Alright Alright Alright!

I admit it has taken me a little time to come down from the Oscar high. I admit I am struggling to write this post because I don't want the Award Season to be over. After months of preparation the Academy Awards aired last night and it was fantastic. I felt it had the right tone and all the winners were well deserved.

Can we all give a round of applause for Ellen DeGeneres. She was absolutely perfect last night. Anyone who can create the greatest selfie in selfie history will always be my hero. Everything about that moment was flawless.

I felt that all of the musical performances were out of a dream. The performances had me either dancing or moved to tears. When I think I can't love P!nk anymore than I do, she proves me wrong.

I don't know what was in the air last night but we had some of the best acceptance speeches in Oscar history. Jared Leto proved that his soul is as beautiful as his hair. Matthew McConaughey delivered my favorite speech of the night. How he made the conscious decision to turn his career around is truly inspirational. The work he has been doing over the past four years have been spectacular. I really got to watch True Detectives. I have a sneaky suspicion that he might end up getting an Emmy nomination for his work on that show this fall. Can I get a amen for Cate Blanchett calling out sexism this entire award season. I freaking love that women. Lupita Nyong'o has stolen my heart and I can't wait to see what her future has in store for her. It would be dream for her career to take off like my BFF in my head Jennifer Lawrence.

Everyone looked sublime last night.I am not the biggest fashionista so I want go into much detail about the fashion. This moment right here warmed my heart.

The moment when my heart stopped was when the Best Picture was being announced. I had no idea if 12 Years a Slave would take home the grand prize. I was thrilled that it won because it was the best picture of the year in my opinion. Overall, it was a spectacular night and I cannot wait until the Oscars air next year. 

Showtime: The Oscars are Here

The red carpet has been rolled out. The reporters are honing in their interviewing skills. Hundred of fans are lined up eager to get a glimpse of their favorite stars.  In a short few hours, the biggest award show will begin. Yes, the time has arrived for the Oscars. As an avid film enthusiast the Oscars are a definite highlight for me. In my humble opinion, 2013 was an excellent year for films. I predict that Gravity and 12 Years a Slave will be the biggest winners tonight. Make sure you check out my blog tomorrow for the full rundown of tonight's show. In the meantime, here are my final predictions for tonight.

Best Picture
Will/Should Win: 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: American Hustle

The Best Picture race is really between 12 Years a Slave and Gravity. The reason I choose American Hustle as the film that could win is because I believe the Academy adored the film. There is a possibility that this film will walk away with the grand prize. I hope not but it is a possibility.

Best Director
Will Win: Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity
Should Win:Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: David O.Russell for American Hustle

Best Actor
Will Win: Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club
Should Win: Chiwetel Ejofor for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Leonardo DiCaprio for Wolf of Wall Street

Matthew has been a roll this entire award season. Even though, I will be happy if he won I am rooting for Chiwetel. There is a possibility that Leonardo could sneak up and win this award. If he does, it will be a long time coming.

Best Actress
Will/Should Win: Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine
Could Win: Judi Dench for Philomena

Best Supporting Actor
Will/ Should Win: Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club
Could Win: Michael Fassbender for 12 Years a Slave

Best Supporting Actress
Will/Should Win: Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Jennifer Lawrence for American Hustle

I will be beside myself if Lupita does not win this award. If she does not win I hope June Squibb wins for her amazing performance in Nebraska.

Best Original Screenplay
Will/ Should Win: Spike Jonze for Her
Could Win: Eric Singer, David O. Russel for American Hustle

Best Adapted Screenplay
Will/Should Win: John Ridley for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Steve Coogan for Philomena

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

Holiday Movie Guide 2013

I have been meaning to post this guide for some time now. It may be a few days late  but here is your exclusive guide to all the films being released over the Holiday season.

Now Playing
Inside Llewyn Davis

Out of the Furnace

December 13
Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Saving Mr. Banks- Limited Release (Expands the following week)
American Hustle- Limited Release (Expands the following week)

December 18
Anchorman: The Legend Continues
Walking with Dinosaurs
Her- Limited Release

December 25
47 Ronin
Believe
Grudge Match
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Wolf of Wall Street
August: Osage County
Lone Survivor

Catching Fire

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, Lynn Cohen and Donald Sutherland
Written by: Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

It is no secret that I am a huge Hunger Games fan. I still have not brought myself to read Mockingjay because I don't want this journey to be over. It is also no secret that I was not a huge fan of the popular movie adaption of my beloved Hunger Games. If I am being honest with you, I kind of hated it. I only gave it a passing grade because I felt it was well acted. I was a little nervous about Catching Fire because I loved the book and I did not want to be disappointed again. I am pleased to say this movie adaptation actually did the book justice. Thank the lord for Francis Lawrence.

