My Thoughts on the MacGyver Reboot

For those of you who haven't heard the news, the classic 80's TV show MacGyver is being rebooted. This reboot is coming to CBS this fall, and it will be about a young MacGyver who is just starting out in his career. CBS is no doubt trying to have their cake and eat it too. They are trying to appeal to an older audience (who fondly remember MacGyver) and at the same time appeal to a younger audience by casting a hot young star as the titular character (Lucas Till). Link to the trailer below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt8E6X6-744 

Now anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE MacGyver. I grew up watching the show (Yes, I realize I was -3 when it premiered but I watched a lot of TV Land growing up, don't judge me!) and I have seen every episode at least twice. So not only am I someone who actually remembers the original, but I'm also part of the demographic that CBS is trying so desperately to appeal to. So as you may have already guessed, I have very mixed feelings about this reboot.

On the one hand, I'm really excited that this series will get a new generation of people interested in this character (and by extension the original series). On the other hand it's being made by CBS. And I can't remember the last time I saw a CBS show and thought to myself "well that was great!". Heck it's hard to remember the last time I saw a CBS show and thought to myself "well that didn't suck too much!". So yeah, if this was being remade by literally ANY other network I'd definitely have more confidence that this wasn't going to suck!

Why would I be worried? How could the network that is responsible for 2 Broke Girls give us anything but quality TV?

But let's back up a bit and discuss the trailer shall we? First the good: I really love who they cast as MacGyver. Lucas Till is an up an coming star. You may recognize him from X-Men: First Class and a brief cameo in X-Men: Days of Future Past. He plays the character called Havoc. He was also in (gag me) the Hannah Montana Movie, but don't hold that against him. I think he's a really good actor. He's also very easy on the eyes, so that's good. Richard Dean Anderson was both of those things as well. So all good there. However, there are some people who are upset that Lucas Till is so young. Seeing as how MacGyver was in his mid 30's in the original series. But I get why they decided to go younger. Plus I think Till just looks younger than he is. He could easily play a teenager, even though he's in his late 20's. But it doesn't really bother me.

What were we talking about?

Also can we talk about MacGyver's hair for a second? Yes in the original series MacGyver does indeed have a mullet. It was the 80's O.K.!!!

It was a different time!!!

But it was a very specific look, and I was worried that they would just make the new actor look like every other male character on TV right now.

Not a bad look, but it can be a bit boring sometimes.

I'm happy that they went the other way. No he doesn't have a mullet exactly (thank God) but he does have pretty long hair. And I normally don't like long hair on guys but Till is definitely pulling it off. And it makes MacGyver look unique, so I'm on board with this.

What were we talking about again?

Another thing I really enjoyed about the trailer was the kind of action they had MacGyver doing. The first thing we see him do is get out of a jail cell by using gunpowder from some bullets to blow the door open. As an expert on all things MacGyver, I can tell you this trick is indeed authentic to the original show! Next thing: using a rubber hose to trip bad guys? Check. Using printer ink and some tape to create a fingerprint to open a door? Check. Using duct tape, gunpowder, and pipes to create an bow and exploding arrow? Totally something Mac (his often used nickname on the show) would do. And finally, escaping out of a truck falling off a cliff by using a parachute (which he probably constructed out of duct tape)? Again, totally Mac approved. So yeah, all that made me very happy! Watch one of MacGyver's best escapes in the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keYpxHNNQ-o

But with the good, there is usually at least some bad. So now for the things I didn't like about the trailer. First thing: while there is a Swiss army knife in the logo (clever) MacGyver didn't appear to use one at any point in the trailer. Now I'm sure he does use one on the show, but since I didn't see it for myself, I have to dock some points for that.

The next thing is probably the biggest problem I had, namely the character of Lincoln. Now this character didn't exist in the original series. In fact Mac usually worked alone. He did have a boss, Pete. But Pete's role generally consisted of him giving Mac new cases and sometimes providing Mac backup if he got in too much trouble. That is not what I saw in this trailer. It looks like the character of Lincoln will be some kind partner to Mac. In fact it looks like CBS wants to turn this into a buddy cop show. And that is NOT what MacGyver is. MacGyver is a guy who is sent into bad situations and has to find a way out, by HIMSELF. Mac would always have someone who he'd be trying to help/rescue but that was a new person every week. 

Now there were some recurring characters on the original show. Like Jack (Mac's screw-up, but ever charming, best friend), Penny (Mac's screw-up, but ever charming hot friend), and of course Murdoc (the un-killable, master of disguise, assassin, who is Mac's nemesis). None of those sound like Lincoln.

