The first shots of the immense rocket transporter, rumbling along on gigantic tank treads was more awesome than the preview of the latest  “Godzilla” trailer that preceded the screening I saw, and that was just the beginning of the jaw-dropping imagery. No talking heads here, just the real time chatter of thousands to technicians, the astronauts, and occasional clips from the coverage by Walter Cronkite to guide us through the mission from beginning to end. I found the experience to be much more impactful than the admirable effort of last year’s “First Man” in giving us a sense of the cool courage of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Micheal Collins.

I struggle with my scanner and various apps  on an almost daily basis, and to see this national effort of 50 years ago, pre-wi-fi and internet as we know it, boggles the mind. I had just graduated from college in 1969 and, in spite of attending one of countless national viewing parties at the time, it has taken 50 years, and this film, to really grasp the true dangers and thrills of the Apollo 11 mission.

In this time of national political division and stress, see this film and consider this lunar landing accomplishment as an example of what this nation can be truly proud of: scientific rigor and insatiable curiosity in pursuit of a goal bigger than partisan politics.

Rated: G

My GPA: 4.00+

The post “Apollo 11” Don’t Miss This One! appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

2019 Tim Russell’s  Oscar Predictions

The 91st Oscar Ceremony will be without a host this year but that’s okay if the writing for the presenters is sharp and salient. Sometimes I wonder why actors agree to read the often lame patter that litters the awards shows. People always say, “it’s all in the writing”, so let’s hope for the best.

Two smaller films, “Roma” and “The Favourite” scored the most nominations to lead the pack but the studios did alright with “A Star is Born”, “Green Book”,“BlacKkKlansman”and “Black Panther” each getting multiple nods.

Best Picture: “Roma”

“Black Panther” (Ryan Coogler)

“BlacKkKlansman” (Spike Lee)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” (Bryan Singer)

“The Favourite” (Yorgos Lanthimos)

“Green Book” (Peter Farrelly)

“Roma” (Alfonso Cuaron)

“A Star Is Born” (Bradley Cooper)

“Vice” (Adam McKay)

I would put “A Star is Born” as my top choice for me but I’m afraid it peaked too soon with an early release costing Bradley Cooper a number nominations. “Black Panther” was a monster blockbuster (1.3 Billion so far) and it dealt with some topical issues underneath the Marvel veneer: how we deal with the less fortunate and the responsibilities of rich nations, but i think the direction and artistry of Alfonso Cuaron will carry the day.  I think Roma will win.

Supporting Actor:  Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”

Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”

Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born”

Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Sam Rockwell, “Vice”

I think the  primary race is between Mahershala Ali for “Green Book”, a great performance as 60’s pianist Don Shirley touring the South with the help of the eponymous Green Book Guide for black tourists, and Richard E. Grant from “Can You Ever Forgive Me”, both sad and hilarious as as Melissa McCarthy’s crime partner. I think Mahershala Ali will win.

Supporting Actress: Regina King

Amy Adams, “Vice”

Marina de Tavira, “Roma”

Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Emma Stone, “The Favourite”

Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite”

Amy Adams is overdue as many times nominated actor and may very well win for her portrayal of Lynne Cheney in “Vice” but I think the Oscar will go to the talented Regina King as the best thing in “If Beale Street Could Talk”. Both Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone were wonderful as rivals for Olivia Coleman’s crazy Queen Anne’s affection  in “The Favourite”, so good that they will cancel each other out with the voters.  I believe Regina King will win.

Actor: Rami Malek

Christian Bale, “Vice”

Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”

Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate”

Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Viggo Mortensen, “Green Book” 

My preference here is the criminally overlooked Bradley Cooper. He was robbed in the director category and ignored in this award season as best actor nominee. I thought he was masterful at directing himself in “A Star Is Born”. Rami Malek, playing Freddy Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody”, gave us a great performance in a fairly stock Rock Biopic. He’s hot right now. I think Rami Malek will win.

