Shameless Plug: My other blog

Hey to my small band of readers, I just wanted add a little plug for my design blog, which I've finally started using.

IN BED WITH LEADING

KTHX
-Carrie

Video: Benjamin Button=Forrest Gump

I'm so sorry I didn't post this sooner. I just got around to watching it today.

The Curious Case of Forrest Gump - watch more funny videos

Favorite Films of 2008

At long last, I have my list. It took a lot of deliberation, but I'm quite happy with it. It's actually 11 films, because of a technicality I couldn't get past. Anyway, this thing is really indulgent, try not to have an embolism just looking at it. Click for bigger view.

Oscar Nominations 2008

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Ceán Chaffin, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall
Frost/Nixon (2008): Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Eric Fellner
Milk (2008): Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks
The Reader (2008): Nominees to be determined
Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Christian Colson

SEE FULL LIST HERE

Well. Revolutionary Road didn't get nominated. That's good. But The Dark Knight ALSO didn't get nominated. That's bad. And The Reader? I mean, it was good, but not Oscar good.

However, I'm really glad to see Kate Winslet only get nominated for The Reader, and in the Best Actress category, because now if she wins, it'll be for the right film. Also, now I need to see Frozen River.

I'm glad to see Josh Brolin AND Robert Downey Jr. with Oscar noms. Totally well deserved. And Heath Ledger, bless him. I can only hope he wins. The Best Supporting Actor category this year rocks.

And hey, In Bruges got nominated for best original screenplay. Woo.

Best Song- No Bruce Springsteen? Okay....

Review: Che (2008)

Ernesto Ché Guevara's legacy in America has been reduced teenaged boys wearing his face on overlarge t-shirt. I think this is because we don't know a lot about him. Most people know he was a revolutionary, but for what, it's not entirely clear.

I don't think many directors could pull off a feat like this. Soderberg compiles over a decade of details from Ché's life and uses different styles and techniques to illustrate them, but never getting over indulgent. On the contrary, I think he does it exactly right, and it's what makes Part I interesting and engaging. Part II is different because instead of jumping around from time to location, it stays on a slow and steady journey that's harder to get through, but still interesting. It's quiet and barren. For the scale of the film, it's a huge accomplishment. I would say there are very few, miniscule flaws. I can barely point them out. I think for anyone interested to know a bit more about him, they would do well to see this film.

Also, I thought it was bold to have it all in spanish, but it's what makes it that much more realistic and candid; and the amount of work put in by its lead actor (Benecio Del Toro) to learn Argentenian Spanish is completely worth praising. It's a true epic of a film.

Recommended? Most definitely.

Grade:A
(5)

Review: Bride Wars (2009)

It's only fitting that I would follow up The Wrestler with a gem like Bride Wars.

Uh, there's not a whole lot to say about this, because it is a romantic comedy with tweaked circumstances. Translation: It's exactly how you would expect it to be, but you already know what happens with the characters. Two best friends, who have dreamed of a June wedding at the Plaza Hotel in New York since they were girls, both get proposed to at the same time by their blandish boyfriends, and both have their dreams realized. Until, that is, a scheduling error occurs and they are forced to share their wedding day (which means they can't be each other's maids of honor. Drag). Sabotage ensues, and except for a few moments of clever self-awareness, it's all pretty lame.

Also, as someone who is unashamedly obsessed with weddings, I was expecting more of that kinda stuff, but I was extremely let down.

Recommended? Pass.

Grade: D
(4)

Trailers: Bronson (2009)

so cool