In the 80's this was considered a hot look O.K!!!

But I have to be honest, the main reason I dislike this character so much already, is because of the actor playing him. George Eads, who you may remember from one of the million CSI shows (I think he was on the first one).

The first one was called CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. I would have titled it: Look How Easy it is to Solve Crimes Kids!

I do NOT like this actor. I'm sure he's a very nice guy, but he is not a great talent. Not surprising since I've seen better acting on Soap Operas than I have on most of the CSI shows (in fact there were several Soap actors that went on to star on several CSI shows). So forgive me, but I don't want anyone associated with those giant turds (aka the CSI shows) to be a part of MacGyver.

Just top notch writing.

But anyway, those are my thoughts on the MacGyver reboot. I'm sure you were all riveted. Now I've heard some disparaging remarks from some people online about this reboot (shocking I know). Those people are wondering, who was asking for a MacGyver reboot? Well the answer is: ME. I was asking. I've been wanting this, for YEARS. So I beg you CBS (and I'm sure they're reading this) DON'T SCREW THIS UP!!!!! MacGyver fans know how to make bombs with chewing gum and paperclips, so don't screw with us!!!!

My Oscar Predictions 2016

YAY!!! It's finally here!!! OSCAR TIME!!! I make no bones about loving the Oscars, I've watched every single year for the past 14 years. Yes, even when I didn't own a TV. So yes, I care WAY too much about the Oscars, but that's just who I am. Deal with it. Anyway, every year I make my predictions at oscar.go.com. Last year was not my best, 15 right out of 24. But not my worst, 10 out of 24. So let's see if this year gets me a perfect score!! And now for predictions!!

Best Picture

And the nominees are:

The Big Short

Bridge of Spies

Brooklyn

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Martian

The Revenant

Room

Spotlight

My pick: The Revenant. Man this one is tough this year!! Although that does make for an exciting end to the award show. This really seems to be a 3 horse race between: the Revenant, the Big Short, and Spotlight. I really could see Spotlight taking this one, it deals with heavy subject matter (the Catholic Church scandal from the early 00s) and the Academy really likes that kind of movie. The Big Short also deals with an important issue, the banking crisis. But I think the Revenant will take this one because, Spotlight came out pretty early in the year and has lost momentum. And the Big Short is a pretty complicated movie, with lots of math and statistics, and that could turn off some voters. So because the Revenant is the freshest in the Academy's mind in it will probably take the big prize. But it wouldn't shock me if either Spotlight or the Big Short walked away with this award.

Actor in a Leading Role

And the nominees are:

Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)

Matt Damon (The Martian)

Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)

Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)

My pick: Leonardo DiCaprio. I just can't decide on this one. Everyone WANTS Leo to win this award. Everyone will not SHUT UP about how he's been ROBBED so many times before. And the Academy might finally feel bad enough for him (he ate raw bison and slept inside an animal carcass for the Revenant) to finally give him this award. Most people don't think this is his best performance but it will probably get him his Oscar. Fingers crossed so then everyone can stop WHINING about it! But I do still think Fassbender has a shot, and man would that make me happy! I've loved him for years! But I've already ranted about him and Damon in my post about the nominations so I won't go into that again. But if either Damon or Fassbender won, I would be sooooo happy!!!

Actor in a Supporting Role

And the nominees are:

Christian Bale (The Big Short)

Tom Hardy (The Revenant)

Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)

Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)

Sylvester Stallone (Creed)

My pick: Sylvester Stallone. I know, I can't really believe it myself! But there just seems to be a consensus out there that Stallone will get this award. I don't know if he deserves it (I haven't seen Creed). I don't know if Mark Rylance can pull off an upset here. But there you go, I'm just going with Stallone. But if Ruffalo won I would be over the moon!!

Actress in a Leading Role

And the nominees are:

Cate Blanchett (Carol)

Brie Larson (Room)

Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)

Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)

Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)

My pick: Brie Larson. This one does seem to be a lock. I haven't seen Room, but I do hear great things about it and her performance is supposed to be really amazing. Blanchett is always awesome, but I don't think she will get her 3rd Oscar this year. Lawrence shouldn't even be nominated (but I won't go into that again!). And it would make my heart happy if Saoirse won! And this is Rampling's first nomination and she is older than all the other nominees, so if she won I wouldn't be upset. But I think Larson has this one in the bag.