Actress: Glen Close

Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”

Glenn Close, “The Wife”

Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”

Lady Gaga, “A Star Is Born”

Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

The voters will probably be satisfied that first time nominee Lady Gaga will go home with best Original Song but she is certainly deserving of Best Actress honors too. Melissa McCarthy was fantastic as a real life author turned con woman in “Can You Ever Forgive Me” I would love to see her win, as I would  first time actor Yalitza Aparicio as a domestic worker in “Roma”, but Glen Close gave a great performance in “The Wife” and is a heavy sentimental favorite in what would be an appreciation of a lifetime of great work: many times nominated (7) but never a winner.My guess is Glen Close will win.

Best Director:Alfonso Cuarón

Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”

Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War”

Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite”

Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”

Adam McKay, “Vice”

I was sad to see that Bradley Cooper lost out in the nominations here with the inclusion of two European Directors , Pawel Pawlikowski and Yorgos Lanthimos, sad about that, but glad Spike Lee is included this year. All the nominees did great work but Alfonso Cuarón,  taking a chance working in Black and White, has created cinema magic with “Roma”.  I think Alfonso Cuarón will win.

Best Animated Feature: “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse”

“Incredibles 2,” Brad Bird

“Isle of Dogs,” Wes Anderson

“Mirai,” Mamoru Hosoda

“Ralph Breaks the Internet,” Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

My personal favorite this year was Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs”, so inventive in stop motion, but “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has the big spotlight this awards season. I think “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” will win.

Best Documentary Feature

“Free Solo” Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

“Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” RaMell Ross

“Minding the Gap,” Bing Liu

“Of Fathers and Sons,” Talal Derki

“RBG,” Betsy West, Julie Cohen

This is quite the controversial category for one reason: the fact that the very successful Fred Rogers story, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” was not nominated. That leaves us with two other successful contenders in my opinion: “Free Solo” about the worlds greatest mountain climber , untethered, taking on Yosemite’s treacherous cliff, El Capitan, and “RBG”, the inspiring story of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was astounded by the drama and cinematography of “Free Solo”, so I’m going with filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin of “Free Solo to win.

Documentary Short Subject: “Black Sheep” Ed Perkins

“A Night at the Garden” Marshall Curry

“Black Sheep” Ed Perkins

“End Game” Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman

“Lifeboat”  Skye Fitzgerald

“Period. End of Sentence.” Rayka Zehtabchi

“Black Sheep” tells the story of Cornelius Walker, who, as a boy is moved into an area outside of London by his mother, who thinks that this will be a safer environment. It turns out the neighborhood is run by a racist gang, and young Cornelius adopts some of their behavior. The adult Cornelius walks us through the story portrayed by mostly non-actors recreating his experiences with disquieting effect. With it’s subjects of race and identity, Directer Ed Perkins creates a winning entry. Therefore, I think “Black Sheep” and Ed Perkins will win.

Adapted Screenplay: “A Star Is Born,” Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Joel Coen , Ethan Coen

“BlacKkKlansman,” Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee

“Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” Barry Jenkins

“A Star Is Born,” Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

The Writer’s Guild nominated Spike Lee, Bradley Cooper, Barry Jenkins, and Nicole Holofcenter in this tough category. they did not nominate the Cohen Brothers but the Oscar committee did. Nicole Holofcenter did a superb job adapting author turned con woman Lee Israel’s memoir into a terrific vehicle for Melissa McCarthy, but I think anyone who can take an old warhorse tale like “A Star is Born” and make it totally relevant for the times deserves the honor. Plus, this could be a category where voters want to make up for the lack of award attention paid to this audience winner. Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters will win for “A Star Is Born”.

Original Screenplay: “Green Book”

“The Favourite,” Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara

“First Reformed,” Paul Schrader

“Green Book”, Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly

“Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón

“Vice,” Adam McKay

Another tight race here, “Roma” creator Alfonso Cuarón leads in the category with strong completion from the “Green Book” team: Peter Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga, and  Brian Currie, and “First Reformed” auteur, Paul Schrader (Taxi) has been long overlooked. I think this is a win for the “Green Book Team”.  I’m going with Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie,  and Peter Farrelly to win.

