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.

Even though I didn’t write movies as often as I used too, it didn’t mean that I hadn’t watch any lately. In fact, I have watched lots of movies. Netflix just keep sending us new one at least every few days. We also sometimes watch some instantly from their website.

I still hope to write what I think about some of them (not all of them, because I don’t think I’ll have the time). Here’s a the list of the movie in order of the awesomeness.

1. Persona. My next goal is to watch as many as Ingmar Bergman movies as possible.

Actually, I’ve been planning to watch all the most important movies ever made. So far I’ve included Godfather trilogy, some Alfred Hichcock’s, and many more. Of course, after watching Persona, I start to include the ones from Bergman. Any suggestion?

2. Tell No One. Great thriller. Easy to understand with very interesting twist. It’s light, entertaining and smart. My kind of movie.

3. Let The One Right In. The best vampire movies ever, well maybe the second best after Interview With the Vampire (I know many won’t agree with me, or maybe I should watch “Interview” again?)

Then… the ones that still pretty good. It was actually great until I watched Persona.

4. Into The Wild.

5. Flowers At The Attic.

6. Body Snatchers.

and the one that just awful…

7. Walking Tall: Lone Justice

There are also some that I haven’t finished watching; In The Bedroom and To Die For.

The latest one I saw on theater is Sunshine Cleaning and it’s pretty good. Very soon I might go to see Angels and Demons, then on June there is “Up”, the new Pixar’s movie and July of course for Half Blood Prince (*)

The reason why Marvin’s Room is great because the script are genius. I always believe that to create such a smart story doesn’t really need some complicated ideas. It could work with story simple based on everyday life. That’s the power of Marvin’s Room.

I’ve been watching this one for more than three times. Every time I just got more and more impressed. The movie is just fun to watch, entertaining and full of surprise.

The surprise factor however isn’t coming in in the interesting “twist and turn” type like we often see in thrillers or horror movies, but only from simple dialogue. You’d never guess what the actors would say in this movie. But once they do, suddenly you got a memorable movie quote. In this movie mostly comes from it’s supported actors/actress. In this case are Gwen Verdon and Dan Hedaya.

I’d say again that the most responsible of the succeed (maybe not financially, but on how it affect the audience) of the movie itself is the script. But what’s the point of having a great script without a great actors to deliver it. This movie is lucky to have it all.

Meryl Streep is amazing as Leigh, a mother who tries to be independent but at the same time try to build the relationship between her and her oldest son, Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Diane Keaton played as Bessie, the sister of Streep’s character who just learned that she got Cancer and need bone marrow. She decides to call Leigh who she hasn’t been talked to in 20 years. Keaton earned an Oscar nomination for this one. Though, I must say that Streep and DiCaprio also deserves to get nomination as well.

Leigh packed her bag and brought her two sons to Florida to meet Bessie and their dying father who she also hasn’t seen in many years. There were awkward moment when the two meet.

However, the story isn’t about Bessie and her disease. It’s about everyone who lived in Marvin’s house. Oh, that’s the name of the dying father, by the way. That’s why I think it was called Marvin’s Room.

Robert DeNiro only has small part in this one as a doctor who treated Bessie. It’s probably small but important and interesting. You should see how he handle stuff with the help of hist brother Bob, who played so amazingly funny and brilliant by Dan Hedaya. It’s probably one of my favorite scene in the movie.

Well, I actually have A LOT of favorite scenes. I think that’s a good sign of a good movie, right? I like all the scenes with Gwen Verdon, I like the scene on Disneyworld between Streep and Keaton. I like the inside Marvin’s living room with Streep, Keaton, Di Caprio and Hal Scardino (played as Charlie, Frank’s younger brother) on their infamous “potato chip” scene (you’ll know what I am talking about when you see this movie).

My husband said he’s tired watching movie about dysfunctional family anymore. I do too, to be honest. But Marvin’s Room is different. Maybe because it has more energy, less depressing, and actually funnier than some comedies and it’s not even one!

The Shining

I’ve been wanting to see this one in a while, and last night I finally did.

Here’s what I thought.

I like it, but I don’t think I could put this as one of my favorite movies. If only it doesn’t have Jack Nicholson then I would. Or, if only I’ve never seen Nicholson in other thing, then maybe I’d enjoy it more.

Here’s why. I kept hearing people saying that this is one of the scariest movie ever made. It’s even becomes a classic. I understand why people came to this term, though.

Don’t get me wrong I think Nicholson is brilliant. It’s just unfortunately I saw him act exactly like that many times before. It’s strange that usually he always gives me the creep no matter what he does, even when he just doing some “light” interview. However, sooner I just getting used to it so when I saw him in The Shining it’s like I am seeing him acting “goofy” at E Channel. So, yes. I am a bit disappointed that I don’t get the “after effect” of the great horror movie, like The Orphanage or even The Descent.

However, if you never heard about Jack Nicholson or you can set your mind not to think about him being in anything else, then you should watch the movie. It’s still has great horror story, with great supporting cast like Shelley Duvall (although the Razzie disagree) and Danny Lloyd.