Actress in a Supporting Role

And the nominees are:

Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)

Rooney Mara (Carol)

Rachel McAdams (Spotlight)

Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)

Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)

My pick: Alicia Vikander. I LOVE her soooo much!!! And I know that most people wanted her to get a nomination for Ex Machina, but she didn't so deal with it! She is amazing and I want her to win sooo badly!! I do love Winslet but she already has an Oscar and I don't think this is the year she will get a second.

Animated Feature Film

And the nominees are:

Anomalisa

Boy and the World

Inside Out

Shaun the Sheep Movie

When Marnie Was There

My pick: Inside Out. This one is super easy, it's not even a contest. Inside Out WILL win. I do hear really good things about all the other films nominated, especially Anomalisa. But come on, this is Inside Out's category all the way!

Cinematography

And the nominees are:

Carol

The Hateful Eight

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Revenant

Sicario

My pick: The Revenant. This will be the third Oscar in a row for this cinematographer, but it's a pretty safe bet. Although Sicario's cinematographer is considered one of the best in the business and he's never won before, so he could upset here.

Costume Design

And the nominees are:

Carol

Cinderella

The Danish Girl

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Revenant

My pick: Cinderella. This should really be a no brainer. I mean come on Academy! This is the only category it's nominated in, and it's costumes are CLEARLY the best!!! Don't mess with me Academy! Don't. Mess. With. Me.

Directing

And the nominees are:

The Big Short

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Revenant

Room

Spotlight

My pick: Alejandro Inarritu for The Revenant. Yes, I think he'll win back to back Oscars. It rarely happens for directors but I do think shooting with natural lighting and everything else he did on the Revenant will get him the Oscar once again. I could see Miller winning, if only because he's an older director and this might be the last chance the Academy gets to honor him in this category.

Documentary Feature

And the nominees are:

Amy

Cartel Land

The Look of Silence

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom

My pick: Amy. Personally I don't think the award should go to this documentary about the late Amy Whinehouse, but it has great reviews and it's about the tragic life of a famous person. So it probably will win. I think Cartel Land should win, but what are you going to do?

Documentary Short Subject

And the nominees are:

Body Team 12

Chau: Beyond the Lines

Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah

A Girl in the River: the Price of Forgiveness

Last Day of Freedom

My pick: Body Team 12. Man this one is really tough! I could see Caude Lanzmann taking this for the documentary about the making of the film Shoah. Or A Girl in the River about honor killings in Pakistan. But I'm going to go with the film about the Red Cross worker dealing with the Ebola crisis.

Film Editing

And the nominees are:

The Big Short

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Revenant

Spotlight

Star Wars: the Force Awakens

My pick: Mad Max: Fury Road. This film was incredibly difficult to make and supposedly even tougher to edit. I don't think this film will win Best Picture but it will probably win this category. 

Foreign Language Film

And the nominees are:

Embrace of the Serpent

Mustang

Son of Saul

Theeb

A War

My pick: Son of Saul. Yes, I think another film about the Holocaust will win this category this year. Just like last year. But this is the heavy favorite and supposedly shows a unique perspective on one of the worst events in history. Although Mustang might upset here. 

Makeup and Hairstyling

And the nominees are:

Mad Max: Fury Road

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

The Revenant

My pick: Mad Max: Fury Road. This is just a weird category. Every year it gets weirder. I don't know! Mad Max had really unique make up, but the Revenant could upset. Who has even seen the other film?

Original Score

And the nominees are:

Bridge of Spies

Carol

The Hateful Eight

Sicario

Star Wars: the Force Awakens

My pick: The Hateful Eight. This is not my personal choice. I would rather Star Wars or Carol win, if I'm honest. Those scores were just better in my opinion. But Morricone is 87 and has never won for scoring before. Although he does have an honorary Academy Award. Just have a feeling the Academy will vote his way. Although come on, John Williams is always amazing and it would make me sooo happy if he won another Academy Award!

Original Song

And the nominees are:

Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)

Manta Ray (Racing Extinction)

Simple Song #3 (Youth)

Til it Happens to You (The Hunting Ground)

Writing's on the Wall (Spectre)

My pick: Til it Happens to You. I will not get into how incredibly WRONG it is that "See You Again" from Furious 7 wasn't EVEN nominated again! But it's WRONG!! And I personally really love "Writing's on the Wall," it might not be the best Bond song, but it's still really good! But yeah, the song that accompanies the documentary about campus rape, is haunting and beautiful. It should win.

Production Design

And the nominees are: 

Bridge of Spies

The Danish Girl

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Martian

The Revenant

My pick: Mad Max: Fury Road. Yeah, this one is everyone's favorite for this category. I would love it if the Martian won though. But I won't be surprised if the Revenant upsets.

