Les Oscars 2009

Hard to believe it's Oscar time again! Going to a fun 1st Birthday party for Matteo tomorrow afternoon then coming home to watch Les Oscars (and all the red carpet action!) Here are my Oscar picks - you can play along at oscars.com

CATEGORY, Who SHOULD WIN, Who WILL WIN
Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire, Slumdog BETTER win!!
Otherwise, I have no pick
Best Director, Danny Boyle, Danny Boyle
Best Actor, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke
Best Actress, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslett (6th nom-ok I get it)
Best Supporting Actor, Heath Ledger, Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress, Penelope Cruz, Penelope Cruz
Best Adapted Screenplay, Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog), Slumdog
Best Original Screenplay, In Bruges (hilarious), Mike Leigh (Happy Go Lucky) 6th nom
Best Score, Slumdog, Slumdog, which means
Best Song, should be Jai Ho (been listening to it on my iTouch all day), Peter Gabriel WILL win for Down to Earth, the theme from WALL-E
Best Animated Feature, WALL-E, WALL-E
Best Doc Feature, Man On Wire, Man On Wire (loved it at Hot Docs)
Best Short Film, Manon sur le Bitume (was at CFC Shorts in Toronto)
Best Foreign Language Film, Waltz with Bashir, Waltz with Bashir
(France's The Class is too long and reminds me too much of teaching)
Batman (The Dark Knight) will win for Best Sound, Best SFX
Anything else? Costumes? Art Direction? Wanted will win Sound Editing

Hugh Jackman is getting his dance number overwith at the beginning of the show and sharing the stage with the stars of HSM3 (High School Musical 3) and Mamma Mia.

Not excited for the dancing but definitely excited to see Hugh carry the 3+ hour spectacle. I think he'll be great - I'll be watching the evening (and the fashions) intently.

Would love to hear your pre-Oscar predictions or post-Oscar blather - please post! Kisses to Les Boys and everyone else in Oscarland (or dreaming of being there) xxMM

excitement, drama
haikugirl loves Oscar night
tell me all your picks

Of Time and The City

Finally saw Terence Davies' film Of Time and The City, his hommage (elegy?) to his hometown of Liverpool. Had tried to see it at Cinematheque at the AGO on Feb 1st but got there and it was sold out so I went shopping (still a productive afternoon).

Seeing it with Hardish at the Bloor Cinema last Wednesday was interesting. Critics raved about it at TIFF 2008 so I'm glad I got it out of my system but I'm not sending you all out to it right away. It's not a documentary as much as a tone poem, which is how I like to think of Marathon Women (a haiku about running). Except for a long, slow 4-minute pan from the downtown to the docks (for which they credit a DOP), the film is fully 72 minutes of stock archival footage from British Pathe and other sources. Davies narrates in his booming bass voice - think Boris Karloff of The Grinch, only tune up the cynicism, say, to ELEVEN. Every word is drenched with arrogance and disdain, with the faintest touch of longing only when he mentions his mother. To say he pokes fun at the monarchy is weak - he really resents them and the Catholic church and effectively contrasts "Betty Windsor's" lavish coronation ceremony with footage of poor Liverpudlians amidst their rowhouses.

A contemporary of Peter Greenaway, Davies has also made The House of Mirth (with Gillian Anderson) and Distant Voices, Still Lives. He talks about falling in love with cinema, being gay and leaving Liverpool. As the Beatles rise, he rejects rock and roll in favour of classical music and scores the movie with his favourite tracks. When the fireworks appear for Liverpool's 2008 celebration as European City of Culture, it's over. Don't see this unless you've had a large coffee and can adjust the volume levels with a remote. They just laid down the tracks with no consistent level throughout the film and at one point I had to close my ears it was so deafening. This from the woman married audiophile. MMm out of five for the archival effort.

TOP FILM NOT!

