The 27th Victim

Author(s): Patrick D.
Location: Long Island, NY

"The 27th Victim"

Directed by James Mangold
Written by Andrew Kevin Walker

Main Cast

Matt Dillon as Ray Barnes
Patrick Wilson as Matthew Hunter
Harvey Keitel as Lieutenant Dunbar
Naomi Watts as Amanda Flitcher
Roger Bart as Mike
John Turturro as Jacob
Zoe Saldana as Kaitlyn
Domenick Lombardozzi as Derek
Alan Arkin as Frank

Tagline: "The body of one, the mind of six"

Synopsis: Ray Barnes (Dillon) is the lucky detective assigned to a recent string of murders ruining the town's reputation. After going through a tire-less investigation, he is led to Matthew Hunter (Wilson). At first, Matthew seems like the kind of person who wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone murder a human being. But when Ray looks in his room, he finds a dead body under Matthew's bed, so Matthew is arrested.

Baffled by this, Ray begins to interrogate Matthew almost every hour of every day. Matthew says he doesn't know how the body got under his bed, he's just as confused as Ray is. Ray is convinced that Matthew is innocent, but all the evidence leads directly to Matthew. So, Ray hires a psychologist, Amanda (Watts) to talk to Matthew and try to figure out why he seems so innocent. After a couple hours of talking, Amanda finds out that Matthew suffers from split personality, and according Matthew, there are more dead bodies that the police have not found. Ray then finds out that Matthew has six other personalities. Mike (Bart), Jacob (Turturro), Kaitlyn (Saldana), Derek (Lombardozzi), and Frank (Arkin). It's up to Matthew to figure out who committed what murders, and where the remaining bodies are.

Seperate stories of the personalities are interweaved with the interrogation between Ray and Matthew. The story of Mike, a homosexual who begins to kill people he suspects of being homophobic. Jacob, who kills people he thinks are judging him. Kaityln, who can't accept the fact that she's a female personality traped in a man's body. Derek, who thinks he's a mobster. And Frank, who's tired and can't handle all the things that the police are making him and Matthew go through. While interrogating Matthew, Ray begins to get the truth and fiction mixed. Some personalities begin to try and trick him, some of them pretend to be others, some purposely begin to lie about their stories. Ray must win the mind game between him, Matthew, and his personalities. But can he find the truth, or will he be lost in the sea of lies?

What the Press would say:

This is a mind-f**K like no other. Okay, now that I got that out of the way, on to the review! In the set-up, divorced detective Ray Barnes is forced to work on a serial killer case. He finds the killer and just can't believe it. The killer seems like a nice guy, innocent, caring, etc. He asks a psychologist to talk to Matthew (the killer), and finds out that Matthew actually has split-personality. What follows is a ensemble film like no other. Extremely personal scenes of the Personality's pasts, reveal why they are the way they are. Matthew's flashbacks also provide some information on how he developed split personality. The interrogation scenes are interesting and amazingly emotional, bringing out the best in the actors in them. Matt Dillon (Ray) brings a sense of cool in the beginning, and then throws it out the window, exchanging it for obsessed and paranoid. Patrick Wilson (Matthew) throws everything to see if it sticks. He plays innocent, sad, old, tired, angry, raging, every emotion you can name, he does it. But out of the personalities, the most intriguing is that of Roger Bart (Mike). A homosexual, and part of Matthew's mind, he doesn't play it safe. He's not the cliched, flamboyant homosexual man that's part of a movie trend that never ends. He's a stone-cold killer. Killing for the wrong reasons. He truly stands out. If you're interested in seeing a movie that doesn't give you everything straight, and keeps you thinking 110% all the way, this is the one for you.

Best Picture
Best Director - James Mangold
Best Actor - Patrick Wilson
Best Supporting Actor - Matt Dillon
Best Supporting Actor - Roger Bart
Best Supporting Actor - John Turturro
Best Screenplay - Andrew Kevin Walker

8

Author(s): Alex S.
Location: N/A

"8"

Written & Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Produced by Sydney Pollack, Steven Spielberg & Anthony Minghella
Music by Alexandre Desplat
Cinematography by Janusz Kaminski
Edited by Tim Squyres

Main Cast

Philipp Danne – Thomas Schönenberg
Kathryn Saas – Chancellor Alexandra Hasse
Giovanna Mezzogiorno – Lena Lanciotti
Giancarlo Giannini – Prime Minister Alberto Dionisi
Chris Evans – Luke Davis
Alec Baldwin – President Jack Walker
Rinko Kikuchi – Megumi Kimura
Ken Watanabe – Prime Minister Masahiko Hakamada
Gaspard Ulliel – Max Desmoulins
André Dussolier – President Philipp Grasset
Edward Speelers – Andrew Harrington
Bill Nighy – Prime Minister Geoffrey Horwood
Mia Kirshner – Sidney Callahan
Donald Sutherland – Prime Minister Edward Harris
Aleksei Chadov – Sacha Yuriev
Vladimir Mashkov – President Miroslav Gromiko

Tagline: "We are bound by the world we live in"

Synopsis: New York City, one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the world, a multicultural corner in the earth. Here the so called G8, the leaders of the most powerful countries in the world, are gathered to discuss some of the most relevant issues the world faces today. Wars, hunger, poverty, disease, famine, globalization, all of these are in the schedule, these leaders representing the ideals of their respective countries, the hopes and aspirations of every citizen, will sat down and talk.

While this happens, a scholarship program brings 8 students from the most developed countries in the world to New York for a G8 model, this 8 students come from different backgrounds and places, have different ages and different areas of study. Every character has been through a defining moment in their lives that brought them there, each one of them has experienced the hardships in the world in a different manner, from childhood memories of the communist regime to the crisis in Darfur and AIDS. From the comfortable American dream, to protests and riots in the streets of Paris. From terrorism in New York and London, to the Iraqi invasion.

During the lapse of 3 days, as they see the city and get to know different landmarks, they will face each others; they will learn what is watching the world with different eyes, with a different perception.

In these days, important decisions will be made by these worlds’ leaders, and most importantly a lesson will be learned. Even if we come from different places and have different cultures, backgrounds and points of views, we are bound by our humanity and the world we live in. Every character has a purpose and each one of them offers a piece in a multicultural puzzle that is waiting to be solved.

What the Press would say:

“When I wrote this movie, I saw this as an opportunity to find a place where everyone could express their feelings about the world, a place where every point of view could find their place and eventually send the moviegoer with different ways of thinking, let them create an opinion with the right tools, we’re not trying to make an statement here, we’re encouraging people to open their minds to new things” said Von Donnersmarck. The screenplay offers what was just said, the tools to create opinions, it doesn’t preaches its message; it extends a hand to people, to make them realize about the reality in this world.

Although most of the development focuses on the students rather than the politicians, in each one of the scenes we see all these leaders as human beings, as regular guys, we’re able to understand the great burden they carry, in some way the movie humanizes these figures and makes us empathize with them, we understand their motivations to doing the things they do, the way they do it. It offers a fresh approach into the lives of the most important heads of state.

Technically the movie achieves something beyond words; the director manages to tell the story fluently, coherently and clear. The director’s work is a magnificent achievement in storytelling; it proves his talent and reaffirms its position as one of the best directors working today. The cinematography is elegant and realistic, it creates a world of luminous presence; it places the city as another character, allowing the characters to interact with the city. The editing hits all the right notes, it efficiently works in allowing to explain what could be a sea of misconceptions, it places each idea and situation coherently among both stories, the movie moves fluidly and keeps the beholder in constant need of what comes next. The music creates emotional and heartfelt moments in a complex and difficult movie; it humanizes certain situations and allows the viewer to relate to the situations and the characters.

“It was important for the story, to have actors playing their nationalities, each one of them added some of their own points of views into the story, through this cast we achieved to express the voices from different people around the world” the director said.

Every member of the cast is splendid, but there are certain performances that stick out, this movie presents the deserving breakthrough of Gaspard Ulliel in Hollywood, his character is so emotionally powerful, it takes control of the screen whenever he’s in it, his character goes through different stages along the movie, the situations take him from a snobby know it all, to a humble person that allows himself to hear what others have to say and that he has still much to learn. Speelers from the failed movie Eragon, succeeds in creating a naïve yet brilliant kid, he reminds us all of how we used to be when we were that age, we thought we could change the world and that we had all the answers and nothing could stop us, so full of ideals and dreams. Kirshner is impressive as a very sensitive and proactive political activist she sometimes functions as the comic relief playing a cynical girl, who’s too independent for her own good. Evans changes his usual cockiness and confidence for the complete opposite, he exposes an insecure and lost soul who relies in his knowledge and trust in others, he lacks the confidence to fulfill his dreams. The characters go through a change and evolution as they share with each other, all these different point of views complete a puzzle of different ideas and create an international panorama.

