Best Picture Frontrunners

Thanks to several critic awards and the announcement of both the Golden Globes and SAG Awards nominations, clear front-runners have emerged for the 2012 Oscar race. Leading the pack is the controversial  Zero Dark Thirty. Following close behind it are the critical acclaimed Lincoln and Argo. I believe that one of these three films will win the Best Picture trophy at this years' Oscars. They are too far ahead of the competition not to have it in the bag. You never know which way the academy will vote, they could go with Les Miserables. I am predicting that this year we will have ten Best Picture nominations because of the caliber of films that came out this year. I have composed a list of clear front-runners, most likely candidates and films that have a longer shot of receiving a nomination. This year the nominations will announced on January 10 before the Golden Globes air. I will make a revised list of my final Best Picture predictions.
Front-runners

• Zero Dark Thirty
• Lincoln
• Argo
• Les Miserables
• Life of Pi
• Silver Linings Playbook
• Django Unchained
• Beasts of the Southern Wild

Most Likely

• Moonrise Kingdom
• The Master
• Amour

Longer shots

• Flight
• Dark Knight Rises
• Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Moonrise Kingdom

Starring: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman and Tilda Swinton
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Written by: Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Rating: 4/5 Unicorns

Two twelve years old( Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) fall in love and run away as a violent storm approaches the tiny island. A various authorities including the local sheriff(Bruce Willis), Khaki Scout Leader(Edward Norton) and the girls lawyer parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) try to track them down.

Moonrise Kingdom was one of the most original films I have seen in a longtime. I have not quite seen anything like it before. It was quirky, whimsical and endearing comedy. It  had one of the best narratives I have seen all year. The screenplay is fantastic and I truly believe Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola are the frontrunners for Best Original Screenplay. Wes Anderson directing style is purely unique in this film. I was fascinated by his directing choices. There would be a scene that at first I thought I didn't like then two seconds later I was completely enamored with it. It takes awhile to digest. The acting ensemble is out of this world. Two young leads are absolutely fantastic. They bring the innocence and intensity of first love to the screen brilliantly.

Moonrise Kingdom is not a film for everybody. The humor in the film is offbeat and the characters are quite eccentric. I admit that it is not my cup of tea but I recognize it as being a great film. It really is a rare gem of a film and I appreciate that. I think it is one of Wes Anderson's  best pictures. Once award season is over this film will be thoroughly decorated.

Movie Buzz

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

It seems that every week there is another casting announcement for the highly anticipated Hunger Games: Catching Fire. It has already been confirmed that Jena Malone has been cast as Johanna Mason and Phillip Seymor Hoffman has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee. Now there are rumors swirling that the casting directors have decided on Sam Claflin to play the coveted role of Finnick Odair. Sam Clafin was recently seen in Snow White and the Hunstman. Personally,  when I was reading Catching Fire I always imagined a Garrett Hedlund type playing Finnick. I am sure that if Sam was offered the part, he will be amazing in the role. Earlier today it was confirmed that Amanda Plummer has been cast in the role of Wiress. After much thought I believe that she will be perfect in the role. The are rumors spreading that Tony Shalhoub is in the mix to play Beetee. That will be the best casting decision in the entire Hunger Game franchise. Perfect is not even a good word to describe him playing Beetee maybe flawless. Melissa Leo is also in the mix to play Mags. I always imagined Mags as being played by someone older but Melissa Leo is fantastic. 

Pixar

It is official, there will be a Finding Nemo sequel. I have been waiting for this news since 2003. I never thought it would happen and I am so excited that this is finally happening. There is a strong possibility that there will be a Toy Story 4. Next year the prequel to Monsters INC, Monsters University will make it way to the movie screens. 

Quick Box Office Report

In the midst of bombs and mishaps Ted is turning out to be the surprise hit of the summer. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom are the indie darlings of the year.  It is looking that Beasts of the Southern Wild will be joining their company.