Ode to Disney's Maleficent

A fairy needs wings.

Without them, she stings.

A fairy needs trust.

Betray her, she’ll bust.

Revenge will ensue.

A curse she will do.

But love comes along.

So can she be wrong?

And if that be true,

how can she undo

her curse so unfair

on someone so fair?  

Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie as the wicked fairy from “Sleeping Beauty,” deals with such serious themes as betrayal, revenge, love, and redemption. But the most impressive thing about this wonderful film involves its creative presentation. Practically every scene comes across like an intriguing work of art. That shouldn’t have surprised me, for Robert Stromberg makes his directorial debut here – and he already has two Oscars for art direction -- one for Alice in Wonderland (starring Johnny Depp) and the other for Avatar. Clearly, the visual appeal of the movie was uppermost in Stromberg’s mind. I admire this approach, because one of the elements I look for while watching a film is cinematic artistry, and Maleficent passes this test with flying colors. I also look for outstanding performances and a compelling story. Happily, Maleficent receives high marks from me in both areas.  

Read the entire review at ReelTalk Movie Reviews. 

http://www.reelttalkreviews.com 

Great Speech, Annette!

Amid so many crude remarks and rambling acceptance speeches at last night’s Golden Globes awards program, Annette Bening added a touch of class. During her remarks upon receiving recognition as Best Actress in a Comedy for The Kids Are All Right, Annette was poised, articulate and amusing. Congratulations, Annette, for your professionalism as well as for your well-deserved award.

Most of the awards were predictable this year, especially in the movie categories, but I was surprised about Paul Giamatti winning Best Actor in a Comedy for Barney’s Version. He won over Johnny Depp, who must have split the vote with ….. Johnny Depp. Depp was nominated in this category for both Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist. (Was the latter a comedy? Hmm.)

This year’s Golden Globes appeared like a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Oscars. Best film? The Social Network. Best actor in a drama? Colin Firth in The King’s Speech. Best actress in a drama? Natalie Portman in The Black Swan. Best supporting actor? Christian Bale in The Fighter. Best supporting actress? Melissa Leo in The Fighter. We’ll probably hear most of these same names called out during the Academy Awards presentation in February.

And speaking of dress rehearsal, my fashion awards for the evening go to Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones, who both looked stunning in their gorgeous green gowns.

Reacting to the Oscar® Nominations

Like any faithful movie addict, I got up early this morning to watch the televised announcements of the 81st Annual Academy Award nominations. And, as usual, I’m happy about some of the nods as well as surprised by others and disappointed concerning worthy candidates who didn’t make the final lists.

In the Best Picture category, I’m delighted to see Slumdog Millionaire among the five competing films. The four other movies are downers, but Slumdog focuses on the triumph of an underdog while offering viewers adventure, suspense and romance. I hope it wins the Oscar! And I feel the same way about WALL-E being nominated as Best Animated Picture. It should definitely end up as the winner of this category.

Nominations for Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) and for Angelina Jolie (Changeling) in the Best Lead acting categories also pleased me. Jenkins delivered a deeply felt, low-key performance that deserves recognition, and Jolie simply transformed herself into a single mother who is frantic when her young son goes missing. Robert Downey Jr. receiving a nod for his very funny work in Tropic Thunder makes me smile, but he has no chance of a win against Heath Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

The biggest surprise to me came when 13 nominations were handed out for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a gloomy film I found extremely difficult to watch. More surprises? Sally Hawkins (Happy-G0-Lucky) missing in the Best Actress list and Clint Eastwood snubbed as Best Actor for Gran Torino. I thought they were shoo-ins to be nominated.

I am very sad that so many of my favorites failed to earn nominations this year. Why no love for Michelle Williams in Wendy and Lucy? Or for Frances McDormand in Burn After Reading? Or for Brad Pitt also in Burn After Reading? Although included in the Best Actor noms for Benjamin Button, Pitt gave a much better performance as the goofy gym guy in that hilarious dark comedy from the Coen Brothers. But my biggest disappointment of all came as I realized my favorite 2008 movie, Mamma Mia, had been shut out completely.

Despite these disappointments, I look forward to viewing the televised 81st Annual Academy Awards Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, February 22.

