last Station” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Carey Mulligan in “An Education” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia” (Sony Pictures Releasing)

The Oscar goes to: Meryl Streep
I swear it’s about time this woman got her third Oscar. She should got it last year for her performance in Doubt.

My personal choice would be: Meryl Streep.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Penélope Cruz in “Nine” (The Weinstein Company)
Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart” (Fox Searchlight)
Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
Mo’Nique in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)

The Oscar goes to: Mo’Nique
She also already wins so many award for her performance already.

My personal choice would be: I like Vera Farmiga the most as an actress, but unfortunately I haven’t seen Up In The Air. I am glad that she’s nominated though. Ever since I saw her in Never Forever, I knew she was on her way to Oscar.

Best animated feature film of the year
“Coraline” (Focus Features) Henry Selick
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (20th Century Fox) Wes Anderson
“The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney) John Musker and Ron Clements
“The Secret of Kells” (GKIDS) Tomm Moore
“Up” (Walt Disney) Pete Docter

The Oscar goes to: Up
The EASIEST one to predict. I mean this movie also GOT nominated for BEST PICTURE while the others don’t. Not too mention it also got nominated for Original Score, Sound Editing and Original screenplay!

My personal choice would be: Up
The best movie of 2009, in my opinion.

Achievement in art direction

“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg
Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” (Sony Pictures Classics) Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro
Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
“Nine” (The Weinstein Company) Art Direction: John Myhre
Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
“Sherlock Holmes” (Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood
Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
“The Young Victoria” (Apparition) Art Direction: Patrice Vermette
Set Decoration: Maggie Gray

The Oscar goes to: Avatar
I think Avatar will easily wins all the “technical stuff” category.

My personal choice would be: Avatar
Because that’s the only one I saw, but I am sure many agree that Avatar really invented the “new” style in movie making that probably
gonna be inspiration of many movies in the future.

Achievement in cinematography
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Mauro Fiore
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (Warner Bros.) Bruno Delbonnel
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Barry Ackroyd
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Robert Richardson
“The White Ribbon” (Sony Pictures Classics) Christian Berger

The Oscar goes to: The Hurt Locker
I am surprised how visually GREAT The Hurt Locker was. Before I watched it I thought it would be hard for them to compete
Avatar in this technical category, but I am willing to gamble here. I think the jury might pick this one instead of Avatar.

My personal choice would be: The Hurt Locker.
Same reason as above.

Achievement in costume design:
“Bright Star” (Apparition) Janet Patterson
“Coco before Chanel” (Sony Pictures Classics) Catherine Leterrier
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” (Sony Pictures Classics) Monique Prudhomme
“Nine” (The Weinstein Company) Colleen Atwood
“The Young Victoria” (Apparition) Sandy Powell

The Oscar goes to: Nine
It looked pretty good based on a trailer only (I know!)

My personal choice: None

Achievement in directing
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) James Cameron
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Kathryn Bigelow
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Quentin Tarantino
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate) Lee Daniels
“Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios) Jason Reitman

The Oscar goes to: Kathryn Bigelow

I can’t deny that James Cameron did a great job in Avatar. It seemed like it’s probably one of the hardest movie to make and direct. But after viewing The Hurt Locker, I have to admit I LOVE Bigelow style of directing. Some people probably found that her “shaky”
camera movement could cause nausea, but I think the purpose was to make people experience the stressful situation the characters in
the movie were faced. The exposion scene was done very artistic and I like how she “created” it.

My personal choice would be: Kathryn Bigelow
It must be hard to compete with almost ‘perfect’ movie like Avatar but I swear she put herself in a same league with Cameron even
with “less budget” movie.

Best documentary feature
“Burma VJ” (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
A Magic Hour Films Production Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller
“The Cove” (Roadside Attractions)
An Oceanic Preservation Society Production Nominees to be determined
“Food, Inc.” (Magnolia Pictures)
A Robert Kenner Films Production Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
“The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers”
A Kovno Communications Production Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
“Which Way Home”
A Mr. Mudd Production

The Oscar goes to: “Food, Inc.” (Magnolia Pictures)
Honestly I only ever heard this one and The Cove, so I guess between those two.

My personal choice: None.

Achievement in film editing
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron
“District 9″ (Sony Pictures Releasing) Julian Clarke
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Sally Menke
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate) Joe Klotz

The Oscar goes to: Avatar
Although, I wouldn’t surprise if The Hurt Locker wins. I swear this movie were great in every aspect.