This is a complex and provocative movie, filled with humanity and emotion, as I said before, it doesn’t preach the message, and it allows the viewer to determine their own beliefs. An incredible achievement in modern cinema. Von Donnersmarck has crafted the best kind of movie: one you can't get out of your head. It is an emotionally powerful movie that doesn't leave you when you walk out the theatre doors. An emotional political drama with an intelligent script that doesn't prey on the audience's emotions.

FYC

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Supporting Actor – Gaspard Ulliel, Edward Speelers, Chris Evans
Best Supporting Actress – Mia Kirshner
Best Ensemble

Beauty and the Beast's The Beast Within You

Author(s): Laura E. Hernandez
Location: N/A

"Beauty and the Beast's The Beast Within You"

Directed by Sofia Coppola
Written by Michel Gondry
Music by Elton John

Main Cast

BELL is Gretchen Mol
BELL’S father is played by Robin Williams
THE BEAST/BEN is Clive Owen
THE BEAST’S LIVE IN FRIENDS are Mathew Goode and Thomas Hayden Church
The WIDOW IS PLAYED by Judy Dench
THE WIDOW’S HUSBAND is played by Jim Broadbent

Tagline: "Fear Only the Beast within You"

Synopsis: PRESENT DAY NEW YORK CITY (2007)

Ben a young man in his thirties spends his days with friends Jonathan and Gilbert Sullivan, both twin brothers who are live in friends in his estate. Ben and his friends party their days away and celebrate the inheritance Ben’s father just left behind after his death.

One day, after a long night of drinking, Ben sees an old man in the street, coughing and collapsing to the floor. Ben, and his buddies, more concerned with calling 3 girls to come over that night pay little attention to the man in the street. The man begs for help or water but none of the boys seem to care. A woman, his wife, played by Judy Dench runs to her husband and begins to scream once she realizes her husband is dead. She looks over to the boys who still seem unmoved and holds her chest because her heart can’t take it. She holds her husband in her arms and yells to the boys, “There is nothing more grotesque than the Beast within You!”

A young woman, Bell awakens to hear that her father, played by Robin Williams left early to begin his new job at the Sullivan Corporation. Bell was saddened that her father lost his business and had to work as a Janitor. She wished she could help but could make very little money as a maid cleaning hotels. And, she heard the Sullivan’s to be evil, mean spirited people!

Bell, on an adventure walk, decided to walk close to the Sullivan mansion. She sensed a man behind the gates but he did not reveal himself to her. Instead, he made arrangements for her to work as a live in maid for the summer and promised to buy her father a store for him once again at the end of the summer.

Bell moved in against her father’s wishes. There was something in his voice that intrigued her. The first month she never saw the people she worked for but heard the head of the house yelling and having fits of anxiety in the other side of the house. She could hear other people with him yelling as well.

Bell curious as always, walked to a forbidden side of the home, only to discover Ben there for the first time. He hid and asked her to leave but she remained. “Let me look at you? She asked, Please? Bell was in tears after seeing the tall, disfigured man with loose skin and the stench that came from his body. His two friends came from the hallway and revealed themselves to her shortly after. Bell fainted and woke up in her room, confused.

Bell and Ben spent all their time together after that. She thought he was the most kind hearted person she ever met in her whole life. Everything to him seemed to happen for the first time. Ben loved her but knew that nothing could come of it. He had suffered too many rejections in the past as the man he had become. He offered to pay for her fathers store and told her to leave back home to be with him. Bell left and Ben wept in his beautiful home.

Shortly after Bell’s departure, Ben decided he would take his own life. Ben’s friends contacted Bell and she made it to the mansion to discover Ben, on the floor, and an empty bottle of pills by his side. Ben kept fighting her off but she convinced him to throw up. When he asked why he should live, Bell said because I have never loved anyone like I love you. What you did for my father, everything! I love you! Bell stepped back as she watched the Beast turn into his former self. Shortly after, the once grotesque home turned into a beautiful home and the streets outside in New York City were cleaner and the sun was brighter. Ben grabbed Bell in his arms and invited everyone to celebrate!

What the Press would say:

The role of Bell fits Gretchen Mol like a Glove. She is sure to get a nod this year!

Robin Williams is hilarious as Bell’s eccentric father whose obsession with collecting rats is actually funny!

Elton’s John’s final score, “The Beast Within You, “is due to get Oscar attention! I can’t stop singing it, “If only I can stop…and see the true beauty…And release the Beast within you.”

For Your Consideration!

Best Picture
Best Screenplay: Michel Gondry
Best Director: Sofia Coppola
Best Actor: Clive Owen
Best Actress: Gretchen Mol
Best Supporting Actor: Robin Williams
Best Musical Score: Elton John

Behind the Show

Author(s): Harry / Ryne
Location: Colombia / Portland

"Behind the Show"

A Miramax Pictures Release
Produced by Rob Marshall
Directed by James Mangold
Written by James L. White
Music by John Kander
Editing by Paul Hirsch

Musical

Main Cast

Regina King (Monique)
Kevin Spacey (George)
Alicja Bachleda-Curus (Katherine)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Vince)
Penélope Cruz (Esperanza)
Matthew Broderick (Dick)

Tagline: "Onstage, life is a comedy. Offstage, life is drama"

Synopsis: It was the height of the “Roaring 20s” in Broadway when the show “Lady Liberty” stunned the city of New York. I can vividly remember the huge crowds of wealthy businessmen and their families entering the theater and expecting to have a splendid time. The lights dimmed and the curtains opened. The show began with Jack, the lead character, beginning his opening monologue. The audience laughed at the different comedic jokes and enjoyed the music that accompanied it. The audience might think that making a show was the most enjoyable thing in the world. But to be honest, the different actors had to endure a dreadful time during our different rehearsals.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Monique and I am an immigrant from the English Union of South Africa. When I first arrived to New York, the only job I could find was taking a part in the musical production of “Lady Liberty” on 42nd street. The owner of the show, George Hunter, was a tyrannical and racist man with many luxuries in his life. He only gave us 10 dollars every month to maintain ourselves. When we began the rehearsals, the different actors and I had to overcome a great deal of adversity from George. He treated us like trash and often beat us.

As the days passed, I began to meet the different actors in the show. Katherine, a depressed woman from Poland, was the hardest working dancer of the cast and the best one in my eyes. She became a drug addict after her boyfriend left her and struggled to hide it. There’s also Vince, a young man who left college early to sell rum in underground bars, but got fired for keeping some of the rum for himself. I also knew Esperanza, a Spanish woman who secretly joined the show to help sustain her family. Finally, there’s Dick, a former member of the circus who usually saw the bright side of everything. I always knew during the tough times that his jokes would brighten everyone's day.

We experienced many troubles together and even faced some of our greatest fears. We began to confront George instead of cowering whenever he treated us poorly. He started to respect us as individuals and ended his oppression of us when our show, "Lady Liberty", was released.

What the Press would say:

Rob Marshall presents the latest accomplishment in the musical motion picture genre, “Behind the show” a delicious, original and emotional portrait of the New York musical scene during the 1920s. James Mangold, the acclaimed director of “Walk the Line”, directs this film with enormous energy and an amazing attention to detail. His musical sequences, like the show-stopping "Big Boss Man", make you want to get up and dance whereas the dramatic parts, like the heartbreaking "My Life", are full of emotion and will easily make you shed a tear or two. Narrated in first person, writer James L. White (Ray) creates a brilliant dialogue and impeccably develops his characters. John Kander composes the music and lyrics directly for the screen. The film also avails itself with its all-star cast. The underrated Regina King simply shines on the screen with her stunning intensity and witty charm. She completely incarnates her character and makes the audience believe that she is Monique. Kevin Spacey plays the film’s iniquitous villain. From his subtle facial expressions to his ways of speaking, the audience will simply want to punch him in the face. However, at the end, you want to embrace him for new reconciled nature. Matthew Broderick portrays the comic relief of the film. Dick, sometimes the heart and soul of the film, is a genuinely gracious man, who always tries to give hope to the other members of the show. And last but not least, there’s foreign actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus in a groundbreaking performance as the drug-addicted Katherine. She shows an array of emotions that even the most veteran actors struggle to attain. Alicja, without a doubt, has the best voice and dancing abilities out of the whole cast. All in all, “Behind the show” is not only an enjoyable musical but also a reflexive film against racism and other important themes. It is a breathtaking cinematic experience that will never be forgotten.

