Sideways

Review to follow.

posted by Lisa at 6:04 a.m. |

 
The world's biggest musical!

Or so claims the poster of the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera. Directed by Joel Schumacher (Veronica Guerin & Phone Booth), this beloved musical is a dark tale of murder, mystery and romance.

When diva Charlotta (Minnie Driver-Ella Enchanted) has another unfortunate 'accident', chorus girl Christine (Emmy Rossum-The Day After Tomorrow) is recruited to fill in. She receives rave reviews, much to Charlotta's chagrin, both from the audience and the theatre's patron, her former childhood sweetheart, Raoul (Patrick Wilson-The Alamo). However, her secret tutor, the dark and twisted genius 'phantom' (Gerard Butler-Dear Frankie), is enraged by both Raoul's attention and Charlotta's jealousy. He demands that Christine is treated like a star, and when the new theatre owners refuse to bow to his wishes, he enacts violent and terrifying retribution as the while haunting the beatuiful young singer. Also starring Miranda Richardson (The Prince and Me) as the formidable Madame Giry.

I have never seen 'Phantom of the Opera' live, nor had I heard any of the musical score. Regardless, I went into the theatre with high expectations. While I wasn't disappointed per say, I wasn't as swept away as I'd expected. The music is phenomenal, haunting and beautiful, the sets opulant and lavish, the costumes stunning. However, I felt as though I missed something.

Perhaps it was my unwavering dislike of Driver despite her surprisingly powerful soprano that tainted the experience. Or perhaps it was Rossum. I left the theatre wishing they'd taught the young woman to act when they'd taught her to sing. Her performance was appallingly weak, her acting method apparently being the 'slack-jawed, wide eyed gape' style. I think she was trying for 'doe-eyed' with no success.

Butler was a nice surprise, but perhaps that is because I know what a strong Scottish accent he possesses. I wasn't sure if I liked his vocal style, but as the film progressed, I found that his gruff, gutteral tenor was very fitting. Then again, I also find him the most delightful sort of eye candy, so perhaps I'm biased. I really enjoyed Richardson, but the real treat was Wilson. His sweet sincerity was touching, and his vocal ability is nothing to scoff at.

While I enjoyed the film, and will probably purchase it for prosterity, I think the world would be better served just seeing the real thing.

Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

Labels: Drama, Musical

posted by Lisa at 9:01 a.m. |

 
Winners of the 2005 Gloden Globe Awards

MOTION PICTURES:

Best Picture, Drama: "The Aviator"
I have yet to see this film, but it is on my list. I have heard only good things and I am looking forward to seeing it. This win certainly makes it a favorite for the Oscars.

Best Actress, Drama: Hilary Swank for "Million Dollar Baby"
Hilary certainly has come a long way since her "Karate Kid" movie all those years ago. She has received rave reviews for her performance, and it is nice to see her awarded for it.

Best Actor, Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Aviator"
When Leo was passed over for 'Titantic', Hollywood was in an uproar. Leo is leading the list for favorites for the upcoming Oscars.

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy: "Sideways"
I have to admit, I'd never even heard of this film until last night. I hope I'll have a chance to see it.

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Annette Bening for "Being Julia"
I loved this film, and was thrilled to hear Annette's name called for this award.

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jamie Foxx for "Ray"
This is another on my list of movies to see. Just based on the trailers, I have no doubt that this is a well deserved award. The race between Leo and Ray will be tight for the Oscar in the Best Actor category.

Best Supporting Actor: Clive Owen for "Closer"
I actually had no desire to see this film. However, considering it's numerous nods and wins at this event, it is sure to be an Oscar contender. I guess I'll have to break down and check it out.

Best Supporting Actress: Natalie Portman for "Closer"

Best Director: Clint Eastwood for "Million Dollar Baby"
No surprise here given Eastwood's 'darling' status in Hollywood.

Best Foreign Language Film: "The Sea Inside" - Spain

Best Screenplay: Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor for "Sideways"

Best Original Score: Howard Shore for "The Aviator"

Best Original Song: "Old Habits Die Hard" from "Alfie"
I found this win something of an upset. Andrew Lloyd Webber's past history with the Globes and Oscars, I was suprised that "Phantom of the Opera" was overlooked. Considering how mediocre 'Alfie' turned out to be, it's disappointing that it will now be heralded as an award winner.

