My 10 Most Anticipated Summer Movies

The official kick-off of summer, Memorial Day, may still be over a month away, but summer movies are already starting in two weeks with the first big blockbuster, Iron Man 3 on May 3rd. (God, that's so soon. I was still wearing a winter coat this week.) And well I'm hardly excited for the release of that film (didn't we just see that Iron Man guy last summer? It's hard to miss you when you don't go away...), there are plenty of movies coming out that I'm eagerly looking forward to.

Summer is such a good time to escape the heat in an air-conditioned theatre to watch superheroes and things blow-up, but I just don't really have any of those movies listed here. I don't have anything against them, it's just that this summer's offerings aren't looking that appealing to me. (I mean, a 6th edition of the Fast and Furious franchise? C'mon.) I will say that I'm curious to see the new Star Trek mainly for future Oscar Nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch, and I liked the last one (people who actually like Star Trek said it wasn't Star Trek. Maybe that's why I liked it.) I'll also give Elysium a chance (although it looks an awful lot like Neill Blomkamp's last film, District 9. Now with Jodie Foster!) And I'm interested in the Superman reboot, Man of Steel (although, the last Superman was hoooorrible. And I don't know if I can get on-board with a red-headed Lois Lane, a female Jimmy Olsen named Jenny Olsen, and, most importantly, a Superman without the red briefs). Also, none of those movies need the help of some little blog writing about them–people are gonna see them regardless.

So without further ado, here are 10 films that are an alternative to the typical summer fare. And it just so happens, they're the 10 films I'm most excited about seeing this summer.

The Great Gatsby (May 10)

God, it seems like I've been waiting for this movie since last December...Oh, wait, I have. When news came that the release was being pushed from Christmas 2012 to May 2013, most people saw it as a bad sign. But, the same thing happened with the release of Moulin Rouge! (December release pushed back to summer) and I'd say that things turned out pretty well for that film (Best Picture nomination! 2 Oscar wins! And have I mentioned that I love it?!). So, I'm not too worried about this one. And with every new trailer and song release (Beyonce covering Amy Winehouse!), I'm getting more and more excited. There's Carey Mulligan on the cover of Vogue! A collaboration between the film's costume designer (and Baz's wife) Catherine Martin with Brook's Brothers! There's interviews with Baz giving very Baz-like answers to questions about the soundtrack! The only problem I have is, why do all the posters and trailers keep telling us it's from the director of Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!? Don't people recognize a Baz Luhrmann film when they see it? They're pretty distinctive...

Stories We Tell (May 10)

I'm so annoyed that I waited so long to get tickets to see this when it was playing here in New York as part of the New Directors New Films series. Director/Actress Sarah Polley was there for a Q & A! I love a good Q & A...with a good moderator. Once they open it up to questions from the audience it can get kinda dicey...Although, calling someone who was two well-received films already (Away From Her and Take This Waltz) and an Oscar Nomination for Screenwriting, a new director seems kinda like cheating. Since the festival is for first-time filmmakers. Anyway! It's Polley's first documentary (new genre!) and she focuses on her own story–the rumor that her actress mother had an affair and that the father she grew up with isn't her real father. I've heard nothing but good things about it since it was at the Toronto Film Festival last fall. I find it interesting that her first documentary is an extension of her other films in that it focuses on what I love most about fiction–the storytelling.

Frances Ha (May 17)

I actually already saw this film back in October at the New York Film Festival. That's right, I'm putting a film I've already seen on a list of films that I can't wait to see. But, that's how much I enjoyed it! I really want to see it again, but most importantly, I want to get the word out for people to go see it! Director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale and Greenberg) collaborated with the star of the film (and his girlfriend) Greta Gerwig on the screenplay about a twenty-something modern dancer in New York trying to find her way as she aimlessly drifts through life. Eh...that kinda makes it sound like every other coming of age story. Or Girls. Did I mention it's really funny and that Greta Gerwig gives her best performance to date?! She's really the reason to watch. Her natural charisma and skills as a physical comedienne are in full-force here. It's her star-is-born moment.

