Which Film should Have Won The Oscar-2017

 

Oh, I feel this is one charged year because you had many films that were not nominated for Best Picture like “Blade Runner 2049”, “ The Florida Project” and “The Big Sick” all films I have yet to see. I decided to stick with films I have seen that I chose in the nominated area and should have been nominated or should have won. I hope this makes sense but if not…oh well. This is just my own opinion, but one, I think, shared by many…at least for the film that should not have won. I am speaking about Best Picture for the films that came out in 2017…

1. THE SHAPE OF WATER

I like Guillermo Del Toro who directed this weird love story about a mute cleaner who works in a top secret facility who meets a creature, kept by evil scientists, and falls in love with the creature from the black lagoon. Oops, sorry, wrong movie, but you know Del Toro must love this 50s film. This movie was a huge hit but I just didn’t get into it. I had no care for the lead actress nor slime boy and their wet and wild times. My favourite was the always great, Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins who created great characters in this movie. This film won Best Picture but I don’t know why…he deserved it much more for “Pan’s Labyrinth”. 

2. 3 BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

This film was nominated and Frances McDormand won best actress for her portrayal of a grieving mom trying to find answers that the cops could not. This film left me with so much emotional sadness but also, strangely, hope. It’s a character study of a grieving mom, a dying cop and his angry deputy played to perfection by the ever great, Sam Rockwell, who, also, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This film may not be for everyone but, I think it’s such a great story about loss, anger, love and redemption.

3. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

I love this film! Hugh Jackman is great as the showman, P. T. Barnum who  started the famous circus, “Barnum & Bailey’s Circus”  which showcased trapeze artists, clowns, animals and, yes, circus freaks. Thankfully, after over 100 years, they no longer have animals..oh..nor the circus “freaks” but still entertain people after restarting in 2023. This film was highly criticized for its inaccuracies but, duh! It’s a Hollywood musical and almost all biopics have creative licences to make a film people wish to see. Hugh Jackman excels as the man who coined, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Dancing and singing dreaming he will create more musicals in the style of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I love how he gathers up some future famous people like “Tom Thumb” who suffered from dwarfism and only stood at 3ft 4 inches but he was all proportionate, as well as, the bearded lady, Siamese Twins etc.. The music is excellent and I am dumbfounded that it was not even nominated for best score which should have won Best Oscar as well. It is a film more about people who are different and ostracized, but find a family within their own world rising above the people who snubbed their noses at them. Love the songs, costumes, art direction and the cinematography. This deserved to be nominated.

What do you think? Any films you think should have won Best Picture  or do you agree with me?

I Love These Tunes

 

My Lexi knows how to chill before she goes nutsy because that’s what she does. She reminds me of..me when I went out dancing, some 40 yrs ago..ugh…I can’t believe I’m talking like this because I am too young to talk like this. Now, I am recalling how I would sit around until some music would start to play, usually the 80s music which was great but, I love the older music too and I recalled going to one place, in Toronto, with 3 levels and the main floor centered on the 60s. I danced the night away and went crazy before plopping down somewhere, just like my Lexi. I’m joining on the Monday Music Moves Me which is freebie week.

1. HOUSE OF THE RISING SON SUNG BY THE ANIMALS-1964

I can’t believe this fantastic song came out the year I was born..holy Hanna Banana!! This is a great song and, when I went to the local pub in University all those years ago, some random student grabbed the mike and sang this song and he was …amazing! I still recall how great he was singing this song.

2. WILD THING SUNG BY THE TROGGS-1966

I always found this band’s name to be found in the film “One Million Years B.C.” This British band came out with this great tune which I danced to, many times, .but the best was in that disco I spoke of with all the psychedelic colours splattered onto the walls.

3. SOMEBODY TO LOVE SUNG BY JEFFERSON AIRPLANE-1967

I have this album and need to listen to it again. I love this band including the lead singer, the astounding Grace Slick whose voice is one of a kind. This song was written by her brother in law, Darby Slick but Grace and the band made it her own. 

What 60s songs do you love..hahahaaa, there are too many to love!

Stay Out of The Sun…Good Luck!