Awards:

Best Picture: Rob Marshall
Best Director: James Mangold
Best Actor: Kevin Spacey
Best Actress: Regina King
Best Supporting Actor: Matthew Broderick
Best Supporting Actress: Alicja Bachleda-Curus
Best Original Score: John Kander
Best Original Song: “My Life” by John Kander
As well as other technical categories

Bloodshed

Author(s): Daniel Crooke
Location: Ohio

"Bloodshed"

Produced by: Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Original Screenplay by: Steve Zaillian
Original Music by: John Williams
Cinematography by: Robert Richardson
Costume Design by: Anna B. Sheppard
Film Editing by: Claire Simpson

Main Cast

Chris Cooper as Lt. William Calley
Alfred Molina as Ernest Medina
Edward Burns as Hugh Thompson
Dennis Quaid as Richard Nixon
Alec Baldwin as Spiro Agnew
Thora Birch as Mary Ann Vecchio
Daniel Franzese as Jeffrey Miller
Evan Rachel Wood as Sandra Scheuer
Scott Bakula as John Filo

Tagline: "So much happened besides the war itself"

Synopsis: The Vietnam War was and still remains one of the most controversial conflicts in history. "Bloodshed" focuses on three important events of the Vietnam War. First, William Calley, lieutenant of the Charlie Company of the United States, led the massacre of innocent women and children in a My Lai, a small town in Vietnam, that was rumored to have Viet Cong inside. He led the attack alongside one of his right hand men, Ernest Medina. Distraught by the complete lack of moral fiber in the company, helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson helped curtail the attack by intimidating the American troops with their own weapons and reporting over the radio what was happening. The actions by Calley were kept under wraps in the US until it was leaked to the country as the My Lai Massacre. A series of court hearings for Calley followed. Meanwhile in the White House, new president Richard Nixon was struggling to enforce his policy of Vietnamization and "peace with honor" alongside his vice president Spiro Agnew. He encountered problems such as disapproval and a limiting ability to get through to Congress. Lastly, at Kent State University in Ohio a protest against Vietnam broke out. However, the protest soon turned bloody when National Guard members shot four students including Sandra Scheuer. John Filo captured the now immortalized photograph of Mary Ann Vecchio over her dead classmate Jeffrey Miller. "Bloodshed" captures the hatred, emotion, violence, and controversies of the Vietnam War through the My Lai Massacre and the following court hearings, the early Nixon administration, and the Kent State shootings.

What the Press would say:

Jonathan Demme's new film "Bloodshed" is the best film about Vietnam in recent memory. But why this over "Platoon", "Born on the Fourth of July", and "Rescue Dawn"? What makes this film so memorable is that it captures everything about the Vietnam War without actually showing the main battles. There is only one subplot in Vietnam and it is a brutal massacre, not even a battle. The three subplots weave in and out of each other with the subplot involving the My Lai Massacre and court hearings following being the most prominent one. Chris Cooper is excellent in his portrayal of Lt. William Calley, the leader in My Lai. His best scenes are his before the courts during his incrimination. Cooper plays his character in the court scenes as if he had done nothing wrong but at the same time you can see the embarrassment and shame in his eyes. This is Cooper's best performance to date, even better than in "Adaptation." and "American Beauty". The next subplot involves Richard Nixon in his pre-Watergate days. Dennis Quaid plays "Tricky Dick" better (dare I say it) than Anthony Hopkins in "Nixon". He has transformed himself into Nixon completely. He spent weeks watching Nixon in old video footage, studying his mannerisms and vocal patterns, and even gaining weight for the role. He really exceeded my expectations and will without a doubt be receiving his first Academy Award nominaton (and probably a win too) for "Bloodshed". The last sublot is at the Kent State shootings. Thora Birch of "Ghost World" plays Mary Ann Vecchio, the female student in the immortalized photograph of the Kent State shootings by John Filo. Birch's performance is best highlighted in her scenes of fear and desperation immediately after the shootings. She portrays this character beautifully and after being snubbed for some of her past work she will also be recieving her first Academy Award nomination. Under the excellent supervision of Jonathan Demme, "Bloodshed" is poised to become an Academy favorite this year. Don't let me forget about Steve Zaillian's terrific comeback as an amazing screenwriter after his last disappointment, "All the King's Men". "Bloodshed" is a fantastic film and will remain a masterpiece because of its excellent way it shows the emotions of the Vietnam War.

Nominations
Best Picture- Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg
Best Director- Jonathan Demme
Best Actor- Chris Cooper
Best Supporting Actor- Dennis Quaid
Best Supporting Actress- Thora Birch
Best Original Screenplay- Steve Zaillian
Best Film Editing- Claire Simpson
Best Cinematography- Robert Richardson

Captain Fantastic

Author(s): Pat
Location: NY

"Captain Fantastic"

Directed by Mike Newell
Written by Peter Morgan
Music by Elton John

Main Cast

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Sir Elton John)
Heath Ledger (Bernie Taupin)
Eric McCormack (David Furnish)
Eddie Izzard (George Michael)
Emma Thompson (Princess Diana)
Tracey Ullman (Renate Blauel)
Milla Jovovich (Kiki Dee)
Creed Bratton (Tim Rice)
Giancarlo Gianni (Gianni Versace)
Colin Firth (Dr. McGreevey)

Tagline: "Captain Fantastic, raised and regimented. Hardly a hero"

Synopsis: Peter Morgan scripts and Mike Newell directs a new film about one of most popular singers in history. “Captain Fantastic”, the title derived from the self proclaimed label of the John/Taupin writing team called Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, tells the story of Elton John through many of the trials and troubles of his life after his rise to fame. The film begins in 1977 when John (Philip Seymour Hoffman) announces he will enter retirement from performances and he begins to become reclusive. After three years of this, John returns to the music scene with his writing partner Bernie Taupin (Heath Ledger) and the two continue to release hit songs, like “Little Jeannie”. But John’s successes quickly took a sharp turn when his good friend John Lennon is killed in New York City. After that John began to use cocaine and marijuana and alcohol to deal with the pain until his doctor (Colin Firth) informs him that he must undergo surgery to remove polyps from his throat. In 1984, John wed Renate Blauel (Tracey Ullman) while continuing his suspicious relationship with another singer Kiki Dee (Milla Jovovich), who he collaborated with for his hit song “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart”. Four years later, John announces that he is gay and we become familiar with his increasing feud with other gay pop star George Michael (Eddie Izzard) after they tour together. Finally, John finds the one man for him in David Furnish (Eric McCormack), a Canadian filmmaker who sticks by John’s side through more bad times to come. In 1994, John collaborates with Tim Rice (Creed Bratton) for “The Lion King” and makes one of his biggest successes. In the end of the film, John comes to grips with the deaths of two of his best friends, Gianni Versace (Giancarlo Gianni) and Princess Diana of Wales (Emma Thompson). “Captain Fantastic” provides a heartbreaking and moving look into the world of one of the music industry’s most successful artists, as well as humantarian and crusader against homophobia and AIDS.

What the Press would say:

“Captain Fantastic” is nothing less than fantastic. From the opening moments during a concert to the finale with Elton John’s wedding to his partner David Furnish, this film delivers in every way imaginable. Following the same path of recent hits like “Ray” and “Walk The Line”, this film incorporates musical performances interspersed throughout the narrative. Philip Seymour Hoffman takes on Elton John with an accuracy that is even better than his performance in “Capote”. Hoffman even learned piano to prepare for this role. His emotion can be felt in some scenes in the movie, like when he learns of Princess Diana’s death, so passionately that it becomes uncomfortable to watch but one can’t divert from it. Emma Thompson shines as the fated Princess who serves as a shoulder to cry on for Elton. Tracey Ullman takes a departure from her usual humor to pay the tragic woman who marries Elton John and then suffers when he announces that he is gay. Other than Hoffman who is by far the best in the film, Eddie Izzard provides a fantastic and comical performance as George Michael, the somewhat lover of the pop icon until their feud began in the early 1990s. Overall, “Captain Fantastic” takes one of the greatest musicians of all time and makes him a film icon as well.