Original Song: “Shallow”, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt and Benjamin Rice

“All The Stars” from “Black Panther” by Kendrick Lamar, SZA

“I’ll Fight” from “RBG” by Diane Warren, Jennifer Hudson

“The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns” by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman

“Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt and Benjamin Rice

“When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings” from “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch

I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the “A Prairie Home Companion” stage with David Rawlings and Gillian Welch on a number of occasions, great talents and people, so I’d be thrilled if they won, but this is Lady Gaga’s to lose, plus Bradley Cooper and Gaga will perform the song on the broadcast.It’s a lock:  “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt and Benjamin Rice will Win

Original Score: “Black Panther,” Ludwig Göransson

“BlacKkKlansman,” Terence Blanchard

“Black Panther,” Ludwig Göransson

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” Nicholas Britell

“Isle of Dogs,” Alexandre Desplat

“Mary Poppins Returns,” Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman

Alexander Desplat is a two time winner and looks to Japan for his score of Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs. Terence Blanchard captures the 70’s R&B sound to underscore  Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman”, but this might be an opportunity for another craft win for “Black Panther” featuring Sweden’s Ludwig Göransson’s Afrocentric score.I believe  ” Black Panther,” Ludwig Goransson will win.

Animated Short: “Late Afternoon,” Louise Bagnall

“Animal Behaviour,” Alison Snowden, David Fine

“Bao,” Domee Shi

“Late Afternoon,” Louise Bagnall

“One Small Step,” Andrew Chesworth, Bobby Pontillas

“Weekends,” Trevor Jimenez

Pixar’s “Bao” is the story of a dumpling making woman who magically sees one of her dumping come to life as a child to be nurtured for better or worse.

 “Late Afternoon”,  by Louise Bagnall, explores dementia uses minimal animation to give us insight into the afflicted mind of “Emily” as she surveys the bits and pieces of her life in heartbreaking fashion.

“Bao” seems to be the front runner but I think the voters will opt for a simpler style this year.  Look for “Late Afternoon” to win.

Short Film, Live Action: “Detainment,” Vincent Lambe

“Detainment,” Vincent Lambe

“Fauve,” Jeremy Comte

“Marguerite,” Marianne Farley

“Mother,” Rodrigo Sorogoyen

“Skin,” Guy Nattiv

Children in peril seems to be the theme of this years Short Film, Live Action nominees. “Skin” shows us the terrible possibilities of bad parenting and teaching hate. “Mother” portrays the horror of literally losing a  child. “Fauve” gives us a lesson in wild child behavior with predictable dangerous results. “Marguerite” is a sweet reminder that empathy between generations is something to strive for. “Detainment” uses police interviews in a case involving the youngest murderers in British history to plumb the depths of the human  capacity for evil. This film is presented with taut direction by Victor Lambe and brilliant acting by the cast that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer that’s tough to shake.In spite of it’s disturbing true story I think “Detainment” will win.

Cinematography: “Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón

“Cold War,” Lukasz Zal

“The Favourite”, Robbie Ryan

“Never Look Away,” Caleb Deschanel

“Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón

“A Star Is Born,” Matthew Libatique

I had the honor to act in “I Am Not A Serial Killer” (2016) filmed by nominee Robbie Ryan (“The Favorite”). Ryan made iron range Virginia, Minnesota in March a living breathing entity in this Sci-Fi, Christopher Lloyd vehicle. I was the first of the creature’s victims as “Olson, the Barber”. The Academy nomination must have been lost in the mail. None the less I think that Alfonso Cuarón’s camera work in black and white was truly magnificent. I hope it’s Robbie Ryan, but I think it’s another  Alfonso Cuarón win.

