In 3 Days...

The Academy Awards will be held this Sunday, February 26^th. You can watch the Oscars with host Billy Crystal, at 7e/4p on ABC.

I’m very much looking forward to this evening, seeing if any favorites will be awarded, and watching Mr. Crystal, who is a wonderful entertainer.

Have you had a chance to watch any of the nominated films? If not, here’s one you should put next on your list: “The Help” starring an all female cast including Viola Davis, Emma Stone, and Sissy Spacek.

The story takes place in Mississippi during the 1960’s. An intrepid journalist, Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan (Emma Stone), decides to try something very different for the era: write a book from the help’s perspective. In a moment and place where socializing with the colored wasn’t accepted, the maids take a huge risk to talk to this young woman and share their side of the story.

The audience no doubt will fall in love with Aibileen and Minny, the two of the main characters; and I really like the character of Celia Foote, Minny’s boss. It is just so interesting the way they captured rejection and friendship.

This film has drama, comedy, and fantastic actors. Go ahead and watch it, with a yummy piece of chocolate pie ;-)

For the trailer click here.

Nominados: Los descendientes y El Artista

Estamos a una semana para festejar la entrega de premios Oscar. ¿Ya ha visto alguna de las nominadas?

Si no, no se preocupe, hoy vengo a sugerirle dos de los filmes nominados a Mejor Película que podrá ver antes de la entrega.

Comenzaremos con la película “Los descendientes” (The Descendants), estelarizada por George Clooney. Toda la historia se envuelve alrededor de un trágico accidente, que hace que Matt King (Clooney) revalúe su rol de padre y su forma de cuidar la tierra, dejada por sus ancestros de origen hawaiano.

Se demuestra una buena actuación por parte de Clooney; el escritor del guión, sin duda, pensó bien en diferentes reacciones ante el duelo; y hay unos paisajes hermosos para observar. Sin embargo, se pudo haber omitido mucho del vocabulario explícito y vulgar de las dos jovencitas que hacen el papel de las hijas de Matt King, que después de un rato ya había perdido la cuenta de cuánta palabrería dijeron.

Con una duración de 115 minutos, los acontecimientos mueven al público a pensar: ¿qué haría yo en el lugar de Matt? Entre tanto dolor, también hay suficientes comentarios o momentos cómicos que dan alivio a la temática transcendente. 

Otro largometraje es “El Artista” (The Artist). Con 10 nominaciones para los premios Oscar, y ya otros galardones ganados, esta película le demuestra a todo Hollywood que no se necesitan de avanzada tecnología, violencia o escenas eróticas para crear una maravilla.

Todo el filme se desenvuelve a finales de los años 20 y principios del 30, cuando las películas mudas empiezan a perder su vigor. Los roles principales, interpretados por Jean Dujardin (de origen francés) y Bérénice Bejo (de origen argentino y francés), son dos famosos actores, quienes al pasar de los años entablan una amistad evolutiva, a pesar de varios sucesos tanto personales como profesionales. Aunque quizás no reconozca a los protagonistas, sus habilidades de mostrar emociones y cautivar a la audiencia son excepcionales.

Queda importante resaltar, que la música viene a ser una parte importante de la película. La escogencia de la misma no esta nominada, pero sí es digna de ser admirada.

Muda, al estilo blanco y negro, El Artista brinda comedia, desesperanza, amor y victoria. Sin olvidar, a un pequeño cachorrito que se ganará el corazón de todos.

Pass the Popcorn: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II

Recently, I enjoyed a nice girls’ day out with a couple of my good friends, when we went to the movies to watch “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II”. Ok, so the title doesn’t sound like a lovely late afternoon plan, but it was! :-)

First of all, we went to see it 3D. I’m not usually a 3D fan (I get a bit dizzy), but in this case I thought it was worth it. The special effects ‘jumping’ out from the screen made us gasp out loud. Throw in a large bucket of popcorn to share with friends, really makes for an enjoyable time.



Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint

The movie itself was great! …



Before I continue, let me add that I’ll try to keep my comments edited so not to spoil the fun for those who haven’t seen it yet.

I liked the way the places looked believable and memorable. The spirit of the film, despite the tragedies that occur along the way, is really triumphant and hopeful.

In summary, the story takes Harry Potter (portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe) and his best friends Ron Weasley (Ruper Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) in search of a way to destroy the evil Voldemort; in their attempts to do so, the Hogwarts wizardry school along with their peers and teachers, face grave danger. Who will win the fight?

Butter on Top

By far the best thing about “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II” was the acting. I was very surprised by Helena Bonham Carter’s performance. Without giving too much away, there is a scene where her character is portrayed differently, and she completely transforms from the angry, scary woman, to an innocent, teenage girl. It is incredible!

Another favorite is Ralph Fiennes, aka Voldemort, whose performance was terrifying and spooky, just as his character should be. Given Mr. Fiennes doesn’t have many facial expressions he can use due to the way his face appears on screen, he was still able to portray real excitement and happiness, while other times worry and anger.

If there are Oscar nominations for Harry Potter films, both Helena and Ralph should definitely get recognized for it.

Plain Popcorn

I’m not a fan of blood and destruction, but I couldn’t help feeling like the battle scene could have been more dramatic. Characters were fighting here and there, but it was until later that you could truly tell who all was there. So it took some of the drama away in that manner… something the book gave us readers plenty of.

Bottom of the Bucket

The ending of the movie, which is also the end of the film series, was very suitable. It portrayed a vision of the future, and summed up the triumph and hope that resonated throughout “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II”.

Tell me, what did you think of the last Harry Potter movie?