Catching Fire picks up right where Hunger Games ended. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) have returned back to District 12 after being victorious in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. In order to protect their loved ones and themselves they must convince President Snow(Donald Sutherland) that their stunt at the games was out of love and not defiance. During their Victor's Tour they become aware of the increasing rebellion against The Capitol amongst the districts. Knowing the power that Katniss possess President Snow announces there will be a twist in the 3rd Quarter Quell (75th Annual Hunger Games), the tributes will be drawn from the winning districts. This act forces Katniss and Peeta to enter The Hunger Games for a second time.

The entire heartbeat of Catching Fire was absolutely spectacular. This film remained true to the book. For those complaining about the ending of the film, read the damn book. The film captured the ending of the film remarkably. I was beaming with joy because they brought that moment to life. If you want to know what happens next, read Mockingjay. Now that rant is out of the way, I must admit Sam Claflin was amazing as  Finnick. He was hot, sassy, strong and vulnerable all at once. One of my favorite elements about Finnick is his relationship with Mags (Lynn Cohen). Watching that relationship on the screen was truly bittersweet. Can we get an amen for Jena Malone's portrayal of  Johanna Mason. She was even more bad-ass than I had imagined.

In this film, we get to see more development in the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). For someone who is a big fan of the pairing of Gale and Katniss, I was really thrilled to see all their scenes together. I admit that Peeta and Katniss relationship has really grown on me. I remember thinking about how sweet Peeta was. Damn you Josh for doing such a great job at playing Peeta. Even though shipping can be fun the love triangle really is not a huge factor in The Hunger Games series. These series are about what happens when you stand up for what you believe in. These books are about how one single person can inspire a revolution. It really is beautiful to see a strong and complex female character be a center of a groundbreaking franchise.

From the score to the costumes to the special effects Catching Fire was immaculate. Francis Lawrence has an eye for detail that I really appreciate. In the transition from book to the movie there were a few things that were changed for dramatic effect. I might not like it, but I understand they are catering to a movie audience. If you are the few people who have not seen Catching Fire, check it out. I promise you that you will be entertained. 

12 Years A Slave

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt
Written by: John Ridley
Directed by: Steve McQueen
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns

I can count the films that have left a lasting impression on me. Steve McQueens's 12 Years a Slave is the most powerful film I have ever experienced. I do not use those words lightly. You do not simply watch 12 Years a Slave, it is a film that you experience. It is brutal, intense, incredibly moving  and when it is all said and done an extraordinary achievement in film-making.

12 Years a Slave is the remarkable true story of Solomon Northup( Chiwetel Ejofor), a free man who is sold into slavery. You witness the monstrosities that occurred to men like Solomon. You see how slave owners made it their mission to break their slaves. How they had the audacity to justify their actions with the scripture. This film does not sugar- coat the horrors of slavery. It is not easy film to watch but it is essential for the human race to watch this film. You cannot watch 12 Years a Slave without leaving a changed man.

Besides the strong narrative the film is beautifully made. The cinematography is stunning and the score is haunting. Steve McQueen continues to prove himself as one of the strongest and unique voices in film-making. In terms of acting, there is no weak link in this film. All the actors give award winning performances. I will be shocked if Chiwetel Ejofor does not take home the golden statue after this career defining performance. I was incredibly impressed by Lupita Nyong'o performance of Patsey. Her story was one of the saddest tales ever told. There is one scene that involves her being whipped to the inch of death, I am not sure how I got through that scene. She is a talent that everyone will be talking about. I believe she will be nominated for Best Supporting Actress when the Award Season begins.

12 Years a Slave is not only the best film of the year but one of the best films ever made. You will be doing yourself a complete disservice by not watching this film.

