http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php en 2010-09-09T03:02:23 info@beforebraille.com hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=67&c=1 2008-12-29T17:58:30 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General NEW HOME FOR MOVIE REVIEWS. [sunsetalliance.net] There is now a Film Section on the new Sunset Alliance website. This is where new and old films will be reviewed for your pleasure. Remember when I would religiously post reviews on movies I would see on this diary page? ... http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=66&c=1 2008-12-06T10:32:50 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General Hey Everybody, This is kinda exciting. I mean, it’s a bit of an achievement, really. If one knew what had to be overcome for this to happen, one might have quite a smile of joy and conflicted relief of one’s face, as I do now. KILL THE MESSENGER, ... This is kinda exciting. I mean, it’s a bit of an achievement, really. If one knew what had to be overcome for this to happen, one might have quite a smile of joy and conflicted relief of one’s face, as I do now.

KILL THE MESSENGER, KEEP THE MESSAGE is complete.
I am taking pre-orders now.
The album will not ‘officially’ be released until later next year (Spring ‘09), but I had made and goal and promise to have it available by the end of this year…

So, here are the Pre-order details…
I will mail you a copy. The cost is $12. That includes shipping/etc. But here is where things really get good…

1 COPY: $12
2 COPIES: $17
3 COPIES: $20

-Additional copies: $3/each.
-All prices include shipping/handling.
-If you want your copies by Christmas, you need to send money now.
-I am willing to substitute any Sunset Alliance item in place of the copy of an album for no additional charge. That includes any Before Braille CD or T-shirt! And all other available Sunset Alliance releases. (Email me for a list.)

Payment options:

1. Paypal to dave@beforebraille.com
2. Check to David Jensen
Address: David Jensen, PO Box, 32048, Mesa, AZ, 85275 USA

(*Any international order add $6 for shipping for each item up to 5. (Email me and we’ll discuss ways to make it cheaper.)

Send all questions/email to dave@beforebraille.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
David Jensen & Before Braille

I DID NOT GIVE UP. THIS ALBUM GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU WHO DIDN'T EITHER.]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=65&c=1 2008-07-22T19:03:52 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General A lot of things have happened. Let's allow them to stay in the rearview for the moment and discuss what's happening. Before Braille has been inactive since, well actually I don't know. I don't recall when the last show was, but I'm thinking sometime shortly after our ...
Album two, 'Spring Cleaning...' will be release during its namesake season '09.


Before any of that goes down, my new project, ART FOR STARTERS (http://www.myspace.com/artforstarters) will certainly have had our first show and cd release. The record is complete and is only awaiting finishing touches on it's 20-page booklet. The layout should be pretty stunning if all goes right. Please check our pages and let us know what you think. And thanks to all those who have kept in touch. It's always great to hear from you. -david]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=64&c=1 2007-12-13T20:09:37 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General It's been 4 years since it was recorded, but Kill the Messenger, Keep the Message is still on my mind! I guess closure is hard to come by. But, it's closer. Some tracking is already taking place. I'm 4 songs closer... still on my mind! I guess closure is hard to come by. But, it's closer. Some tracking is already taking place. I'm 4 songs closer...]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=63&c=1 2006-10-09T01:23:46 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General It's been 3 years since it was recorded, but Kill the Messenger, Keep the Message is still on my mind. If for no other sake than that of closure. I've paid for and completed the artwork stages for the most part, and I plan to convince the studio ... http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=62&c=1 2006-10-09T01:10:30 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General Unfortunately, I don’t have the time or patience to review movies lately. Working an overnight shift that allows for movie time far outweighs the benefits of actually getting paid well. I gotta go back! Well, I still have time to see film every now and then (especially ... Well, I still have time to see film every now and then (especially when my girl leaves town) but “reviewing” them is another story.
Still, I’ve had people calling or emailing me asking what I recommend and wondering why I wasn’t throwing theses reviews up anymore…so I’m glad to oblige. It helps my ego, if nothing else. So, my thoughts…

