by our film critic Helena Bryanlith.
In January each year, we reflect on the films from the previous year, assessing which ones are worthy of the Oscar for outstanding quality and performance.
While it may not have been the finest year for moviegoers, the awards may be evaluated by those who stand to profit most from the lack of quality on our screens. The stars are judged separately, based on their performances.
The final decisions remain pending, and thus I will evaluate who we critics anticipate will be nominated for Oscars.
I will reserve discussion of the top awards for later. For now, I predict that the Oscar for best achievement in lighting will go to Sly Stallone’s epic… I can’t quite recall the title, as it was too dark to read the credits. The film managed to come in millions under budget thanks to the lighting director who diligently turned off the lights in every scene.
The consequence was that in most fight scenes, it was difficult to determine who was winning or losing. The plot was convoluted, leaving many cinema-goers struggling to find their way out after the show due to potential vision issues.
Best screenplay is awarded to Inception.
Many critics agreed that to fully grasp the plot, one would require years of psychiatric treatment. Critics who criticized the film were promptly rewarded with pay raises, while those who hailed it as the year’s best were whisked away in ambulances.
For best trivia consideration, Gulliver’s Travels and The Little Fockers were discussed, but even the critics were hesitant to nominate them in the best comedy category.
The nomination for best special effects went to TRON, another film that left audiences utterly baffled.
Unless Mel Brooks pens another musical, we are unable to select a film in this category.
The animated feature award goes to Toy Story 3, likely the second-best film of the year.
Films considered for the waste of money award include The Tourist, Burlesque, and Alice In Wonderland.
The best wardrobe award goes unopposed to Alice In Wonderland.
While the acting felt overly rehearsed and the plot was merely average, the costumes and stars were stunning. I can’t quite decide who my favorite was… probably the cat.
Now, we turn our attention to the best films and actors of the year.
Unquestionably, the best film is Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Any film series that consistently rakes in millions of dollars in profit is a clear winner.
Consideration was given to King’s Speech, but unless the King speaks in an American accent, we feel his articulation may be lost on audiences in New Jersey.
The notion of an Australian teaching English to the English is not a novel concept. This has been happening for many years, with newcomers contributing a variety of new terms to the language… such as “shonky.”
Best supporting actor is awarded to Leonardo DiCaprio for Inception. Without him, it’s likely no one would have even seen the film. (I understand he was meant to be the leading actor, but by the conclusion, I wasn’t convinced he was even in it.)
Best supporting actress unquestionably goes to Emma Watson for her portrayal of Hermione in the Potter films. In the first installment, I thought her performance was lackluster, but by the seventh film, after collaborating with the industry’s best, she delivered a stellar performance.
Now, let’s discuss best leading actress.
Helena Bonham Carter… I challenge any actress, aside from Helen Mirren, to have portrayed the queen so exquisitely in such a lackluster film. She deserves every award the academy can bestow upon her.
And finally, the title of best actor in a leading role goes to our beloved cowboy, Woody, from Toy Story 3. His animated hand gestures solidify him as a talented actor who uses not just his voice but also his body language to convey emotion in a fast-paced film that showcases his extensive skillset… drama, mime, comedy, dance… he excels in all. He reminds me of a young Robert De Niro.
This year, all technical awards should be bestowed upon a single film, The Chronicles of Narnia, which stands out for its scenery, costume design, cinematography, grips, music, screenplay, and impressive conclusion among other awards.
I expect to see all my nominations emerge victorious at the gala awards night in February.
This year’s hosts are again a dynamic duo… Oprah and Dr. Phil. They will be available afterwards for advising the lovelorn or “losers,” as we fondly refer to them.
I look forward to more impressive films in 2011, although I advise you not to hold your breath.
