Oscar Watch 8.0

Oscar night draws gleefully nigh. (Don't you just love the word "nigh" in modern times - or is it just me?) I am excited and ready. There are few performances I must catch before the big night and luckily, they will bow on DVD prior to Sunday, February 22nd. (Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" and Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" for starters.)

Sadly, I must do without a few films as well. "Revolutionary Road" and its nominated supporting actor Michael Shannon never fit my schedule and, most disappointing of all, I will miss Anne Hathaway's leading performance in "Rachel Getting Married." I so wanted to see that latter film, but it just slipped away from the theaters too quickly.

But I won't dwell on the negative! Next up for review is a small, impressive film you could rent on DVD right now, today - "The Visitor." Its star, Richard Jenkins, is nominated for Best Actor. He himself describes his chances to win as, "Please. I have no chance." But, regardless of that, this movie is well worth the watch, especially since this type of film often does not get the audience it deserves. (And on a side note, any film which can motivate me to think about possibly going back to the practice of law is quite an achievement! That in itself should win some kind of award!)

This movie touches on many social, relevant issues - our country's over-zealous immigration laws, right versus wrong, love and loss. Richard Jenkins is the type of actor who plays in numerous films, but is kind of nameless - like, you'll recognize him as "that guy who was the dad in 'Step-Brothers'" or something like that. He really marvels here in a touching, warm-hearted portrayal of a middle-aged widower who accidentally discovers he can still feel passion for people and life.

Sometimes, I truly prefer these small movies. And sometimes, I will admit, I long for the ditzy Hollywood ending because the realism hurts my heart too much. This is not a "feel-good" film. It's depressing, though humor slides in at many turns. It is, however, worth your time. I hope Richard Jenkins can transform this into some more starring turns. He is very, very good.

"The Visitor" likely won't win anything on Oscar night. But the attention it's garnered with its nominations surely won it a few more viewers. And that is the realy beauty of the Academy Awards.

Did You Ever Notice?

Randomly, and with no particular point to be made, things I've noticed and/or learned in this new year:

**Mitch Berger, the Steelers' punter, deserves an Academy Award for this on-field theatrics - maybe "Best Flop" for his performance in the AFC Championship game. (Not that you'll hear any complaints from Steeler Nation, mind you. I"m just saying...)

**People can be mighty righteous. See Exhibit A: Michael Phelps and a bong hit. Come on, now - he's a twenty-something-year-old kid at a college party who smoked some pot. Half the folks ready to lynch him as a "bad example" probably smoked their fair share in college, and the other half wishes they had. Some of them might even roll a fat one now and again, on weekends away from the family when they re-live the freedom of irresponsibility. (I, for one, am suspect of anyone who did not get high in college.) Michael Phelps is a super-talented millionaire who took a bong hit. It's not like he toked up pool side in Beijing, for crying out loud. I'm ready to boycott Kellogg's for their dropping him as a sponsor. Don't we collectively as a country have bigger things on our plate than a little bit of weed? Seriously...

**We're supposedly in a recession, but I still can't get out of Target without waiting in line while shoppers in front of me buy necessities like new 300-thread-count sheets, bottled water, and dog toys. I'm not criticizing, just noticing. (I myself can't seem to check-out without spending at least a hundred bucks, so no stones thrown by me.)

**There are those walking among us who buy into infomercials. In fact, one such person sleeps next to me at night. Say it isn't so! But I recently read an online article about the Snuggie - you know, blanket with arm-holes - and its influence on pop culture. (My favorite part of the advertisement is when the family all dons their respective Snuggies to keep warm at a sporting event - they look like wizards ala Harry Potter and company at a Quiddich match! Priceless.) I guess even when times are bad, folks can scrounge $19.99 for a ShamWow. Those genius marketers know what they are doing! Good to know.

So, wisdom comes in odd packages. Like the ShamWow spokesman says in his other masterpiece campaign for the SlapChop, "Linguine, Fettuccini, Martini, Bikini!" (That has absolutely nothing to do with anything. I just find it hysterical and will quote it whenever I get the chance, no matter the situation.)

Words to live by, my friends. Keep your eyes open in this wacky world - there is no telling what you'll see!

Oscar Watch 7.0

Next up is the last installment in Best Picture nominees: "Frost/Nixon." In addition, perennial Hollywood favorite and all-around nice guy Ron Howard scored a Best Director nomination and Frank Langella a Best Actor nod.

This docudrama tells the story of British talk-show host David Frost's infamous televised interviews with newly-resigned President Richard Nixon. The story is told as if a documentary crew followed up with the folks involved in bringing the interviews to life. This method adds some intrigue to the already fascinating journey to make these interviews happen.

With all the circus-like coverage of Tricky Dick's White House departure, no one had gotten the former Commander in Chief to confess his actual wrongdoing or apologize to a cynical nation and David Frost sees a gold mine in being the first to get it done. Mr. Frost is played with a twinkling eye and unerlying wit by Michael Sheen. He truly embodies a radiant energy and turns in a layered performance. The bond he forms with Richard Nixon, purely by accident and to his surprise, is brought to life by strong acting on his part.