Before Midnight (May 24)

Alright Hollywood, you win. There is a trilogy that I'm interested in seeing that's being released over the Memorial Day weekend. Only this one is one is an adult, talky, comedic drama about a couple's relationship, that I've been invested in for almost 20 years. So, just to be clear, it's not The Hangover III.
   After their courtship in 1995's Before Sunrise and their rekindled romance in 2004's Before Sunset,      Ethan Hawke's Jesse and Julie Delpy's Celine are back! Taking place 9 years after the last film, the couple is now married with children and the film focuses on sustaining a relationship for the long run after the initial spark of attraction has faded. I adore the first two films and love that we get to see where these characters grow and develop over the years. I would be happy if we visited them every 9 years. Julie Delpy actually joked about that saying the last film would be like the Oscar-winning Amour.

The Bling Ring (June 14)

It was just announced this week that this latest film from director Sofia Coppola is set to open the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes this year–a part of the festival that focuses on young talent and promotes the use of innovation. I'm not sure how a director in her 40's who's releasing her 5th film in 14 years fits the description, but who understands the goings-on of the French anyway. The film is based on the real-life events of a group of girls in LA who stole from the homes of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.
  It's been 10 years since the success of Lost in Translation brought Copploa recognition as a director. Her films after that haven't exactly lived up to the hype of that film. I, for one, am a fan of her polarizing Marie Antoinette film, but feel that Somewhere tread on too-similar ground that she already covered more interestingly in Translation. But, that being said, I enjoy her aesthetic and still look forward to her films. This one sounds like it could be interesting–they're already doing a great job of selling it with the trailer and poster. And for me to want to see a film starring Emma Watson (an actress I usually find wooden and forgettable) is already saying a lot!

More after the jump

A Year in Advance Oscar Predictions 2012 Part 2: Supporting

The Supporting Categories are always a bit difficult to predict. Last year, I didn't even get a single one of my Supporting Actress Nominees right. I did have Viola Davis there, but she was nominated in Lead (that counts, right?). And that's the problem with Supporting. You never know how big the part is going be or if the actor is feeling they have a better shot at a nomination if they campaign in a certain category regardless of screen time. Ethan Hawke is the main character in Training Day, but he was nominated in Supporting to make way for Denzel in Lead. We'll have to wait and see where my picks land next year, but I'm feeling good about these. Take a look:

Best Supporting Actor

Bryan Cranston Argo

Russell Crowe Les Misérables

Tom Cruise Rock of Ages

Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained

Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths

Bryan Cranston Argo The Role: I'm not really sure. IMDB lists his name as Jack O'Donnell, so that's helpful. But, the movie is the true life story of the rescue of 6 US diplomats held hostage in Iran in 1979. The United States and Canada collaborated to get them back by posing as a film crew scouting locations for a fictional film. Why Him: Well, it could really be anyone from this movie. (Alan Arkin is my second choice from this film.) This is Ben Affleck's third time as a director and both his previous films brought Supporting nominations (Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone and Jeremy Renner for The Town). But, I ultimately decided on Cranston because I feel like it's his time. He already has three Emmys for Breaking Bad, but has never received an Oscar nom. He was great in last year's Drive and this year appears in 5 films. This category was made for character actors and he's the man of the moment.
Russell Crowe Les Misérables The Role: 'And I am–Javert. Do not forget my name. Do not forget me, 24601!' He plays the inspector, Javert, who spends his life tracking down Jean Valjean. Why Him: In the early 2000's, Crowe was that rare combination of movie star and real actor. His Best Actor Oscar win for 2000's Gladiator seemed like a promise of things to come. But, he hasn't been nominated since 2001's A Beautiful Mind. Part of the problem is Crowe, himself. His temper and pompousness started to turn a lot of people off. It had looked like he was on his way to a nom for Cinderella Man, but then he had to go and throw a phone at a hotel clerk. That was 7 years ago, I feel like Hollywood is ready to embrace him again. Also, Javert is a great part–even better than Valjean, in my opinion. He's doing something new by appearing in a musical and he has a great number, 'Stars', that's an emotional powerhouse. 
Tom Cruise Rock of Ages The Role: Stacee Jaxx, a larger than life musical superstar in the film version of the Broadway musical. Why Him: The musical is set in the 80's and the songs used are all the songs you love from that decade (Journey! Bon Jovi!)–nothing about it really appeals to me. The only reason I'm predicting this role being nominated is because it's Cruise playing it. He's come a long way past the whole jumping on Oprah's couch incident. He had a huge hit with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, showing that he's still a big name draw. And his role in Tropic Thunder, which brought him a Golden Globe nomination, displayed a new side to him and showed he was ready to have fun. The three-time Oscar nominee has never won. I think people will be excited about him in such a different part and that the Academy will feel the need to reward him.
Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained The Role: DiCaprio steps out of his comfort zone playing the villain in Quentin Tarantino's latest. He's a sadistic plantation owner in the deep south who owns the titular character's wife. Why Him: Like Cruise, this three-time nominee has never won an Oscar. Long considered to be one of the best actors of his generation, many feel he's overdue. He was even being predicted for a nom for last year's snoozefest, J. Edgar, even after the film got bad reviews. Luckily, the Academy came to their senses and a nomination didn't happen. Christmas Day 2012 is a big day for the actor who not only has this film, but the title role in The Great Gatsby also being released. Two such high-profile roles are sure to be noticed, but I'm leaning toward Django for the fact that it's something we've never seen from him before and Tarantino has a way of getting actors nominated. 
Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths The Role: A criminal named Hans that kidnaps a dog from a powerful gangster (Woody Harrelson). Why Him: Walken is teaming up on writer/director Martin McDonagh's second film. The two worked together on the Broadway play, A Behanding in Spokane, which brought Walken a Tony nomination. The combination of McDonagh's black comedy and Walken's...weirdness are a perfect pair. His surprise second nomination for Catch Me If You Can shows that the Academy likes Walken. I think they wouldn't mind giving him another nomination in something.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams The Master

Samantha Barks Les Misérables

Annette Bening Imogene

Sally Field Lincoln

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables

Amy Adams The Master The Role: Mary Sue Dodd, wife to Philip Seymour Hoffman's religious leader. Why Her: With three nominations in this category over the past 7 years, it's safe to say the Academy likes her (they really like her–Sorry, Sally Field, stole your line). And playing the long- suffering wife (I'm just guessing the role is long-suffering. I'm also guessing she has an affair with Joaquin Phoenix's drifter character who becomes her husband's right-hand man) is one of the guaranteed ways of getting a nomination in this category. I was really skeptical of Adams taking on such a tough character in The Fighter after playing so many innocent ingenues, but I think she really pulled it off and showed her versatility. Working with Hoffman and director Paul Thomas Anderson are a really great way of showing what she's capable of.

Samantha Barks Les Misérables The Role: Eponine, the tragic waif whose love of Marius goes unrequited.  Why Her: Because it's not Taylor Swift! I've actually written a lot about the casting of this character because it really is the breakout role. When people think of Les Miz, I feel like Eponine and her song, 'On My Own', are the first things that come to mind. It's character we can all relate to. Who hasn't been in love with someone who didn't feel the same way? And when you're young, it seems like the most important thing in the world. I'm not really familiar with Miss Barks as an actress, but I'm glad that a musical theatre performer is playing this role. The Academy loves to honor young actresses in this category and give a nomination to a fresh face. This year, I think that part will be fulfilled here.

Annette Bening Imogene The Role: The gambling addict mother who has to take custody of her daughter (Academy Award Nominee, Kristen Wiig) after she fakes a suicide. Why Her: Because The Bening has never won! (Luckily, Bening-award-thief, Hilary Swank is nowhere to be seen this year.) The four-time nominee is highly regarded, but just can't seem to actually win the damn thing. Bening is usually seen as a very serious actress, so it'll be fun to see her cut loose with this trashy, comedic character. And having Wiig onboard after the huge success of Bridesmaids will only help her chances. I just hope she wins soon. Living in a world where Annette Bening doesn't have an Oscar just seems wrong.