Further to my previous post on my top films of 2008. I can also name my WORST film of 2008 - and possibly of all time. That would be none other than Synecdoche, New York - a play on words of Schenectady, NY written and directed by Charlie Kaufman. The guy was so insufferable in the Q&A following the screening of his endless film that it gave new meaning to the word suffering. And it seems my friends are uncovering accolades for this crap project all over the web. Case in point: http://popsugar.com/2372843 where they call it "a visually stunning and thought provoking masterpiece." Time Magazine called it "an instant Cannes classic" - are they on CRACK???

NOT! and again NOT!
This was possibly the most boring and ridiculous film of all time, making it even borderline offensive (well at least Jennifer Jason Leigh's spontaneous German accent in the film belongs in that category!) Synecdoche (or as Keith likes to say See-neck-dosh to add that French je ne sais quoi) has become part of TIFF lore for me and my peeps and ranks right up there with Tiburzi and the Hips of JW as one of the worst TIFF films EVAH!

Another disappointment for me in 2008 was Burn After Reading. Although I love Brad and George and have tremendous respect for the Coen Brothers, the film was only okay, and did not live up to all the HYPE. I am very glad I did not pay $85+ tax during TIFF to see it as a GALA. In contrast, Quantum of Solace was far better than the negative press would suggest.

What is the lesson?
Choose films based on your gut, then
make up your own mind...

haikugirl's top picks for 2008

Now remember, I have not seen Doubt or Changeling or Gran Torino (and I refuse to see The Wrestler) but these are my top 11 favourite movies of 2008:

1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
3. JCVD
4. IronMan
5. Milk
6. Man on Wire
7. RocknRolla
8. The Dark Knight
9. Quantum of Solace
10. All Together Now
11. Rachel Getting Married

You will note I have not distinguished between fiction and doc - they're here if I liked them or thought they were good. A rather eclectic list, if I do say so myself!

MMP on JCVD

My first movie of 2009 was really great! Finally saw JCVD Friday night after work with Rich at the new AMC 24 Theatres at Yonge & Dundas (those of you at TIFF would have experienced these already.) Saw Seven Pounds here on Dec. 20 - nice but sad.

JCVD is Jean-Claude Van Damme who plays Jean-Claude Van Damme. As they say in the tongue-in-cheek trailer they shopped around Cannes in 2007: "it's not a documentary, it's a biopic." Jean-Claude is trying to convince them he's perfect for the role - of course he is! It's a meta-movie with perfect casting! The Gaumont intro in the official trailer is the same as in the beginning of the film. The silhouettes crack me up every time.

JCVD is truly great. I don't want to reveal too much - the movie plays and replays scenes adding layers and perspective so the real story is never quite revealed till the end but Director Mabrouk El Mechri is on the 2008 International One to Watch List and the film is showered with glowing reviews.

Near the end Jean-Claude gets vulnerable in an emotional monologue. I haven't seen The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke (see my previous post about Mickey's bad behaviour) but JCVD has the kind of comeback performance that deserves notice. Bravo Jean-Claude! On applaudit...

JCVD is
Jean-Claude Van Damme's great comeback
Mickey should take notes

I declare "Martini"

Martini: On-Set Term; the last shot of the day. Preceded by Abby Singer (the second to last shot of the day) and followed by the first drink of the evening.

For more cryptic expressions to impress your friends at the next TIFF cocktail hour, visit the Project Greenlight Movie Terms page.

Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder was fun. Ben Stiller was funny without being annoying (and his arms were pretty cut ;-) Robert Downey Jr. was totally hilarious - can't get enough of him this summer. Jack Black, Nick Nolte were en forme and Canadian Jay Baruchel (of Knocked Up) was a great straight man (smart guy foil?) Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise were great in their cameos. Perfect sendup of Hollywood, right down to Oscar night. Actor-turned-Screenwriter Justin Theroux wrote a hilarious script - great job! Tropic Thunder is worth seeing on the big screen because you're not quite sure exactly when it begins (and the fake trailers keep you guessing). Delighted to hear Jon Favreau is already working on Iron Man 2 with my fave Robert Downey Jr reprising his role and Justin writing the script.