AN INCONVIENENT TRUTH
Ummm…Al Gore, I get your point. Time for alternative fuels; I think I heard that somewhere before, but thanks for the scare. Actually, this film did scare me a little, but it would have been more compelling with less graphs and self-serving camera time, and more input from scientists and ideas for solutions. This film felt a lot like an electronic press kit or resume. There are many like it that are much better, but I don’t mind that I saw it. I admit it gave me some more perspective while discussing a topic of great importance. Whether global warming is real or not, I believe clean air and unmolested weather patterns are worth more than most or maybe all technological advances transportation needs. We’ve always needed to do more, and it now appears we have to do more.
C-

THE ILLUSIONIST
I sorta mistook this film for Prestige when I went in to see it and within 5 minutes I knew I was going to hate it. It made itself out to have a story of importance in the first few minutes, and the next thing I knew I was trapped in a crappy love story. As soon as the main character laid his eyes on some cute girl I knew what I was in for. Now, I didn’t leave the theater and ask for my money back because I though my date would still like the film. Upon finding out that she hated it as much as I did, I felt gypped. Dropping 16 bones for what I thought would be a somewhat safe movie…now I’ll have to sneak in to a movie to make up for it. Here’s the whole movie…”oh my gosh, I love you, but I’m but a wee peasant and you a girl of high society.” “oh, I love you too, but I can’t be with you because of my family.” [years later] “Ok, I’m back after running away from the pain, I know you’re in a new relationship now, but I learned a couple tricks if you wanna run away with me.” “Well, of course our puppy love is still meaningful all these years later, so ok….but lets not let the audience know our plan until the end…don’t worry about details, they’ll just accept it cause it’s a happy ending.”
D+

YOU, ME, & DUPRE
Dear Allah, please blow up Hollywood. And while you’re at it, can you put an end to all scenes that have a suitor standoff with his love interest’s close-minded father in which he finally stands up to declare his love and affirmation.
I walked into this film to kill a few minutes before mine started. It put holes is my soul.
F-

CLICK IT
I could tell you a few other things you could do to it. A great date movie for your first 6th grade crush and you to sneak off to in 6th grade, you can focus all your attention on whether or not your hands will touch in the popcorn box and ignore the movie all together. You will have that romantic silence you’re looking for too, for clearly no laughs will enter the room. It might be worth walking into this film to see Christopher Walken’s classic grin under a great haircut.
My sister recommended I see this movie while at my niece’s birthday party. We’re no longer talking.
D

SUPERMAN RETURNS
Alight, I guess I can’t grade a film like this in my usual way. I just need to go in there an enjoy a comic book on screen and hope that it can stay true to what is superman and avoid most the blockbuster trappings. I found that Superman Returns made a valiant effort although the major events that led up to films conclusion were pretty unbelievable. I mean, I know the story is about a dude who can fly and see through walls and stuff, but the characters he comes in contact with shouldn’t be able to hold their breath underwater for 5 minutes. I don’t know, superheroes aint my bag so maybe I’m too harsh. I wasn't sure at first, but I think Brandon Routh turned out to be a good Superman, and although she was to my liking visually, Kate Bosworth didn't work as Lois Lane in my opinion. Too stable and plain.
C+

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, Season 4
Come on now, the co-creator/writer of Seinfield. I don’t need to review this HBO show, but I have been watching it on DVD lately, and it’s awesome. I have to believe that many of the great shows out right now were inspired by, if not this particular show, Larry David’s work in general.
A-

HARD EIGHT
Probably my favorite director, Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love) turned a short he put together at a film festival and turned it into this feature. Originally called Sydney and renamed for US release, this is a heart wrenching story that I like more when I think about how some people never give up on trying to make things right, even if they have to go about it the wrong way. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I always like the complexity of it. Great dialogue and mannerism, and an awesome conflicts. Hard Eight is my least favorite of PT Anderson’s films, but it was great watching it again.
B+

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED
This is one of those movies that I feel like I need to be vulnerable to enjoy. It caught me at the right time and I found it pleasantly funny and thoughtful. I hear it’s nothing like the book. It gets a little gimmicky and cute, but for the right reasons. I’m down.
B+