TELEVISION:

Best Drama Series: Nip/Tuck, FX.
I have not had the opportunity to see this series, nor do I wish to.

Best Actress, Drama Series: Mariska Hargitay for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

Best Actor, Drama Series: Ian McShane for "Deadwood"
While the show itself is dry and uninspired, I must credit McShane for his powerhouse performances in every episode I've seen.

Best Series, Musical or Comedy: "Desperate Housewives" - ABC
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing this show, but I will definately have to check it out.

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Teri Hatcher for "Desperate Housewives"
I have heard reports calling Teri's acceptance speech 'muddled', and I find this grossly inaccurate and unfairl. Teri was probably the only winner the entire evening that spoke from the heart and was genuinely honored by the award.

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jason Bateman for "Arrested Development"
It is nice to see Bateman doing well again. I was always a fan, and am thrilled by his success.

Best Miniseries or Movie: "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers" - HBO
Great show. Worth all praise.

Best Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Glenn Close for "The Lion in Winter"
I was really rooting for Hillary Swank for her performance in "Iron Jawed Angels".

Best Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Geoffrey Rush for "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers"
Phenominal performance by Rush in this film. This award is much deserved.

Best Supporting Actress, Miniseries, Movie or Series: Anjelica Huston for "Iron Jawed Angels"
I found this a bit of a surprise as I did not think this was Huston's best work.

Best Supporting Actor, Miniseries, Movie or Series: William Shatner for "Boston Legal"
What can I say? It's Shatner. ^_^

Labels: Awards

posted by Lisa at 7:02 a.m. |

 
Christmas cheer takes a holiday

Sometimes life seems to be A Series of Unfortunate Events. In this twisted children's tale, we meet the Baudelaire children, Violet (Emily Browning-Ned Kelly), Klaus (Liam Aiken-Road to Perdition), and Sonny (Shelby and Kara Hoffman). The Baudelaires are sent to live with a distant relative, Count Olaf (Jim Carrey-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), an eccentric actor who makes no secret of his plan to kill them at the first opportunity. The children manage to thwart him at every turn - Well, not every turn, but almost! - and they find themselves caught up in one unfortunate occurance after another.

Lemony Snicket is no Brothers Grimm, but he has woven as entertaining a tale in his book series if the screenplay is any indiciation. I cannot comment one way or another as to how accurate an adaptation the film is as I have not read the books, but I have heard from fans that is well done.

One of the things that struck me as I was leaving the theatre is that the tale did not seem to be rushed as it has in other adaptations. The Harry Potter movies are prime examples of trying to fit too much into one movie and as a result, the audience is left feeling like they're being rushed out of the theatre. This did not happen with this film. The pacing is such that I did not once feel as though I was missing something vital. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I would like to read the books just because!

Jim Carrey was well cast as the bizarre Olaf for the most part. His distinct physical method of acting lent itself to the tale, and there were many times that I almost forgot that it was Carrey. However, there was that inevitable moment where Carrey obviously decided to 'do his own thing' and I found it both distracting and annoying. I have always found that Carrey is funniest when he is not trying to be funny. A great turn by both Billy Connelly (The Last Samurai) as 'Uncle Monty' and Meryl Streep (The Manchurian Candidate) as the phobic 'Aunt Josephine.'

The children, were, of course, the highlight as the stars of this film. The Hoffman's were adorable as the biting baby, Sunny. Aiken was a delight as the bookworm Klaus. This 14 year old will surely be seen again in the future. He brought the character to life with a subtle irony that is hard to pull off by veteran actors. Emotions were conveyed with simplicity, quiet but effective. Likewise of the 16 year old Browning in her portrayal of the 'inventor' Violet. Duff and Lohan beware: there is a teenage actress with actual talent to contend with now!

While the story is darker than most children's tales, one still leaves with that warm feeling one gets from fairy tales. It was refreshing to see such a unique take on the perpetual battle between good and evil. An interesting screenplay, coupled with good direction, excellent acting and a surprising number of cameos, "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" is a must see for both children, and the children at heart.

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Labels: Family

posted by Lisa at 9:14 a.m. |