Cheat Sheet: September Edition

Rent This: Now You See Me

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Melanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Written by: Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt
Rating: 4/5 Unicorns

Now You See Me was probably one of the most original films that came out over the summer. It was a fun, sexy and clever action flick. It will keep you guessing every step of the way.

Rent This: World War Z

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos and Daniella Kertesz
Directed by: Marc Forster
Written by: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard and Damon Lindelof
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

World War Z is a heart- stopping thrill ride. You will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I absolutely loved watching this smart zombie film. If there is ever a zombie Apocalypse, I hope it is not anything like this because I would not last five seconds in that world.

Catch This: Prisoners

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Aaron Guzikowski
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

Prisoners follows the story of two families desperate plight to find their missing daughters. This film is a riveting thriller packed with astounding performances. You will have to watch it twice just to get the facts straight. Prisoners is the first great film of the fall, do yourself a favor and check it out. 

Fall Movie Guide

Summer may be over but autumn brings some incredible things. The beauty of the change of the leaves. All the pumpkin and apple flavored beverages. My favorite things are all a crop of incredible films invading the cinemas. Here is the officially guide for all the fall movies. Let me know what you are most looking forward to.

September 

September 6

• Riddick

September 13

• Insidious: Chapter 2
• The Family

September 20

• Prisoners

• Battle of the Year

September 27

• Rush ( Extended Release)
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
• Don Jon
• Baggage Claim

October

October 4

• Gravity
• Runner Runner
• Parkland( Limited Release)

October 11

• Machete Kills
• Captain Phillips
• The Fifth Estate( Limited Release)
• The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete (Limited Release)

October 18

• Carrie
• Escape Plan
• All is Lost (Limited Release)
• 12 Years a Slave (Limited Release)
• Kill Your Darlings( Limited Release)

October 25

• The Counselor
• Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
• Blue is the Warmest Color( Limited Release)

November 

November 1

• Last Vegas
• Ender's Game
• Free Birds
• Diana( Limited Release)
• Dallas Buyers Club (Limited Release)

November 8

• Thor: The Dark World

November 15

• The Wolf of Wall Street
• The Best Man Holiday

November 22

• Delivery Man
• Nebraska( Limited Release)
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Thanksgiving Weekend

• Black Nativity
• Frozen
• Homefront
• Oldboy
• Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (Limited Release)

Drop Everything

In the Shadow of the Sun is having its US Network premiere this Sunday at 10:00 PM. Check out this link click me for more information on the broadcast. You can find  out what station will be broadcasting this magnificent film.If you can't watch it live, make sure to set your DVR. This film is not to be missed. 

Mid-Term Box Office Update

It has happened, summer is beginning to wind down. I want to wish a happy belated Independence Day for all my visitors from Liberia, United States and Canada.  If you need to know what movies are coming out for the remainder of the summer check out my Summer Movie Guide. Now that it is August is upon us, we are almost through the summer movie season. Like each season there are hits and misses. Bare with me as I breakdown what has been hot and what has not been this summer.

The summer box office started off with a bang with the highly anticipated  Iron Man 3. Iron Man 3 is the highest grossing film of the summer and has surpassed the grosses of its predecessors with a red hot gross of $407 million at the US box office. Third highest grossing film of the summer is the Superman reboot  Man of Steel which has grossed a spectacular $286 million at the box office. I don't think anyone is surprised that two superhero movies are two of the highest grossing films of the summer.. The Wolverine opened over the weekend and grossed over $55 million at the box office. It was not a spectacular opening but I feel that it may still have life in it.

Besides superheroes this summer has belonged to the kids. Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University are bona fide hits at the box-office. Despicable Me 2 has surpassed  Man of Steel over the weekend and is the second highest grossing film of the summer with an outstanding $306 million. Monsters University was another solid hit for Pixar, grossing $255 million at the US box office. The other animated films Epic  and Turbo may not have been huge blockbusters but they have performed solidly at the box office.  It will be interesting to see how Planes and Smurfs 2 pane out next month. 

Sequels and adaptations also had an incredible summer. The sixth installment of the Fast & Furious grossed $237 million at the US box office. Rounding out the top ten films of the summer are Star Trek Into Darkness, World War Z, The Great Gatsby and The Heat. One of the biggest surprises of the summer was  the success of the film Now You See Me. That film surpassed all predictions and has grossed $114 million to date. After two weekends I am certain the horror hit The Conjuring will end its run in the top ten highest grossing films of the summer. Not surprising Adam Sandler earned another his 14th $100 million grossing film with Grown Ups 2. Interestingly, there was no indie hit this summer. There have been a few pictures that have done well at the box office but no runaway hit. It will be interesting to see if Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine becomes the first indie hit of the summer.