Editing: “The Favourite” (Yorgos Mavropsaridis)

“BlacKkklansman” (Barry Alexander Brown)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” (John Ottman)

“The Favourite” (Yorgos Mavropsaridis)

“Green Book” (Patrick J. Don Vito)

“Vice” (Hank Corwin)

The editing nominees this year all maintain a delicate balance of drama and humor. “Bohemian Rhapsody” handles the “Love Aid” crowd scenes and Queen’s appearance with real skill. and “Green Book” captures the odd couple dynamic of Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) with flair, but “The Favorite” editor, Yorgos Mavropsaridis, manipulates the  delicate machinations of the threesome of Queen Anne and her two “favorites” with great effect. I think Yorgos  Mavropsaridis will win.

Costume Design: Ruth E. Carter (“Black Panther”)

Ruth E. Carter (“Black Panther”)

Sandy Powell (“The Favourite”)

Sandy Powell (“Mary Poppins Returns”)

Mary Zophres (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”)

Alexandra Byrne (“Mary Queen of Scots”)

I was thrilled to be dressed by nominee Mary Zophres as “Detective 1” in the Cohen Brothers “A Serious Man” (2009) 20 pounds ago, the badge did all the work, so my inclination is to cheer her on to victory for the Cohen Brothers “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” for her terrific Western Costumes, but this year she’s up against Ruth E. Carter’s wildly inventive Wakandan wardrobe for the Blockbuster “Black Panther”.  I believe Ruth E. Carter will win. 

Foreign Language Feature: “Roma” (Alfonso Cuaron, Mexico)

“Roma” (Alfonso Cuaron, Mexico)

“Cold War” (Pawel Pawlikowski, Poland)

“Capernaum” (Nadine Labaki, Lebanon)

“Shoplifters” (Hirokazu Kore-eda, Japan)

“Never Look Away” (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Germany)

Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Cold War”, set in Eastern Europe, Post War into the 60’s, is a tragic love story beautifully told in Black and White and will be one of the top contenders here, but it will be hard to overtake the “Roma” juggernaut, especially because voters may be afraid that “Roma’ won’t get best picture and will want to make sure it gets top billing somewhere. i think  “Roma” will be the winner.

Hair and Makeup: Vice

“Border”

“Mary Queen of Scots”

“Vice”

I wish John C. Reilly’s amazing transformation as Oliver Hardy “Stan and Ollie” had been honored with a nomination. The results were unbelievable. But, it’s hard to deprive  the equally astounding achievement of turning Christian Bale into Dick Cheney in “Vice”. I think “Vice” will win.

Production Design: “Black Panther,” Hannah Beachler, Jay R. Hart

“Black Panther,” Hannah Beachler, Jay R. Hart

“First Man,” Nathan Crowley, Kathy Lucas

“The Favourite,” Fiona Crombie, Alice Felton

“Mary Poppins Returns,” John Myhre, Gordon Sim

“Roma,” Eugenio Caballero, Bárbara Enrı́quez

Alphonso Cuaron recreated 1971 Mexico City with incredible attention to detail but I think with all the honors his film will receive will be bad news for “Roma’s” production designers, Eugenio Caballero and Barbara Enriquez. World’s like Hannah Beachler and Jay R. Hart’s design for “Black Panther” will be hard to beat so, I think  “Black Panther” and Hannah Beachler and Jay R. Hart will win.

Sound Editing: “A Quiet Place,” Ethan Van der Ryn, Erik Aadahl

“Black Panther,” Benjamin A. Burtt, Steve Boeddeker

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” John Warhurst

“First Man,” Ai-Ling Lee, Mildred Iatrou Morgan

“A Quiet Place,” Ethan Van der Ryn, Erik Aadahl

“Roma,” Sergio Diaz, Skip Lievsay

Best Sound Editing this year is a tough race. “First Man” recreates the thrill of the Moon Landing, “Bohemian Rhapsody” masters multiple concert moments, but “Quiet Place” editors Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl have the unique opportunity to edit sound in a film all about sound. I think “A Quiet Place”: Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl will win.

