The Final Four

The Fighter

Synopsis: When Dickie Eklund, the pride of Lowell's life turns to drugs and violence, his younger brother Micky Ward turns to the boxing ring. The story chronicles Micky's fight to a championship win, while his brother fights his addiction. 

Review: This movie is motivational and encouraging. Despite the middle parts, which were a bit of a downer, it overall is uplifting. Christian Bale does a remarkable job as drugged out Dickie. Now let me just say, Christian Bale is one attractive man, but he certainly committed to the role -- turning his handsome self into a gaunt and balding coke addict. And along with his physical appearance, his acting was really on point. I believed him as the character. I found that I was rooting for his fight more than his brother's. In the movie, Dickie is being filmed by a camera crew. He tells us repeatedly that they are filming his comeback. When really, they are filming a documentary on people whose lives have gone to drugs. I think that it is really cool that now they have made a movie (an academy award nominated movie) about his comeback. 

Nominations:

Best Picture

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale

Supporting Actress: Amy Adams

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo

Directing

Film Editing

Original Screenplay

Predictions:

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo 

Black Swan

Synopsis: When ballerina, Nina (Natalie Portman) wins the coveted role as the white swan in the Swan Lake, she also has to take on the role of the black swan. She is the perfect ballerina, possessing both grace and beauty, but the black swan requires a raw passion that Nina has to work hard to discover. As she falls deeper into her role, she will demonstrate what it truly means to live the part. 

Review: This movie is very intriguing. It grabs you and pulls you to the end even though sometimes you want to run in the opposite direction. It is not one I would recommend to just anyone, my grandparents for example. But I definitely recommend it. Just don't go into it expecting to see Save the Last Dance 3D. 

Nominations:

Best Picture

Leading Actress: Natalie Portman

Cinematography

Directing

Film Editing

Predictions:

Leading Actress: Natalie Portman

Inception

Synopsis: Cobb and his partners practice in dream manipulation, infiltrating people while they are sleeping. When a job goes bad, their only solution is to do another, far more difficult one -- dream inception. It is a dangerous mission, but one that could help return Cobb to the home he has been forced away from. As confusing and twisted as dreams are, this movie takes you on a ride through the contours of people's minds. 

Review: Good movie. I had heard from a variety of people that it was the best movie they had seen all year. I think my expectations were really high going in to it. Let's just say, they were not entirely met. The movie verged on the slow side and I wanted it to be far more intricate. That is not to say that it is not well made, interesting, and creative. It really gets you thinking. I still don't think I really understand what was going on. Overall, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Nominations:

Best Picture

Cinematography

Original Score

Sound Editing

Sound Mixing

Visual Effects

Original Screenplay

Predictions:

I bet it will win for the sound ones, movies like this always win for the sound ones. 

The Kids are Alright

Synopsis: This is the story of how a fourteen year old boy discovered a passion and went for his dream, going from performing on street corners and youtube to a best-selling recording artist. Oh wait... that is Never Say Never: The Justin Bieber Story. The movie I saw instead of watching The Kids are Alright. I had really wanted the pride of saying I saw all of the nominated movies, but when people invite you to go see the Bieber flick, that is just an offer you cannot turn down. 

Review: Let's just say that my temperature is rising with Bieber fever. 

Enjoy the show. I will leave you with this video to get you hyped for quality film making!