I’ve been incredibly flat out with work recently so very little time to write anything of substance. That is still the case, so for now it’s just a simple update to the Film Diary with a couple of new additions. Realistically there’s probably a couple I’ve forgotten, it’s been so long, but if I get the urge to revisit things when I’ve got a little more time I’ll chuck those in too.
Hopefully I’ll get a chance to write a bit more soon. Since I last made a post, here’s a brief snapshot of what’s been happening:
- The Demons have lost six straight to start the season
- The Bombers (my “other” team now) had a decent start but are going to be on the end of some hammerings this year
- Arsenal saw their title hopes slip once again and were bundled out of the Champions League in heartbreaking fashion. I was there in the wee hours of the morning to witness it.
- My fantasy footy teams are doing very average, apart from one side on The Bench which is destroying the opposition every week.
- I’ve had a decent run on the punt, picking up a $40 winner at one stage among a host of other good picks
That’s about it. Nothing really all that exciting, so I’ll leave the rest for when there’s something meaningful to write about.
It’s been a while, but the 06/07/08 Poker Log has been updated with all the latest data. While there was a big black hole in 2007 where we didn’t play at all between the end of May and December, Daryl came away with the honours in 07 only losing once the whole year. The form has continued this year but there are a few others who want to take 08 crown (including me!). Needless to say Vinen is still in the red, although you’re only as good as you’re last game, hey Vinen?!
The 80th Academy Awards were on last night, and as usual I made a point of making a whole event of it. I entered the 8th Annual Oscar Pick ‘Em contest on Efilmcritic, where I came 66th out of 300-odd which turned out to be a reasonable effort. The ones I missed out on were Best Supporting Actress and a lot of the supporting awards such as sound editing, sound mixing and documentary feature. Still, I did plenty well in the major categories which was good.
The full list can be seen at The Official Oscars Website, but I thought I’d write down my thoughts on this year’s ceremony:
- Marion Cotillard took out Best Actress for her role as Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose. Quite easily the biggest thrill of the night, and her genuine shock and gratitude was great to see. I just want to say that I saw her first, and have been following her well before anyone (apart from the French) new who she was. I defy anyone to say they’ve seen Love Me If You Dare (Rachel doesn’t count).
- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova thankfully took out best song from the movie Once, even though their on-stage performance on the night didn’t quite hit the mark. Marketa unfortunately missed out on her chance to speak during their acceptance speech (I know some people ramble, but Hansard had only taken a few seconds to tell the world how happy they were, then when Marketa stepped up to the mic it was already muted and the orchestra kicked in). Thankfully Jon Stewart called her back after the break to make her speech. While it might have felt a little silly at first, she actually had something quite profound and heartfelt to say. If they had left her to remember being cut off before she uttered a word on arguably the biggest night of her life (or one of) then I think the producers would have had to take a good look at themselves. Luckily it never got to that and she had her time, albeit a little late.
- Stewart himself was only so-so as host this year. While I was a fan of him in his previous stint as host a couple of years ago, it seemed this year it was all kind of bland. Perhaps a result of the writers strike hitting them hard until it lifted only a few weeks before the big night?
- Amy Adams is gorgeous, even though the song she sang was pap.
- Jack Nicholson is still the coolest guy on earth, even though every Oscar night he just turns into a parody of himself, or at least lets everyone portray him that way
- No Country For Old Men was deserving of Best Picture. But that ending has really polarised audiences, and will continue to do so. I would’ve been surprised had There Will Be Blood taken it out, and even more surprised about any of the others (Juno? What the fuck is that doing there? Good film, but Best Picture? Please)
- Amy Ryan’s nomination and the appearance of Casey Affleck as a nominee (for a different film) reminded me of how much I liked Gone Baby Gone. Go check it out.
- Cate Blanchett was unlucky. Swinton is weird no matter which way you look at it. OK, so that’s not why she was unlucky, just making an observation that’s all.
- It seems everyone gets let into the Oscars nowadays. Wesley Snipes? Unless he comes back to make a Demolition Man sequel he shouldn’t be within 200km of the theatre. Razzies are down the street, pal.
- Diablo Cody’s next movie will bomb. Mark my words. Juno was great though.
- Did someone spill grease next to the lecturn last night? Colin Farrell almost broke his leg, as did a few others who fortunately never lost their footing completely but had some serious mini-heart attacks as they strode to the microphone.
- The flashback clips they played this year were awesome, particularly the montage of Best Picture winners. Rachel and I had great fun pointing out which ones we had seen. I was surprised at a few of Rachel’s notable omissions, but realised that I had just as many holes I really needed to fill in order to call myself a true film buff.
That’s about it. Roll on another good year in movies, hopefully. Something to keep my mind of footy for a while each week which will help I think! See you all next year.
- Oh yeah, and congratulations Marion. You’re the best.
Some new movies added to the ever growing list that is the film diary. We’ve been to a lot of flicks lately and I’ve managed to catch a few at home as well. With the exception of The King Of Kong they have been largely disappointing unfortunately, but hopefully that changes with some really good films (like There Will Be Blood among others) coming out very shortly. Plus I’ve got to get through a few more Oscar contenders so I’ve got some idea of who to cheer for come the big night.
Going to Canberra next week so no updates until I get back, but I’m hoping to watch a few films while I’m over there so there might be some new additions when I return.
Until then, go watch The King Of Kong.
The 2008 Academy Awards nominees were announced today, with a few surprises in what has been a rather lacklustre year. Plenty of movies that deserved to be seen, but I haven’t fallen in love with as many films as I usually do (the only exception being Once, but I don’t think it was anywhere near being under the noses of the Academy).
Perhaps some of the films that haven’t quite made Aussie cinemas will turn out to be the best of the bunch. Hopefully I’m right. But the nominations have definitely created a storm as always. Read on for my (limited) thoughts…
Fewer updates from me recently because Rach got back on Monday after six months overseas. Good to have her back home - was definitely feeling a little lost (and bored) without her around.
Also, a couple of new additions to the film diary. I don’t think the movie watching will slow down much with my better half back in town. Planning on seeing a movie tomorrow night (Juno perhaps) so look out for another entry soon.
The Gunners retained their rightful place on top of the Premier League with another comfortable victory against Australian Lucas Neill’s West Ham United. The goals both came in the opening 20 minutes of the game, with the first from Eduardo (who is in cracking form right now) with only a little over a minute on the clock. The second was a bizarre strike from Adebayor which was taken basically from the goal line, about five metres away from the post as the ball looked to be travelling out for a goal kick. Somehow the leggy striker managed to chip it towards the goal and it drifted past one defender and curled into the net.
As luck would have it I missed watching the match, firstly because it was on at the ungodly hour of 2:00am the morning of my return to work, and secondly because my Foxtel IQ packed it in for some reason and decided to fail in it’s recording of the replay. But Fox Sports website has an EPL wrap which comes in handy, so I had to settle for my Arsenal fix that way instead.
Still, the boys are motoring along and looking hopefully like eventual champions. A long way to go yet, though.