Animated Short Film

And the nominees are:

Bear Story

Prologue

Sanjay's Super Team

We Can't Live Without Cosmos

World of Tomorrow

My pick: Sanjay's Super Team. Oh my gosh! Cutest animated short in this category by far!! But even though I WANT it to win, I know how tight this race is. World of Tomorrow has a lot of great reviews so it might take it. And so might Bear Story. But I want Sanjay and his big eyes to win this soooo bad!

Live Action Short Film

And the nominees are:

Ave Maria

Day One

Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut)

Shok

Stutterer

My pick: Stutterer. So tough!! Ave Maria is the lone comedy in this sea of depressing shorts, so that might give it an edge. Day One looks very well made and is about war. And Shok is based on a true story (and is super depressing!). But Stutterer looks like the best of both worlds, not too dark and deals with a real issue. Fingers crossed!

Sound Editing

And the nominees are:

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Martian

The Revenant

Sicario

Star Wars: the Force Awakens

My pick: Mad Max: Fury Road. Flip a coin, it's either going to Mad Max or the Revenant. Really hard to call.

Sound Mixing

And the nominees are:

Bridge of Spies

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Martian

The Revenant

Star Wars: the Force Awakens

My pick: The Revenant. Same thing as with Sound Editing, flip a coin basically. But I'm picking the Revenant to shake things up.

Visual Effects

And the nominees are:

Ex Machina

The Martian

The Revenant

Star Wars: the Force Awakens

My pick: Star Wars: the Force Awakens. Really anyone could win this one. But I'm hoping Star Wars gets at least one Academy Award. Wow, never thought I'd type that sentence! Ex Machina might get some love here though. Or the Revenant's CGI bear might take the prize.

Adapted Screenplay

And the nominees are:

The Big Short

Brooklyn

Carol

The Martian

Room

My pick: The Big Short. I think this will be the one award this film goes home with. It took really complicated subject matter and made it somewhat easy to understand. Although I could see Room upsetting here. And the Martian winning would just make my night!

Original Screenplay

And the nominees are:

Bridge of Spies

Ex Machina

Inside Out

Spotlight

Straight Outta Compton

My pick: Spotlight. Like I said, it deals with really heavy subject matter and since it probably won't win Best Picture, I think this will be the one award it takes home. But maybe the voters want to award Ex Machina with something. It could happen. Real long shot is Straight Outta Compton, but stranger things have happened. Lady Gaga's song will probably win an Oscar tonight. We live in crazy times.

There you have it! My predictions for this year's Academy Awards. There are a lot of close races tonight, so I'm not holding my breath!  I probably won't get 20 right this year like I did a couple years ago. But you never know! And that's what makes the Oscars so much fun! Don't forget to watch!

My Thoughts on the 2016 Academy Award Nominations (A.K.A: Why the Academy Wants to Make Me Cry)

It's that time of year again my friends! Oscar time!! The Academy Award nominations were announced on Thursday, and I've taken a few days to think on things. So here are my thoughts.

Ridley Scott didn't get a Best Director nomination, what the crap?! If you read my last blog post, you'll know that The Marian was one of my favorite films of last year. And Ridley Scott deserves a lot of credit for what he did with that movie. I just can't believe Lenny Abrahamson got nominated over Ridley Scott. I've heard next to no award buzz for The Room, in fact I didn't even realize it had already come out! I'm just really annoyed by this!

But I am really happy that Matt Damon got a Best Actor nomination for The Martian!! I still can't believe that he doesn't have an Oscar yet (I realize he does already have an Oscar, but it's for screenwriting, not acting, so I'm not counting that!)! He is a terrific actor and I know he probably won't win this, but still so happy he got recognized for his performance! If you haven't seen it yet, what is wrong with you?

The Best Actor category is one that's really going to mess with me this year. Most people think that Michael Fassbender is going to win for his performance in Steve Jobs. And that would make me soooo happy! I've loved Fassbender for years! I think he is one of the best working actors today, and he sooo deserves an Oscar! But I've been waiting wayyyy longer for Damon to get an Oscar, so this category has me really torn!! Why Academy?!! Why do you have to mess with my emotions like this?!! Do you want to make me cry with frustration? Do you?!

So glad that Saoirse Ronan (try pronouncing that name correctly John Travolta!) got a Best Actress nomination!! I really love her, and I can't wait to see the film Brooklyn, I've heard great things about it! And Cate Blanchett was nominated yet again. Not complaining, she's one of the best actresses of our generation. But it does seem like she's becoming the new Meryl Streep.  The Academy is like: "oh she was in something this year? Let's nominate her!" But I guess that's not a bad thing.