Sound Mixing: “A Star Is Born”

“Black Panther”

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

“First Man”

“Roma”

“A Star Is Born”

It seems to me that Bradley Cooper’s “A Star Is Born” is a film in search of some Oscar love in an awards season where it’s been hard to come by. Sound Mixing will give the Oscar voters a chance to right this with recognition of the job Cooper did with giving us live concert perfection and, at the same time, many intimate moments for its lead actors. My guess is “A Star is Born” will win.

Visual Effects: “Avengers: Infinity War”

“Avengers: Infinity War”

“First Man”

“Ready Player One”

“Solo: A Star Wars Story”

“Christopher Robin”

All the nominees are worthy here in a very competitive field, but the voters will probably focus on Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and Damien Chazelle’s “First Man”. “Avengers” effects team brought the character Thanos with actor’s Josh Brolin live performance acting to life in startling detail. I think “Avengers: Infinity War” will win.

The post Tim Russell’s 2019 Oscar Predictions appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Moore shows how important, he feels, that the country mobilize, to fight perceived injustice: highlighting, for one example, the Stoneman Douglas High School kids and their grassroots fight for stronger gun safety laws. He warns against hyper Nationalism by drawing comparisons to the rise of Hitler’s Nazi Party in the 30’s, with it’s virulent anti-Semitism, and suppression of a free press, to the potential for the destruction of our own Democracy. The net effect of the film can be to either throw your hands up in despair or to act on your convictions, one way or another, and vote.

Rated: R for Strong Language, Violent images.

MY GPA: 3.6

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The post Here are my 2018 Oscar Picks on KARE11 appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Best Picture:

“Call Me by Your Name”
“Darkest Hour”
“Dunkirk”
“Get Out”
“Lady Bird”
“Phantom Thread”
“The Post”
“The Shape of Water”
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

WHO WILL WIN: “The Shape of Water”. Lots of love for Guillermo del Toro, I saw his exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of At (MIA) last year and was blown away by his incentive imagination. “The Shape of Water” did not disappoint. “Three Billboards” won this years BAFTA award for best picture, but that does not always translate into the Oscar best picture award.

WHO MIGHT WIN “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri”

Lead Actor:

Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”

Who Will Win: Gary Oldman. The amazing transformation into one of the most recognizable figures of the 20^th Century will be hard to ignore. This should be a test for the voters considering some of the personal allegations against Oldman in the “#Me Too” era.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Timothée Chalamet, truly versatile young actor who will have lots of noms in the future. He was also seen this year in “Lady Bird”.

Lead Actress:

Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”
Meryl Streep, “The Post”

WHO WILL WIN: Frances McDormand . “Three Billboards” has had a bit of a  backlash about its treatment of racial issues, but it’s hard to ignore McDormand’s nuanced portrayal of a single-minded, not entirely like-able, character.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Saoirse (SARE-sha) Ronan, “Lady Bird”. The talented Irish actress is totally convincing as a Sacramento teen trying to acomplish her future dreams. By the way, Sally Hawkins certainly deserves this award, if not for her turn in “The Shape of Water”, then certainly for her parody of it with James Corden on “The Late Late Show”

Supporting Actor:

Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”
Woody Harrelson, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

WHO WILL WIN: Sam Rockwell. This journeyman actor has been amazing in every film I’ve seen him in, and the voters will finally give him his due, in spite of the appalling flaws of the racist character he plays.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”. He’s been totally overlooked in the award season, but he was wonderful as a caring, overworked caretaker of a down and out Orlando apartment complex.

Supporting Actress:

Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Lesley Manville, “Phantom Thread”
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water”

WHO WILL WIN: Allison Janney. “I Tonya”. She’s has a string of Emmys and great supporting roles in film (“American Beauty”), but this portrayal of a truly frightening, yet complex, “rink mom” is her best work to date. I worked with her for a season on “A Prairie Home Companion” in the 90’s, before her superstardom, but never doubted an Oscar would be in her future.

