WATCH WATCHMEN!

When I first heard that Zack Snyder, the revolutionary cinematic director who provided us with Sin City and 300, was working on a new ‘superhero film’, I was far from screaming “This is Sparta!” However, if you were to go and watch Watchmen with the expectation of the overused hero-angst-due-to-being-accepted-by-the-public-whom-they-protect, then just like me, you would be dead wrong.

Watchmen is not your average ‘superhero film’, its virtually not even a superhero film at all. None of the characters remotely resemble the typical do-gooder persona, but rather are selfish and tormented by the natural human instincts of lust, greed, revenge, pride, and envy. As for the story, it is as if the original creator of the comic series, Alan Moore, devised a murder mystery in the backdrop of a parallel universe to the Cold War and decided that ‘normal’ characters would be too simple, hence the superheros.

Rorschach. Rorschach, Rorschach, Rorschach. Arguably one of the best characters to have ever come to life on the screen, Rorschach, will take you on an emotional roller coaster as he continually commits acts which force the audience to reconsider their allegiance to the ‘good guys.’ That, coupled with Jackie Earle Haley’s awesome voice (move over Jeremy Irons), and comic relief makes Rorschach a character to enjoy and hope that, if there is ever a sequel or prequel, that he is definitely a main role.

In reference to sequel and prequels, it is clear that the film has an intensive back-story to each of the Watchmen members, so intensive that it could have been a film on its own. Yet I credit Snyder and his team for the somewhat perfect integration of flashback and present story. As for a sequel, I never thought I’d say this but I would like one, even though that would be near impossible seeing as the film covered the entire 12-part series in 160 minutes. And yes, that is another thing, this movie is rather lengthy, and for those who know me well, you all know I tend to hate movies over 100 minutes. However, with its exceptional story, special effects, script, character development, and overall originality, I did not look at the time once. I even recall hoping that it would keep going.

For the last month I had been secretly anticipating another superhero movie, and in the end I did not get one. I got something better instead. That was nearly as surprising as the ending of the movie itself.

One other important thing. In a change of tone…I know film piracy is big these days and I’m not being holy and saying it is wrong or right but: you are a wanker if you download this film and watch it on your pissy little computer screen with your ‘fully sick’ speaker system. This is one of those films that you must watch at the movies to receive the true experience and subsequent appreciation.

To end with,

WATCH WATCHMEN!

8.5/10

And The Winner Is...

Ok, first and foremost: you will all be quick to learn that I am obsessed with Meryl Streep; therefore bias towards any of her work. I understand that some of you may see this as a reason to immediately dismiss my opinion regarding anything Meryl-related; although in doing so you are denying the truth!

Anyhow, the 81st Academy Awards…

Overall, I was impressed. Majority of the awards were given to their rightful owners, the style of presentation was different yet effective, and the hosting ensured an entertaining drift between categories.

To begin with I think I will address the gem of the night. Hugh Jackman. I am ashamed to admit that, like nearly every other person watching, I was expecting a mediocre ‘fill-in’ for the usual standard of Oscar hosts. However, like nearly every other person watching, I was captivated from Jackman’s first performance. I would even go as far to say that he stole the night.

As for the presentation of the awards themselves, I was initially confronted by the absence of clips that usually accompany the calling of the respective nominee. However, I soon took a strong liking to their new idea, having five previous victors come out and each acclaim one of the nominees. To me it fostered a notion of an all-star body of talent overseeing the appointment of a new successor, such as past presidents do to new elects.

Speaking of politics, Milk, arguably the biggest shock of the night with Sean Penn defeating the underdog juggernaut, that is Mickey Rourke! Now of course, even though I loved The Wrestler and believe Rourke delivered a knockout performance, I was in the backing corner of Frank Langella, for his scarily accurate portrayal as Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon. Nevertheless, well done to Penn and I really loved how he took such a prime opportunity to support the legalisation of gay marriages, as I am doing now. For me, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role was: a) the most heart racing; and subsequently b) the most shattering, all for obvious reasons. Yet I am not going to justify why Meryl deserved it more that Kate Winslet. I have accepted that, for being the incredibly talented actress she is, Winslet finally got what she deserved. Congratulations to her although I assure you Meryl will reign supreme the next time they face off. For the main event of the night, I had mixed emotions, while I wanted Slumdog Millionaire to win; I still affirm that either, or both, Doubt and The Wrestler should have been deemed nominees for Best Motion Picture of the Year.