GOONIES
Saw this on a houseboat a couple months ago. Of course it’s got some really cheesy moments, but I didn’t catch it as a kid, and I don’t care now. It’s just classic and fun to watch. Still, I wonder why 1-eyed Willie didn’t just sail away in his boat when he was still alive. I’m sure he could’ve purchased a nice plot of land and reared a nice, beautifully cycloptic family.
A

FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH
The first time I saw this movie. I think I came at it too late. I was very surprised to learn that it was directed by Cameron Crowe. I mean he must have been 10 years old when he directed it, dang! Anyway, it was pretty typical, but entertaining. A classic high school movie that deals with the same issues that all the others do, but comes out better than most.
B

FUTURAMA Season 1
I think it’s my favorite animated show. I’ve been watching it like crazy. I know some shows have better episodes here and there, but Futurama collectively outlasts them all. Just funny, ya know?
A

TALADEGAH NIGHTS
Shake and Bake! It aint Anchorman, but it’s mindlessly funny. I don’t know, I’ve always wondered how so many “unfunny” things can find it’s way into a group of such “funny” things. Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G/Borat) and his accent is fittingly horrible n this film. I laughed multiple times, so I guess I liked it overall.
C+

ALL THE KINGS MEN
Booooring. And I’ve found it’s pretty inaccurate in its portrayal of the events it is “documenting”. I know its only “based” on true events, but if you’re not going to stick to the story, you should at least wow me with entertainment or at least subject matter worth discussing at the water cooler. I mean, why make the movie if it’s just a movie about sorta something…doing sorta nothing? And I’m still unsure why Anthony Hopkins committed suicide. According to the movie he wasn’t really tagged with anything in particular. (I didn’t ruin the movie for you, I saved you 8 dollars.) Sean Penn’s character was pretty interesting.
Ugh.
D+

THE INTERPRETER
Well, I had this written down to comment on a long time ago. Sean Penn was maybe my favorite actor at some point, but he is now stuck with a typecast, in my opinion. His nonchalant mumbling or wild rants have become a little too counter-balanced. I want to see a performance that lies in the middle, and I really need this man to do a comedy…and I what I mean is, a movie that doesn’t make me laugh because it’s sooo horrible, like The Interpreter.
D

HARD CANDY
Does this film rise above the gimmick with the ideas it introduces? I almost turned it off w/in 10 minutes of the film, realizing its gimmick. When the sexual predator becomes the prey, I often lose interest. It’s just not believable. The dialogue is ridden with junior high school moral pamphlets one-liners and phrases. Although, I cannot fault the place from which the script comes, I have to fault the delivery and destination it takes. Just one unbelievable scene and circumstance on top of another. I found it a lazy “purpose” film. One in which someone is trying to make a point and that point is more important than the filmmaking. I believe the point was made, so kudos for that. Although I find it thought provoking, I’d rather save this for some seminar or college forum for dialogue. I think the film does find its purpose, but I wish I wouldn’t have been able to find my wallet when deciding to rent it. note: the front cover of the dvd was so enticing. I’m jealous of how effect it was. Made me pick it up.
C-

THE BLACK DAHLIA
This film noir is a film bore. A clear case of form over function; style over substance. The mom was sooo awesome though. I’m not sure if she was more bad than good, but definitely both. If you were unfortunate as I to see this film, then you know what I mean. I just think cutting people with knives makes people want to watch. I think that’s why I did. I know I was tired when I saw it (I just came from watching The Departed), but this film would have put me to sleep if I was sitting next to the entire cast. This movie was the first scene of Sin City (the worst scene of Sin City) the whole film, but slower and worser. Yes, worser!
D

THE DEPARTED
Everyone loves Martin Scorsese, as they should. I enjoyed the film, but maybe I went in expecting more. Something about it had me detached from the story. I don’t know if it was the film or me. I might have not been alert enough to follow the fragmented story and calculated misdeeds. I didn’t feel as though anything caught me off guard, but I just don’t have much of a reaction to the story as I think about it. If I could pinpoint a reason for this, it might be the editing. I seem to have this problem with many of the Scorsese films. They build up to probable greatness, but then just sorta end like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle. I guess I’ve become accustom to too much resolution and drawn out conclusions. This Scorsese film in particular does have a strong resolution, but it just happens to fast for me. It felt like The Godfather II in some ways, but w/o the strong sense of family. Vera Farmiga was…here it comes, I’m going to say the word…amazing! I do not regret using such a word because it is true. She landed a perfect character. I know the Academy wants to give Scorcese an academy award really badly since they’ve missed their chances to do so to date…but this is not the one that achieves it. At least I hope not. Anyway, if you like Taxi Driver mixed with NYPD Blue, go see this film.
B