But you know what is a bad thing? The fact that Jennifer Lawrence got another Best Actress nomination. And for Joy, of all things?! I've haven't heard ANY award buzz for that film (other than the Golden Globes, but they have like zero credibility)! Alicia Vikander deserved to get in this category for Ex Machina (I've heard it's an INCREDIBLE film and a unforgettable performance). Ugh, I'm one of the few people who doesn't think Lawrence even DESERVED to win an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. Way to drop the ball Academy!

Yay! Alicia Vikander got a Supporting Actress nomination at least!! And I'm always happy when Kate Winslet gets a nomination! So good job Academy!

Wow, Sylvester Stallone got an Academy Award nomination. Best Supporting Actor, Sylvester Stallone, for playing Rocky. I have no words.

But yay! Mark Ruffalo got another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor!! If you read my thoughts on last year's nominations, you know how much I love him!

Wow, Inside Out got a nomination for Best Original Screenplay! I did really enjoy the film, but I did not expect that to happen! Although the Academy does enjoy nominating Pixar films in this category: Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up all managed to get nominations. Was Inside Out as good as those films? Not in my personal opinion, but whatever. It does seem like the Academy nominates Pixar films in this category as kind of an apology for not nominating them for Best Picture. In fact the Academy has only nominated 2 Pixar films for the Best Picture category: Up and Toy Story 3. Neither won by the way. And no, Inside Out didn't get a Best Picture nomination, I don't think it deserved one. But I know a lot of people were upset by this.

Also interesting to see Straight Out of Compton get a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. I didn't think the Academy would recognize this film at all. Good for it though! Also surprising was Ex Machina getting a nomination in this category. Yay! Many people were hoping for it to get a Best Picture nomination, but oh well.

Also kind of surprising that Tarantino didn't get a nomination for The Hateful 8 screenplay. It seems like every time he makes a film, he at the very least gets nominated in this category.

John Williams got another Best Score nomination for Star Wars: the Force Awakens! That brings his total Oscar nominations to 50. The only person with more Oscar nominations is Walt Disney, he got 59. You can totally tie him John Williams! I believe in you!! I just love him, but who doesn't?!

What?! Fifty Shades of Grey got a nomination for Best Song?!!! Are you kidding me?!! It got a nomination, but the beautiful and poignant song "See You Again" from Furious 7 didn't?!! What are you smoking Academy?!!! I can't even talk about this anymore I'm so upset!!

Best Makeup seems like it had slim pickings this year doesn't it? I guess no one got painted green or turned into an orc this year, huh?

Yay!!! Cinderella got a nomination for Best Costume!!! It sooooo deserved it!!! It has to win right? RIGHT?!!! Don't screw with me Academy!!!

Well the Best Animated Feature category seems pretty standard. No GIANT snubs like last year (I'm never going to let the fact that the Lego Movie wasn't even NOMINATED go, like ever!)! Although I was surprised The Peanuts Movie didn't get a nomination. It had really good reviews, but it's not like it had any hope of winning. It's Inside Out's category all the way!!

I do think that Star War: the Force Awakens should have at least gotten a nomination for Best Picture. Especially since there can be 10 films in this category now. I'm not saying it was the best film of the year, but it got great reviews and people really loved it. Plus I know it got better reviews than Bridge of Spies and that got a nomination, so what gives Academy?! I of all people think that a STAR WARS film deserved to get nominated, and that's saying a lot!!

Anyway those are my thoughts on the 2016 Oscar nominations. Don't forget to watch the awards on February 28th!!! Also if you wanted the full nominations list here is a link: http://collider.com/2016-oscar-nominations-announced/.

My Top 5 Movies of 2015

Well 2015 has come and gone. And since everyone else seems to be making a top 10 list of their favorite films of the past year, I figured I'd get in on it too. However you probably noticed from the title that this is a top 5 list not a top 10. And the reason for that is that I only saw about 12 films last year (that were released in 2015 that is). So a top 10 least didn't seem like it would really make that much sense. But a top 5 list? That I can do.

So for starters, this is a list of my favorite films of 2015. I realize these might not necessarily be the best (and best is a very subjective thing anyways) but these are the films I enjoyed the most this past year. Basically what I'm saying is that I know that most of these films aren't going to win a best picture Oscar or anything like that, but they do win a place on my list. Also I've only seen most of these films once, so the order of my list might change later on. Rewatchability can be an important factor to consider. Also I'll try and be as vague as possible, so no spoilers here if you haven't seen these films!