So that is it for this year. I can only pray that next year has the same competitiveness and excellence. This year, the category that was exemplary with these qualities was Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. Even though the eventual winner satisfied public expectation, each of those nominees where definitive winners in my eyes, as cliché as it may sound. Although only Heath Ledger’s take on the Joker in The Dark Knight, could have overcome the aptitude of Robert Downey Jr, Josh Brolin, Michael Shannon, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Only Heath Ledger…

Drum roll please...

So the 81st Academy Awards celebrated the apparent best films of 2008 on Sunday, so naturally there would be a post on the subject as it is ‘Hollywood's night of nights’.

I have to first start of by declaring my undying love for Hugh Jackman-he was amazing! After years of watching the Academy choose a comedian to host, I was surprised when I found out that they had named Hugh Jackman. I admit, I was very nervous for him; he isn’t a funny guy, so how on earth would he pull of this huge event? Well with song and dance…obviously. The moment he started singing, my mouth fell open and the voice in my head said ‘Of course!’ What better way to utilise our Jackman’s talents then by getting him to do what he does best.

In terms of winners and losers, I have to say that this year I found no dispute with any of the winners. Usually there is always a hand full of winners that don’t deserve the title, but not this year; everything was too my liking, so thank you AMPAS for catering to my needs.

I was backing Penelope Cruz for Best Supporting Actress, and honestly didn’t think she had much of a chance, not because the other nominees were better, but because AMPAS is stupid. Stupid no longer (we’ll see how long it lasts).

Best Supporting Actor went to Heath Ledger-as was very rightfully deserved. I don’t think anyone in that room, or in the world for that matter, would have had it any different. Even if one of the other nominees had won, they would probably wished they hadn’t, what with the whole world backing Ledger. The Ledger family gave a nice moving speech, and it was apparent that a lot of the actors in the room were visibly moved.

Kudos to Kate Winselt. Finally…finally! She probably should have had that statue years and years ago, but I guess it has more value now. Even though I was supporting Angelina Jolie for her role in Changeling I have to say I was happy none-the-less when they called Winslet’s name. My only reservation about the win is that it should have been for her role in Revolutionary Road (brilliant film, I will be reviewing it soon) and not The Reader, but as AMPAS are a pain in the arse, they completely snubbed RR. I found her to be very ordinary in The Reader and the performance was not as strong as Streep (for Doubt) or Jolie. But regardless, I am happy she has been officially inaugurating into the Best Actress club.

And what more is there to say about the greatness that is Sean Penn? He is such a versatile actor who can bloody do anything! I must point out however that my feelings towards the Best Actor Category were largely apathetic because the best performance of 2008 was disrespectfully not even nominated. Leonardo Dicaprio should have been the winner in my eyes. His role in Revolutionary Road was completely breathtaking and surpassed all the other nominees. Why AMPAS…why?

In the writing categories I was also pleased. Simon Beaufoy’s win for Best Adapted Screenplay for Slumdog Millionaire was hands down well deserved. That movie was great because of four things; it’s perfected screenplay, amazing editing, incredible musical score and of course the astonishing direction of Danny Boyle. So it was nice to see that it got the award for each of those categories. Well done to A.R Rahman for his double win for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

And to finish of my post, it’s fitting that I should end with my thoughts on Best Picture. Slumdog Millionaire’s win was worthy...very worthy. Of the films nominated it was the clearly the best, but again, had Revolutionary Road been nominated and lost to SM, then I would be bitchin’ and moanin’. What I loved about that win was how the producer, Christian Colson, invited the entire crew who worked on the film to collect the award with him. This really highlighted the art of cinema for me; a great film is a collaborative effort, and credit shouldn’t be singled out but given collectively.

Episode 1: Initiation

And so it begins…

If you know StreepStalker and I, you will know that we are movie buffs, nay-movie addicts. We view movies as more then entertainment, but an art form that has the power to move, inspire and warrant change.

So when one holds film in such a high regard, it’s only inevitable that we would need some form of outlet for our thoughts and judgments. And thus was born ‘For Your Consideration’. The perfect way to make us feel that our opinion matters!

So the main idea is that we will be giving our thoughts on movies we have seen, old and new. As we are also huge fans of television series, we might throw in some of that as well. We aren’t all that certain ourselves as to a format and schedule, we are just going to ride it as it comes (how’s that for a cliché).

We hope you guys enjoy reading whatever drivel we come up with, and more so hope that you will join in and let us know if you think differently-even though you’re wrong.

StreepStalker & WhosaYousa