Seeing Stars

Reading about Angelina Jolie’s delivery of twins this past weekend caused me to reminisce about the movie actors and filmmakers I met while working as a critic in San Diego. Angelina was among the many stars who came to that beautiful city to promote their new films, probably because of San Diego’s proximity to Hollywood. Although I view having my picture taken with celebrities as unprofessional, Angelina and Jonny Lee Miller, co-stars of Hackers, insisted. I'm glad they did. My grandchildren ask to see that photo every time they come to visit. They are among Angelina Jolie's many fans now, so my status with the younger set seems secure -- for a while, at least.

Three other memorable highlights from those “good old days” in San Diego involve Guy Pearce, Ian McKellen and Matthew Broderick.

Visiting San Diego for a personal appearance in connection with L. A. Confidential, Guy Pearce looked nothing like the prim detective from that acclaimed film. With his spiked hair and leather jacket, the diminutive actor resembled a rock star instead. My husband, who always came along to take photos during the interviews, whispered to me, "I think they've brought in a ringer." But I disagreed. Why? Looking closer at the Australian-born Pearce, I spotted those penetrating blue eyes and high cheekbones that make him so photogenic in such movies as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Rules of Engagement and Memento.

Instead of the elitist Shakespearean actor I expected, Sir Ian McKellen was very easy to talk with. He described growing up in an area of England where he attended live theater productions three times a week, which probably explains his great love for the theater over film. However, by serving not only as the lead actor but also as executive producer for Richard III, McKellen claimed he gained a new respect for making movies. Recognizing the need to include American film stars to make his movie a more bankable production, he supported casting Annette Bening and Robert Downey Jr. in the roles of Queen Elizabeth and her brother.

Although I didn't officially interview Matthew Broderick, I met the popular star of Ferris Bueller's Day Off at a holiday celebration in Horton Plaza. Broderick's musical comedy performance in the San Diego trial run of How To Succeed in Business without Really Trying received unfair pans by local critics. While shaking his hand, I told him not to worry. "I saw your show and you were terrific," I exclaimed. I mentioned my background in musical comedy to make sure he understood my credentials. Broderick thanked me, smiled one of the widest grins I've ever seen, and wouldn't let go of my hand. Later, when he won the Tony for this same performance, he said nothing about my encouraging words. I was heartbroken. But I still never miss any of Matthew Broderick's movies.

(More of these “seeing stars” escapades are included in CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, my humorous life story with everything but the movie stuff edited out.)

Reflections on the Oscar Nominations

While still reeling with mixed feelings about the 80th Academy Award nominations announced yesterday, I feel compelled to document my reactions. After all, what do you expect from a confirmed movie addict like me?

Yes, I’m excited about three of my top ten films of 2007 (“Michael Clayton,” “Juno,” “There Will Be Blood”) earning nominations as Best Picture, and I’m very happy Alan Menken received three – count ‘em three – nods for his delightful “Enchanted” songs. But I can’t believe the Academy voters snubbed Angelina Jolie’s terrific lead performance in “A Mighty Heart.” What were they thinking? Although four of the nominees in that category (Cate Blanchett, Julie Christie, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard), deserve Oscar recognition, I think Jolie should have Laura Linney’s spot. Linney is always reliable and sometimes even brilliant, but her excellent work in “The Savages” can’t compare with Jolie’s superb acting as the widow of a murdered journalist.

Other nominations that both pleased and surprised me include: the legendary Ruby Dee for her supporting role in “American Gangster,” Tommy Lee Jones as Best Actor for “In the Valley of Elah,” “Ratatouille,” an animated movie, for original screenplay.

As the world’s most avid movie musical fan, I’m disappointed, of course, because “Hairspray” received no nominations. However, I wasn’t predicting any. (I still think it’s the best and most entertaining movie of 2007.) And, speaking of predictions, it looks like a close race between “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” in the Best Picture category. These films tied with the most nominations – 8 each. My only predictions right now? Daniel Day-Lewis will win Best Actor for his complete transformation into a ruthless oil tycoon in the latter film and Javier Bardem will walk away with the Best Supporting Actor statuette for portraying the most menacing villain of the year in the former movie.

And now a word about my favorite actor, Johnny Depp. It’s wonderful to see his name in the Best Actor category, but I would prefer it to be for something other than “Sweeney Todd.” Don’t worry, Johnny, I still love you.

We’ll find out who wins in all categories on February 24.