FYC

Best Picture (should be considered in the Musical/Comedy category for GG’s)
Best Director-Mike Newell
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actor-Eddie Izzard
Best Supporting Actor-Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress-Emma Thompson
Best Supporting Actress-Tracey Ullman
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Sound Mixing

Clockwork

Author(s): Douglas Reese
Location: Clarksville, Ohio

"Clockwork"

Written and Directed by Lauren Collyer
Produced by Lauren Collyer and Harvey Weinstein
Score by James Horner
Cinematography by Robert Richardson
Edited by John Hunt

Main Cast

Shia LeBeouf ... Scott Paulson
Patrick Wilson ... Kyle Paulson
Juliette Lewis ... Rena Paulson
Peter Sarsgaard ... Victor Baker
Shirley MacLaine ... Claire Pullman

Tagline: "Everything We Desire is A Few Ticks Away"

Synopsis: What Scott Paulson (LeBeouf) believes made him what he truly was is his second grade teacher, Mr. Haley. Ever since that evening "class", Scott has been cursed with unsatisfying and uncontrollable urges including sneaking out in the middle of the night in hopes of hitching a ride from some horny driver, ignoring the fact that it is the most dangerous thing somebody can possibly do. But he ignores the danger. And ignores the own love his stepmom Rena, feeling that she is too controlling and at times annoying, tries to be the best she can be and capture the love of Rena. Rena's an alcoholic and struggles, but still willingly, tells Scott the stories of her three miscarriages. Rena is haunted my memories of these moments and also how she was brutally raised. Scott knows he is highly cruel to Rena when usually The Wicked Stepmother is taken place, but she delivers her all and tries her best to be as good as a person she can be.

Rena takes Scott to the local flea market on a weekend in hopes of finding Scott a job. Scott flees Rena after a while and runs into a small stall in the building that features a bunch of clocks surrounding the walls. The ticking is something that pulled in Scott almost magnetically. He meets the owner of the store. Victor Baker (Sarsgaard), a nice guy who Scott grows to like a lot after a small conversation. Scott asks if he is hiring and Victor gives him the job. Eventually, Scott is cleaning and hanging clocks as an occupation every Saturday morning. After getting to know Victor sort of better, Scott begins to form a crush on him. Victor has this strange and sweet way to him that makes Scott feel special and for that he desires him. Scott has a picture of Victor and he stares at it all the time, and he is all too eager to get to work at 5am. When he arrives one day to work about thirty minutes early, Scott sees Victor harassing a small girl sexually. Victor doesn't know he seen him and Scott doesn't say anything. Instead, he walks from the job and never returns.

He runs toward "heaven" as he walks down a long narrow nature trail at the public park. A while on the path he runs into a car parked in the woods. And out of it comes a big man who asks Scott if he'll take seventy-five dollars. Scott says okay and they both get into the back of the car. The guy is very mean and ends up raping Scott. Before long, Scott passes out, and finally Scott wakes up in the woods and its dark. Crickets chirp and the air is frosty. He is bleeding everywhere. His nose, mouth, forehead, anus, and arms. He is in pain and he slowly begins to walk home. He is scared and he cries the whole way. He arrives home and sees that it is only 10pm. Rena walks out from the kitchen to see Scott's beaten-up profile and begins to hug him. Usually Scott wouldn't lift his arms up. But this time he did. He embraced Rena. And then falls to his knees in tears. It is silent except for the snuffles Scott makes as, for two solidly powerful minutes, uncut, we see Rena take away Scott's pain as she embraces him in a caring and understanding hug.

What the Press would say:

The chronicles of such a deeply complex character like Scott Paulson is something that would be hard for somebody other than director Lauren Collyer to tackle. She worked in 2006 with Maggie Gyllenhaal in "SherryBaby" and earned Gyllenhaal a Golden Globe nomination. There is not doubt Collyer has led lead actor of "Clockwork" Shia LeBeouf to one - plus a possible Oscar. Feeding us a showcase of bravery and plausibility, LeBeouf takes Scott Paulson and makes him human and brings more depth to the character than anybody ever asked for. "It's a surprisingly authentic and powerfully mesmerizing performance!" says Rolling Stones' Peter Travers. In supporting performances, Patrick Wilson portrays Kyle Paulson with such care and such care and vulnerability that he delivers a short, but real, performance! As the seductive Victor Baker, Peter Sarsgaard brings such humbleness and quirkiness to MacDonald that it is almost unbearable to watch his performance without cringing at how well he creates the annoying man that becomes an object of Scott's lust, and later an object of his own hatred. Actress Juliette Lewis shows a real and emotionally devastated character as Rena Paulson, the psychologically-corrupted character that Kyle has to keep from beating her wrists when something crumbles her. "Lewis is the best thing about this movie!" say Time Magazine. "She's a true marvel!" And the final great performance in the film is Shirley MacLaine who gives a great comical showcase as she gives a six-minute scene where she comes to visit Scott who just happens to remain quiet as she goes on and on about her younger boyfriends. Very funny and cute her performance is. As for Collyer's authentic screenplay, it captures the warmth and soul of its main character and leaves you gripping onto him and praying for him every step of the way. Collyer weaves his life so seamlessly that it blends into becoming one of the best films of the year. Richard Roeper says on 'Ebert & Roeper' that, "Clockwork is an accurate and emotional picture! A true American classic!"

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director - Lauren Collyer
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor - Shia LeBeouf
Best Supporting Actor - Peter Sarsgaard
Best Supporting Actor - Patrick Wilson
Best Supporting Actress - Shirley MacLaine
Best Supporting Actress - Juliette Lewis
Best Film Editing

Cooking Class

Author(s): Iñaki
Location: Spain

"Cooking Class"

Directed by Elizabeth Harrison
Written by Paul Haggis
Music by John Williams

Drama

Main Cast

Penélope Cruz (Amanda Martínez)
Helen Mirren ( Tina Wilson)
Chandra wilson (Tess Fray)
Eva Green (Paola Berlinni)
Edward Norton (Saul Fernández)
David Thewlis (George Wilson)
Gabriel Mann (Alex Everett)
Gena Rowlands (Jeena Lewis)

Tagline: "A pinch of salt and a teaspoon of love will solve everything"

Synopsis: This is the recipe for a movie about four different women who attend a cooking class in Jeena Lewis' garage because they want to scape from their tragic lives. They are very different and they from different places so they each give the movie their own taste. Amanda Martinez is a Spanish woman who arrived in Chicago a year ago. She has two children and she lives with her husband Saul. They have many financial problems and it causes him great anger. Amanda is often he victim of it. She loves lemon cake which is sharp and sweet at the same time. Tina Wilson is a seventy year old woman who attends the cooking class because she feels lonely at home with her husband George, who suffers from paralysis. What she wants is to meet new people and escape from the drama that she lives. Spaghetti is her favorite meal because she enjoys the tomato sauce in her tongue.

Paola is an Italian woman who is a former drug addict and her treatment includes this cooking class. Also she is battered by her boyfriend Alex, but she suffers it in silence. Strawberries and cream is her favorite dessert because it gives her all love she needs.
Tess Fray is an African-American nurse who has four children and is a widow. She wants to learn more recipes so she can cook her children the best meals. She feels lonely because everything she does is for her children and she never thinks of herself. She loves to make home made meals beacuse she loves her mother's recipes.

These four different women become friends and they start to know the problems of the other ones. They try to solve them without paying attention to their own problems. They go to Jeena's class twice a week and they work in groups so they finally know each other. One of the most revealing scenes is when Paola's boyfriend appears at Tess' party and starts to shout and hit Paola in front of her friends. They run to help her and Alex starts to run. Paola starts to cry and she tells her friends everything about her situation. They try to help her but it is very difficult. Finally, Paola becomes a drug addict again and she finally dies the night before the cooking festival in Chicago after her boyfriend beats her up. This cruel action opens the other women's eyes and they finally discover the peace and happiness inside their house with their own families. They realize that happiness can be found in the worst places, all you have to do is look for it. They discovered that the best ingredients to make a good meal are a lot of love and patience mixed with a teaspoon of joy, baked in each one's heart and served with a big smile.

What the Press would say:

The press loves this film. It is sad but you realize that you can find all the support you need in your family. Elizabeth Harisson's work is fantastic and she has made a very good film without much money. This independent film has a great female cast composed of Helen Mirren, Eva Green, Chandra Wilson and Penélope Cruz. All of them have a very difficult roles and they play them perfectly. Their roles are not plain roles, they are very difficult because they have to act as they are happy when they are in the cooking class and when they return home they live a nightmare. They are the embodiment of different flavors: sweet (Chandra), sour (Helen), sharp (Penélope) and spicy (Eva). One of the best performances is by Helen Mirren, who acts as if she is a seventy year old woman perfectly. She has the same characteristics from the voice to the health problems. Furthermore, she is very ironic when she talk so it is the funniest part of the film wich is a great drama.

