2014: My Oscar Nominations Predictions

These are my predictions for the 2014 Academy Awards nominations which will take place on January 16, and as a part of the Film Actually Oscar nominations contest.

Dumb Movie Scene: Man of Steel (2013)

[Spoilers]

Man of Steel was one of my most anticipated films of 2013 and it was downright disappointing. There I was sitting in the theater waiting to be blown away by this god awful film at some point but it never happened. I could not get into the story nor its characters and then the unthinkable happened -- a scene so dumb, I had to switch my brain off completely and say "Fuck it!".

Poll: Favorite Summer 2013 Movie?

The fall of movies is underway and I couldn't be more happy because I did not enjoy this year's summer lineup of films. A few movies were great but overall this summer left me feeling pretty underwhelmed. 2013 hasn't been a good year so far in regards to movies so hopefully the fall lineup will redeem it.

Unforgettable Performances - Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose, 2007)

Director Olivier Dahan brings to the big screen the biopic of one of France's most iconic and international singer - Edith Piaf. She is portrayed by French actress Marion Cotillard who not only gave us a fabulous look into the singer's life but totally embodied her.

Disney Animation Lookalikes

Ever wonder what some of our favorite Disney animated characters would look like if portrayed as real people? These actors and actresses sort of resemble the characters and I think they could do a decent job in portraying them in live action films too - well some of them anyways.

Movie Questions (Episode 1)

[Spoilers]

Now and then, some random questions pop into my mind while watching a movie. These questions usually go unanswered because most times it's not much of a big deal or they're just plot holes and contrivances that you can't help but shake your head at or laugh. If you've seen the movies, check out these random questions and if you know the answers - just leave a comment below.

Poll: Best Film Reboot?

As I patiently await the new Superman reboot Man of Steel, I can't help but think of some film reboots that really worked. The original films may have been good, and in some cases bad, but the reboot did succeed in bringing entertainment and life to the franchise. The Star Trek reboot is one such example. As much as I adored the original films (well some of them anyways), the reboot did a fine job in getting me more interested in the Star Trek universe.

Unforgettable Performances - Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit, 2010)

I witnessed one of the most impressive performances by a young newcomer when I watched the movie True Grit. Hailee Steinfeld was surrounded by big name actors such as Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges who also gave solid performances. At no point did she get overshadowed by the talent pool - she stood right out. She gave a very commanding and confident performance from start to finish. Every line uttered by her was so thunderous; she was a pleasure to watch and listen to and had me glued to this movie.

SNG Movie Thoughts Turns One Year Old Today!

It's my blog's 1 year anniversary. Yay me! Thanks to everyone who has visited, read, commented and showed some love to my movie blog. I like doing what I do and I feel even better knowing persons actually read and enjoy it :)

52,000 + views and counting - much more reviews, etc to come.

Then and Now: The Sandlot (1993)

Where are they now?

The Sandlot is a movie that I watched a million times growing up and even to this day, it is still an enjoyable gem from my childhood. Not only is it one of the first movies I ever watched about baseball, it is one of those movie that will have you lost in 90s nostalgia. The casting was great, the tricks were so fun to watch and it paved the way for my love and appreciation of baseball. 

Video: Comic Superheroes Rap Parody

Feeling sad that The Avengers 2 and Justice League films are still years away? Well here's a video to put a smile on your face :) Watch your favorite Marvel and DC superheroes rap to Kanye West's 'Mercy' song. Check it out.

Short Film: Insane Office Escape 2

I had to share this live action first-person short-film, this is bloody incredible - literally. The shots and angles are so impressive that it feels like you're playing a first person combat video game. This is one thrilling chase and what makes it even cooler is that the characters are dressed up like the characters from Reservoir Dogs. Check out this short-film from Ilya Naishuller.

Unforgettable Performances - Jaye Davidson (The Crying Game, 1992)

"Have you ever tried to pick up your teeth with broken fingers?"

So I watched The Crying Game for the first time this past week and was immediately blown away. Not only was I impressed with the content of the film but also that of the performance of a young and unknown actor - Jaye Davidson. Jaye Davidson plays a character name Dil and does so impressively. For much of the film, I was thinking - there's just something oddly good about Dil. After a surprising turn of events, everything became much clearer and Jaye sold it so well. He got better and better at this point. He delivered each line so confidently, he didn't seem uncomfortable one bit and he was pretty commanding. I couldn't believe this was from an actor with no prior acting experience.