Sally Field Lincoln The Role: Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Lincoln. She sat next to her husband at his assassination and may have suffered bipolar disorder. See, I told you the long-suffering wife role is a reoccurring theme. Why Her: After a six year absence from film, the two-time Best Actress Oscar winner is making her way back to the big screen. It seemed like we lost her to television and Boniva commercials. Along with the sure-to-be summer blockbuster The Amazing Spiderman, Field is back to dramatic work with this role in Spielberg's film. I'm not sure how large the role will be in the film, but I feel like Sally as Mary Todd Lincoln is pretty great casting. The combination of Field, the subject material, and the film's high-profile, I think, will be hard to ignore. 

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables The Role: The poor, young mother, Fantine, who turns to prostitution to support her daughter. Why Her: The hooker with a heart of gold is another character in the Oscar wheelhouse. And this one (thanks to Susan Boyle) has another popular song to sing–'I Dreamed a Dream'. I feel like as a teenager you identify with Eponine, but as you get older you sympathize with Fantine. It's not just love that's a struggle, but all of life. 'Now life has killed the dream I dreamed'. And Miss Annie Hathaway, who will be bringing those lyrics to life, will be having a big year. In addition to Les Miz, she's also starring as Catwoman/Selina Kyle in a little film you may have heard of called The Dark Knight Rises, which will only raise her profile more. The one-time Oscar host (oh, god, why!? At least she tried her best. I blame Franco) and one-time nominee has been showcasing her singing voice on the ceremony for a couple years now. It was only a matter of time before she did a musical. The role of Fantine will certainly showcase both her singing and acting chops. Plus, over the past four years, this category has honored two actresses from the same movie. I'm fine with having Annie back at the Oscars, but keep her away from hosting duties... 

'I'm just a little confused why I haven't won yet. I'm really good.'

And the Oscar Goes to...Drew Barrymore?

You know those movies that look great on paper. The one's with Oscar winning directors and buzz-worthy actors that were just manufactured to win awards at year's end. Then the movie actually comes out. If it's not a disaster, it's so forgettable that you barely remember it once the credits start rolling. Joe Reid has created a great tumblr blog called This Had Oscar Buzz in which he's reminded us about all those movies that had their eye on Oscar but were lucky if they got a Razzie.

Some of these are a little bit of a stretch. Kingdom of Heaven- that didn't even have regular buzz. No one was talking about that movie when it came out nor did anyone actually see it. And some of these I barely remember as movies. The Life Before Her Eyes? What is that? Uma Thurman is in so many random movies that go straight to DVD or make $130 in their opening weekend. She needs some career counseling. Or at least get Quentin Tarantino to create a movie for her more often than every ten years.

I'd like to add some of my own to the list:


Love and Other Drugs (2010) 

I remember reading something early in 2010 talking about how great Annie Hathaway was in this movie. She played a woman with a disability, she got naked...a lot. She was guaranteed an Oscar nom. I'm not sure what movie those people saw at advanced screenings because the one I saw was horrendous. Annie Hathaway is one of those actors that I think I like more than I do. Then I actually see her in something and remember how forced and actory she comes across. It didn't help that the script seemed to be written by someone who's apparently never encountered real human behavior.




Amelia (2009)

Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart seems like perfect casting. She's got that tomboy thing going on and actually bears a resemblance to the famed female aviator. Plus, she has two Best Actress Oscars (although, she only deserved one of them). But, Hilary Swank is never the right choice for most things (comedies, period pieces- all things she's attempted) and she falls flat in this by-the-numbers prestige biopic. Director Mira Nair has a visual flair but, like her Vanity Fair film, they are all surface and no substance.


Running With Scissors (2006)

The book was a huge success. It seemed everyone I've ever known had read it. There was an all-star cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Evan Rachel Wood, Alec Baldwin, and Annette Bening in one of those roles that was tailor-made for awards. Everyone assumed that Bening was winning a Best Actress Oscar for playing the crazy mom. How wrong we all were. I think the blame falls on director Ryan Murphy who didn't seem to know what he was doing. (I fear for the fate of The Normal Heart film that was just announced.) My tolerance for slow motion set to a sappy 70's song reached it's breaking point while watching this movie.