The press loves all the female roles, but they also love David Thewlis' role which is very difficult because he has to act as he is a paralytic. Also they like Edward Norton's role: a hysterical father who hates the economic situation of his family and tries to improve it anyway. This is a very good movie and people who love good dramas will love this one too. The best scene of the film is at Tess' party, and the end of the film when you can see all women enjoying their families. Desperation, cruelty, anger, poverty and love are the ingredients of this movie which, at the end, has a very sweet taste.

Best Picture
Best Director: Elizabeth Harrison
Best Actress: Penélope Cruz
Best Supporting Actress: Helen Mirren
Best Supporting Actress: Eva Green
Best Supporting Actress: Chandra Wilson
Best Supporting Actor: Edward Norton
Best Supporting Actor: David Thewlis
Best Original Screenplay: Paul Haggis
Best Costume Design
Best Make-Up
Best Cinematography
Best Score
Best Sound Editing

Dark Knight of the Soul

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"Dark Night of the Soul"

Directed by William Friedkin
Written by Paddy Considine
Produced by Michael De Luca

Main Cast

Jonathan Jackson as Count Grishnackh
Michael Pitt as Euronymous
Edward Furlong as Dead
Freddy Rodríguez as Hellhammer
Joey Kern as Maniac

Tagline: "Controversy, Carnage, Evil, Mayhem"

Synopsis: The sky is blanketed by swollen, gray clouds. Under this leaden bell jar, an hour outside Oslo in the Norwegian Countryside, lie the remains of Holen Church, burnt to the ground. Such events have gone on for years in the devestating country of Norway. A new lifestyle was created, a new way of living, a new breed, when in 1983 the guitarist Euronymous formed the band "Mayhem". Known mostly for their unique style and obsessions in gore and violence, Mayhem brought so much more to the country then music, but rather a risky way of life, with the drummer, Hellhammer, being the only composed of the bunch. The story started when lead singer, Maniac, had to be confronted by a mental institution, claiming he was sick of life and had a failed attempt at suicide. It was then new lead singer, Dead, would follow. Dead was fascinated in death, satanism, and occultism. Often he would bury his clothes in the ground along with a dead raven for weeks, then wear them to get a real feel for "death". He would also bring raw pigs heads on stakes on stage, licking the blood from the stake, and cutting himself numerous times. Only 22 years old, Dead had killed himself, found with a shotgun wound to head and lacerations to the wrist. The most bizarre about it was that when Euronymous found the body, he decided to take pictures, one of which was the album cover for one of their albums, making a necklace out of his remaining skull and cooking his brains in a soup with potatoes and carrots. In time it was later found out that Euronymous would become more demented and disturbed then Dead.

Euronymous had no remorse, no pain, and no feelings. He felt great pleasure in the fact that his very own friend Dead had killed himself. Euronymous had a business, he owned the record store Hell, but beneath Hell was the Inner Circle, an underground party where his followers would gather, wearing corpse paint, cutting themselves with knifes and broken bottles. He wanted to incite young people to violence, methods of torture, and causing nothing but chaos. However, it was when Count Grishnackh, bassist at the time, decided he wanted to prove to be more evil then Euronymous and Dead. He's cold and intense, his emotions and actions based more on ideology than anything inside his heart. The Inner Circle devised the idea of setting fire to the pride of Norway, burning down churches, raising havoc among the countryside. Euronymous predicted that Grishnackh would soon do something even grander to get his face in the papers. It was then Grishnackh had murdered his own friend Euronymous, stabbing him 23 times. The police had questioned more than 100 black metallers. Grishnackh appeared in court wearing pigtails and spiked leather gloves, constantly using a sinister laugh, taking the whole incident as a joke. It was then reported that the shells used in Deads suicide were given to him by Count Grishnackh. The Count remains in prison to this day.

Black Metal continues to stun idyllic Norway with ideology and terrorist acts. It is corrupted by a whole different society, churches continue to be burnt down and murders are often occured.

What the Press would say:

"Dark Night of the Soul" is the film the world has been dying for. Finally, a horrific, psychological look at real life human behavior, the other side to horror, the real side. No unrealistic torture gadgets, no burnt man in haunting your dreams, this is the real deal, and fascinating enough, director William Friedkin brings us this original masterpiece full of new ideas and ways of directing that really quite haven't been used yet. Dark Night takes you on a complete mind race, meaning it shifts you into certain gears, those gears witnessing demented behavior, while taking it as an entire new film experience and appreciating its abilities. Friedkin teases you in some shots, the infamous scene in particular where in which we see the soup being made but we never see the brains go in and it leaves us in questions. Later in the film it's revealed that Euronymous has added that ingredient and we are left speechless. The film is narrarated by Freddy Rodríguez, or Hellhammer. If there's anything sane in which this film provides it's Freddys great portayal of a character that can sort of relate to us in the audience. He's going through the madness, much like we're going through the war in Iraq, Hellhammer sits back and witnesses all the hell break lose, the hell in which he has no control over. He's a troubled man, and the performance is strong. Jonathan Jackson and Michael Pitt pull off quite frankly the most disturbing duo film has ever seen. It's a complete rush when these two are in the same scene. Their friendship seems like it can't be broken, there's trust between them, but deep inside each of them they know what their capabilities are, and in actuality have more hate for each other then likeness. Both guys are pitch perfect and should be credited for it, they are evil as they come in their own special ways. To add on the magnificience of each character, the actors had to speak with a Norwegian accent language, very dedicated were these young men.

People may question this films intentions, but let me remind you the thing that seperates this film from the rest of the horror genre is that this film truly comes from the soul, William Friedkin turned a risky subject into a film clinic, much like The Exorcist, "Dark Night of the Soul" is especially horrifying with great performances and wonderful production value to follow up with it. It's a real look at different places in the world, a unique, documentary like aspect of the real life horrors and conflicts that are going on outside of our country, well it's something to be accounted for, and this film is something to be accounted for.

FYC:

Best Picture - William Friedkin, Paddy Considine, Michael De Luca
Best Director - William Friedkin
Best Supporting Actor - Jonathan Jackson
Best Supporting Actor - Michael Pitt
Best Supporting Actor - Freddy Rodríguez
Best Original Screenplay - William Friedkin
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Make-up
Best Original Score

David Copperfield: I Am Dead

Author(s): Lee
Location: New Jersey

"David Copperfield: I Am Dead"

Screenplay by Kenneth Lonergan
Directed by Ang Lee

Main Cast

Uriah Heep- Steve Buscemi
David Copperfield, the younger-
David Copperfield, the older-Matthew Goode
Mr. Murdstone-Daniel Day Lewis
Jane Murdstone-Helena Bonham Carter
Aunt Betsy Trotwood-Julie Christie
Clara Copperfield (David's Mother)- Samantha Morton
Peggoty-Imelda Staunton
Steerforth-Jude Law
Tommy Tradles-Rupert Everett
Agnes Wickfield-Kate Winslet
Mr. Wickfield-Michael Caine
Older Emily-Emily Mortimer
Dora Spenlow-Rachel Weisz
Mr. Peggoty-Alfred Molina
Ham-Sean Bean
Mr. Micawber-Jim Broadbent
Mrs. Micawber-Helen Mirren

Tagline: "We gain life, we lose life, but memories are forever!"

Synopsis: Charles Dickens beloved classic, "David Copperfield," is revived on the big screen in frightening fashion as a tale of horror and intrigue. The film begins with a bright-eyed David opening his eyes in his own grave, declaring, "I am dead!" Whereas the novel is chronological, and starts with a chapter titled, "I am born," this film tells a non-linear story deeply reliant on memory.

Charles Dickens was obsessed with memories and their power. He questioned whether we should trust them and to what extent. This film ponders that very question. It is narrated by David from his grave, and it's broken up into three chapters. The first half up to the climax focus on David's adult life from his marriage to Agnes, and previous marriage to Dora before her death, to his old age. The second chapter of the film focuses on David's education and his friendships with Steerforth, Tommy Tradles, Emily and his life as the nephew of Betsy Trotwood, and before that, his conflicts with the Murdstones upon his mother's death. The last part of the film is that which is most heartfelt, his early relationships with his mother and Peggoty. The penultimate scene features David's birth, while the last scene takes him back into his mother's womb. Therefore, the end of David's story is narrated by Clara (his mother) who possesses David in her womb, and who is the vessel that allows David to feel anything at all. In a way, David is his mother and she is him, and the feelings he recalls in her womb mark the end of his story.

