Penelope Cruz puts Spain on the map with an Oscar

In the weeks leading to the Oscars I watched and reviewed some of the movies that were among the favourites for many. I also voiced my opinions on some of the nominees I thought stood a great chance. The results were quite pleasing, although somewhat not suprising. One of those movies that I wrote about was Vicky Christina Barcelona, which won Penelope Cruz her first Oscar ever.

The reason I'm highlighting this, is beacuse Penelope Cruz is the very first Spanish actress to walk away with the golden crown. And with good reason she won too, because she excelled on her role in the latest Woody Allen film. Even though I wanted Teraji P. Henson or Viola Davis to win the Best Supporting Actress gong, I'm content with Penelope Cruz (apparently she is going out with co-star Javier Bardem - second picture above - in real life, an interesting spin on the movie now that I know about that), as she has proved a phenomenal talent, overe and over. I first took notice of her in 2001 when she did Vanilla Sky with Tom Cruise, and have been a fan ever since.

And of course, I have to mention that another of my favourite films this year, Slumdog Millionare, had an impressive run at the Oscars this past Sunday. Walking away with 8 of the 11 trophies the film was nominated for, including Best Motion Picture and Best Directing for Dany Boyle, it was certainly the top 'dog'. Just this past Friday I also reviewed The Reader, which helped Kate Winslet cling the Best Leading Actress statuette, her very first after so many dry runs. There were many other films that did well, including The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, although I was a bit disappointed it only won 3 out of the record 13 nominations for this year.

I didn't get to watch the actual show, but I have read and heard about it. What fascinated me about the stories was that the style was upped a bit this year by having past winners (as presenters) read a short profile on each of the nominees in the big categories. I thought that was very classy and such a sincere and commendable gesture. I hope I'll get to see the show some time to witness that for myself and to see how the performances were (apparently Queen Latifah did a sterling job with hers).

Let's hope next year will be even bigger and better. I'm looking forward to seeing the films that will be made this year to contest for next year's Oscars. And I'm certainly hoping South Africa is counted amongst those films.

The Reader makes for compelling viewing.

Over the past few weeks I've posted about a number of movies that are amongst the front runners in the upcoming Oscars. We are two days away from the Academy Awards where we will learn which ones take the golden statuettes. Yesterday afternoon I had a pleasure of watching one more movie that stands a very good chance, in a least 2 of the 5 categories it has been nominated in.

The Reader stars Kate Winslet, who was given a double victory when she won Golden Globes for both The Reader as a supporting actress as well as the leading actress on another masterpiece of hers with Titanic co-star Leonardo Di Caprio, Revolutionary Road. Also on the bill is Ralph Fiennes, who has proved time and time again an indisputed talent. The acting from both parties is superb. Even the young actor, David Kross shows us a great deal of talent as the young Michael Berg (played by Fiennes in the older years).

The story was also quite different and refreshing. In summary, Hanna (Winslet) carries on a tumultous affair with a teenager schoolkid, Michael (Kross, and later Fiennes), that end with both parties heartbroken, moreso, the young Michael. They get an opportunity to re-unite later when Hanna stands trial for heinous crimes by the Germans against the Jews, in which Hanna is one of the accused and Mike a law student doing his practicals. Although he gets a chance to avail himself, re-unite with his old flame, and possibly help Hanna get acquitted, he decides against it. When both eventually re-unite, the obvious regrets for leaving things the way they were are revealed.

It's a story about love, about tragedy, about morality or the lack thereof, and ultimately the dynamics between men and women and their differences. It's a very heavy film because of its sombre nature. You do get annoyed at their actions, but also at the same time sympathise with both thier flawed characters. It was really compelling viewing, from start to finish. The fine acting on display alone makes for an amazing film.

The Reader opens at cinemas in Mzansi on the 27th of March 2009.

Be sure to check it out when it releases. In the meantime, check out the Oscars on Sunday to see which films are deemed the best for this year. I'm rooting for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (especially for Teraji P. Henson), The Reader, Slumdog Millionare and of course The Dark Knight because I really want the late Heath Ledger to make history (he's always be among my all-time favoutite actors).

Win with Changeling!!!

Angelina Jolie teams up with world-renowned and top-notch director Clint Eastwood on their latest film, Changeling. With the movie receiving much-deserved buzz for this year's Oscars, you know it's another amazing work from these two A-listers. Please click HERE to see the review I did just last week after seeing the movie a few weeks back.

Changeling opens at cinemas countrywide this coming Friday, 20 February 2009. With absolute pleasure, United International Pictures (UIP), together with YEAHBO.DOT.NET are giving away 5 Changeling hampers containing the following movie memorabilia:

- 5 The Compact Journal with a faux leather bound cover with lined paper and is embossed with the title treatment. (please see first picture above)
- 5 The Precision Roller Ball Pen, which is brown and is engraved with the title treatment. (please see second picture above)

All you have to do to walk away with the above prize is answer the following simple questions:

1). Name at least one category Cangeling is nominated for at this year's Oscars.
2). What is Angelina's character's name in the movie?