Side note, I know the Oscar nominations came out today but I'm still processing my thoughts on the snubs and surprises, so look for that rant in the next couple of days!

Anyway, on to the list!

5. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

I love the MI movies, they always have great action and amazing stunts (mostly because Tom Cruise is a crazy person, but that makes for some unforgettable stunts!)! And this one was no exception, in the first 10 minutes Cruise is hanging of the back of a plane while it takes off (that's not a spoiler, you see that in the trailer!)! While I did think the last MI movie was slightly better, this one was still fun and I enjoyed it immensely. And there is an underwater scene that is AMAZING!! Plus Simon Pegg had more screen time than the last film and when is that ever a bad thing?

4. Cinderella

For those of you that know me, this should come as no surprise. I'm a HUGE fairy tale geek and a TOTAL Disneyphile. Plus it had Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother, I mean COME ON!! Also Sir. Kenneth Branagh directed this, and he did a fantastic job! Lily James was superb as the title character (I've loved her since Downton Abbey so I'm very pleased she's getting big movie roles!). Richard Madden was a terrific prince (I'm totally in love with him now btw). To sum up: it has an incredible cast and it is wonderfully directed. It takes elements from the Disney animated version, the fairy tale, and it manages to show a fresh new take on the classic tale. It's so good I saw it twice in the theater! The music is also amazing (it has a little bit of singing but nowhere near as much as the animated film). Overall a great new version of Cinderella that both kids and adults can enjoy!

3. The Martian

This is where it starts getting really tough, this film and the number 2 film were neck and neck for me. But for the moment my number 3 film is Ridley Scott's amazing film: The Martian. Let me start out by saying that I have read the book (and LOVED it btw) so I went in to this film with HIGH expectations. And I was not disappointed. While I would say the book is better (surprise, surprise) it is only slightly better. Matt Damon was the PERFECT choice to play the lead character, a astronaut stranded on Mars. The film was directed beautifully and all the supporting actors were amazing! And there is a scene that was funny in the book but was 10 times funnier in the film! I laughed so hard my sides hurt! That's really what people need to remember when watching this film, it has dramatic subject matter (man vs. nature) but it is really funny! I know Damon probably won't win the Oscar for this performance (the Best Actor category is really stacked this year) but that shouldn't detract from what an INCREDIBLE job he did. Especially considering the majority of this film is just him all alone on a desert planet. It's basically Cast Away meets Apollo 13, and why wouldn't you want to see that? To sum up: WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!

2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I know some of you just died of shock: a Star Wars film is ON my list of favorite films of the year?! And not just ON my list, it's NUMBER 2?!! Look I've always been very upfront about my dislike of Star Wars (other than Han Solo and R2-D2 there's not much I like about Star Wars). But I was actually hopeful about this film, J.J. Abrams directed it, and he's one of my favorite working directors right now. It had Andy Serkis and Lupita Nyong'o in it, and they're awesome. So I had my fingers crossed. And honestly I was just hoping it would be better than the Prequels (a low bar I know). But I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie! It introduced great new characters (I totally want to be best friends with Rey and am in love with Finn!), was really funny, and had Harrison Ford in it (and he wasn't phoning in his performance for once!). There were great action sequences, amazing dialogue, and terrific performances. All things that I need to really enjoy a film. So yes, hell has officially frozen over, I like a Star Wars movie! The end of days is probably just around the corner. But who knows? Maybe the next one will suck.

Drum roll please!

1. The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Look I realize that not a lot of people actually saw this film, and that's a real shame, because it's AMAZING!! I just LOVED this movie sooooo much!!!! It has a great director (Guy Ritchie), a great cast (I want to be BFF's with Alicia Vikander after seeing this film!), and the best soundtrack since Guardians of the Galaxy!! The film is full of action, humor, and amazing outfits! It's a spy film set during in the 60's so you know the costumes and music have to be pretty awesome!! I remember watching this film and halfway through thinking "I can't wait to watch this again!" And that to me is why this film is my number 1!!! I saw it twice in the theater and made my family buy it for me for Christmas!! So yeah, I really, really, really liked this movie!!! A side note: it was based on a cheesy 60's television show, and yes I have seen many episodes of that show. This film managed to take the cool elements from the show, disregard the cheesiness, and infuse it with Guy Ritchie's unique style. I just wish this film did well enough to get a sequel. But you never know, stranger things have happened!!

So there you have it, my favorite 5 films of 2015. Some films that I really enjoyed but that didn't make this list were: Age of Ultron (just barely missed the cut, but still really liked this film), Inside Out (a really nice new Pixar movie, just not as good as Up or the Incredibles, if it was it'd be on my list!), and Jurassic World (not a great movie, but a really fun one!). Anyway, that's all for now, stay tuned for my reaction to the Oscar nominations!!