Frank Langella does a great job as Richard M. Nixon, showing a symapthetic side to the much maligned historical figure. He won the Tony Award for this perfomance on Broadway, in the stage play upon which the film is based. Having been a baby when this played out in real life, I don't remember the actual events. (President Nixon resigned the day I was born. Literally.)

I do know that this story has been fictionalized and much dramatic license taken. But I do not care. It is suspenseful in a much different way from an action film and allows you to see layers of a character usually thought of in one-dimensional tones. In the end, Richard Nixon was a lonely and confused old man who had poor social skills. Does that excuse his inexcusable actions? Of course not. Does it make him human? Yes.

Is this movie worthy of all the praise heaped upon it? I'd say it is. It is not for everyone. But if you like history made into movies, this is a good one. I doubt it will take home any big prizes on Oscar night, but it's well-acted and well-directed and touches upon a story not everyone remembers.

And it is a story worth telling.

Oscar Watch 6.0

Next, a bit of a departure. Besides the great big important categories at the Oscars - picture, actor, actress, director, and the like - there are smaller races just as exciting. One such contest is Best Animated Feature. Some might argue quite effectively that great films get relegated to this subset simply because they do not star human actors. This could be the case with "Wall-E."

This is a truly unique animated film. No talking animals, no silly dance sequences, no ironic sarcasm, no green ogres. And while there are cute creatures with whom to fall in love, the entire movie does not at all feel like an extended marketing campaign.

"Wall-E" spins a fascinating yarn about a robot sometime in the future designed to pick up trash on an unliveable Earth. In this imagined time, humans have over-consumed so that our dear planet is overrun with debris. People live on a cruise-like spaceship while robots try to find signs of ecological life. The beginning of the film is almost devoid of communication, as Wall-E is entirely isolated, with only a cockroach for a friend. His joy is saving "treasures" from the piles of trash and transporting them to his lair. It is remarkable to see what he has created from the stuff left behind.

One of his obsessions is replaying a VCR copy of "Hello Dolly!" as he sings and dances to the melodies of a bygone era. He twirls and recreates routines with a deep joy familiar to anyone who has been swept away in music. It is touching, emotional, and brilliant. In my perception, this one idea elevates the film to a level I have not experienced in animated storytelling.

One day, a new type of robot arrives: EVE. The two hit it off immediately. Wall-E shows EVE his cache of loot and they fall in love. Eventually, they find themselves on the human's starship and realize they each hold an important key to Earth's success.

This film looks amazing, as do all Pixar productions. There is a strong and wise message attached. But the story and the way it is told is simply genius. I enjoyed every bit of this smart, insightful, deep little gem. For a movie aimed at kids, it is more intelligent than most so-called grown-up fare.

When I first watched this film, it struck me as "simple." I don't mean that in a derogatory way. It is a bit old-fashioned in its approach to story and message, and that is refreshing. I am sure kids found a great deal to fall in love with. Adults could benefit in an even greater way.

This one is on DVD now, so get out there and find yourselves a copy! This is a must-see for any generation. And the message could not be more timely: We need to pay attention to our planet and to each other.

Oscar Watch 5.0

One of the biggest surprises of my Oscar season has been the thoughtful, deep, and insightful film, "The Reader." It is nominated for Best Picture, and Stephen Daldry is nominated as Best Director and Kate Winslet as Best Actress.

Stephen Daldry always brings interesting stories to the screen (for example, "Billy Elliott" and "The Hours") and often scores himself an Oscar nod - though he has never won. In "The Reader" he really outdoes himself and much of it hinges on Kate Winslet's remarkable talent.

This is Kate's sixth nomination and she's only thirty-three years old. (Geez. I'm older than her. What have I done? Kind of makes me feel small and insignificant...) She is often hailed as the best female actor of her generation and even before this film, I would not argue. However, after this movie, it seems almost written in stone as truth.

"The Reader" tells such a complex and moving story, I hate to ruin it. I will say this: the basic plot tells of a thirty-something German woman, Kate Winslet, in post World War II Germany. By chance, she meets a fifteen year old boy and they begin an affair which ends suddenly and without warning. What happens from there deserves to play out onscreen, but it involves Nazi war crimes, dark secrets, books, and growing up. I can't do justice to the storyline and won't try. This is one film where the less you know before going in, the better.

Kate Winslet's paramour is played by a breathtaking young man, David Kross. He is absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to see more of him. He not only has chemistry with Kate Winslet, he transforms from kid to adult in such a believable, human way. To top it off, his acting is on par with Ms. Winslet's, and that is no small feat. (And as a bonus? He is played as an adult in the film by Ralph Fiennes, whom I savor in any performance.)

This picture is brilliant and suspenseful, and certainly not in the traditional sense. Something like this could easily get lost in the shuffle and I've heard mumblings that its inclusion as possible Best Picture is what knocked out "The Dark Knight."

I understand the anger at that exclusion. However, after seeing "The Reader" I can't say it should have been slighted either. The twists and turns in the story, the seemless switches in tone, the look of Germany through the decades, and, most of all, the acting are all first-rate. It is hard to argue against this film as a strong contender.