WHO MIGHT WIN:  Laurie Metcalf was amazing as the strong minded mom in ”Lady Bird”. I highly recommend “HBO’s “Getting On” for seeing the best of Laurie as the manic administrator of a chaotic geriatric hospital wing.

Director:

“Dunkirk”, Christopher Nolan
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
“Lady Bird”, Greta Gerwig
“Phantom Thread,” Paul Thomas Anderson
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro

 WHO WILL WIN: Guillermo del Toro. I think the voters will finally link the “Best director” winner with the “Best picture” winner. He pulls together a visual masterpiece and grand collection of acting performances.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Guillermo del Toro should, although Greta Gerwig is a worthy contender. She created a really personal world that connected with audiences young and old.

Makeup and Hair:

“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
“Victoria and Abdul,” Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard
“Wonder,” Arjen Tuiten

WHO WILL WIN: It’s a lock, “Darkest Hour”, a truly amazing transformation: Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill.

WHO MIGHT WIN: No contender here. “Darkest Hour” all the way.

Costume Design:

“Beauty and the Beast,” Jacqueline Durran
“Darkest Hour,” Jacqueline Durran
“Phantom Thread,” Mark Bridges
“The Shape of Water,” Luis Sequeira
“Victoria and Abdul,” Consolata Boyle

WHO WILL WIN: A movie about fashion? Heck yeah! “Phantom Thread”.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “The Shape of Water” Outfitting actor Doug Jones as a slimy Fish Man takes some doing, and they did it right.

Animated Feature:

“The Boss Baby,” Tom McGrath, Ramsey Ann Naito
“The Breadwinner,” Nora Twomey, Anthony Leo
“Coco,” Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
“Ferdinand,” Carlos Saldanha
“Loving Vincent,” Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, Sean Bobbitt, Ivan Mactaggart, Hugh Welchman

WHO WILL WIN: No question, “Coco”. This is the only movie this year I paid to see twice. Fantastic design and story, Pixar at it’s best.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Coco”. It’s a lock.

Adapted Screenplay:

“Call Me by Your Name,” James Ivory
“The Disaster Artist,” Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
“Logan,” Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green
“Molly’s Game,” Aaron Sorkin
“Mudbound,” Virgil Williams and Dee Rees

WHO WILL WIN: James Ivory, “Call Me By Your Name”.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Aaron Sorkin for “Molly’s Game”. If he wins he should be made to give a very intricate speech while walking at the same time.

Original Screenplay:

“The Big Sick,” Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
“Lady Bird,” Greta Gerwig
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Martin McDonagh

WHO WILL WIN: Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The Irish playwright has whipped up another fascinating screenplay, though there has been some controversy about his treatment of racial themes.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Jordan Peele is a dark horse here for the very successful “Get Out” , co-starring Allison Williams, who I remember as a production assistant on Robert Altman’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. I know, ” Many people have said it’s all about me, believe me, SAD!”

I also think there is a good chance the Academy will honor Greta Gerwig, who will lose best director, for her wonderful “Lady Bird”

Cinematography:

“Blade Runner 2049,” Roger Deakins
“Darkest Hour,” Bruno Delbonnel
“Dunkirk,” Hoyte van Hoytema
“Mud bound”, Rachel Morrison
“The Shape of Water,” Dan Laustsen

WHO WILL WIN: Dan Laustsen for “The Shape of Water”. Imaginative and very difficult scenes that are hard to forget.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Roger Deakins. “Bladerunner 2049”. The Coen Brothers go-to guy has been nominated 14 times with no wins. He deserves this one. By the way he shot my mini-scene in the Coen brothers’ “A Serious Man”. Some of his best work!