My Oscar Predictions 2015

It's finally here!!! It's Oscar time!!! Yes I love the Oscars. Yes I'm a dork. I know this and I'm o.k. with it. But you should already know that from my last post about my reaction to this year's Oscar nominations. Anyway, every year I make my predictions at oscar.go.com. Last year was the best I've ever done (20 right out of 24!). So will I do the same or better this year? Who can say? I'm hoping last year was no fluke and this year I do even better! A girl can dream can't she? Now on to my predictions!

Best Picture

And the nominees are:

American Sniper

Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Boyhood

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Selma

The Theory of Everything

Whiplash

My pick: Boyhood. This is the big one. What was the best film of 2014 (at least according to the old white guys who make up the academy?)? It really seems like it could go to Boyhood or Birdman. Both have won lots of awards this season. But I just think that the fact that Boyhood took 12 years to make gives it the edge over Birdman. The academy LOVES crap like that! Now I have only seen one of the movies nominated for best picture this year (The Grand Budapest Hotel) so I can't really say what SHOULD win. But I wouldn't be upset if Selma or The Grand Budapest Hotel won this category. I mean they won't, but it would make me happy!

Actor in a Leading Role

And the nominees are:

Steve Carell (Foxcatcher)

Bradley Cooper (American Sniper)

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)

Michael Keaton (Birdman)

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)

My pick: Michael Keaton. This is such a close category! Both Keaton and Redmayne have won a ton of awards for their respective performances. And Redmayne has lots of things going for him that the academy loves. He is playing a famous person (Stephen Hawking). But not just any famous person, a famous person with a disability! And the academy loves that! But Redmayne is a newcomer. While Keaton is a veteran actor who has never won an academy award (in fact he has never even been nominated!). And the academy loves a comeback! So this could really go either way, but I'm picking Keaton. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if Redmayne takes home the gold. And quick side note, I'm a HUGE Cumberbatch fan, so if he won I'd do a happy dance!

Actor in a Supporting Role

And the nominees are:

Robert Duvall (The Judge)

Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)

Edward Norton (Birdman)

Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

My pick: J.K. Simmons. Unlike the best actor category, this one is pretty much a sure thing. Yeah Simmons will take home the gold, no question. But like I said in my last post, I have loved Ruffalo since I was little, so a win for him would probably make me cry!

Actress in a Leading Role

And the nominees are:

Marion Cotillard (Two Days, One Night)

Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)

Julianne Moore (Still Alice)

Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)

Reese Witherspoon (Wild)

My pick: Julianne Moore. This is finally Moore's year! She is such an amazing actress and it's inconceivable that she hasn't won an Oscar yet! The only wildcard here is Witherspoon. I wouldn't be totally shocked if she won, but my money is still on Moore.

Actress in a Supporting Role

And the nominees are:

Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)

Laura Dern (Wild)

Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game)

Emma Stone (Birdman)

Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

My pick: Patricia Arquette. This is another category that is really a sure thing. Arquette will win. No contest. But I do love Stone, so hope this is only the first of many nominations for her!

Animated Feature Film

And the nominees are:

Big Hero 6

The Boxtrolls

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Song of the Sea

The Tale of Princess Kaguya

My pick: How to Train Your Dragon 2. This one is tough. It's pretty much a tossup. I could see the award going to Big Hero 6 or How to Train Your Dragon 2. Big Hero 6 was a great film, and surprisingly emotional. And it is a Disney film, so it has weight behind it. But I think How to Train Your Dragon 2 has a slight edge, so that's my pick. Although I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Big Hero 6 takes this one. And again, why no Lego Movie?!!!! WHY?!!!!!!!!!

Cinematography

And the nominees are:

Birdman

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Ida

Mr. Turner

Unbroken

My pick: Birdman. This one I'm pretty sure about. Birdman is filmed almost entirely in single-shot. So it is a no brainer.

Costume Design

And the nominees are:

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Inherent Vice

Into the Woods

Maleficent

Mr. Turner

My pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel. This is a really tough one. Into the Woods had great costumes and so did Maleficent. But I think Budapest will take this one (fingers crossed!).

Directing

And the nominees are:

Birdman

Boyhood

Foxcatcher

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

My pick: Alejandro Inarritu for Birdman. I think this will be like last year (and the year before that) where the best picture and best director awards went to different films. But I could see Boyhood getting the win here. It really could go either way. Although if Anderson wins, I'll lose my mind!