TIFF 2008 is coming Mr. Anderson!

Just saw Jason Anderson's Festival fever article in this week's eye weekly. I just met Jason this weekend and after reading his TIFF sneak peeks I am looking forward to more TIFF recommendations. Ivana and I got our tickets straightened out at the Box Office and will have to submit our choices next week. TIFF has announced the full lineup of films and of course the best ones seem to be Premium tickets (i.e. Roy Thomson Hall GALAS or VISA Screening Room seletions at $40 bucks a pop) This year we can't use our tickets for VISA (a shocking first) but maybe we'll splurge if decide we can't live without seeing a top film or the sexy stars in tow. Like maybe Burn After Reading on Friday night after an awesome $$$$$ dinner at Reds or Canoe? It's our 10th Anniversary of TIFF with Les Boys so we will need to splurge at least once. Even the Closing Night Gala looks good this year and the cast is stellar (lately there have been some real dogs on closing night.) Mr. Anderson?

Movies, Movies, Movies - July

July was a banner month for movies, at home and away - check the [late] reviews:

Hancock: Loved it! Will Smith is perfect. Jason Bateman helps him make over his bad public image and Will plays along, learning to compliment people and improve his listening skills. The anti-hero superhero flick. Charlize delivers a surprising performance. Definitely worth seeing in theatres.

Wanted: Angelina is amazing in this and so is James McAvoy. Morgan Freeman turns up in this too (is he the hardest working man in show business today?) Unbelievable stunts and effects but a very, very violent film. Saw it with my brothers and Richard and then went out for dinner with a disappointingly long long wait.

The Dark Knight: Unlike Hancock who rules his movie, Batman is a supporting player in his own sequel. This film belongs to the Joker and Heath Ledger is incredible. Definitely an Oscar-worthy performance (and now he's nominated for a Golden Globe). He made me think of Jack Nicholson in The Shining (not in Tim Burton's Batman). This film is long and beautifully executed but ultimately I felt it had no soul. Replacing Katie Holmes with Maggie Gyllenhaal was barely worth the effort. Aaron Eckhart was good (how many aa's between them?) and Gary Oldman and Micahel Caine were solidly reliable in their reprise performances. Maybe the producers had the film recut after Heath's death to salvage every one of his brilliant on-screen moments? Or maybe Batman just isn't tough enough to overcome the maniacal Joker? It was great to hear a similar take on the film by the British reviewer on BBC's The Culture Show.

En route to Dublin they actually showed us Drillbit Taylor with Owen Wilson helping out a bunch of kids. Whaaa?? I didn't even bother plugging in my earphones for that one. They also showed Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds as the father of Abigail Breslin who tells her the story of how he met her mother, one of 3 possible women. (Kind of like Mamma Mia where there are 3 possible dads.) Rachel Weisz and are great and even Kevin Kline shows up as her older lover and former prof. Glad I got to see this perfect inflight movie free (instead of paying $6.99 on Pay Per Vu)

While in Ireland we saw really cheesy movies on RTE Two including Blast from the Past with Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone. [Nothing could compare with the thrill of seeing Crime Spree (shot at the now closed Hargrave Pub) when we were in St. Martin in 2004.]

After finally enjoying some free wifi at Shannon Airport, we saw 3 movies on the way home:
1. The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana. REALLY enjoyed it (despite having to dodge the head of the kid who kept jumping up in front of me). I'm sure the book was engrossing but now I don't have to read it. Amazing how true stories can be the most shocking, even though IMdb says there are a few historical inaccuracies in the film.
2. Fool's Gold with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConnehey was TOTALLY lame. Plus, because it included a plane crash they edited out the last key scene and jumped to a ridiculously pat ending.
3. Over Her Dead Body starred Eva Longoria as a ghost bride who tries to sabotage her ex-fiance's new girlfriend - a beautiful psyhic. The captain kept interrupting the dialogue and it didn't matter because it was pretty lame and predictible.