Not everything has come up smelling like roses this summer. The summer has belong to the superheroes and the kids, a lot of summer blockbusters have been left to the wolves. One of the biggest misfires this summer was the Will Smith vehicle After Earth. The film crashed and burnt at the box office, collecting an underwhelming $60 million. I don't think this film's performance has anything to do with a dimming star power of Will Smith. I am positive with the right material people will pay big bucks to see him on the big screen. This summer has also seen Johnny Depp have a box office disappointment with the big budgeted The Lone Ranger. Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx struck out with White House Down and much to my despair Pacific Rim did not draw the big bucks(don't know why, it was amazing).Then there was the final installment of Hangover that grossed a disappointing $111 million. I wished that they had never made Hangover into a series. They should have left it as a comedic classic. Another misfire this summer was Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn vehicle The Internship.


Disclaimer: All of my figures come from Box Office Mojo. These figures only take into consideration how much the films grossed as of this past weekend. 

Fruitvale Station

I am so excited that this movie got made. I remember when this happened and I was completely heartbroken. I will be bringing my tissues and stress ball when I catch this. It is opening this weekend in limited release. Check out their website http://www.fruitvalefilm.com to see when it will be playing in your heck of the woods.

Summer Movie Guide

It's becoming a bit of  tradition  for me to unveil my summer movie guide around this time. Now that the first summer movie blockbuster is playing why not know what the summer has in store. Let me know what movies you are most looking forward to. 

May

• Iron Man 3- Now Playing
• The Iceman (Limited Release)- Now Playing
• The Great Gatsby- May 10

• Tyler Perry Presents Peeples- May 10
• Star Trek: Into Darkness- May 17
• Epic- May 24
• Now You See Me- May 31
• Fast and the Furious 6- May 24
• Hangover 3- May 24
• Before Midnight (Limited Release)-May 24
• The Kings of Summer (Limited Release)-May 31
• The East ( Limited Release)- May 31
• After Earth- May 31

June

• The Internship- June 7
• The Purge- June 7
• Much Ado About Nothing( Limited Release)- June 7
• Man of Steel- June 14
• This is the End- June 12
• The Bling Ring( Limited Release)- June 14
• Monsters University- June 21
• World War Z- June 21
• The Heat- June 28
• White House Down- June 28

July

• Despicable Me 2- July 3
• The Lone Ranger- July 3
• The Way, Way Back( Limited Release)- July 5
• Grown Ups 2- July 12
• Pacific Rim- July 12  :)
• Turbo- July 17
• The Conjuring- July 19
• R.I.P.D- July 19
• Red 2- July 19
• The Wolverine- July 26
• Blue Jasmine( Limited Release)- July 26
• Fruitvale Station( Limited Release)- July 26
• The Smurfs 2- July 31

August

• 300: Rise of An Empire- August 2
• The Spectacular Now( Limited Release)- August 2
• 2 Guns- August 2
• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters- August 7
• Elysium- August 9
• We're the Millers- August 9
• I Give it a Year( Limited Release)- August 9
• Lovelace( Limited Release)- August 9
• Planes- August 9
• Kick-Ass 2- August 16
• Paranoia- August 16
• The To Do List- August 16
• Austenland (Limited Release)- August 23
• The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones- August 23
• The World's End- August 23
• Drinking Buddies( Limited Release)- August 23
• One Direction: This is Us- August 30

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases of 2013

Happy New Year! I hope you had an incredible New Year and I hope this year is even better than last year. Below you will find  a list of films that I am most looking forward to. There seems to be a lot of incredible films coming out this year and I can't wait to see them. In the next couple of days I will post The King's Guide: Top Ten Films of 2012.  Until that time please sit back and enjoy the preview for 2013.

1. Pacific Rim
2. Star Trek Into Darkness
3. World War Z
4. Kick Ass 2
5. Thor: The Dark World
6. Gangster's Squad
7. Iron Man 3
8. Warm Bodies
9. This is the End
10. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire