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Showing posts from February, 2012

84th Academy Awards: Sunday, February 26, 2012 Winners

     Lights, Camera and Action - The 84th Academy Awards, Sunday, February 26, 2012 - And, The Oscar Goes to.. Final Voting: The Academy votes are based on nostalgia, the story, script, acting, artistry and production. They do not care for movies like Transformers . And, instead select movies that are well crafted.  The voters are comprised of the Hollywood elite including actors, actresses from young to old, producers and others connected with the film industry. Started in 1927 and is by invitation only - 5000 + members. Winners:   Movies in 2011 focused on entertaining the audience, evoking emotions, creating goodwill and finally giving a salute to the history of film making. Best Supporting Actress :   Octavia Spencer for The Help .   The movie, The Help, was one of the best films of the year.  The characters, the story, the set and the chemistry between all of the actors was unforgettable.   Personally, have seen The Help  three times and each viewing evokes the same emoti

84th Oscars - Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Last Year Fashion 2011

Last year - The 83 rd Academy Awards show on Sunday, February 27, 2011 was a victorious win for the actors from across the pond. “The Kings Speech” took home the gold with the best picture, best director, best actor and best screenplay. A clean golden sweep. And a firm reminder that a well-told story is what movie goers enjoy. The fashion apparel was brilliantly bold and a banner year for high fashion. Anne Hathaway , host of the soiree, stole the show wearing seven unforgettable "to die for" gowns. These ensembles were breathtaking with the vivid red and off the shoulder Valentino making a showstopping statement on the runway. The hair and red lips with minimal jewelry caused a ripple of envy.       Amy Adams was also a fresh vision in a glamourous sequined column frock in a rich royal purple.      Sunday, February 26, 2012 -  Which fashionista will stop the press and be The Queen for the evening, The Lady in Waiting and ala

Hugo (2011): Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law

Hugo is an enthralling tale about an orphan, Hugo, Butterfield , his late father, Law , and a mysterious broken automaton holding the answer to the past and unbeknownst to him the future. Hugo a young orphan fixes the clocks and gadgets in a Paris train station during the 1930's.  The various clocks keeping time in the train station provide the perfect windows to watch the bustling station activity, creating a story within a story as the viewer follows the Station Instructor, Cohen , chasing after orphans, or the woman sipping espresso with an unfriendly dog.  Yet, the main interaction in the film is between a robot automaton, a cranky toy shop owner, George,  Kingsley , and Isabelle, Moretz , who befriends lonely Hugo.  As the story unfolds, Hugo states that "movies are the projection of dreams" setting the stage to marvel at the historical film making by George Melies (1861-1938) French Illusionist & Filmmaker, while solving the puzzle of the automaton and ultima

'50/50' (2011): Seth Rogan, Joseph Gorden-Levitt, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Angelica Huston

     True story about a friendship between Rogan , Kyle, and  Levitt , Adam, diagnosed with a malignant tumor.  Adam is 27 years old, seemingly in perfect health, is stunned with the prognosis.  Kyle stands by Adam throughout treatment with humor, grace and wit providing support.   Huston , Diane, plays an overbearing worry wort mother and Kendrick , Katherine, a young first time counselor befriends Adam demonstrating kindness with no expectations.   Howard , Rachel, Adams girlfriend is every ones worst nightmare - selfish and self involved.   When illness strikes, it is always a test for ones friendships and family.   Rogan shines as an honest and forthright best friend not afraid to speak the truth and reminding Adam that the "best" friendships are built on positive and negative communication combined with no strings attached.  This story of  unconditional love cues the audience that real friends must be valued, cherished and accepted. Additionally, family always stands

Midnight in Paris (2011): Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates

     Midnight in Paris is a witty and clever film by Woody Allen.  A romantic comedy surrounding a couple traveling with parents to Paris on business.  Gil, a struggling writer, Wilson and Inez, McAdams compares relationship to another couple in Paris and wonder if the grass is greener? Wilson bored with the intellectual snobbery of the pretentious Paul, Sheen, decides to venture forth in the streets of Paris after midnight.   And, something wonderful happens.  Paris cinematography is breathtaking with cafes, architecture and fashion combined with images of Monet paintings and ultimately love.   Allen at his best.  Wilson, is brilliant, as the moody author who is inspired by the past. Glorious , ingenious storyline, acting brilliant with a message about humanity: to experience joy, stop and smell the roses and avoid people pontificating bombastic topics.  If art, in all forms,  is a passion - be magically swept away and reminded to enjoy life and never compare or covet thy neighbor.