Relying on the argument that the older you are the more access to information you have and thus the more you know the film demonstrates how little David feels and understands as a child compared with his later years. Who David loves is also an important theme in the film, as David's memories do not allow him to value one moment or romance more than another. The deeper into the story we get, the more difficult it is to discern who is a villain and who is a hero. David's blurry perception of his life is the main source of our knowledge of the story. Like George Cukor's 1935 Best Picture nominated film version, this film boasts with a predominately British cast that encompasses some of Hollywood's most familiar British actors including Jim Broadbent reprising the role of Mr. Micawber which earned raves for vaudeville performer W.C., Fields in the 30's.

What the Press would say:

"A haunting performance by Daniel Day Lewis as the ruthless Mr. Murstone!" Richard Roeper

Awards Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director, Ang Lee
Best Screenplay, Kenneth Lonergan
Best Editing
Best Ensemble Acting
Most Creative Plot/Synopsis
Best Actor: Matthew Goode
Best Supporting Actresses: Julie Christie, Emily Mortimer, Kate Winslet, Rachel Weisz, Helen Mirren, Imedla Staunton, Helena Bonham Carter and Samantha Morton
Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Day Lewis, Jim Broadbent, Jude Law, Sean Bean, Steve Buscemi, Michael Caine, Rupert Everett
Best Set Design
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design

Elm Falls

Author(s): T.D.
Location: Killeen , TX

"Elm Falls"

Distributed by Miramax Films
Directed by Todd Field
Produced by Ross Katz & Graham Leader
Written by Susannah Grant
Cinematography by Roger Deakins
Film Editing by Peter Boyle
Art Direction by Christopher Freeman & Shannon Hart
Costumes by Melissa Economy
Music by Thomas Newman

Drama

Main Cast

James Caan as Gilbert Henderson
Faye Dunaway as Louise Henderson
Thomas Haden Church as Sam Henderson
Felicity Huffman as Rachel Henderson
Paul Dano as Jacob Henderson
Jessica Biel as Melissa Henderson

Tagline: "In a small town, a grandfather will finally connect with his grandchildren"

Synopsis: Gilbert and Louise are retired pastor and schoolteacher, respectively, who decided to spend two weeks of their summer vacation at the old family ranch in Elm Falls , South Dakota . They both left the ranch in the hands of their farm-loving son Sam and his poet wife Rachel. When the four have dinner on the first night, Sam receives a call from his gay actor son Jacob. Jacob tells Sam that is coming back to Elm Falls to visit the family and the old ranch for the summer. This excites both Sam and Rachel, for they haven’t their son since he left for college four years ago. This news also excites Louise, but not Gilbert because he detests Jacob and before Jacob left for college, he told the family that he was gay and Gilbert said that he never wants to see or speak to him again. And remembering this Sam doesn’t tell Jacob that his grandparents were also staying at the ranch.

Early next morning, while the family is having breakfast, Rachel gets a call from her fashion designer daughter Melissa, and she tells her mother that he is coming to visit the family for the summer. Everyone but Gilbert are excited to hear this news, and he goes upstairs and remembers the time when he scold at Melissa for having a child out of wedlock with an old friend of hers. For the next two days Sam, Rachel, and Louise prepare the house for the return of the children, while Gilbert acts strange and pretends to not notice the preparations. Louise notices his strange behavior, and one day as they were walking in the field, she talks to Gilbert. He tells her that he doesn’t want to see his grandchildren because they are sinners in his eyes and of God’s eyes. Louise believes and tells him that he should forget the past and try to see his grandchildren in a different way instead of sinners.

On the day of the arrival, Gilbert resides in his room while the rest of the family greets Jacob and Melissa. He finally comes down and gives looks at the two. They speaks a little, and when they mention about having a boyfriend and raising the child by herself, he walks out of the living room and goes to the field. Louise follows and confronts him by saying that he did was wrong and that he should apology for his actions. He refuses, and she stomps back into the house and up to her room. She sits on her bed and cries until Rachel comes and begins to comfort her. Meanwhile, Jacob and Melissa tell Sam why they detest their grandfather and how he ridiculed both of them when they were still living in Elm Falls . When Sam speaks of his father, Gilbert, who comes back after a while of thinking, comes in and said that he’ll try to get to know his grandchildren better, and he goes upstairs and apologizes to his wife. For the next week, Gilbert begins to see his grandchildren as different people, as they all go out on the evenings to Elm Falls and reminisce their past times living in the town. During the bond, he helps them with their problems they’re facing back at their homes in Los Angeles and New York, such as Jacob with the break up of his ex and the troubles he having like landing a big part in a movie and finance, and Melissa with her secret anorexic problem and struggles with being a single mom.

When the week ends, Jacob and Melissa both head home with having a new found relationship with their grandfather and advice on their lives. When returning home, Jacob finally lands a big part and becomes a successful actor and Melissa overcomes her anorexic problem and gets engaged to an accountant. Also, Gilbert and Louise decide to stay for a few more weeks at the ranch, and they walk out to field and talk about their lives and how proud they are of having such wonderful grandchildren, and in the end, they stand out on the field, watching the sunset with Sam and Rachel watching on the porch and hugging each other.

What the Press would say:

Director Todd Field puts together a powerful drama that is being called “one of the year’s best films” and “one of the best of the decade”. Academy Award-nominee James Caan delivers a strong performance as a grandfather who lives by his religious beliefs and thus shuns his own grandchildren, but then later grows to love them for who they are. Along with Caan, Academy Award-winner Faye Dunaway gives an amazing performance as his understanding and caring wife. But all together the film is an outstanding achievement, from the performances to the score, and it will go down as one of the best films of the decade.

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director – Todd Field
Best Actor – James Caan
Best Actress – Faye Dunaway
Best Supporting Actor – Paul Dano
Best Supporting Actress – Jessica Biel
Best Original Screenplay – Susannah Grant
Best Cinematography – Roger Deakins
Best Film Editing – Peter Boyle
Best Original Score – Thomas Newman

The End of the Alphabet

Author(s): Chris M.
Location: NJ

"The End of the Alphabet"

Written, Directed, and Produced by Phil Alden Robinson
Based on the novel “The End of the Alphabet” by CS Richardson
Director of Photography - John Lindley
Editing - Craig McKay
Score - Thomas Newman
Original Music - James Taylor

Main Cast

Dennis Quaid - Ambrose Zephyr
Rene Russo - Corinne Zephyr
Ray Liotta - Matt Kelly
Amy Madigan - Laurie Kelly
Chris Evans - Matt Kelly Jr

Tagline: "Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives"

Synopsis: Ambrose Zephyr (Quaid) has been living his childhood dream for that last twenty five years, working as a columnist for Sports Illustrated. Ambrose’s life drastically changes when he is informed before his fiftieth birthday that he is dying and has a month to live. Ambrose’s wife, Corrine, (Russo) a fashion editor for a New York magazine, never thought she would settle down, always putting her career before her personal life; everything changed when she met Ambrose. Facing his imminent death, the Zephyr’s decide to do something Ambrose has fantasized about since childhood; traveling across the United States. As a sports columnist, Ambrose has traveled all over the country, but had been confined to stadiums, arenas, and hotel rooms. As they move from one destination to the next, Ambrose is comforted by the gentle humor and affection of his wife and friends. All the while Corinne struggles to remain afloat, forced to imagine the unimaginable, a life without Ambrose. After their visit to Chicago where they met with Ambrose’s life long friend Matt Kelly (Liotta) and his family, the course of their journey takes an unplanned turn when Ambrose seeks out the destination most fitting; home.

What the Press would say:

Dennis Quaid delivers a tour de force performance as sports writer Ambrose Zephyr. “The End of the Alphabet” finally has given Quaid the role that showcases his abilities as an actor. Quaid wisely chose a subtle approach to playing Ambrose Zephyr which resulted in an incredibly affective performance that will most likely be nominated for Best Actor. This is the film Dennis Quaid will be remembered for. Rene Russo carries “The End of the Alphabet” with her subtlety and grace, and her ability to balance emotional and humorous scenes with incredible ease. Recognition for Russo is long over due, and the role of Corinne Zephyr has given Russo the opportunity to display her gift. Rene Russo is a lock for Best Actress. Phil Alden Robinson reunites with “Field of Dreams” stars Ray Liotta and Amy Madigan and finds magic once more. Ray Liotta shines in his portrayal of former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher turned Chicago White Sox scout Matt Kelly. Liotta delivers the quintessential supporting performance by making every minute matter. Liotta effectively transforms an array of emotions as his character comes to terms with the loss of his best friend. Liotta will finally receive the recognition from his peers that he deserves. Stylish, witty, joyous and moving, “The End of the Alphabet” is a magical film about an everyday life defined by extraordinary love and friendship. Phil Alden Robinson, the Academy Award nominated writer and director of “Field of Dreams” has taken CS Richardson’s novel and transformed it into one of the most affective films in recent years. In a time when theatres are over crowded with sequels and films of little substance, “The End of the Alphabet” is a welcomed treat. “The End of the Alphabet” boasts an incredible script and features a solid cast. This is the one movie you must see this year.