Ready for TIFF and TUFF

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) tickets went on sale Monday, July 7 and I've bought my 10-ticket package for $167 (and one for Ivana when she gets back). This year, they're telling us we can't use our tickets to bid for VISA Screening Room movies, even though we've done that every year since 2002. VISA Screening Tickets are $45 (the 8-film package is already sold out at $350+GST) and I paid that last year for 2 individual VISA tickets but we will have to see how they lay everything out in the order form in August.

Every year TIFF increases its prices and adds more rules. Visit haikugirlmovies for my latest RANT about TIFF. I don't think the TIFF founders wanted this "people's festival" to become out of reach for the average Toronto filmlover. They are offering student and senior pricing this year and a new student daypass but what about the diehard non-students like haikugirl & friends who've been going and supporting this festival for years?

I also submitted my TIFF for TUFF 1 minute movie into the Toronto Urban Film Festival. It's a photo montage of the stars I've seen at TIFF through the years. Cross your fingers for me! If I'm a finalist you'll see my movie on the ONESTOP screens in most subway stations - over 1 million people can view it during TIFF in September and vote online!

HBO's Recount

Recount tells the story of an unbelievable time in U.S. history: the Florida recount following the 2000 presidential election. Chock full of A-List actors (Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson, Dennis Leary, and Laura Dern playing crazymaking Katherine Harris among others) these performances are sure to be honoured at next year's Golden Globes. This film is gripping, shocking, and a sad reminder that sometimes, even when you win, you can't win.

Check out the Recount trailer and comments online and see this if you get a chance. Even though we know how it ends, it's stunning to relive the dramatic twists and turns. And despite the obvious point of view of Writer Danny Strong, you still learn more than you thought you knew, or at least get most of the facts with better packaging. Triumph of the rule of law my A**!

HBO's Recount
sure to be rewarded at
next year's Golden Globes

Drop Your Shorts 3

On Mother's Day I made the trek out to the west end to DROP MY SHORT at the Revue Cinema. I was there before 12 noon on May 11 because the first people in line could submit their short film to be screened as part of the 90-minute lineup at 7:00pm on Thursday, May 22 at the Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles for the third instalment of Drop Your Shorts.

In 90 minutes we saw an interesting array of 12 films, all 15 minutes or less. I enjoyed seeing The Last Minutes of Alan Winters by my filmmaker friends from Ireland. It was great to meet the team from Scarlett Pictures - congratulations guys!

Ironman ROCKS

Last Friday May 9, Sam stopped in TO and we went to see Ironman at the Beach Cinemas. Robert Downey Jr found the perfect comeback vehicle as billionaire scientist and arms maker Tony Stark who has an epiphany after being held captive in the desert. Director Jon Favreau even appeared in his own film as Stark's driver and Gwyneth was "Pepper Potts", Stark's trusty assistant. Jeff Bridges was almost unrecognizable as Stark's business partner (don't worry - I won't spoil it). Ironman rocked from beginning to end, the effects were FAB and the writing was note-perfect. Definitely 4Ms from haikugirl MMMM. Robert Downey Jr was TOTALLY HOT and there was no shortage of his trademark glib humour laced with sexy innuendo. I think that should be my new mantra for future communications ... (?)javascript:void(0)

Hot Docs 2008 is HOT!

Been catching up on my movies since Hot Docs started.

Friday: saw Air India 182, an emotional film about the bombing. The director did a beautiful job weaving together the intrigue of the case and interviews with family members who lost relatives in the bombing. Everyone aboard (331 people) died, including 86 children. Over 270 of the passengers were Canadian so it was a huge tragedy for the country and an early introduction to the impact of terrorism. Don't worry if you missed it: CBC will air it uncut and commercial free on the anniversary of the take-off on June 22 (check local listings).