Oscars 2013 Thoughts

Well the 85th Academy Awards finally happened and overall it was better than I had expected. Seth MacFarlene was our host; and while he did have his corny moments, there were definitely moments of laughter he provided me with -- plus his singing pieces weren't so bad. For this year's Oscars, they decided to go with a musical theme -- honoring musicals of the past ten years. I liked the musical segments. We had the pleasure of seeing Catherine Zeta-Jones being sexy in her Chicago performance, then Jennifer Hudson took over and performed a powerful piece bringing us back to Dreamgirls. Then the wonderful cast of Les Miserables closed out the segment showcasing some powerful singing. The Oscars this year was in no way perfect but I really enjoyed it better than last year's show. It felt more lively and Seth MacFarlene was a decent enough host. I really hope they get Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on board as hosts for next year's show.

Oscars 2013: And The Winner is.....

As you know, The Academy Awards, or better known as the Oscars, is the pinnacle of movie awards. They recognize and celebrate great movies and movie performances for the past year, also including directors and writers. Sometimes you might not agree with their verdict but the Oscars usually get it right with their choice of winners. The Awards are held each year usually in the last week of February or early March. Oscar season usually gets under way in November and this usually when studios release their critically acclaimed films in hopes of winning awards. Check out the respective categories to see the nominees and respective winners of the 2013 Academy Awards.

Unforgettable Performances - Denzel Washington (Training Day, 2001)

"My nigga"

Usually in most movies... dirty cops will try to keep their dirty secrets hidden in hopes of not being found out by fellow officers. However in Training Day, Alonzo Harris played by Denzel Washington, established from the get-go - he doesn't give a damn. Denzel's bad-ass performance thoroughly carried this movie. He never lost character and he portrayed the ultimate villain when in fact he was suppose to be the "good guy". His attitude and lines were on point and he definitely made this film way better than it was suppose to be.

Unforgettable Performances - Juliette Binoche (Three Colors: Blue, 1993)

Julie: "Why are you crying?" 

Servant: "Because you're not."

Trois Couleurs: Bleu or as it is better known as Three Colors: Blue, is a movie with a dark tone defined by a great performance from its lead actress - Juliette Binoche. Binoche plays the character Julie and the film follows Julie's life and recovery after the tragic death of her husband and daughter. Binoche portrays a grief-stricken and pale woman so impressively that you will be drowned into her depressive mood as the movie goes along. She portrays this character with so little dialogue but you could feel her pain and that's one thing I really admired about this amazing performance. Even her silence was deafening. This film is slow-paced so as a result I was furthermore encaptivated by the lead's gloominess and emotional struggle.

Ranking: Paul Thomas Anderson

Today my focus is on director Paul Thomas Anderson, a director which emerged in the mid-90s. He is famous for films such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, etc. I must say that I rediscovered this director recently even though I had saw a couple of his films prior to 2012. I silently watched and rewatched his films over the past few weeks (I just recently saw The Master) and I must say I I have a new found love for his works.

Unforgettable Performances - Edward Norton (Primal Fear, 1996)

"Jesus Christ Marty. If that's what you think, I'm disappointed in you. There was never an Aaron either"

Edward Norton definitely trolled the whole world in this movie with his breakout performance in this court thriller - Primal Fear. Edward starred along Richard Gere and Laura Linney who also delivered solid performances. Norton played a young alter boy accused of murder and throughout the film, we a see a quiet, seemingly innocent, stuttering Norton declare his innocence and did a great job in selling it to his attorney and associates. What we didn't know is that we were about to witness some of the most impressive twists in this film. You see Norton shed his soft side and totally transform into unsuspecting evil. He was cold, convincing and did a great job in selling the twists. He made this movie better than it should have been.

Scene from the movie Primal Fear (1996)

Unforgettable Performances - Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, 1971)

"I was cured..... all right"

Malcolm McDowell delivers a haunting but beautiful performance in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange. From his adorable accent to his crazy antics and facial expressions, I was totally impressed and engrossed in his performance. Alex Delarge is a deranged delinquent but has the heart of a boy. This is quite evident when he wreaks havoc with his "droogies" but conforms in no time after being incarcerated for rape and murder. His performance was top notch and he carried this film to insurmountable heights.