 

I am writing this on July 2nd, the day back in 1997, when my favourite actor, James Stewart died at the age of 89. I was praying he would not die that week because I was getting married on July 5th, but he did and I was bummed. You bet your sweet bippy that I spoke about him at my wedding and I’m glad I did. Today is supposed to be National Stay Out of the Sun Day so I combined the 2. All I can say is that it’s stinkin’ hot outside and it is good to stay out of the sun…if you can. Here are my 3 films…

1. REAR WINDOW-1954

This is one of my all time favourite Hitchcock films and Jimmy Stewart films. It takes place around this courtyard during a sweltering summer with Jimmy Stewart as an adventurer photographer sidelined by a broken leg. He is holed up in his apartment with a cast all the way up to his upper thigh. He has a nurse who comes in every day, played by the incomparable Thelma Ritter and his beautiful fiance, played with great finesse by Grace Kelly. You meet all the people Stewart is peeping..er watching from Miss. Lonely Hearts, to the composer, the dancer, the couple with their dog and the husband with his invalid wife. You can feel the heat which just confines you even more than this intricate set. When the invalid wife is gone one day, Stewart expects foul play but is it? You get taken into his world and become a voyeur and can’t wait to  see what all the people are up to. Grace looks exquisite in her outfits and seems to be the only one who doesn’t sweat. It’s a must see film

2. ANATOMY OF A MURDER-1959

This takes place during a sweltering summer when a man is accused of murder and the only one who may be able to get him off is “aww shucks” James Stewart as the Defense Attorney. The accused, played by Ben Gazzara, claims he has no memory of killing a man who was accused of raping his wife, played by Lee Remick. The prosecutor is played by George C. Scott who was nominated for an Oscar for this role and, thought for sure he would win. When he didn’t, he was so disillusioned by the whole Oscar process, he vowed never to accept an Oscar if he ever won…and he kept that promise. Anyhoo, you feel the heat while in that court room especially when they used risqué words like panties, rape etc… In fact, these words caused quite the furor in its day and Stewart’s dad was so disgusted by the film he took out an ad, in his hometown, telling everyone to stay away from this film. It is quite well acted by everyone and I love Eve Arden as Stewart’s secretary. I can’t help but think this is the inspiration for the show Matlock with Andy Griffith in the title role.

3. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX-1965

This is an all star cast with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot flying between to places in Libya carrying a variety of people associated with oil rigs. A dust storm takes them off course and they crash land in the desert. The group of men must now deal with the hot sun, doing their best to stay in the shade while rationing what little food and water they have. When an arrogant German ( who else?) finds a way to make the plane fly again, everyone gets to work despite the antagonism between Stewart and the German, played so well by Hardy Kruger. They must deal with all sorts of trials hoping they can find their way back to civilization before they die and shrivel up in the sun. This is a fun adventure film and a great character study. I enjoy watching this film whenever I get the chance. 

So, what movies can you think of that makes you think of staying away from the sun because it’s just too damn hot?

National Day- Celebrating Canada Day, Our Own Country!

It’s about National Day over at Monday Music Moves Me and I am so happy that Curious As A Cathy provided a link for all the days we celebrate something. Since yesterday was Canada Day, what better way than to celebrate the country I love. Here we go…

1. CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY SUNG BY GORDON LIGHTFOOT-1967

This is considered part of Canada as much as Gordon Lightfoot who is a Canadian institution. He wrote this as part of our centennial and sung this during the celebrations back in 1967. He almost, always ended his concerts with this great song.

2. LAND OF THE SILVER BIRCH SUNG BY BONNIE DOBSON-1972

This is an iconic song that many kids know especially  when they go canoeing because they can sing it to the rhythm of paddling. Ok, it’s what I read…but it’s a song from a poem written by Pauline Johnson and it is used, to great effect, in the 2019 film, “Brotherhood” about the true story where 10 Boy Scouts and the Counsellor die after capsizing  in an Ontario lake. Rather a sad way to showcase this iconic song that now has come under fire being called racist. I’m just tired of all this complaining because just about every song can be construed in a negative way. 

