3 posts tagged “best picture”

Sean adds...

Here is a list of what I think are the best of Oscar's Best Pictures and the worst.  Now this does not mean that what was left off was not good or bad. This does not mean that I don't like some of the worst listed. This is to indicate taht the films here either desereve the title now that time has passed or not.

The Best

1. Casablanca

2. Lawrence of Arabia

3. The Bridge on The River Kwai

4. Unforgiven

5. West Side Story

6. Annie Hall

7. All Quiet On The Western Front

The Worst

1. The Greatest Show On Earth

2. Around The World in 80 Days

3. My Fair Lady

4. Rain Man

5. Forrest Gump

Sean opines...

Juno is one of those quirky teen comedies that has the sharp quotable dialog but also respects the decisions teenagers must make as they realize adulthood is around the corner. Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is a mature girl who in her race for it ends up getting pregnant after a one time sexual exploration with her friend and crush Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). She decides to have the baby and offer it up for adoption. Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) look like the best balance of a couple for her child so she arranges a contract with them. As the movie progresses she learns that life is hard and that love is not always possible, but in the end belief in yourself (no matter what the situation or judgment of others) trumps perfection. At least that is what I got out of it. 

Juno is a film that I could see my self watching over and over. It is the only one of the 2008 Best Picture nominees that I personally will be waiting for on DVD.  Sure the dialogue is fun but the heart of the film as well as the acting is top notch. The chemistry between Page and Cera really made me enjoy this film most of all. Like Atonement, this couple has a restrained romance. But this one works and is enjoyable because no matter what the hurdles these two remain hopeful in themselves. You know that they may not make it as a couple once the film is over but they will always have a fondness that is everlasting.  The two films that best sit side by side with this film are Say Anything..., Dazed and Confused, and Fast Times At Ridgemont High. The comparison here is that although quotable and visually memorable films, these teen comedies took note of the maturation of teens and their attempts at obtaining love with failure a likely result. But what does result are films that are entirely watchable.

The ensemble behind Page and Cera do add to the strength of this film as well. Allison Janney is the most quotable of them all. Garner and Bateman both give three dimensional performances that keep you on your toes when trying to figure out what the twist of the plot will be. J.K. Simmons does a great job as Juno's Dad. All the adults show Juno that life is complicated in their own way and nothing is perfect no matter how you make it. To a humorous degree the scene that best explains that to me at least is the exchange between Janney and Page on why they don't have a dog even though Janney's character is obsessed with them.  

Stefan and I encourage you heartily to check out this enjoyable little film that could and let us know what you think!  

Sean says...

So Mom (aka Jacque) came to visit this weekend. Stef and I ordered Chinese right off and we spent the evening oddly enough listening to people singing in French or at least in French accents. Why? Who knows!!!

But of course the Gigi soundtrack album I have inveritably came out and went into the CD player!  Gigi, for those not familiar, is the adaption of the French novel by Collette and a stage play (originally starring Audrey Hepburn) that became a 10X Oscar winner (including Best Pic) in 1958. It is also Mom's favorite (or one of her favorites) musicals. Damn that Louis Jourdan!  He is so charming in this film while Maurice Chevalier neatly walks a tightrope of creepy old man and adorable gentleman with his bad boy behavior. Love of course conquers all in mistress laden Paris, but such a fun film. Granted the film benefited from Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's own My Fair Lady (which was being developed at the time). If you love musicals this is one worth taking a look at. Well done and fun.

Gigi