Saturday: Saw Altogether Now, a mesmerizing look at all the work that went into creating the Cirque du Soleil show LOVE using all original Beatles music. Amazing behind-the-scenes camera and interviews with Cirque director and members and the remaining Beatles and their wives. Interesting how Yoko Ono and George Harrison's widow both had so much input to Cirque along with Ringo and Paul. The crew shot 180 hours of footage and genius editor Heidi Haines whittled it down to an engrossing 2 hour movie. Director Adrian Wills was at the Bloor Cinema for the screening along with Giles Martin (son of Sir George Martin, who worked on all the original Beatles albums.) Giles is a hottie and very funny. Adrian's french is flawless. Uncle Wes and Marcella have seen LOVE at The Mirage in Vegas twice. I already have the soundtrack (natch) and told Richard he has a year to take me to Vegas to see it and that I want the DVD of the movie for Christmas. If you've seen LOVE, you need to see this movie; if you see this movie, you need to see LOVE. This has been my top pick of hot docs so far! Great to see it with our friends Tom & Linda - congrats on your engagement les amis!!

Sunday: Saw Talking Guitars about Flip Scipio who repairs and builds guitars. Both he and Director Claire Pijman were at the screening at Isabel Bader. Flip is a nice unassuming Dutch guy with an encyclopedic knowledge of guitars and tremendous skill with the instrument and love for it. He also happens to be based in New York and in demand by a very famous clientele, including Jackson Browne, Ry Cooder, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, Ben Taylor (son of James & Carly) whom we all see in the movie. A relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to wonderful calming music and conversation. Lovely to have Hardish, William & Cassie join us.

Next screening on Tuesday: Man on Wire

movies, movies, movies

I am looking forward to this weekend's release of Run, Fat Boy, Run - missed it at TIFF and after running a marathon (and making a short marathon movie) I need to see how David Schwimmer directs Simon Pegg who decides to run a marathon to win his fiancee (Thandie Newton) back. I like the message in the trailer: "Relationships are like marathons. They require dedication, discipline and determination, of which Dennis has none." They also borrow the line: "It's not how you start, it's how you finish" which I first heard by Gerard Depardieu as Chef Didier in the delightful movie Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.

Also interested in a couple of films at this year's Cinefranco - the 11th annual French film fest in Toronto. Planning to choose between Toi on Friday, Crossed Tracks on Saturday, or Conversations with my Gardener on Sunday.

Also interested in a charity event on Friday night at the Dominion pub on King East. One of the subjects in my new video has donated a work of art for auction. Will there be time for sleep and a run this weekend??? Watch for reviews early next week.

Hot Docs

I am liking the selections on the early list of Special Presentations at hot docs. Films by Errol Morris, survivors of Alive (the Andes crash) and Sandrine Bonnaire's directorial debut. Very interesting stuff.

Although I idolize Dr. Seuss, I am NOT interested in seeing Horton Hears a Who until it's out on video. Why are Canadians (Jim Carrey, Mike Myers) always involved in Dr. Seuss on the big screen? Did you know Dr. Seuss was born the same year as my grandmother, AND he lived on Howard Street in Springfield, MASS (Rich & I lived on Howard Street in TO)

Lots of great videos are now available to rent so it's my chance to catch up before I see my next movie in theatres: Run, Fat Boy, Run with Simon Pegg. My next rentals are: No Country for Old Men, American Gangster, and Gone, Baby Gone. Which are your favourites?

Autism: The Musical

Another snowstorm, another Doc Soup screening. Missed last month's screening of Up the Yangtze because of the massive snowstorm but plan to see it in theatres. This month: Autism: The Musical. This delightful doc follows a group of California kids with autism and how they scripted and performed a musical in 6 months. The work that Elaine Hall is doing with The Miracle Project is truly inspiring. A revealing, all-access portrait of participating families and their challenges. The five principal kids were very endearing and the parents were very candid about their lives and issues. I especially loved Henry (who has Aspergers) a hilarious charmer with an encyclopedic knowledge of dinosaurs. The Director Tricia Regan is equally adorable. She admitted she can't help choking up when she sees the film and her biggest thrill is to watch people experience it at screenings. A surprising 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism in the U.S. this year (in 1980 it was only 1 in 10,000 children). Shot and edited with love, this doc shines the light on a growing issue, one that society can no longer ignore. See this with your family and laugh and learn together when it airs on HBO March 25

NFB screening - thank you friends!