Documentary Feature

And the nominees are:

CitizenFour

Finding Vivian Maier

Last Days in Vietnam

The Salt of the Earth

Virunga

My pick: CitizenFour. The award will most likely go to the film about Edward Snowden. This one is a sure thing.

Documentary Short Subject

And the nominees are:

Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1

Joanna

Our Curse

The Reaper (La Parka)

White Earth

My pick: Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1. This one is tough. But I think the film that shines a light on veteran suicide is the one to beat.

Film Editing

And the nominees are:

American Sniper

Boyhood

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Whiplash

My pick: Boyhood. Like I said Boyhood took over 12 years to make. So I think it will win again in this category.

Foreign Language Film

And the nominees are:

Ida

Leviathan

Tangerines

Timbuktu

Wild Tales

My pick: Ida. This film is shot in black and white and is about post-Holocaust survival. And it was nominated for more than one Oscar. So yeah pretty sure about this one.

Makeup and Hairstyling

And the nominees are:

Foxcatcher

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Guardians of the Galaxy

My pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel. This category is always so weird. I'm betting on Grand Budapest (which made Tilda Swinton look ANCIENT!). Even though it might go to Foxcatcher (even though the only great makeup in this film was Steve Carell's nose). Guardians SHOULD win for painting people green and grey but I don't have much hope for that.

Original Score

And the nominees are:

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Interstellar

Mr. Turner

The Theory of Everything

My pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel. This one is really tough. I could see the Theory of Everything winning. But I just can't believe that Alexandre Desplat hasn't won an Oscar yet! And this year he is up for both Budapest and Imitation. So please let him win for one of those academy! Side note: if Interstellar wins (even though I LOVE Hans Zimmer) I will throw something!

Original Song

And the nominees are:

Everything is Awesome! (The Lego Movie)

Glory (Selma)

Grateful (Beyond the Lights)

I'm Not Gonna Miss You (Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me)

Lost Stars (Begin Again)

My pick: Everything is Awesome! This song is great and since it is the ONLY nomination The Lego Movie received it SHOULD win! However I know Glory from Selma will probably take it. But I'm going to hold out hope for Awesome!

Production Design

And the nominees are:

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Interstellar

Into the Woods

Mr. Turner

My pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel. It was just such a great film! And the design was spectacular! Please don't give this to Interstellar! You hear me academy?!

Animated Short Film

And the nominees are:

The Bigger Picture

The Dam Keeper

Feast

Me and My Moulton

A Single Life

My pick: Feast. This one is the obvious choice. It's a Disney short, and it is about an adorable dog! Come on! But I could see The Dam Keeper winning here. And I wouldn't be upset if A Single Life won!

Live Action Short Film
And the nominees are:
Aya
Boogaloo and Graham
Butter Lamp (La Lampa au Beurre de Yak)
Parvaneh
The Phone Call
My pick: The Phone Call. It has a great (and recognizable) actress in the lead role. But I would like this to go to Boogaloo and Graham, which is about 2 adorable boys and their chickens!

Sound Editing
And the nominees are:
American Sniper
Birdman
The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies
Interstellar
Unbroken
My pick: American Sniper. Everyone is predicting Sniper to win this one. So I'll go with it. But if the Hobbit wins, I'll be over the moon!

Sound Mixing
And the nominees are:
American Sniper
Birdman
Interstellar
Unbroken
Whiplash
My pick: American Sniper. Same as sound editing.

Visual Effects
And the nominees are:
Captain America 2: the Winter Soldier
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Guardians of the Galaxy
Interstellar
X-Men: Days of Future Past
My pick: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. But let's be real here, Interstellar will probably win, because it's set in SPACE. I wish Guardians or X-Men would win though.

Adapted Screenplay
And the nominees are:
American Sniper
The Imitation Game
Inherent Vice
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
My pick: Whiplash. Man this one is hard! I just don't know! It could go to Imitation Game or Theory of Everything. But I think this will be the one Oscar Whiplash will win.

Original Screenplay
And the nominees are:
Birdman
Boyhood
Foxcatcher
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Nightcrawler
My pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel. This one is really hard too! But I have to go with Wes Anderson for Budapest. He has yet to win an Oscar for any of his films (so wrong!). And he would have won for Moonrise Kingdom a few years ago if it weren't for Django Unchained! Please give him this award! PLEASE!!!!!

Well there you have it! My picks for the 2015 Academy Awards! Now I probably won't be right about everything (but in a perfect world I would!). So excited!!! Man I LOVE the Oscars!!!!!