My personal choice: The Hurt Locker
You could tell that I REALLY like this movie.

Best foreign language film of the year
“Ajami”(Kino International)
An Inosan Production Israel
“El Secreto de Sus Ojos” (Sony Pictures Classics)
A Haddock Films Production Argentina
“The Milk of Sorrow”
A Wanda Visión/Oberon Cinematogràfica/Vela Production Peru
“Un Prophète” (Sony Pictures Classics)
A Why Not/Page 114/Chic Films Production France
“The White Ribbon” (Sony Pictures Classics)
An X Filme Creative Pool/Wega Film/Les Films du Losange/Lucky Red Production Germany

The Oscar goes to: “The White Ribbon”
Another wild guess. I know nothing about movies above.

My personal choice: None.

Achievement in makeup
“Il Divo” (MPI Media Group through Music Box) Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
“Star Trek” (Paramount and Spyglass Entertainment) Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
“The Young Victoria” (Apparition) Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

The Oscar goes to: “Star Trek”
This movie is one of the best reviewed this year, so I assumed it will wins something at least.

My personal choice: None.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) James Horner
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (20th Century Fox) Alexandre Desplat
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
“Sherlock Holmes” (Warner Bros.) Hans Zimmer
“Up” (Walt Disney) Michael Giacchino

The Oscar goes to: Up
I REALLY hope that this one will win. Ever since I saw the movie, the score really impressed me as much as the story itself. I was hoped it get nominated and now it did I HOPE it will wins as well.

My personal choice: Up
Same as above.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Down in New Orleans” from “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36″ (Sony Pictures Classics) Music by Reinhardt Wagner
Lyric by Frank Thomas
“Take It All” from “Nine” (The Weinstein Company) Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
“The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart” (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T
Bone Burnett

The Oscar goes to: “The Weary Kind”
Well, it’s already won the Golden Globe, so I got influenced by it.

My personal choice: None

Best motion picture of the year
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox)
A Lightstorm Entertainment Production James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
“The Blind Side” (Warner Bros.)
An Alcon Entertainment Production Nominees to be determined
“District 9″ (Sony Pictures Releasing)
A Block/Hanson Production Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
“An Education” (Sony Pictures Classics)
A Finola Dwyer/Wildgaze Films Production Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment)
A Voltage Pictures Production Nominees to be determined
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company)
A Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures/A Band Apart/Zehnte Babelsberg Production Lawrence Bender, Producer
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
A Lee Daniels Entertainment/Smokewood Entertainment Production Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness,

Producers
“A Serious Man” (Focus Features)
A Working Title Films Production Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
“Up” (Walt Disney)
A Pixar Production Jonas Rivera, Producer
“Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
A Montecito Picture Company Production Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers

The Oscar goes to: The Hurt Locker
It has what it takes in everything. I know Avatar seemed like “the best of all” with “all the amazing thing you’ve never seen before”, but let say it still have the same story but without such a “high tech” effects, then it’s just gonna be a “good” movie, NOT great.

My personal choice: Up
Even though I like The Hurt Locker so much but in my personal opinion, Up is the best movie of the year.

Achievement in sound editing
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Paul N.J. Ottosson
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Wylie Stateman
“Star Trek” (Paramount and Spyglass Entertainment) Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
“Up” (Walt Disney) Michael Silvers and Tom Myers

The Oscar goes to: The Hurt Locker
… or Avatar.

My personal choice: The Hurt Locker

Achievement in sound mixing
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
“Star Trek” (Paramount and Spyglass Entertainment) Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro, Distributed by Paramount) Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson

The Oscar goes to: The Hurt Locker
… or Avatar.

My personal choice: The Hurt Locker

Achievement in visual effects
“Avatar” (20th Century Fox) Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones
“District 9″ (Sony Pictures Releasing) Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
“Star Trek” (Paramount and Spyglass Entertainment) Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton

The Oscar goes to: Avatar
In this one Avatar should and MUST win.