Thanks to EVERYONE who came to the screening of IDC videos at the National Film Board on Monday February 25th. Most of the audience were Marathon Women fans including 3 of the film's STARS (Mary, Hardish & Karen) and my co-director/producer Tamara. Thanks also to the lovely representatives of JeansMarines Men's Auxiliary (Gary, Dennis and Ray), my wonderful Rich, Jan from Vancouver, Marci & Greg, and Lesley and Angie who all came to show their support. I really appreciate it dear friends!

Interesting to see all 9 shorts from the Toronto area, including 3 of the 2007 finalists and 6 others never before screened.

State of Mind by Team Plasticine

Sumo Robot by Team Balidog

Forty Years, Hockey Nights by Team Trawna

The Bells of Old York by Team Moveable Feast

Marathon Women by Team haikugirl

Milk Matters by Team Pura Vida

Selling Faith by Team Toronto

Chantal Mukandoli: A Testimony by Ellipsis Productions

Outside The Box by Team 72Hundred

Really enjoyed "Forty Years, Hockey Nights" about diehard Leafs fans keeping the FAITH that their team will take home the Stanley Cup. "The Bells of St. James" reminded me that across the street at St. Lawrence Hall we had our wedding reception 6 years ago. Also reconnected with a friend who is now a Hot Docs Programmer. And of course we had to have a beer after. Shot of the gang at the Friar coming soon...

Oscar Watch & Marathons

After dinner Saturday night with the M-Club at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, woke up to start watching all-day "Road to the Oscars" coverage, beginning with a great edition of Sunday Morning on CBS including a humorous comparison of the Oscar race to the 2008 Election. Most of my Oscar picks mirror the popular choices but I also like comparing "who will win" to "who should win". I agree with most of the Independent Spirit Award winners - and can't wait to see the fashions on the red carpet later today. In just a few hours, I'll be comfortably in my basement in my cone of silence watching the red carpet fashion parade on the new big screen. Hope you are able to catch all the festivities.

Then the excitement continues tomorrow night with the screening of Marathon Women at the NFB. Enjoy and send me your Oscar picks and pans!

Congratulations to the anonymous haikugirl reader who just completed a mountain marathon (see Comments). Don't worry - I'm told irritability is a common side effect of dehydration - my own Marathon Recovery was pretty manageable. Enjoy this encore link to the Flora London Marathon "day after the marathon" video and keep running!

The Number 23 and All Bets are ON!

Number 23
kinda spooky, kinda weird,
kinda lame ending

Saw this on Pay-Per-Vu and it was alright - a decent rental. Virginia Madsen looks pretty hot for most of the film and Jim Carrey does a pretty good job. I won't spoil the ending but it was pretty wimpy.

Out to Morton's on Friday night (to quote my lovely husband "Feb 15 is the new Feb 14"). A mighty dinner and bill but then he lost a bet (everyone knows it wasn't Katie Holmes with Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible III, it was Michelle Monahan, soon to be in Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey). We made another bet on Saturday night while watching our Las Vegas Marathon on the PVR. Rich said: it's that guy from Survivor 2nd season and I said Whaa?? Anyway, Rich was right (this time) - it WAS Colby Donaldson playing a dog lover with a giant great dane (this is on Mystery channel folks so it is an old 2005 Las Vegas episode). I would never have remembered the guy's name (my Mom would - she's a die hard Survivor fan) so I had to IMdB him (like Larry Birkhead, whom Sarah just spotted at The Cove Atlantis) but I AM impressed that Rich plucked the reference out of nowhere. So he's getting dinner at the Keg (York St) this month. Congratulations Rich!