3. CANADA-THE CENTENNIAL SONG SUNG BY A GROUP (Sorry) -1967

Oh gosh, I am trying to figure out who sang the song here but I was unable to find out. If you can find out, please let me know:)). This was written by Bobby Gimby for the Canadian Expo of 1967, again, to celebrate our centennial. I thought this song was appropriate as well.

So, any songs, about Canada, can you think of..aside from our National anthem?

July Star of the Month-Janet Leigh

 

JANET LEIGH

BORN: July 6, 1927

DEATH: October 3, 2004

AGED: 77 years

DIED FROM: Vasculitis 

REAL NAME: Jeanette Helen Morrison

MARRIED: 4 times, 1st one was annulled, she was young 15/16 yrs. 3rd to Tony Curtis. Few days after that divorce, she married Robert Brandt, a stockbroker, from 1962 until her death.

AFFAIRS: Arthur M. Loew Jr. Possibly Frank Sinatra

CHILDREN: 2 daughters, Kelly Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis. Was pregnant, much earlier, but miscarried.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Psycho- 1960

TALENT: highly intelligent-graduated high school at age 16. She could sing and dance  was in a choir when she was young.

KNOWN FOR: The first sream Queen.  Her versatility. Her bodacious ta-tas..sorry, but true

Everyone knows the famous shower scene when Janet Leigh let out those screams before grabbing the shower curtain and falling onto the floor, still as a dead person is supposed to be( except her eyes are not dilated as Doctors noticed). She had to lie there for a long time which is no easy feat and this scene caused her to never take showers ever again. This young girl, born to very poor family, excelled at school and graduated high school by the age of 16. The impetuous girl decided to marry but, this marriage was annulled. When she turned 18, she married again right around the time, Norma Shearer, a huge actress during the 1930s, saw her photo at a ski resort where Leigh’s parents were working. Shearer was struck by the beauty of Leigh, sought her out and decided to bring her to Hollywood. That is how Leigh ended up in the big town and onto to celluloid. The good thing is this very pretty gal with the 37-23-25 measurements could fill out a torpedo bra like no one, but she could, also, act. She met Tony Curtis at a party and soon, they were an item. She divorced her 2nd husband and, at age 23, married Tony Curtis with great friend, Jerry Lewis, as Best Man. To say their marriage had its ups and downs, is an understatement. She dealt with his numerous affairs and his narcissistic jealousy. Finally, after 12 yrs of marriage and 2 daughters, he filed divorce! He claimed adultery etc.., which blindsided Leigh to the point where she, allegedly, overdosed and her stomach had to be pumped. she was able to survive this publicity ridden fiasco and find the love of her life and married in 1962 staying with this man until she died. 

She was well liked, amiable and was a pretty good actress who could also sing and dance but when she took on the role in Bye Bye Birdie, the one dance scene was enough for her to say, “Never Again”. She ventured onto TV giving some great acting spots like the aging, forgotten star who commits murder in Columbo ( a really excellent episode if you can watch it). She starred with her daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Fog” and "Halloween:20 Years Later” confirming that both mom and daughter could be scream queens together. Sadly, she developed this Vasculitis and struggled with it in the final year of her life. I looked it up and saw a picture of a person’s lower legs…it’s not pretty. It’s a sad end to someone who was a solid leading lady in major roles and supporting roles. I chose most of the films from what I have seen. I always like to see Joel’s top 10 who has seen far more films than me:) 

FILMS

1. Bye, Bye, Birdie-1963

2. Psycho-1960

3. Who Was That Lady-1960

4. Holiday Affair-1949

5. Angels in the Outfield-1951

6. The Manchurian Candidate-1962

7. The Naked Spur-1953

8. My Sister, Eileen-1955

9. The Vikings- 1958

10. Touch of Evil- 1962

I'm going more by her performance, than the actual film which is why "The Manchurian Candidate" is low on my list. "Touch of Evil" is a star-studded film considered a gem in film. Everyone seems to love it, except me. Charlton Heston as a Mexican is as true as the Pope wearing the white jump suit from Elvis. 