My personal choice: Avatar

Adapted screenplay
“District 9″ (Sony Pictures Releasing) Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
“An Education” (Sony Pictures Classics) Screenplay by Nick Hornby
“In the Loop” (IFC Films) Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate) Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
“Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios) Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

The Oscar goes to: Up in the Air
Just have a pretty good feeling about it

My personal choice: None

Original screenplay
“The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment) Written by Mark Boal
“Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company) Written by Quentin Tarantino
“The Messenger” (Oscilloscope Laboratories) Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
“A Serious Man” (Focus Features) Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Up” (Walt Disney) Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter
Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy

The Oscar goes to: Up
It’s probably The Hurt Locker will win, but I am gonna go with Up anyway.

My personal choice: Up
Same as above

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

EVER since Prizoner of Azkaban, this series kept taking the darker side. It evolved from “family friendly” into more mature theme gradually.
It makes sense because the main villain Lord Voldemort is also getting stronger and stronger and won’t stop until he rules the word (wizards or muggles).

In this movie, we don’t get a chance to see You Know Who. Still it doesn’t effect the excitement seeing it’s translate J.K Rowling imagination to big screen. However, the audience be able to see the dark lord when he was still called “Tom Riddle”. Therefore, the audience has a little knowledge on his childhood and teenage years.
If you read the series then you know that more and more death happen as it progress. Again, this is to proof her point that Voldemort is really a threat to the world. There are possibility that evil might wins against good and Dumbledore (often said the only wizard frightened by Voldemort).

We knew him so protective of Harry Potter, but now he knows he has to ask him to help him even when the task is so dangerous.
One of them, when he has to accompany his head master to a secluded island looking for something that can beat The Dark Lord.

This is probably one of my favorite scene in a movie. The is a very impressive scene with special effect that I’ve never seen before. Definitely worth watching. Of course at that time, I forgot that it was only the movie and in fact praise Dumbledore for doing such an amazing magic.

At the same time, the scene also very moving. It involves a very week Dumbledore in a condition like we’ve never seen before.

Even though the movie called Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Actually it is Dumbledorelah stealing the scene. So many memorable part involves him.

Michael Gambon so convincing as Dumbledore. He always did but this time he does it even better. I’d say that Academy should at least nominate him.

Another scene stealer is Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy. It’s hard to believe that he was the spoil brat that we first know at the first Harry Potter. In this one, he is given a hard task by Voldemort. Of course Tom Felton use this chance to finally showing off more of his talent.

Then of course there is Severus Snape. Is he good or bad? As always, Alan Rickman can still be brilliant without saying too much.

The weakness of the movie, in my opinion, is the love triangle story between Ron-Lavender-Hermione. I think it took too many times. Why don’t they focus more on Half Blood Prince storyline. Hello, isn’t that the title of this movie?

16. Hayden Panettiere as Patty Ann Applewood (Normal, 2003)

Photo: HBO

I cheated a little bit here. This is actually not from the movie that was out in the theater. It was actually aired on HBO, but they called it their original movie. Panettiere played as Patty Ann Applewood, a daughter of parents who are in urge of separation due to the father wish to have sex changing operation. The parents, Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson, surely would get Oscar nod, if this one not made for television. Panettiere succeeded playing her character as this tomboyish girl who’s the only one in the family who doesn’t seem mind of her father shocking wish. She brought a little light to the audience in this darkest time of the Applewood family.

15. Mara Wilson as Matilda (Matilda, 1996)

The movie is based on the book by Road Dahl. Mara Wilson as lonely Matilda, who wanted to study so bad but unfortunately her parents didn’t care about her wish at all. I saw Dakota Fanning with I Am Sam way before I watched this movie, so I couldn’t help but compare the two. The role would also fit for Fanning when she was younger. However, I also couldn’t help also imagine her in the role as Sean Penn’s daughter in I Am Sam. It seemed both actress came channeling their talent from the same source. Anyway, Wilson so convincing to play Matilda as she was born for it. Unfortunately, she seemed to disappear from the radar after that but I know many people still longing for her return, including me.

14. Abigail Breslin as Olive Hoover (Little Miss Sunshine, 2006)

Photo: Fox Searchlight

Abigail Breslin performance in this movie probably the most natural thing I’ve ever seen coming from child actor. Usually movie that highlights some of the most famous child actors, because of the unique character they portrayed. Breslin, however, play her character as a normal little girl might act. When we see her, we see some little girl next door. When I first heard they nominate her for Oscar, I couldn’t understand why, because to me nothing really stands out of her performance. Now, I see why that she deserve to get the nod is because her naturalism, something that I thought I didn’t see because she makes her blend with her character so well.