Best Foreign Language Film:

“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
“The Insult” (Lebanon)
“Loveless” (Russia)
“On Body and Soul (Hungary)
“The Square” (Sweden)

WHO WILL WIN: “Loveless”. A Look at current Russian societal ills, the story of a couple in such a poisonous relationship that they literally forget the impact on their 12 year old son.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “The Square”, from Sweden, has been picking up a lot of awards. Plus it stars Elizabeth Moss, a voter favorite, from “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

Animated Short:

“Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant
“Garden Party,” Victor Caire, Gabriel Grapperon
“Lou,” Dave Mullins, Dana Murray
“Negative Space,” Max Porter, Ru Kuwahata
“Revolting Rhymes,” Jakob Schuh, Jan Lachauer

 WHO WILL WIN: “Negative Space”, The story of a boy, packing luggage, and a Dad, in an unusual Stop Action, claymation style. It has a touching story that should capture the voter’s hearts

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Garden Party”. The animation here is astounding as we discover the rot of a crumbling, infested estate with a slowly revealing story of excess gone to seed. This one was my personal favorite. “Lou”, the story of a grade school recess toy box teaching the school bully a valuable lesson is very entertaining but  Pixar will get it’s due with the best Animated Feature win for Pixar’s “Coco”.

Best Documentary Short Subject:

“Edith+Eddie,” Laura Checkoway, Thomas Lee Wright
“Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” Frank Stiefel
“Heroin(e),” Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon
“Knife Skills,” Thomas Lennon
“Traffic Stop,” Kate Davis, David Heilbroner

WHO WILL WIN: “Heroin(e)”. This is a truly inspiring story of three women in a West Virginia town, making a big difference in the fight against the Opioid Epidemic.

WHO MIGHT WIN: This is a great category; I saw the films at the Historic Riverview in Minneapolis, a midcentury masterpiece of a theater. All these shorts deserve to be seen. Search them out. I think”Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405″, about the amazing artist Mindy Alper, is a strong contender and I think Thomas Lennon’s “Knife Skills”, about prisoners rehab in a culinary class, is particularly inspiring.

Best Live Action Short Film:

“DeKalb Elementary,” Reed Van Dyk
“The Eleven O’Clock,” Derin Seale, Josh Lawson
“My Nephew Emmett,” Kevin Wilson, Jr.
“The Silent Child,” Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton
“Watu Wote/All of Us,” Katja Benrath, Tobias Rosen

WHO WILL WIN: All fantastic entries, but considering the recent tragedy in Parkland FL, “Dekalb Elementary” will affect the last minute voters the most. A truly terrifying potential school shooting, based on an actual 911 call, is defused by a school secretary. Great performance by Tara Riggs as the school secretary.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Another tension filled short about the 1955 racist murder of Emmett Tell, “My Nephew Emmett” in Mississppi. L.B. Williams is terrific as the boy’s protective uncle.

Film Editing:

“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
“I, Tonya,” Tatiana S. Riegel
“The Shape of Water,” Sidney Wolinsky
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Jon Gregory

 WHO WILL WIN: This is between “The Shape of Water” and “Dunkirk”. I think this category will go to champ of the evening,”The Shape of Water”.

WHO MIGHT WIN : Maybe “Dunkirk”..

Sound Editing:

“Baby Driver,” Julian Slater
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mark Mangini, Theo Green
“Dunkirk,” Alex Gibson, Richard King
“The Shape of Water,” Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood

WHO WILL WIN: I’ll go with the Oscars voters wanting to award Christopher Nolan with something this year, so “Dunkirk” it is..

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Baby Driver: I love the way the integrated the great soundtrack with the action.

Sound Mixing:

“Baby Driver,” Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mac Ruth, Ron Bartlett, Doug Hephill
“Dunkirk,” Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
“The Shape of Water,” Glen Gauthier, Christian Cooke, Brad Zoern
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Stuart Wilson, Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick

WHO WILL WIN: Sticking with “Dunkirk”.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Baby Driver”

Original Score:

“Dunkirk,” Hans Zimmer
“Phantom Thread,” Jonny Greenwood
“The Shape of Water,” Alexandre Desplat
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Carter Burwell

WHO WILL WIN: A battle of the composer heavyweights, the winner is Alexander Desplat.

WHO MIGHT WIN: Carter Burwell.