Nominations:

Best Picture – Phil Alden Robinson
Best Director – Phil Alden Robinson
Best Actor – Dennis Quaid
Best Actress – Rene Russo
Best Supporting Actor – Ray Liotta
Best Adapted Screenplay – Phil Alden Robinson

Flint

Author(s): Marcus Dennis
Location: N/A

"Flint"

Directed by Michael Mann
Adapted by Eric Roth & Michael Mann
Cinematography by Dante Spinotti (The Insider, Heat, Red Dragon)
Editing by Stephen Mirrione (Traffic, Babel, 21 Grams, The Ocean Trilogy)
Score by Lisa Gerrard and Pieter Bourke (The Insider, Ali)

Main Cast

Samantha Morton - Grace Flint
Tony Shaloub - Frank Harling
Don Cheadle - AJ Simpson
Gary Oldman - Harry Cohen
Clive Owen - Aldus Cutter
Jean Reno - Mario Silva
Peter Stormare - Aleksei Rykov

Tagline: "Revenge has a new name"

Synopsis: Grace Flint (Morton) is the one of the best undercover agents that the FBI has. But that all changes one day. On an undercover operation, a potential client, Frank Harling (Shaloub) discovers that Flint and her accomplice are feds. Harling murders Flint's partner and almost destroys Flint's face. After a worldwide manhunt, Harling disappears into thin air.

After being coerced back into going undercover by her demanding boss, Harry Cohen (Oldman), to pose as the wife of another agent, Aldus Cutter (Owen), to take down a Russian arms dealer, Aleksei Rykov (Stormare), she is inadvertently given a clue to the whereabouts of Frank Harling. She breaks away from the hold of doing things by the book and pursues Harling on her own.

Flint's bosses Cohen and the reserved AJ Simpson (Cheadle) chase her around the globe before she does something that she will regret. While globe-trotting, they reveal their personal lives to each other, including, the death of Cohen's wife and Simpson's regret over sending Flint on the Harling mission.

Flint's search leads her to Italy, to gain information from a ruthless, but suave French gangster names Mario Silva (Reno). She finds a videotape that nothing is what it seems inside the bureau.

Deception and betrayal challenge Flint's mind and body. And everything is never what it seems.

What the Press would say:

Samantha Morton is given the title of the first leading actress in a Mann film and she doesn't disappoint. Behind Flint's hard shell is an emotional and fragile woman, and Morton displays that perfectly. She is the female Michael Douglas: Able to look strong and weak at the same time. Gary Oldman and Don Cheadle have perfect ping-pong chemistry, bouncing off their characters strengths and weaknesses like the seasoned vets that they are. Jean Reno and Peter Stormare add veteran support in their villainous roles, but Tony Shaloub is pitch-perfect as a the vile and brutal criminal, Frank Harling. He inhabits the role with an aura of filth the film world hasn't seen since Frank Booth. Michael Mann approaches this best-selling novel like a veteran the same he has approached his previous top-notch films: With methodical precision. His auteuristic visuals give this film a noirish feel that many films are lacking. The script, like Mann's direction, is methodical and precise.

Well-acted and thoroughly directed, Flint is the best of the year, bar-none.

Best Picture
Best Director: Michael Mann
Best Adapted Screenplay: Eric Roth
Best Actress: Samantha Morton
Best Supp. Actor: Gary Oldman
Best Supp. Actor: Don Cheadle
Best Supp. Actor: Tony Shaloub
Best Cinematography
Best Sound
Best Editing
Best Score

Glitz

Author(s): Brian

Location: Arizona

"Glitz"

Directed by Tim Burton
Written by Charlie Kaufman
Music by Danny Elfman
Produced by Tim Burton and Denise Di Novi

Main Cast

Renee Zellweger as Claudia Alden
Jim Carrey as Luther McAlbert
John Lithgow as Detective Steve Fontana
Kathleen Turner as Fran Alden
Helena Bonham Carter as Natasha McAlbert
Katherine Heigl as Carrie Brennan
Martin Short as Clive

Tagline: "Eye-Catching Glamour. Unbeatable Style. And a Dab of Murder"

Synopsis: The most violent, goriest of black comedies, “Glitz” tells the story of Claudia Alden through the eyes of her manager, Luther McAlbert. Claudia is on top of the world. In her 10-year career, she has sold over 50 million albums, won 5 Grammies and starred in a handful of (terrible) movies. And, though she has been single for years, it is only because she has always loved Luther. She always assumed from his spending time with her that he loved her as well, and the only reason he didn’t act on it is because his wife, Natasha, is ferocious, sadistic, controlling and German. It seems as though nothing can stop her. That is, of course, nothing but her 40th birthday. Every star knows that turning 40 is a one-way ticket to bring their career to a halt. Claudia simply isn’t ready for that. She decides that she needs a way to keep that from happening to her. So, by fate, as she, Luther and her assistant manager, Clive, are up late thinking of new marketing campaigns, Clive electrocutes himself when getting a second cup of coffee. As saddened as Claudia and Luther are by this, they cannot help but notice that, two weeks after Clive’s death, her album has climbed up 30 places on the Top 40 chart...

Ashamed of thinking that Clive’s death should be celebrated, they quickly forget the idea and find another assistant manager. But, when he is hit by a car, Claudia’s latest song becomes an overnight sensation. She thinks they may be on to something, and she sweet talks Luther into conspiring with her to kill her assistant managers repeatedly in order to survive pop star life after 40. He agrees. But, just to make sure that it is not a coincidence, Claudia finds someone who deserves murder: her mother, Fran. Fran has hated Claudia since she was born, and blames her for all of her problems. And yet, she lives and tours with her because she cannot pay the rent. So, acting semi-rationally, Claudia kills her. But, of course, it’s up to Luther to prevent her from getting caught. As the film continues, Claudia kills dozens of assistant managers and Luther can always find the perfect cover-up. And then, when Luther meets his college sweetheart, Carrie, after 10 years of separation, he comes up with the idea of using the “assistant manager process” as a tool to better his life. He tells Claudia that he has found a woman he adores, and he knows that he can never be with her if his wife is still alive. Claudia, delighted, assumes the woman is herself, and she kills Natasha with delight, and her success grows, yet again. Only this time, Detective Steve Fontana notices. Fontana was never particularly bright—or good at his job—but he is determined to put Claudia behind bars. And yet, after questioning her, she talks her way out of it. Now, Claudia can focus on being with Luther. But, she soon discovers that she was not the woman Luther wanted to be with. It was Carrie. Furious, she meets Carrie and gives her the job of assistant manager, saying it will give her more time with Luther (who, at this time, is on a press tour). And then, it’s off with her head. Only this time, Steve sees her killing Carrie with his own eyes. He rushes in, ready to call the cops. But Claudia seduces him into not only loving her, but also into being her assistant manager. And then, the inevitable happens with him. Soon thereafter, Luther returns from his press tour. He tells Claudia all about Carrie and how excited he is to spend his life with her. After listening to this for hours, Claudia simply cannot take it anymore. If she can’t have Luther, no one can. And so, she kills him, reasoning that if killing her assistant managers has been so successful, killing her head manager should do twice as much. And it does. Claudia, now 45, has survived the much feared 40th birthday, even though 90 others didn’t. Claudia is bigger than ever, because she has talent. Because she has luck. And, most of all, because she has glitz.

What the Press would say:

I never expected that the year’s bloodiest film would also be the funniest. And I certainly never expected that the year’s bloodiest film would also be the best. But both of those theories were put to rest after I saw “Glitz”. On the surface, this is a film way outside Tim Burton’s comfort zone. But, when you dig deep into the plot, you discover that it is much more than a pop star decapitating her assistant managers, but is rather a brilliant satire of revenge, greed, superstition and America’s obsession with celebrities. If that doesn’t spell Tim Burton, then I don’t know what does.