13. Christian Bale as Jim ‘Jamie’ Graham (Empire of the Sun, 1987)

Photo: Warner Bros

Before Bruce Wayne that probably the most famous character he ever played, he was Jim ‘Jamie’ Graham. A lost little boy who find himself in the middle of the war. When Japanese invaded China, Jim got separated with his parents and has to learn how to survive in this horrific situation. From a spoil brat, to suddenly losing everything and found You can tell by watching this movie that Bale is gonna be big one day. I still think this is his bet movie ever, even better than Batman Begins or that VERY successful The Dark Knight.

12. David Dorfman as Aidan Keller (The Ring, 2002)

Photo: DreamWorks

“She never sleeps,” said Aidan Keller in terrified voice about the ghost that has been haunting him. And, that’s one of the best scene in the movie that once tops my list for the scariest movie I’ve ever seen. When Aidan said that, the actor David Dorfman convinced the audience that he really scared, and we now felt the way he feels. Dorfman played the character that I think hard to play by just regular child actors. He had to play “mature” character inside a child body, who prepare his own lunch, went to school by himself, and of course had to deal with a ghost who seemed won’t leave him alone after he saw that damned tape.

11. Elijah Wood as Mike (Radio Flyer, 1992)

Photo: The Insider

I was amazed to see Elijah Wood in this movie. I didn’t see it around 1992 where the movie released, but years after it. It was also the first Wood movie I’ve seen and had the best acting from him so far, even better than critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings Trilogy (the acting, not the movie). He was in the movie that probably won’t be enjoyable too many kids, since it dealt more with “more” mature situation and not like silly and goofy kids adventure. It’s about two brothers Mike and Bobby (also played brilliantly by another talented young actor, Joseph Mazzello) who desperately trying to get away from their abused house. The movie itself doesn’t really get great review (I was surprised), but I am sure many agrees that Wood performance is unforgettable.

10. Natalie Portman as Mathilda (The Professional, 1994)

The director Luc Besson trying to create another strong female character after succeed with Anne Parillaud from La Femme Nikita. This time he tried to use even so much younger type. However, I find that Natalie Portman is more natural than Parrilaud, which I am sorry to say was a bit over acting. Portman (or her parents) took a chance in this role that for some considerably as exploitation of an actress herself. I could understand why because there were some dialogs and scenes that probably found by some people to be disturbed. Although, I am sure that’s the purpose of her character, to make us felt that way and it worked. The actress herself seemed to grow up fine and in fact known as one of the smartest star out there. The movie seemed doesn’t leave such a negative impact on her. Thank goodness for that.

9. James Bentley as Nicholas Stewart (The Others, 2001)

Hard too choose between James Bentley or Alakina Mann. I think both are brilliant. But come to think about that, the scene where Bentley comment on why dove is considered as the symbol of “holy ghost”, such as describe in the bible, left it stuck in my mind. His expression truly showed how talented and natural he was as a child actor. The chemistry he had with the child that play as her sister and of course the mother that played by Nicole Kidman is undeniable. Of course, as the kid who terrified by the haunting ghost, we can see clearly see the frightened in his eyes (and his sister’s eyes) and we could fear what he feared about. If academy award had a category for best child actor, he should win it.

8. Linda Blair The Exorcist as Regan (1973)

Photo: mptvimages.com

I always felt like I somehow familiar with that name even before I watched the Exorcist, or before I heard about the movie itself. Of course, after watching it I see why. Blair gave great performance as Regan, the child that possessed by the devil. I wasn’t surprise that she got nominated for Oscar and many consider one of her scene of one of the most scariest scene ever. Of course, many young people now who gotten used with the movie like Saw or Hostel probably would find it ridiculous, but I can understand why the people in that era felt that. I did, and I wasn’t really from that era. The sequel like many would say isn’t as good as the first one, so I only watched it once and never again. However, I never got tired with the first one and watched it once in a while.

7. Tina Marjorino as Jessica Green (When A Man Loves a Woman, 1994)

Again, both children in this movie are simply amazing. Tina Marjorino and Mae Whitman. However, the scene with Tina’s character dealing with her alcoholic mother (Meg Ryan) probably more haunting, at least for me. If you see the movie and love it then you wouldn’t ever forgot when her character being snapped in the face by her mother. It felt like she really did feel the pain, both for being snapped and also because it was done by her own mother. The way she phoned her stepfather when she found her mother fainted on the shower was also heartbreaking as well. Lastly, of course her scene in the park with Andy Garcia’s character. When I first saw her, my first thought: How could she be THAT good?