LOLITA
Can’t get this story and film out of my mind. I can’t imagine how intense it was when it was released in 1962. How this film was ever released in 1962 is beyond me. Although tasteful, the subject matter just seems too shocking. It’s probably because Stanley Kubrick intelligently towed the line between inappropriateness and substance and the actors made everything seems so comedic and permissible. 3 words for Stanley Kubrick: poetically altered mindscape.
A-

TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK & BULL STORY
Pretty funny.
B+

ANNE OF A THOUSAND DAYS
I wish I would have written something about this film when it was fresh in my mind. Let me steal something from imdb.com:
Tagline: He was King. She was barely 18. And in their thousand days they played out the most passionate and shocking love story in history!
Plot Outline: Henry VIII of England discards one wife, Katharine of Aragon, who has failed to produce a male heir, in favor of the young and beautiful Anne Boleyn.
I sorta loved this old picture. I’m actually too tired to write right now. Bye.
B+]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=60&c=1 2006-05-14T12:27:07 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General Got a couple calls about film reviews, wondering where the new ones have gone. Unfortunately I can't dedicate the time I had been before because I lost my job position where I was viewing most of the films. But, I can let you know about a dvd i ...
LENNY
Dustin Hoffman blew me away with his performance as Lenny Bruce, a comic and social "evangelist" of his time. This was his story. All the acting performances were spot on. The lighting and choice of black and white was right on. I was thoroughly delighted and enjoyed every minute of this film. Good to get to know Lenny a bit better too. Interested point being made at the end of the film as well. grade: A
p.s. drugs made my favorite comics, drugs ruined my favorite people.

Oh, I saw this movie in the dollar theater just for the hell of it...just tagging along, ya know?
FIREWALL
(It was either this or go in 45 mins late to Curious George, what was I supposed to do? Just killing time and brain cells.) Ok, never trust a movie that has a dated title. Firewall makes sense in our day and age and the heist was hip to the computer generation, but what happens if we don't have ipods in 30 years or even 15? Modern slang belongs in break dancing movies only. Despite all of this, I enjoyed part of the movie, but couldn't help but thinking the producers decided it couldn't go over 90 minutes and just sawed details and developments off the reel. Harrison Ford made his great constipated sounds and herky-jerky movements. His Fugitive-esque expressions were right on, but most everything else wasn't. The movie moved like an America's Most Wanted skit. But hey, $1 while I waited for an appointment...almost worth it. grade: D

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3
Well, they got the Hollywood Blockbuster stuff right. Tom Cruise with big strong funny black guy side-kick, Hot flexible asian doing side-kicking, Stuttering, intelligent English guy (from Shawn of the Dead), Tom Cruise, his totally amazing looking wife, Phillip Seamor Hoffman (probably my favorite actor...he's really great at being mean/angry just see Punch Drunk Love!) and Tom Cruise. Also, surprisingly the main character from Woody Allen's Match Point who must have had his role as mole cut out of the film, cuz he seemed like the guy to hate.
Anyway, I'm not going to knock the film. It was what it set out and portrayed itself to be. I begrudgingly went to see it, but I didn't hate my time in the theater. There were a couple points where I bowed my head in shame and a few moments of nervous laughter when I was embarrassed for the script writers, but I have to say that there was plenty-o-action, and lots of great explosions. The sound effects hurt my ears. Am I getting old? Seriously though, compress those freaking missile jet stream zippy sounds, my ears are still ringing! Anyway, there aren't the twists and turns in the plot that you might hope for, and they're aren't a lot of great moments of dialogue. Plus, the oneliners, although few, were always really horrible. The director of Alias did this film right? Well, that show sucks worst that most so this guy still surpasses all expectation with a C-, which is what I will give the film. And that's being reeeeally nice. maybe C--