The film starts with Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) on a way for interview as a caretaker of Overlook hotel, which closed during the winter. He is actually a writer but decides that he wants to take the job so he can concentrate on his writing.

He then brought his family (a wife and a son) with him. Only three of them in such big and quite hotel. The manager hotel once told Jack that there was tragedy happen with the former caretaker before. He killed his wife and his two daughters before shooting himself. Jack assure him that it would never happen to him.

Before they move to the hotel, we learn that Jack’s son, Danny, has imaginary friend named Tony. He said that Tony is a little boy that lives in his mouth. His parents seemed thought that it’s perfectly normal to a kid to have imagination like that. Of course, as the audience we have the privileged to see things that the parents hasn’t seen on Denny, especially regards to Tony.

We will also learn that Danny isn’t just as a normal kid. He has the ability called The Shining. In the movie, it will explain what The Shining really is. Of course, things get worse at the hotel, when Jack’s mood changes and he seems to having hallucinating by seeing people that aren’t supposed to be there.

Is he gonna be just like the former caretaker who ended up killing his family and then himself? Well, the answer is in the movie.

Dead or Alive 2

It’s part of the trilogy of Dead or Alive. I watched the first and the third at first. The first one is good and even though I love the twist and turn in the movie but the ending is taking too much advantage on my open minded mind. The third one maybe just so boring that I don’t even remember what it was. However, the second one is pretty probably the best out of three. It started weird and it ended weird in a way that I kind of expecting. It’s not a movie for everyone but if you just need something new to experience with, I say go rent it.

Heaven and Earth

It’s a great movie and I didn’t know that it’s actually part of the trilogy by Oliver Stone. It started Platoon and Born on the Fourth of July. This one is supposed to be the “feminine” side of those and the hero itself is a female.
The movie based on memoir by Le Ly Hayslip growing up in Vietnam, then moved to US with her American husband (played by Tommy Lee Jones).
This movie itself using English language. Meaning the Vietnamese here talking English. It never a problem to me. I mean I can accept that people in Middle-Earth also talking English. One thing that bothered me is they (the Vietnamese) seemed to talk English very well on each other, but when they talk to American suddenly their English are very bad. What’s up with that?

Dead Calm

One of the 80’s greatest thriller. It’s about married couple who decide to take a vacation in the middle of the ocean after losing their son. The mother (Nicole Kidman) is still couldn’t forgive and stop blaming herself for causing the death.

One day, a stranger (Billy Zane) with a small boat appears. He tell stories about he’s the only survivor of the ship he was in before. The husband (Sam Neil) seemed doesn’t believe the story and decides to check the abandon ship, leaving his vulnerable wive with the stranger.

I found this movie entertaining and thrilling. I enjoy it a lot actually. Nicole Kidman seemed always great in everything she is in. The only thing that hurt the movie is they feel the need to end it in over the top way. No wonder how many times the bad guy seemed just to reappear when he supposed to be death. So, it stared with a great beginning and seemed that it has interesting psychological thriller plot only to end in the cheesiest way ever.

Not in particular order :

1. Hugh Jackman’s opening song. I said the list not in particular order, although the opening must been the best thing that ever happen in academy award’s stage ever. Hugh Jackman should won an Oscar for what he did last night and I don’t even his fan!

2. Anne Hathaway duet with Jackman as Nixon. Yes, you know as the president as in the movie Frost/Nixon. Oh, well, you won’t get it if you didn’t watch it. I just grew and grew to like this woman, so does many people in YouTube.

3. Hugh Jackman hasn’t seen The Reader, so his sketch basically about him guessing around on what The Reader is about. That’s so freaking hilarious, even him thought that it was too. You could heard him almost laughing while singing and dancing.

4. Tina Fey and Steve Martin entered the stage to read the best screenplay nominees. So, it’s done in “screenplay” way. That was amazingly creative and it shows more appreciation to the writers of course. It was brilliant!

5. They decided to break the tradition for lead and supported role where the last year winners usually read the winners for this year. Instead, they brought the old five winners and each doing some kind of tribute to each nominees. That’s pretty cool and I DO hope they kept doing that. Things that I missed are the clips showing the actors doing supposedly their best scene. Maybe it would be too long if they kept that.

6. Wall-E wins the best animation category. I am so confident that it’s gonna beats Kung Fu Panda and Bolt.

7. Nicole Kidman is there.

8. There’s a clip showing Hilary Swank and Tom Hanks wins the Oscar.

9. Queen Latifah sings I’ll Be Seeing You for ‘In Memoriam’ montage. I am not a fan of her but I think she did great job. Again, this is different with past Oscar where they only played some music in the background while the slide show was playing.

10. The mashed up between John Legend singing Down To Earth from Wall-E and A.R Rahman singing O-Saya and Jai Ho both from Slumdog Millionaire. This is also amazing. Kudos to whoever done the arrangement. I was wondering if they got inspired by so many mashed-up video at YouTube lately?

11. The musical numbers with Jackman featuring Beyonce Knowless are fantastic as well.

Overall the Oscar this year is richer, more creative and entertaining. They should have Jackman again as he IS the best thing that happen in Oscar last night. I am confident to say that the ceremony last night is also the best one I’ve ever seen.