6. Kirsten Dunst as Amy March (Little Women, 1994)

If you check her imdb page, you won’t be surprised that many people said that she wasn’t talented at all. I assumed those never seen her in Little Women. Even though surrounding by OTHER talented actors, she could shine, probably even shiner than the lead character played by Winona Ryder (don’t get me wrong, I adore her as well). Every time I saw performance like her, I always wished that academy award would have a special award for child actor (I believed that they used to have it). Dunst fit so well as Amy March, the youngest of March sister. I read the book a little (haven’t finished it yet) and realize it even more that Amy IS Kirsten or the other way around. The second best performance by Dunst ever (the first one would be on this higher list of course).

5. Haley Joel Osment as Cole Sear (The Sixth Sense, 1999)

“I see dead people,” confessed Cole to Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). What a heartbreaking performance. Being just a kid, can see ghost but no one believes you. Osment really perfect for this role and to me still his best performance ever It’s a shame he lost to Michael Caine for best supported actor at academy award. The movie itself was one of the scariest movie I’ve ever seen. Well, of course now after watching several times, the scariness effect has faded away, but it’s still great and so does Osment.

4. Emma Bolger as Ariel (In America, 2002)

Emma and her sister Sarah Bolger, gave a great performance. It was hard to choose which one are the best and of course I felt bad to choose one sister over the others. I am sure though that there are many out there who will favor Sarah. Just like Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine, Emma as Ariel, the younger sister, act just like a what a little girl should act. I like it because it’s so normal and natural. It felt like she’s probably just act like herself. It doesn’t mean that her role isn’t challenging at all. I saw many child actors at her age actually having troubles on act like naturally. Most of them seemed like memorizing a script, or acted under the direction. Emma makes us forget that she also has someone direct her as well. That’s what I call “REAL” talent.

3. Kirsten Dunst as Claudia (Interview with the Vampire, 1994)

Another proof that with a great script, Dunst can pull it off. Interview With the Vampire still one of the best vampire movie (although maybe now it’s tie with Let The Right One In, I am not sure yet). My favorite character there actually Claudia (hauntingly played by Kirsten Dunst, the second role from her that capture my mind). She played as the little girl who is forced not to grow up because her life ended when she became a vampire. Dunst manage to make her character so sad but at the same time disturbing. Simply, one of the best performance ever, by a young girl or by actresses in general.

2. Anna Chlumsky as Vada Sultenfuss (My Girl, 1991)

This is one of my favorite movie all the time. I watched it years ago and like it. Then I watched it again recently and STILL love it. It’s still has the same effects. It’s simple, easy to follow, different, smart, sad, funny and many other feelings (none are disappointment, though). Anna Chlumsky is the star of this movie. Not only because the story is about her, but she really shines in her movies. Seeing her makes you want to be a child again, want you to think like her, want to have dream like her and maybe act like her. Chlumsky just amazing in there, but the whole cast are. Every few months, I felt like I need to saw her again and usually I was amazed (again) by things she said and did. Really, she’s perfect as Vada Sultenfuss, and hopefully she can bring back more magic in the future.

1. Dakota Fanning as Lucy Diamond Dawson (I am Sam, 2001)

Photo : New Line Production

Never in my life that I am so impressed, I mean REALLY impressed with a child performance like I did with Dakota Fanning in I Am Sam. She’s so little and tiny, but when she speaks everyone hears, and everyone amazing. She has big eyes that also could tell a story when she isn’t speaking. I heard people said watching Dakota Fanning act is like watching the younger Meryl Streep. I absolutely agree. In this movie, Fanning overshadowed everyone, even caliber actor like Michelle Pfeiffer and Sean Pean. I am so shocked when I she didn’t get nominated for academy award. I think the academy makes mistake. Her performance here surely better than MANY more talented actors/actress. I was surprise that Abigail Breslin got nominated for Little Miss Sunshine (I think she deserves it), but to my opinion Dakota Fanning performance is one of the best, and as you can see tops this list. So, why she didn’t? Her recent movies maybe not interesting as the first one, but she still be able to show how talented she is.