Fruitvale Station: The Review

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz and Octavia Spencer
Written and Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns

Fruitvale Station is the mesmerizing debut feature from Ryan Coogler about the last day of Oscar Grant's ( Michael B. Jordan) life. I have been dying to watch this film since I first heard it was being made. I was ecstatic as it got high praise at both Sundance and Cannes. When I put the DVD in, I was overwhelmed. This was a movie I had waited forever to see but I dreaded the emotions the viewing would have. I knew that there would be tears and that most likely I would be consumed by anger. In the end, I am happy that I got the privilege to watch this film.

Fruitvale Station was well written film with incredible performances. Octavia Spencer's portrayal as Oscar's mother Wanda was heartbreaking. Micheal B. Jordan not only gave an Oscar worthy performance but did the incredible task of breathing life into Oscar Grant. I have to give him and Ryan Coogler props for making Oscar Grant human. He was not portrayed as hero nor as a villain. He was a young man trying to turn his life around. He was your brother, your son, your father, your friend and your neighbor. He was someone you could relate to and root for. Unfortunately, these days there are not too many films that portray black males as human. They are just caricatures of what the media believes about blackness. Throughout the film we remain hopeful that things will work out for Oscar but in the back of our minds we know how his life will come to a tragic end.

The last twenty minutes of the film is heart stopping. You are watching the events unfold and you are disgusted with yourself that you allowed it to happen.I remember thinking to myself this is what film-making is all about. It is suppose to create a dialogue. You are suppose to react to what you are seeing. Ryan Coogler's first film is nothing short of spectacular. It is a shame that this fine film was overlooked by the Academy.I will go on the record and say Fruitvale Station was one of the best films of 2013. 

Just Let It Flow: Recap of the 71st Golden Globes

The Golden Globes are a time when the best in television and film mingle for three hours as they celebrate each other with a countless supply of booze. Some might argue that The Golden Globes are irrelevant and nothing more than the bastard stepchild of the Academy Awards. I believe that The Golden Globes set the tone for the rest of the award season. Some people are all up in arms over the winners last night but it is important to note that the Hollywood Foreign Press is not the Academy. Don't freak out just yet, wait until the Oscar nominations are announced than you can freak out.

Overall, I thought the 71st Annual Golden Globes was a success. There were things that irked me but I want to focus on what was great about the night. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey were sensational hosts. They had some of the best one-liners of the night. Their jokes about George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio had me laughing for hours.When it comes to hosting, Amy and Tina really are the golden pair. I was completely ecstatic about the wins for Andy Samberg, Amy Adams(finally), Amy Poehler(once again finally), Elizabeth Moss, Jared Leto(my favorite in his category), Leonardo DiCaprio( Tumblr rejoice) and Cate Blanchett( rooting for her to win the gold).

I know there is still a good chance that Lupita Nyong'o will win the Oscar but I was disappointed that The Hollywood Foreign Press did not recognize her as the best supporting actress. We all know my love for Jennifer Lawrence is strong but in no universe was her performance stronger than Lupita's. To tell you the truth, I was really pissed that out of the seven nominations 12 Years a Slave walked away with one. I am happy that it won Best Drama but come on it should be sweeping the awards. It's just The Golden Globes, there are several other awards for the taking. I was disappointed that Chiwetel Ejiofor did not win Best Actor in a Drama but if he was going to lose to anyone it would be to the lovely Matthew McConaughey. Isn't it amazing to see how Matthew has reshaped his career. I am so happy for his success.

The beginning of award season may have gotten to a bumpy start, but with the Oscar nominations being announced this week and both the Critic Choice Awards and SAG awards this week the season should be full of surprises. Tell me what was great about last night and what had you shaking your head. I want to know your thoughts. 

State of the Race 2013: Best Picture

Before I breakdown the Best Picture race I want to wish all y'all Happy New Year. We are only days away from the announcement of nominees for the 86th Academy Awards. This is the time in the year when my stomach goes into knots. Will my favorite films of the year get the recognition they deserve? Only time will tell.

The state of the Oscar race is forever changing. Earlier during the season, the buzz was all about Gravity. I watched Gravity but it did not really strike a chord with me. I believe it will be nominated for several awards next week. After the buzz for Gravity died down that is when 12 Years a Slave took over. I believe this film is the one to beat. I have not seen a better film this year, in fact ever. I will be more than pissed if this film does not go the distance. Right now American Hustle is the favorite to win. I have watched American Hustle and I found it to be hilarious. It was fantastic ensemble piece but it no way near the best film of the year. I believe the little gem Nebraska was a superior film. I really hope that it receives several nominations.

I am not too sure how many pictures will be nominated for Best Picture this year. I believe that there will be somewhere between 7-10 pictures fighting for Best Picture this year.
Front-runners

1. 12 Years a Slave
2. American Hustle
3. Gravity
4. Nebraska
5. Captain Phillips

Second Tier

1. Her 
2. Dallas Buyers Club
3. Inside Llewyn Davis
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5.  Saving Mr. Banks

Possible Contenders

1. The Butler
2. Blue Jasmine
3. Fruitvale Station
4. August: Osage County
5. Rush