ALI G, SEASON 1
Look ladies and guys...if you haven't checked this out you need to hurry before it get's too punchy. Ali G is now doing commercials for the NBA. Hurry up, don't miss the funniest guy in showbiz right now. Borat is my fearless leader!
A (for fans of Christopher Guest a'la Spinal Tap and Waiting For Guffman)

L'Avventura
An Italian film touching on subjects of infidelity and aloofness/riches. A long distance relationship turns into a boating trip, that turns into an investigation, that turns into another romance, that turns into a betryal, that turns into something that i won't mention because it was eeriely touching. This film took major chances back in the day. It was really sexy, the cinematography was really cool, and it speaks truth in a sort of lost way. I know the elements above make it seem like a hack job film, but it was done well and I'm sure set a standard for today. Director Michelangelo Antonioni it won the Jury Prize at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival. I came across this film after seeing this Z Channel documentary which has lead me to see some cool stuff. This picture moves slowly, but it's worth it if you stay patient. I need to grades for this film (on modern and classic standards) A for then, B+ for now.
]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=59&c=1 2006-03-29T19:16:04 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General CURRENTLY, ALL DAVID'S FILM REVIEWS & OTHER SUCH THINGS ARE HOSTED ON MYSPACE. YOU HEAR MUSIC & READ HIS BLOG AT http://www.myspace.com/artforstarters sunsetalliance.net will be the home for most things as soon as the new look is complete. it looks like things are changing once again. ...
sunsetalliance.net will be the home for most things as soon as the new look is complete. it looks like things are changing once again. stability is an artform that i have clearly not mastered. keep in touch w/ me. afterbraille@yahoo.com

Also, look for an Art For Starters (post Before Braille)
debut release late this year or early '07. Mucho love, dave]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=58&c=1 2006-03-10T14:43:33 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General Oscars are over. And I have to admit I was pretty glad that Brokeback didn't win for best film...but it still took home other awards...ugh. I feel bad for Heath Ledger, he may never get another chance at an Oscar, well, unless they do A Knight's Tale 2! ... Anyway, here are some movies I forgot to mention before when I saw them:
SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS
Pretty funny. I gotta tell you I enjoyed most of the film, but once again the female director ended it on a weak tip. Sorry, it just happens too often. Almost every time I'm disappointed in a film in the way I was as I watched this one, I check the credits and it's a female director. Call me prejudice or just specific. Anyway, fun, cute, laughable...all meant in the good and bad way. It's worth seeing for sure, it just had so much potential. Good performances, and awesome menstruation scene. -one benefit of a female director, i guess
B-

BUFFALO '66
I've seen it before, but it was nice to rent and burn. Some of the dialogue in this film is monumental! The humor blows my mind. The acting isn't really noticeable. At times when Vincent Gallo is being ultra comedic the dialogue goes a little overboard, but it still gets a solid laugh. Christina Ricci is awesome. The story and humor is so creative and loose you don't even know you're watching a "romantic comedy". The film becomes totally touching. It's kinda like Sons & Daughters in that way (if you haven't seen the this new sitcom on ABC- Tuesday @ 8pm, i think...then Tivo it or arrange your schedule accordingly. it's the best new show on tv for sure! -ala Arrested Development)

THE BEST OF HE-MAN, SEASON 1, DISC 1
Very glad to get this in my collection. It graces my voicemail greeting right now. Man I loved this cartoon as a kid. I'm still bitter that Mom and Dad never bought me any of the action figures. I'd go over to bratty friends' houses and just stare at their Castle of Grayskull, or their Battle Cat or Man at Arms. I wanted a Battle Cat and Orko so bad, damn it! Skeletor and He-man would have been taken from under my pillow every night and waged the most wicked wars in history all night. I wouldn't have slept a wink. Well, it was nice to have the dvd, but it really needs to be remastered. Strong compression is needed for the sound effects. They're way overboard...well, actually that's kinda awesome. crank it!