But in the end, I come back to Kate Winslet. I have not yet seen all her competitors, but I can't believe she will be bested. Her character here is not entirely likable or even good - which makes her performance all the more amazing. She should probably write that speech, if she has not already done so.

If you can find this one, do it. I gurantee you won't soon forget it.

Oscar Watch 4.0

I'm still obsessed with them "Stillers" and their remarkable, mind-blowing victory, but bear with me as I attempt to focus again on the next exciting chapter in my life: the Oscars.

So, "Slumdog Millionaire" is on quite a run. It's certainly become quite the hip and trendy film. And all the positive attention is deserved. For its two frenetically paced hours, you are transported to India, with all its grandeur and flaws. You climb inside a world which feels authentic, yet alien to what we know day to day. Danny Boyle has directed several projects over the years, but will forever be linked in my mind with "Trainspotting" and that dead baby on the ceiling. (It still gives me chills...) Whichever way you see it, this film is quite different and, honestly, superior.

The backdrop of the story finds Jamal in the hot seat on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire." As the questions come one after the other, he answers them correctly to the surprise of host and audience. Suspicious of the slumdog's intelligence, he's automatically taken in as a cheat. To explain his knowledge, the film flashbacks through his life and tells us his story. We meet the main players - Jamal and his big brother Salim - when they are kids. Their pasttimes include romps across garbage-strewn landscapes as they navigate a tough, poor life, until one day something terrible happens which leaves them to truly fend for themselves. On their new, scary journey they meet the other protagonist, Latika, and from there on, their individual stories weave through and around each other for the rest of their lives.

By the time Jamal gets to the game show, he has already spun quite a tale. The combination of tension in his life and on the show never feels forced. The film keeps you engaged on both levels. The fact that you don't recognize the faces in the film adds to your being wrapped up in the action from start to finish. Everything about the atmosphere - the dingy feel of the city, the engaging soundtrack, and the true chemistry between the two romantic leads, Jamal and Latika - is spot on. These two young actors - Dev Patel and Freida Pinto - are on the rise and rightfully so. All in all, this film works at every turn.

That said, I enjoyed Slumdog's journey. I'm not sure I'd say it's the best trip I've taken at the cineplex this year, but I admire its tenacity and the places it goes.

Super Bowl Superstition Six Pack

Woh. That's all I can say about the wild, crazy Super Bowl spectacular last night. The Steelers aren't going to win any style points and if you hated them before that game, you probably really hate them now. (Sorry, Steelers West. Destiny still lives in the Steel City, despite Kurt Warner's claims otherwise. Don't bet against Steelers D. Ever.)

But, pretty points aside, the Steelers won their sixth Lombardi trophy and captured the hearts of Steeler Nation and did it the old Pittsburgh way: trying to give you a simultaneous heart attack, stroke, and meltdown before pulling it out in the last, desperate minutes. As I get older, a portable defibrilator might be a wise investment.

Before the game, my mom led me to an interesting website wherein Steeler fans posted their wacky gameday superstitions. Anyone who knows even a tidbit about me knows I'm super-superstitious and often so nervous, it's hard to actually watch the game. So, reading about other kooks out there with even wierder problems than my own warmed my soul and made me feel closer to my fellow Steeler fanatics.

About halfway through the fourth quarter in last night's fiasco, I retreated to a familiar area: the hallway, where I pace, hope, jump up and down, breathe heavily in series of fives, and repeat mantras in a whisper (things like, "Please, D, please, oh please, you're the best in the league, please, oh please!" You know, things like that.)

We changed our gameday-watching setup mid-season. So, my gameday-watching freak-out routine had to change too. I think my current habits began in the Dallas game and gained strength from there. It culminated during the last few minutes of the second regular season Baltimore game, as I watched Big Ben's game-winning drive through that crack in the door. In my mind, my position there is key to last-minute, game-winning drives to victory. (After last night, don't even attempt to tell me that where I stand and what I do does not matter to the on-field action. I simply point to the highlight reel as evidence and rest my case.)

My mind raced through so many emotions, it would be impossible to pin any one down. But, somewhere, I held out hope that Big Ben and Company could do it. I flashed back to those other games, those other gameclocks ticking dangerously close to quadruple zeros and I thought, "We can do this. One more time, for history, for the Rooneys, for all of us pacing in black and gold hallways around the world. We just can't lose. We just can't."

I won't claim I knew the outcome would be favorable - or, clearly, I might have left the hallway and actually entered the room with the screen. But I felt something pull me closer and closer to that doorway crack and I pushed my eyes into that space and watched Santonio Holmes pull down that perfect pass, through three defenders, in the teeniest space at the edge of the endzone and I totally lost it. It wasn't compelely over at that moment, but I knew in my gut. I felt it.

The Steelers will break your heart sometimes. Last night was not one of those times. Congrats, Ben and Troy and Willie and James and Jeff and Santonio and Mike T. and Hines and Heath and all the rest of the heroes big and small. Congrats to the Steeler Nation and most of all, the Rooney family.

Congrats to me, too, for physically making it through not only that game, but the entire stressful season. Now, only one thought comes to mind: I can't wait for next year! Here we go Steelers - Here we go!!