Of course, I could be confusing outstanding direction with outstanding performances. Gosh, where should I begin? Well, let’s start with John Lithgow. We all know that Lithgow is fantastic at comedy, but I never, ever expected that he could give a performance as good as this one in a comedy. He plays Steve Fontana, a dimwitted detective. If portrayed by a lesser actor, this part would be annoying and dull, but with Lithgow’s hilarious touch of subtly, every scene he is in feels too short. In a film with three female supporting performances, it is hard to choose just one to campaign for, as Kathleen Turner, Katherine Heigl and Helena Bonham Carter are all amazing in this film. But, if I had to choose one, it would be Kathleen Turner.. Turner, one of the most underused and talented actresses of our time, is devilishly entertaining as Fran Alden, the mother of the murderous pop star Claudia Alden (Renee Zellweger). She steals every single scene she is in. Renee Zellweger stars as Claudia Alden, a successful pop star who, in fear of losing her popularity, decides to kill her managers after finding that it brings her luck. This very well may be the trickiest role of the year, but Zellweger is somehow able to bring charm to this character and by the end, you almost want to see her succeed, even if she decapitates innocent people. And, saving the best for last, Jim Carrey is a revelation in this film. As Claudia’s head manager (one of the funniest characters of the year) who needs to keep her murders under wraps, he gives possibly the greatest comedic performance I’ve ever seen. If he does not win Best Actor, I will never forgive the Academy.

“Glitz” is one of the best black comedies of all time. Filled with impeccable and hilarious dialogue and truly phenomenal performances, it will be a force to be reckoned with at this year’s Academy Awards, with a strong campaign in the following categories…

Best Picture
Best Director (Tim Burton)
Best Original Screenplay (Charlie Kaufman)
Best Actor (Jim Carrey)
Best Actress (Renee Zellweger)
Best Supporting Actor (John Lithgow)
Best Supporting Actress (Kathleen Turner)
Best Film Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Art Direction

Gray Daze

Author(s): Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"Gray Daze"

Directed by Robert Redford
Produced by Robert Redford, Grahm King and Michael Nozik
Written by Dan Futterman and Michael Arndt
Cinematography by Philippe Rousselot
Edited by Stephen Mirrione
Music by Jon Brion

Main Cast

Topher Grace (Alvin Stevens)
Natalie Portman (Isabel Stephord)
Emmy Rossum (Miranda Stevens)
Timothy Hutton (Prof. Gary Sherman)
Felicity Huffman (Helen Sherman)
Dan Futterman (Daniel Klark)
Catherine Keener (Marge Kellerson)

Tagline: "One photograph can capture life"

Synopsis: Alvin Stevens (Grace) is a man who is just trying to get by in the world that surrounds his tiny New York suburb. He holds down a steady job at a video store, where he holds heated philosophical debates with his boss (Futterman), commutes to NYU as he is getting a degree in photography, and even has a subtle, unnamed romance developing with a classmate (Portman). However, Alvin also knows of the dangers of the world. Ever since he was thirteen, he has ventured into the dark world of drugs, sex and alcohol. His worst self-destructing weapon: methamphetamines. Now, at the age of thirty, he continues an ongoing six year battle with the deadly addiction trying to conquer it. However, just because he no longer uses doesn't mean the journey is easy. He still gets bouts of the strong urge to return to his addiction, which affects his performance at school and work, he still sees a rehabilitation specialist (Keener) and he feels most guilty when he must continue to look at his sister (Rossum) to whom he forced the world of drugs onto and left her life broken and miserable now and living within a rehab facility. Throughout all of this, the only thing Alvin finds redemption in is trying to find the perfect picture for his college professor (Hutton). The self-described “Gray Haze” is the perfect picture for Alvin and thinks this will be a major accomplishment in seeing light at the end of the tunnel even when it seems too dark.

What the Press would say:

Robert Redford gives us another example as to why his talents behind the camera are as versatile as his work in front of it. Redford's direction touches on the strong human emotions and personal connections as seen in earlier films like A River Runs Through It and his Oscar-winning Ordinary People. Redford truly uses his style to create strong empathy for these characters and it is very much noticed. While many know of Topher Grace from his comedies such as the sitcom “That 70s Show” and films like Win a Date with Tad Hamilton and In Good Company, Grace has proven him to be fluent in strong, dramatic roles as well. Films such as Traffic and P.S. support this, and he delivers another knock-out punch for this film. He is able to channel a strong urge within his character. Grace impresses us with some light hearted moments like his quite exchanges with Isabel, but he truly delivers an emotional punch when we see scenes such as him quietly aching from withdrawals and looking at the sight of his sister's broken and shattered mind. On that note, Emmy Rossum is the standout in the supporting cast. Her scenes provide the most pivotal emotional sequences within the film. Seeing her not being able to concentrate for a few minutes at a time really leaves the viewer feeling a strong sort of sympathy and compassion for her character. The collaborative screenplay from Oscar-friendly writers Dan Futterman and winner Michael Arndt is the whole backbone of this poignant drama, and Philippe Rousselot's cinematography goes well in hand with the entire motif of the film's photography setting. The campaign consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director: Robert Redford
Best Actor: Topher Grace
Best Supporting Actress: Emmy Rossum
Best Original Screenplay: Michael Arndt and Dan Futterman
Best Cinematography

Holy Cow 3

Author(s): Ryan
Location: N/A

"Holy Cow 3(00)!: The End…With A Vengeance...From the Edge...of Calcutta: Loosely Based On a Sequel Loosely Based on a Movie Loosely Based On a Surprisingly (I Promise You) True Story"

Directed by Judd Apatow & Guest-Director Edgar Wright
Written by Judd Apatow, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright
Music by Alex Wurman

Main Cast

Kal Penn (Safwat Mikadesh)
Sarah Silverman (voice of: Haley Cow)
Jennifer Tilly (voice of: Bailey Cow)
Ben Kingsley (Mahal Taj Mikadesh)
Shilpa Shetty (Tabu Mikadesh)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Simon Pegg (The Devil)
Nick Frost (The Devil’s Advocate)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Gerard Butler (Devil’s Minion)

Tagline: "Every Century There is a Film That Will Offend Everyone...The Last One was Holy Cow 2!...So…the Only Way Is UP!!!!"

Synopsis: The new PG-13 installment of Holy Cow has multiple story lines. The first involves Safwat Mikadesh (Kal Penn). After escaping death many times, The Devil (Simon Pegg) has had enough and sends his Minion (Gerard Butler) and the rest of Hell’s army to attack Safwat, led by the Devil’s Advocate (Nick Frost). Safwat though could care less, feeling guilty about how many he has accidentally killed. That is until he has a vision of his father, Mahal Taj Mikadesh (Ben Kingsley) and mother Tabu Mikadesh (Shilpa Shetty) saying to him that Hell is planning an attack on Earth and the only place safe on Earth is Calcutta and he must find Paul Newman there who knows how to stop Hell from taking over the world, with explosions along the way.

Storyline two is of Haley Cow (Sarah Silverman) who is famous from her heroism on the boat and is now a famous movie star. However, she got into drugs and is straight out of Rehab and the only way to secure her deal with her movie company is to be watched over by her mother, Bailey Cow (Jennifer Tilly), a has-been movie cow. Though Bailey lives in Calcutta, Haley is determined to find her mother. So, she teams up with Safwat and the go on another whirlwind adventure.

Storyline three is of Paul Newman (Paul Newman) who has made a deal with the Devil to keep on living if he helps open up the gates of hell. Newman, having the key to Hell is in a moral dilemma, knowing if he shuts the gates he may die.

With a Thelma & Louise ending (they die, right?) this is a bait not to be missed.

What the Press would say:

“Two shameful thumbs up for the third time!”-Ebert & Roeper

“Made as a joke, but turns out as a superb one, again!”- People

“A+! Sure to be the most Controversial Oscar Trilogy EVER!”-Entertainment Weekly

“Racist, hilarious, and Oscar Worthy…yet again.”-Rolling Stone Magazine

With a much different feel, Holy Cow 3(00)! Is a vast improvement from the others, with more depth into the characters lives and the demons that they face, showing how they developed. Kal Penn gives a great emotional performance in a scene where he shows the burden he has on his back. But at the same time Holy Cow 3(00)! Is as funny as ever. Jennifer Tilly takes on another role as Haley’s mom and gives a great voice performance. Ben Kingsley and Shilpa Shetty are great together and Gerard Butler is hilarious and the same for Paul Newman. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are great alongside one another too.

Best Picture
Best Director: Judd Apatow
Best Screenplay: Judd Apatow, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright
Best Original Score: Alex Wurman
Best Actor: Kal Penn, Paul Newman
Best Supporting Actor: Simon Pegg, Ben Kingsley, Nick Frost, Gerard Butler
Best Actress: Sarah Silverman, Jennifer Tilly
Best Supporting Actress: Shilpa Shetty