Send your answers to yeahbo@yeahbo.net, together with the following details:

Name and surname;
Contact number;
E-mail address;
Your age;
The city where you live; and
Tell us how you learnt about YEAHBO.DOT.NET or yeahbodotnet.blogspot.com.

Good luck.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is a rich and exceptional tale

Over the past few weeks I've had a pleasure of seeing films that have won numerous industry awards and ultimately becoming front runners for this year's biggest pictures at the Oscars to take place shortly. Finally, I was able to watch The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button yesterday afternoon. The Gary Finch-directed film happens to lead the 2009 Academy Awards with an impressive 13 nominations (just 1 nod shy of historic Titanic), including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for leading man Brad Pitt, Best Writing for screenwriter Eric Roth, as well as Best Supporting Actress for groudbreaking acting showcase from Teraji P. Henson.

Based on a true story, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is an epic story of a man who ages backwards. Born in a body of an 80 year old man, Benjamin Button (played by Brad Pitt) grows backwards as we see different eras in his life from old age, to middle age, to young adulthood, to teenager, as ultimately to infancy just before he dies. Gary Finch takes us through a captivating journey of Button's experiences, good and bad. Done in an immensely emaculate manner, the richness of the story permeates through the well-synchronised parts to the whole tale.

The acting is exceptional, thanks to Brad Pitt's comfortability in displaying the troubled, yet content character. His ability to fit into each and every period of his life as Button, from the 80 year old man to his teenage years (although there was help from other stand-ins and CGI animation technology), is marvellous. Brad is not the only one who delves into the inner emotions to bring forth a credible and well-developed character. Cate Blanchett, as always, takes her role and plays it with such flair and poise. As much as Cate Blanchett shows her awesome acting chops, Teraji P. Henson steals the show with her sterling and outstanding portrayal of Button's adopted mother. I had heard and read about her performance being dubbed a groundbraking one, and after seeing her dig deeper into her strength as a woman, mother and a nurturer, I've got to say she really deserves the hype and the nomination she garnered for her role in this film.

Speaking of the hype, I'm not show why Tilda Swinton is not getting any for her role here because she was also on a class of her own, reminding me of the great work she has done on movies like Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (which is where I took notice of her great acting ability), Michael Clayton (a film that won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2007), and Burn After Reading (I believe the first time she acted on the same set with Brad Pitt). Mahershalalhashbaz Ali also plays his part very well as Queenie's (played by Teraji P. Henson) husband. He reminded me why I enjoyed his performance on the supernatural series The 4400, making an impression on me as one of the great black actors there is.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is an amazing piece of work. Not just the story, but the manner in which it is told, the people telling it, and the director's simple way of conveying the different characters and their experiences. Although it's almost 3 hours, there is never a dull moment as you get engaged and want to know what happens next. I appluad everybody involved because it's no mean feat holding a viewers attention for such a long time, and do it successfully.

Even though Teraji P. Henson has some really tough competition in the Supporting Actress contest at the Oscars, I'll be rooting for her all the way. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button opens at Mzansi cinemas nationwide on the 27th of February 2009.

Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood create a masterpiece

Just a few days ago I wrote about the Oscar buzz and mentioned a few films that are among the top contenders in this year's awards. Another such film is Clint Eastwood's 1920's revolutionary drama, Changeling. Taking a break from the front of the camera on this one, he delves into what has made him a formidable force behind the scenes as a director. You cannot help but emerse yourself into adulation for his latest remarkable work.

Based on a true story, Changeling is centred around a woman in the 1920's who dared confront the status quo on women seggregation and police corruption, and emerged victorious in her quest. Christine Collins, played by Angelina Jolie, finds herself distraught after her son is kidnapped from their home. Her prayers to have him recovered are answered, but not until she gets herself involved in a police corruption mystery many just pretend doesn't exit. Her conviction and love for her son brings about a change that is needed in the community.

Changeling takes you through the emotions and engages you in a very deep level of compassion. Angelina Jolie brings her character to life with her soft, yet effective demeanor. John Malkovich is also impressive as a preacher who is instrumental in fighting Christine's course. It's amazing how Clint Eastwood brought into the surface Angelina's character, obviously making them a phenomenal team. The way he was able to draw out her passion and emotions to jump onto the screen makes for phenomenal viewing. It is therefore no wonder that this film is also up for a few Oscars, including Best Actress for Angelina.

Changeling opens at cinemas nationwide on the 20th of February 2009. Be sure not to miss it. Although very heavy, it's worth watching, if not for the brilliant acting and directing, for education on subjects women and people in general went through in that era. I must say the little espionage also left me intrigued. This is another amazing film to come out this year.

British films amongst the top in the world

Apologies for the lack of postings over the past 2 or 3 weeks. I have been extremely busy, mostly with organisation of the premiere events for The Secret Life Of Bees that we hosted in Durban last Tuesday, as well as Jozi last Thursday. Although the film did not do as much as we would have loved it to, it did post at number 6 for its opening weekend, according to the Top 10 Box Office results.