North Country
Charlize Theron was really good, but not great. Her supporting actress, the Fargo lady was awesome. The film is so loosely based on the real story that it's not even worth watching. As I watched I thought, "wow, this is really lame stuff to be happening to these ladies and I wouldn't even believe half of it if it wasn't a true story..." well, the events were mostly made up, thus...totally lame. The story fell flat as the characters didn't seem like real villians, but more like boy scouts with wild hormones. Give me a documentary over this crap any day. I admit there are a couple touching moments (town meeting), and Charlize's mother and father's relationship is dramatic and believeable. Overall, it's a puff piece with loosely based facts and a poorly written screenplay.
C-

Le Tour De France: Magnificent 7
Sports highlight film/documentary that covers Lance Armstrong's 7 Tour win in a row. If you like Lance and/or the Tour de France, you'll love it. It's very in depth and intelligent. Coverage and interviews are great and commentary knowledgeable. There are 6 discs in the series, I think. Check em out.

Bad Timing 1980
I saw this a while ago and forgot to write about it. Harvey Keitel and Art Garfunkel star. Harvey is a private investigator who is trying to figure out Garfunkel's relationship with a girl who had been rushed to hospital (won't tell you if she dies or not, cuz that's a major part of the film). Anyway, the film is a bit drawn out, but it pieces together nicely. subjects of love/lust, life/death, rich/poor...can pleasure be purchased, and if so can it be maintained w/o crossing over the lines of caring for another. If you're a patient viewer, it's wroth seeing.
B+

Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
gotta go, but this film wasn't a good as it should have been. still, good. just make sure you're wide awake to follow along. i think that was my problem. Noam is a wise man. One should listen to his perspectives.
B




]]> http://beforebraille.com/diaires/index.php?p=57&c=1 2006-02-28T14:53:43 dave (mailto:dave@beforebraille.com) General I'm sure my picks will be quite different that the results. I never seem to agree with the academy. Boohoo. Leading Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote” Terrence Howard in “Hustle & Flow” Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain” Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line” David Strathairn in “Good Night, and Good Luck” -Wow, almost impossible to ... Leading Actor
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote”
Terrence Howard in “Hustle & Flow”
Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain”
Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line”
David Strathairn in “Good Night, and Good Luck”
-Wow, almost impossible to choose. Finally, a solid list of actors that are all deserving. I guess I’ll have to go with Philip Seymour Hoffman, even though this is not his best performance. He was better in Owning Mahoney where he played lead, and his supporting roles in Punch Drunk Love, Magnolia and Almost Famous. PSH has probably been my favorite actor for the last few years. My next pick would be Terrence Howard or Joaquin Phoenix.

Supporting Actor
George Clooney in “Syriana”
Matt Dillon in “Crash”
Paul Giamatti in “Cinderella Man”
Jake Gyllendhaal in “Brokeback Mountain”
William Hurt in “A History of Violence”
-Paul Giamatti has been robbed twice. He was great in the Negotiator (bad movie), and amazing in Sideways. His role here is good, but it’s just like the Academy to nominate someone a year or two after their “oscar worthy” performances. They always play from behind. Anyway, this choice is easy. William Hurt. Holy blew me away! Jake Gyllenhaal is a joke. Donnie Darko and Proof are the only really good performances he’s had. If Clooney gets it, I won’t be too bummed. Matt Dillon is a distant 3rd along with Paul Giamatti.

Leading Actress
Judi Dench in “Mrs. Henderson Presents”
Felicity Huffman in “Transamerica”
Keira Knightley in “Pride & Prejudice”
Charlize Theron in “North Country”
Reese Witherspoon in “Walk the Line”
-Any other year Reese Witherspoon would be holding an Oscar, but unfortunately Felicity Huffman makes too good of a Transsexual. I didn’t see Mrs. Henderson Presents yet, but I doubt any performance in that film could equal Witherspoon or Huffman. Oh, and give a break with Pride & Prejudice. How many times are they going to make that film?