Last but not least, here’s the video where Jackman did the opening number.

WARNING : TOO MANY SPOILERS!

“Awwww,” screamed Eillen Hall at the beginning of this documentary. Then she starts to sing
the first line of the song. It goes like this:
bait pertama lagu yang liriknya seperti ini:
“Darling you gotta let me know, should I stay or should I go? If you say that you are mine, Ill be here til the end of time, so you got to let know, should I stay or should I go?”
This rock and roll song sung live in front of auidence who keep clapping their hands, admiring her unique performance.
Who the heck is Eillen Hall? She was one of the member the chorus Young @ Heart. It was formed Northampton, Massachusetts on 1982. What makes this chorus special? Well, that’s because it’s member contains people age more than 70 years old. Yes, they’re all grandmother and grandfathers, only the theme music they choose isn’t as “old” as they looked.
On this documentary, Eillen Hall was 92 years old. It doesn’t stop her passion to sing the song originally by The Clash.
With her right hand holding the cane to balance her body, she sings the last line of the song.
“Should I stay or should I go?
“Stay!!!,” the audience replies.
The idea behind this documentary came to Stephen Walker’s mind when he was charmed by the performance of this “senior citizen” on a stage in London.
He packed his camera and flew to US so he could film this chorus as they were prepared for their new show.
One of the people that possibly responsible behind it’s sucess is Bob Cilman. He’s the music director of this chorus. He is so much younger then it’s member, but he still got their respect.
Imagine how patience he is to train the group of these grandparents. But, don’t think since they are so old, he can’t be firm. He’s discipline and tough.
As a viewer, sometimes I just can’t stand to see some old people being criticized by him for not trying harder or concentrate.
However, the chorus apparently already getting used with Cilman’s character. They love their chorus so bad to call it quit.
Of course, Cilman sometimes frustrates when the senior difficulties to learn new song. One of the example when he decides to teach them the song “Yes We Can Can” written by Allen Toussaint. The chorus also frustrates because they have to mention the word “Can” more than 70 times.
In other time, Cilman frustrates with the duet between Stan Goldman ( 76) and Dora B. Morrow (84) when they try to sing I Feel Good by James Brown.
Morrow seems can’t find the right rhythm while Goldman keeps singing “I feel nice, I knew that I would”. . The correct words will be I feel nice like sugar and spice.
One day, Cilman decides to bring two of the chorus old member who has to quit sometimes ago for health reason. Bob Saldini (77) dan Fred Knittle (81). When, the film is made, Bob and Fred apparently feel that they now healthy enough to join.
Even though, he has to carry his oxigen tank around, Fred proves that he still got what it takes to be in this chorus.
Whilde Saldini, according to his family and friends, has more than 20 lives. There were times the priest already been called because they thought that his time finally arrive. Instead, he got better and now is ready to back on stage.
And… guess what song that Saldini and Knittle going to sing? It’s Fix You by Coldplay!
Before the concert, as a warm up, they’re gonna sing at the local jail. Unfortunately the chorus learn that Saldini has to be taken to the hospital.
He might be weak but he still has his spirit. There is Young @ Heart poster in his hospital room wall as a reminder that he wants to get heal soon so he can sings again.
On the day the chorus to jail, the assistant music director asked the film crew a private moment with the member. It turns out that she’s gonna announce the bad news that Bob Salvini has passed away. According to hospital staff, a day before he died, he keep practicing the song Fix You. So, the show still must go on.
At first I thought why they have concert on the jail? Why not doing it to more deserving people? I changed my mind, however, when watching the scene of inmates clapping their hands, smiling and finally tearing up during the song Forever Young by Bob Dylan. The song is dedicate to Bob Saldini who is just passed away. This is one of my favorite moment, it makes me believe to humanity again.
Then you’ll see how the inmates hugging and kissing the women members while telling them that this is the best performance they have ever seen in their whole life.
However, when their main concert has almost arrived, they must learn another bad news. Namun, ketika acara pentas utama paduan suara ini hamper tiba. This time is about one of their main lead vocal, Joe Benoit, who is just hospitalized.
We learn that Benoit had Cancer in the past and it appears to comeback. The next day, he passed away.
His death leaving a huge hole for the Chorus. Some performance with him on the lead has to be canceled. But, once again, the show must go on.
The most touching moment of the concert when Fred Knittle has to sing Fix You without Bob Saldini. The song also dedicates to both Saldini and Benoit.
I personally like documentary, but this one really is really special. There are so many things to learn from this. The whole documentary is just so inspirational. Being old doesn’t mean end of everything. To the member of Young @ Heart, life actually begins at 70.
I don’t think even anyone who hates documentary should watch this movie. Don’t worry, Stephen Walker and his crew really know what they’re doing to make this one easy and enjoyable to watch. But, of course the big kudos to the story and the brilliant performance of Young @ Heart.
finally, here’s the trailer and enjoy:

More to come…
Dead or Alive 2, Heaven and Earth and Dead Calm.

On Tuesday, we plan to see Coraline while we’re gonna receive DVD of The Shining at the same day. I am surely gonna share that experience hopefully very soon.