Still remaining on the movies topic, the Oscar buzz is at its ultimate high, just a few weeks before we get to see which titles walk away with the golden statuettes for this year. There is a clear hint as to which films are in the frontrun, by looking at the results from other industry awards like the Golden Globes, the SAG's, Critic's Choice Awards, BAFTA's, etc. Two of such films happen to be British titles. I've had an absolute pleasure of watching them ahead of the Oscars and their Mzansi theatrical releases. Here is what I thought of both Slumdog Millionaire and Happy Go Lucky, after watching them in the past few weeks.

Slumdog Millionare

Set in Mumbai, in India, Slumdog Millionaire is adapted from a novel titled Q&A, written by South African Embassador to India, Swarup Vikas. The film follows a teen's journey through the slums of India as he strives for survival. His participation in India's version of Who Wants To be A Millionaire, which has led to his subsequent victory in the competition, followed by an arrest, is the vehicle in which his story is told. The flashbacks into his progression in life proves to be a very smart concept, in terms of how the plot develops.

Filled with brilliant acting, a cohesive storyline, and riveting suspense, Slumdog Millionaire is captivating and exhilerating. The way director Danny Boyle engages you as an audience is magnetic in itself. Now I understand why the film has become so critically acclaimed, sweeping awards left, right, and centre. We'll wait to see how it fairs at the Oscars, what with an impressive 10 nominations including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Writing.

This is certainly one of the best films to come out this year. Slumdog Millionaire opens at cinemas throughout the country on the 06th of March 2009.

Happy Go Lucky

You may not expect this easy-flowing drama/comedy to blow you away, but it is the finer details that make it a remarkable piece of work. Also set in England, it's about a primary school teacher whose nature is so oblivious to any bad things that happen around her. Despite the exesperation from everybody around her, she doesn't feel there is anything wrong with her permanent cheery state.

It's amazing that actress Sally Hawkins (playing the role of Poppy, the school teacher) managed to pull smiling almost throughout the film off. Even the very few moments when she doesn't, there's still that trace of ease and glow in her face. That takes a great deal of skill to be able to portray somebody with such traits so well. The stages through Poppy's life, no matter how trying and cruel, her positiveness shines through. I have to admit there is a great amount of lessons that Poppy's character teaches you as a person.

Although most of the subject tackled are serious, the comedic relief from seeing such a character creates an air of understanding. Sally Hawkins has already won a Golden Globe as the Best Actress beating other heavyweights, and we'll see if Happy Go Lucky takes the crown for the Best Writing conquest at then Oscars in less than 2 weeks.

Happy Go Lucky opened at Mzansi Cinema Nouveau theatres last Friday, 06 February 2009.

Teraji P. Henson and Viola Davis up for Oscars

The Academy Awards nominees for 2009 were announced this past Thursday and it gives me great pleasure and pride that Teraji P. Henson and Viola Davis were both nominated in the capacity of Best Supporting Actress in their respective roles in The Curious Case of Banjamin Button and Doubt.

I had an opportunity to see The Curious Case Of Benjamin where Teraji plays Brad Pitt's mother, but couldn't make it because of other engagements. There is a lot of buzz about how excellent her performance was. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the film when it opens at cinemas here in Mzansi. What with a whopping 13 nominations for this year's Oscars, that's just 1 nomination shy of reaching the record set by Titanic in 1997.

Another actress who is nominated against Teraji is Viola Davis, a Tony Award winner. She has been nominated for her outstanding role in the Meryl Streep-led film Doubt. I watched this movie about 2 weeks ago and immensely enjoyed it. She used the screen time she gets phenomenally, which is actually about 14 minutes, commanding the role and making it her own. She belts it out in the memorable scenes. I was bowled over and feels she really deserves all the accolades.

As tight as the competition in that category is (Penelope Cruz is also nominated for her role on the exceptional Woody Allen picture Vicky Christina Barcelona, whilst Amy Adams got a nod for her performance on Doubt and Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler), I'm really hoping one of these amazing black women takes the crown come the Oscar Awards night. I'm certaibnly looking forward to what Teraji does on Benjamin Button, I've been a fan since seeing her with Tyrese Gibson on Baby Boy.

Jerusalema vying for a nod for next year's Oscars

Whilst I was watching Morning Live this morning, I couldn't contain my excitememnt after hearing Leanne Manas mention that Jerusalema may score a nomination in the Best Foreign Film category for next year's edition of the Academy Awards. When I watched the movie early in August and also chatted to leading actor in the raw, real, entertaining and gritty drama, Rapulama Seiphemo (please see the full interview at YEAHBO.DOT.NET), I just knew that the film was destined for bigger things.

This journey to success includes the film raking in excess of R3 million rands since it opened, with limitations of only screening in just a few cinemas countrywide, as well as still sitting in the top 10 for the past weekend, ending 05 October 2008. Now, with the film submitted as the final selection for South Africa in the Best Foreign Language Film, we can only hope that the judging panel gives it their stamp as the official nominee. This will happen at the end of January and on the 22nd of February 2009 we will know if Jerusalema follows in the footsteps of another Mzansi classic, the Oscar-winning Tsotsi, for the top crown.

If you haven't seen the movie, please go out and show your support. I promise you, you will enjoy it immensely. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for Jerusalema to repeat history and prove that we are nothing short of world class when it comes to our products.