Supporting Actress
Amy Adams in “Junebug”
Catherine Keener in “Capote”
Frances McDormand in “North Country”
Rachel Weisz in “The Constant Gardener”
Michelle Williams in “Brokeback Mountain”
-Another list that has all deserving winners, but no performance equals that of Amy Adams in Junebug. She carried that film even when it didn’t need carrying. Frances McDormand would have probably got my vote if it were not for her similar performance in Fargo. Still, if she won it (and she won’t), I’d be fine with that. Constant Gardener girl had a great performance too, but her character kinda bugged me.

Best Animated Film
Come on, like you need a list. Tim Burton made an animated film this year. Easy choice. Note: I don’t really watch animated films, so you can take my comments for what they’re worth. I don’t know where Sin City fits in, but it was partly animated and partly genious.

Best Director
Ang Lee, “Brokeback Mountain”
Bennett Miller, “Capote”
Paul Haggis, “Crash”
George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
Steven Spielberg, “Munich”
-This is an easy choice. Bennett Miller for Capote. The others were alright. In fact, I don’t think any of the others would have even been on my list of top 5. PT Anderson should have made a film this year.

Best Feature Documentary
Darwin’s Nightmare
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
March of the Penguins
Murderball
Street Fight
-Shame on me, I didn’t see all of these yet. Still, how could you beat out the universally appealing March of the Penguins. Murderball was moving, Enron was enlightening, but Penguins captured it all.

Achievement in Film Editing
Cinderella Man
The Constant Gardener
Crash
Munich
Walk the Line
-Well, they missed the one that would have won it for me. March of the Penguins first, Match Point second, and Syriana third. I might choose Crash or Munich for this one, but both movies had a lot of writing flaws for me. Walk the Line ended too poorly. And dude, where the hell is Sin City on this list?!!

Best Foreign Film
Don’t Tell, Italy
Joyeux Noel, France
Paradise Now, Palestine
Sophie Scholl – The Final Days, Germany
Tsotsi, South Africa
-I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t seen any of them. I’ll have to catch up w/ Netflix. Weird that Cache was ignored.

Original Score
Brokeback Mountain, Gustavo
The Constant Gardener, Alberto Iglesias
Memoirs of a Geisha, John Williams (didn’t see it)
Munich, John Williams
Pride & Prejudice, Dario Marianelli
-Personally, I think it should go to Grizzly Man. Brokeback Mountain sounded a lot like it, but wasn’t as good. I think my vote would go to The Constant Gardener, but I have to admit that I need to pay more attention to the score because none of these really jumped out at me while watching. I guess the good ones don’t.

Original Song
-I would probably choose the Hustle in Flow song, even though it was the worst of the bunch from the film. There were 2 others that were better. “Whoop That Trick” and a song that I can’t remember the title was best, something like “My Life” or “My Day” or something.

Best Motion Picture
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich
-Don’t believe the hype on Brokeback. It was pretty good at best. Crash rubbed me wrong because it was too unbelievable and ended up saying nothing. I’m going to see it again though. Since I’ve seen it, I kinda feel like it wasn’t trying to pinpoint anything, it was just showing complexities, so I’ll give it another chance. Sandra Bullock seriously deserved a nomination for her supporting role though(yes, I am serious). Munich was too preachy, and GN&GL was too uneventful cinematically for a perceived “event” in history. Capote was magic, bu I gotta tell you that it would have been the only film that I would’ve had on this list of five. My nominees would have been Match Point, Junebug, March of the Penguins, Proof, and Capote. A strong runner up would have been The Squid and The Whale.

Adapted Screenplay
Brokeback Mountain, Larry McMurty & Diana Ossana (please! enough already!)
Capote, Dan Futterman
The Constant Gardener, Jeffrey Caine
A History of Violence, Josh Olson
Munich, Tony Kushner and Eric Roth
-Capote. The problems I had with all those other films were the screenplays. The stories were all great.

Original Screenplay
Crash, Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco
Good Night, and Good Luck, George Clooney & Grant Heslov
Match Point, Woody Allen
The Squid and the Whale, Noah Baumbach
Syriana, Stephen Gaghan
-I have to apologize to the Squid & The Whale because I was down with it for sure. Match Point wins this Oscar very easily for me. It was probably my favorite film this year. Crash will probably win due to the whole race relations-thing. Woody Allen always gets screwed, but he probably deserves it.]]>