Coen Brothers Take on Old Hollywood

An epic and a musical,

a comedy, but that’s not all.

A Western and a drama too,

Hail, Caesar! tries so hard to do.

It takes us back to fifties flicks.

In many scenes it really clicks.

But plot is thin as it can be

and jumps around too hastily.

Channing Tatum’s dance just shines!

Gene Kelly’s work he surely mines.

George Clooney gets most of the laughs

as an actor a group kidnaps.

Josh Brolin’s character looms large.

Keeping stars in line, his charge.

And yet I wanted so much more

from Coen Brothers I adore.

  

GRAVITY Seems Almost Too Real

Gravity, an exciting thriller set in outer space, stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts trying to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space. This unique movie contains breathtaking visuals. While watching the film, I felt like I was actually floating in space or suffering through the mishaps depicted so brilliantly on screen. The cliché “edge of your seat” seems too mild for this thrilling space adventure that combines technical magic with strong emotional pull. Clooney portrays the wisecracking Matt Kowalsky, a veteran astronaut who loves being up in space and telling stories to entertain others. Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her first mission. Ryan can’t help being nervous, and adding to her emotional state, she’s still mourning the loss of a child. Although Clooney does a fine job in a role that’s perfect for him, it’s Bullock who won my heart. Because of Bullock's exceptional likeability and the intensity of her performance, I had no trouble empathizing with Ryan and quickly became deeply involved in scenes showing the terrifying crisis situations she faces. In fact, Gravity becomes a kind of "Perils-of-Pauline-in-Space" story – but one that feels almost too real. No wonder Bullock has zoomed to the top of so many Oscar wish lists. Seeing this film in 3D would probably be best. However, if you’re like me and have trouble adjusting to that process or suffer from migraine headaches, by all means see the digital version. It’s still a memorable viewing experience!

Oscar® Highlights

Although getting off to an awkward start, last night’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards Show included some interesting highlights. Here’s a list of my favorite moments:

■ Christoph Waltz, Best Supporting Actor winner, delivering an exceptionally well-thought-out acceptance speech about his exciting Inglourious Basterd’s journey under the direction of Quentin Tarrantino.

■ Sandra Bullock, Best Actress winner, giving the most gracious (and amusing) acceptance speech of the evening while looking so beautiful in her sparkly lace-trimmed silver gown.

■ Mo’Nique, Best Supporting Actress winner, reminding everyone how important it is to “do what’s right instead of what’s popular.”

■ Presenters Robert Downey Jr. and Tiny Fey humorously bantering about the different ways an actor and a writer look at screenplays.

■ The dynamic group dance number performed to the nominated musical scores.

■ Funnyman Ben Stiller, made-up as a Na’Vi from Avatar, presenting the Best Make-Up Award to the Star Trek folks.

■ A woman, Kathryn Bigelow, finally being named Best Director.


Unfortunately, some parts of the show didn’t work for me. Am I alone in this, or was there too much George Clooney teasing going on? Sure, George is a good sport, but co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin went overboard in this regard. And I’m disappointed about not hearing the original song nominees. While clips of them from the movies helped, I would prefer longer versions sung live during the show. And, most of all, I desperately missed Hugh Jackman.

Surprises at the 80th Academy Awards®

Yes, I admit to watching the entire Oscar show last night! Happily, the televised presentation was filled with glamour and glitz, because most of the stars tried to look their very best. Still, just as I feared, “No Country for Old Men” won in the big categories of Best Picture, Director and Supporting Actor. And the expected Best Actor Oscar went to the great Daniel Day-Lewis. But there were some surprises – both good and bad.

When Tilda Swinton’s name was called out for Best Supporting Actress, I could hardly believe my ears. But I cheered loudly – maybe too loudly. Can you believe my husband actually frowned at me? Never mind that. He was also happy about Swinton’s win. She’s such a terrific actress, and her tough-as-nails performance in “Michael Clayton” is a memorable one. I expected Ruby Dee or Cate Blanchett to pick up an Oscar in this category. Speaking of Blanchett, I really enjoyed Jon Stewart’s jokes about this chameleon-like actress. “Cate Blanchett is playing me right now,” Stewart quipped.

Marion Cotillard winning Best Actress also surprised and pleased me. Portraying legendary French singer Edith Piaf in “La Vie en Rose” couldn’t have been easy. She had to lypsynch and show Piaf aging as well as developing considerable infirmities. This was a role demanding great emotional as well as physical changes, and Cotillard delivered the goods. Did I expect Cotillard to go home with the Oscar? Not at all. I thought Julie Christie would be victorious here for "Away from Her."

My biggest disappointments involved “The Bourne Ultimatum” earning three Oscars, Alan Menken going away empty handed, and “Juno” winning only one golden statuette. With “Bourne” picking up two awards for sound and one for editing, this will probably encourage more loud, jerky filmmaking. Arrrrgh! In the original song category, I thought Menken and partner Stephen Schwartz were the likely winners. After all, they had three songs from the delightful “Enchanted” nominated – and I absolutely love all three of them, especially “So Close.” (Granted, the winning song, “Falling Slowly” from “Once,” is also lovely.) Although Diablo Cody received the “Best Original Screenplay” nod for “Juno,” I wish this practically perfect little movie had garnered more recognition last night.

Winners in the fashion department? Marion Cotillard, gorgeous in her lush ivory gown; Helen Mirren, glowing in red and silver; George Clooney, who’s born to wear tuxedos -- or anything else, for that matter; and Harrison Ford, proving he can be classy even without a bow tie.

Best acceptance speech? Tilda Swinton, who insisted the Oscar statuette looks just like her agent, so she plans to give it to him in thanks for obtaining the splendid "Michael Clayton" role for her.

NOTE: Swinton, in a one-armed velvet shroud, also tied with Diablo Cody for worst-dressed. Cody wore something hard to describe. Watch for photos.