I believe this interview is from a Canadian TV Program called, Saturday Night at the Movies with host, Elwy Yost..I miss this man.

Thursday Films Picks- German POW Camps

 

Before I begin, this week’s film theme, I wanted to let you know that I finally remember to let you know who won the Oscar for best song- Fight For You…meh. Song that was Nominated- Husavek and the song that received no love was Glasgow which is a shame because that’s my favourite.

I decided to write about a favourite theme of war films..the POW camps which usually involves an escape or 2..or more. I have spoken about “The Great Escape” more than once and, it’s one of my all time favourite films, but I decided to go with 3 films I recently watched. 

1. LA GRANDE ILLUSION-1937

We can ThNk a German officer, stationed in Paris, who saved an original copy of this great film, when the French and the Germans wanted it destroyed. He brought it back…to Berlin which, when the war was done, was taken by the Communists, back to Moscow. There, it stagnated for a few decades before it was finally found and has been lovingly restored. It’s based during WW1 when 2 French men are taken prisoner and must stay in an old fortress headed by German air ace, played to perfection by the great Erich Von Stroheim. This is not just a war film, that doesn’t show the war, but it’s about class distinction and how war is futile. The one Frenchman, from a blue collar background is portrayed by the French acting legend, Jean Gabin who, along with another, escapes the prison. I love this film from the actors who speak  different languages to how rigid the German character is yet, very compassionate. This is a must see film.

2. THE COLDITZ STORY-1955

This was a pleasant surprise to watch and one I could watch again. It's a British film showing how the Brits, French, Polish, etc were all placed inside this old castle as a POW prison which the Nazis felt was inescapable. Of course, the men tried but were all captured because everyone were acting on their own. They decide to join forces and act as a cohesive team to disrupt the guards and make an escape. It's a cat and mouse game with thrills, Sadness and some hilarity thrown in. A very solid cast makes this film one to see.

3. VON RYAN’S EXPRESS-1965

I really enjoyed this film that stars Frank Sinatra as an American pilot who was sent to a POW camp in Italy. He is able to create a mass deportation of the British POWs  along with an Italian who never wanted to be part of running this POW camp. From there, you follow them on the run, taking over a train attempting to get Switzerland. The character Sinatra plays, is not well liked by the fellow prisoners because they feel he is a turncoat and give him the name Von Ryan. It's tense filled plus action oriented. A very good film with Sinatra in the lead.

What POW films can you think of?

Who Won Best Song Oscar for 2020

 

Ok, I normally write this theme the 3rd week of the Month, but I like doing the themes on Monday Music Moves Me so I placed this theme of mine now. I am not much for the newer songs because they don’t make me  hum the tune. They all sound the same or they are, simply, annoying. Anyways, let’s see if you can guess which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up nadda!

1. HUSAVIK SUNG BY WILL FARRELL AND MOLLY SANDEN

My head must have been up my ass but I never knew about the Eurovision contest even though that is how ABBA  came to be famous. This is a catchy song written by Richard Goransson(music) and Fat Max Gus’s and Savan Kotecha (lyrics). I was surprised by Will Farrell but he’s pretty good. Oh, the Iceland town of HUSAVIK has adopted this song as their main song.

2. FIGHT FOR YOU SUNG BY DI MILE AND H.E.R.

This is a song that I am not a fan of…I believe it was a big hit but, for me, meh. It was written by H.E.R.  and Tiara Thomas. Whatever happened to just having a regular name? 

3. GLASGOW SUNG BY JESSIE BUCKLEY

This is a really nice song from the indie film, “ Wild Rose”, that got a lot of accolades when it was shown at TIFF in Toronto. Believe it or not, this was written by Mary Steenburgen, who, during Covid, had this music come into her head. She said wherever she went and looked she would see the music and hear it but she had no idea how to put it to paper so along came Caitlyn Smith who helped, greatly, to place this music onto paper.

So…..who won the Oscar? Who was nominated? Who got nuttin? This was a weird year because of….Covid. One song seems to have come out in 2018 but was up for the Oscar this year. It seems the songs were from different years because the Oscar’s were delayed. Anyhoo, these songs were for this year’s Oscar.