Red's Ides of March

How can the last post be March 6th? It feels like only yesterday... I did make it through District 9 (which I thoroughly enjoyed), thus completing all 10 Best Picture nominees in time for the Oscar viewing party. It felt like a big accomplishment which makes me think I need more goals in my life. When I have a focus things get done - if I don't have a focus I become wishy-washy and I can't function. Anyway, the Oscars were full of predictable winners and some surprises. I was apparently one of the few who wasn't surprised that Hurt Locker would take the Best Picture and thankfully, despite a few missteps in the technical categories, I pulled out a win in my Oscar pool. Just barely of course - Nic gave me a run for my money as usual.
I should give a rundown on best and worst dressed but it's almost bedtime and so much has been happening in the first half of March I don't know what to yak about next.
Here's the breakdown... which hasn't yet led to a breakdown but close:

• MIL had open heart surgery = hospital visits and worrying but all is well
• Play rehearsals... mad schedule as our show night approaches
• Finally getting a doctor referral I've been waiting 7 months for, perfect timing
• prepping for a two week backpacking trip to Costa Rica
• Dogsitting
• Oh yeah... and it's my birthday today.

So that's the gist of it... March madness at it's best. All of these items deserve a full post but my bed is calling and it's my birthday so I can sleep if I want to.

Oscar Ketchup 2...

So I buckled down today and made it through 3 movies with only one to go... and I would be watching it now but my eyes hurt.

Avatar: Oh James Cameron... you have it all figured out, don't you? Pick a universal story, spend a lot of money, add some slick new technology, make a bunch of behind-the-scenes-making-of videos, promote, promote, promote... and voila; highest grossing movie of all time... again. Well of course, this movie was overhyped for me but I, gulp, did enjoy it. It may even take the top prize tomorrow at the Oscars. It's going to be a coin toss I think.

An Education: Sweet, surprising movie. I loved the style of it and I always enjoy a movie that fakes me out. You think it is going to go one way and instead it heads in a completely new direction. It's not quite as shocking as my favorite surprise movies (Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects) but none the less it gets bonus points for not being predictable. And the acting was enjoyable as well, a solid ensemble cast.

Precious: Wow - I don't even know if there are words for this one. I'm glad I forced myself to watch it. I like my movies entertaining not horrifying and this one, well, hits a lot of nerves. Mo'Nique is a powerhouse, especially that last meeting. Wow again. I did find the narrative a little choppy and I felt like I was missing a few puzzle pieces. Probably details from the book that they had to edit for time - like the relationship with the male nurse, totally came out of nowhere in the movie and didn't make much sense.

Only one more to squeeze in tomorrow morning: District 9. I really wanted to see this in the theatres this past summer. Sigh... it didn't happen.

Oscar Ketchup...

Welcome back to my blog - let's get to know me... first things first... it is March, my favorite and usually busiest month.
And it's Oscar time!! I love the Oscars; the fashion, the films, the politics, the grandeur. No other awards show comes close. This year my dear friend Nic, and only follower so far, has inspired me to see all the nominated films and right now she is ahead but hopefully I can catch up.

Of the 10 Best Picture nominees I have seen six (Nic has seen 9):

The Blind Side: Very nice little heartwarming film, not totally cliche, and I liked that Sandra Bullock changed her voice and physicality (translation: she actually acted, many actors don't, that's why she's winning acting awards).

The Hurt Locker: Riveting! I agree with Nic, and most everyone else - this better be the Best Picture winner. I also agree that Jeremy Renner should be getting way more buzz about his acting performance. Yes I did see Crazy Heart and thought Jeff Bridges is long overdue to win but there seems to be a lot of bandwagon jumping going on - and he played a drunk. Cliche?

Inglorious Basterds: If there is one thing to be said, Quentin Tarantino knows how to entertain, even if it means re-writing history. I loved the rich characters in this and I'm glad to see this on the nomination list even if it doesn't win.

A Serious Man: I watched this last night and sorry Nic, I'm still piecing it all together myself. The Coen Brothers can layer so much into their films... what did all the ears, eyes, and teeth mean? I read it like a morality tale or fable - the protagonist keeps getting shit on, over and over (in many unique and surprising ways) and although he tries to do the right thing he really doesn't do anything. Then things start to get better but he makes a moral slip and then disaster... literally. It was pretty slow moving at points but another fascinating character study. Why wasn't the lead guy nominated? And I'm going to have to figure out why people were calling it anti-semitic...

Up: Heartwarming! I cried...

Up in the Air: Well after all the early buzz this seems to have lost it's momentum for Best Picture. It's all about the momentum. I did enjoy this movie and thought it was timely and different. Again with the unique characters...

So I still have to see:
Avatar - I still can't bring myself to give my hard earned money to James Cameron. He's got enough.
An Education
District 9
Precious