Original Song:

“Mighty River” from “Mudbound,” Mary J. Blige
“Mystery of Love” from “Call Me by Your Name,” Sufjan Stevens
“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
“Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall,” Diane Warren, Common
“This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek, Justin Paul

WHO WILL WIN: I must admit, “Remember Me” became a total “ear worm”  for days, so that’s my choice.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Mighty River”. The voters might want to see a great emotional speech by Mary J. Blige

Visual Effects:

“Blade Runner 2049,” John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, Dan Sudick
“Kong: Skull Island,” Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza, Mike Meinardus
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,”  Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Chris Corbould, Neal Scanlan
“War for the Planet of the Apes,” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, Joel Whist

WHO WILL WIN: “Blade Runner 2049”. I thought the effects here were ground breaking.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “War for the Planet of the Apes”. The Master of Motion Capture, Andy Serkis, gets a real showcase here, though I must say, he doesn’t need special effects to become Klaue in “Black Panther”, one of the nastiest thugs to ever grace the Marvel Universe.

Production Design:

“Beauty and the Beast,” Sarah Greenwood; Katie Spencer
“Blade Runner 2049,” Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola
“Darkest Hour,” Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
“Dunkirk,” Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
“The Shape of Water,” Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau

WHO WILL WIN: “The Shape of Water”. All I kept thinking while watching is, “Wow, what production design!”.

WHO MIGHT WIN: “Blade Runner 2049”, for taking us to another world.

The post 2018 Oscar Winner Predictions: All Categories! appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Rated R ( Hard R!)

My GPA 2.0

The post “Why Him?” Sensitive eyes might be asking “Why Us?” appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Rated: R

My GPA: 3.8

The post “Jackie”: Brilliant, But Not For Everybody appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey using a voice nothing like his laconic Lincoln driver voice) is a Koala impresario, financially strapped and about to lose his family’s beloved theater so he comes up with a plan for a show to bail the place out, a singing competition! A clerical error wildly inflates the promised Prize Money and he is overwhelmed by the contestant turnout. After a classic audition elimination process (giraffes, snails, frogs , all  improbably singing classic tunes), Buster gets the show underway with the help of characters brilliantly voiced by Reese Witherspoon, John C. Reilly, Seth Macfarlane, Jennifer Saunders, Scarlett Johansen, Nick Kroll, Tory Kelly, Taron Egerton, Jennifer Hudson Mand others. Tory Kelly, as a shy teen Elephant finally coaxed to express her musicality,literally blows the roof of the joint. The animation is magical and 2D is totally fine. I loved the inclusion of The Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight”, So, the plot is overly simple and the jokes are somewhat unoriginal, it’s still a nice place for the family to spend under 2 hours this Holiday Season. Enjoy.

Rated: PG

My GPA:  3.8

The post “Sing”: Put Another Nickel in The Jukebox Baby appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

Rating: PG-13

My GPS: 4.0

The post OO La La for “La La Land” appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.

I remember attending  the first screening of the 1977 Star Wars. We got Star wars T-Shirts and other swag (which might bring a pretty penny these days on Ebay) but the biggest takeaway was the amazing special effects. Today, they look very cheesy compared to the 3D extravaganza that is “Rogue 1”. CGI.provides us with some characters brought to life by now deceased actors (Tarken played by Peter Cushing is a case in point), but there are some endearing new cast members, K2SO, a reprogrammed Empire Droid turn rebel tool, is voiced by Alan Tudyk, giving the film some much needed humor. Other beloved characters pop up in cameos, creating applause moments in the screening audience of diehard fans. It”s a ton of action, which has become a little boring for me these days, but at least I remember how to differentiate the Rebel Alliance ships from the Empire’s fighters. I think “Star Wars” fans will be more than happy as they await “Star Wars VIII” scheduled for release next December, 2017.

Rating: PG-13

My GPA: 3.8

The post “Rogue 1” The Star Wars Franchise Goes Rogue appeared first on Russell Reviews Blog | Movie, Film & Entertainment Reviews by Tim Russell.