For Your Consideration

Talk about a shocker. The nominations for this year’s Academy Awards were announced this morning, and I can’t be the only one who was surprised by more than a few categories.

First, let me get this off my chest. “Drive” was nominated for only one category. Not best picture, not for best supporting actor (yay, Albert Brooks!), but for… are you ready? Sound editing. REALLY? SOUND EDITING?

“Drive” was, in my opinion, the most underrated film of the season, but I figured the Academy would at least recognize its sheer brilliance. But instead, “Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close” snagged a nod for Best Picture instead. I have yet to pick my jaw up off the floor.

(Image courtesy of EW.com)

Although that was a major disappointment, I was pleased with quite a few other categories. My prediction of Rooney Mara for Best Actress came true! Joining her in the category is Michelle Williams (“My Week With Marilyn”), Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”), Viola Davis (“The Help”) and Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady”). I’m pulling for Rooney Mara’s portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” even though I know it’s a long shot.

The nomination that brought the biggest smile to my face and the most joy to my otherwise mundane Tuesday morning was Gary Oldman’s nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” I had to remind myself that tis is Oldman’s first nomination, because in my mind, he has about eight Oscars already.

For the complete list of nominees, see the link above.

The Academy Awards air on ABC on Sunday, February 26 at 7 p.m.

Movie Poster: “The Dark Knight Rises”

Any day that includes Batman related news is a good day in my book. Today, Rotten Tomatoes unveiled the latest poster for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Compared to the first teaser poster, I would much rather have the new one framed and on my wall. While they’re both awesome, the first one was pretty bland and could be used for any movie in the Batman franchise. The latest features Bane (the villain in “The Dark Knight Rises”) in the background.

As always, I’ll allow you to judge for yourself:

(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)

(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)

Agree or disagree?

Jason Segel’s “Five Year Engagement”

I like to think that, in general, I have good taste in movies. I wouldn’t be on my third plus year of writing a movie blog if I thought otherwise. But sometimes, in the middle of my usual horror films and movies of substance that make me contemplate my existence, I must throw in a rom-com or two.

“The Five Year Engagement” is one such movie. Starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt as a couple who keep delaying their trip to the altar, it looks like a typical, cheesy popcorn flick. But one that I’ll be seeing nonetheless, because it just looks so darn cute.

“How’s Michigan?”

“All in all, it’s an adjustment.”

Ain’t that the truth. I’ve been living here for 21 years, and I’m still adjusting…

Versace meets H&M meets my closet

This post is going to deviate from my strict “pop culture only” policy briefly, but bare with me.

My leather jacket has been my signature wardrobe essential since I purchased it at the ripe age of 17. By my calculations, that means I’m well past due for a new one. And have I EVER found it. Please take a minute to revel in the sheer beauty of the following item:

This is the most beautiful jacket I have ever seen. Soft, fitted leather, quilted sleeve detail, gold and silver studded hem. Perfect.

Alas, by the time I save up enough money from my minimum wage job over Christmas break, A) this beauty will be sold out and B) it will be summer and too hot to wear it.

“Titanic 3D” brings Leo & Kate (back) to life

And tears to my eyes.

Because really, James Cameron, was a re-release of “Titanic” necessary, let alone in 3D form? I guess you didn’t make enough money off of “Avatar.” Oh, wait…

Much to my dismay, “Titanic 3D” is sailing (pun intended) toward a theater near you soon:

As you know from reading this blog, I’m a sucker for a good movie poster, and I must say, I do like the “Titanic 3D” one. However, they could have just re-released the poster and called it a day, in my opinion.

Watch Kate and Leo fall in love and the ship sink all over again when “Titanic 3D” hits theaters (and IMAX) on April 6, 2012.

30 Days of Music Challenge: What song has the highest play count on your iTunes?

This used to be my absolute favorite back in the day, so that explains why it’s in the three digits on my iTunes play count.

I give you, “Work,” by Jimmy Eat World. It’s off of their album, “Futures,” circa 2004.

I’m not even ashamed of my 14-year-old self.

“The Expendables 2” poster: where do I begin?

As if the idea of a sequel to “The Expendables” wasn’t horrific enough, the film’s artwork has proved to be even more terrifying. Take a look for yourself:

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The poster above actually does have Rocky, Chuck Norris and the governor of California on it. Oh, it looks like they squeezed Jean-Claude Van Damme in on the action too, as well as Jason Statham and Bruce Willis. Yep, this is real, people. No joke.

If you’re interested in seeing a film jam packed with every popular action star from the 90s onward, who has now reached (or passed) middle age, feel free to go see “The Expendables 2″ when it hits theaters on Aug. 17, 2012.

“The Avengers” banners more promising than the trailer?

Back when the full-length trailer for “The Avengers” was released and everyone was having trouble containing themselves, I found myself… underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, parts of it look awesome, but other parts look ho-hum.

However, I got a sense of newfound hope when I caught a glimpse at the banners for the film, which are pretty sweet. Check them out here:

I’m choosing to ignore the fact that Mark Ruffalo looks less like “The Hulk” and more like he has gangrene.

What do you think? Are you eagerly anticipating “The Avengers” or just waiting for the hype to pass?

Song of the Day: “Holding Out For A Hero”

Ella Mae Bowen’s version of “Holding Out For a Hero” is completely, 100 percent different than Bonnie Tyler’s original, but I also think it’s that much better. I have been obsessively listening to this song on repeat for days on end, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Don’t judge me until you listen for yourself.

My weekend in movies

If you read this blog at all, you know I watch a plethora of movies. Like an abnormal amount. This weekend, I fit in quite a variety:

• “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
• “Tower Heist” (2011)
• “Stripes” (1981)
• “V for Vendetta” (2006)
• “Alien” (1979)
• “Footloose” (2011)

Yep, it was a John Candy filled weekend, ladies and gents. “Uncle Buck” almost made its way in there too, but it’ll just have to wait.

I know this is terrible, but this was the first time I had seen “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” I don’t know what I’ve been doing for the past 21 years, but I have my love to thank for sharing it with me! If you haven’t seen it, learn from my mistake. Here’s my favorite scene, which in context, is hilarious:

I saw two movies in theaters this weekend which is pretty rare these days. Eddie Murphy definitely stole the show in “Tower Heist.” I was 110 percent expecting a Ferris Bueller reference seeing as how Matthew Broderick starred AND there was a parade scene, but it never happened. Talk about a letdown.

I hope the following statement doesn’t ruin my film credibility, but I’m willing to put this out there: I saw “Footloose.” And I liked it. A lot, actually. Before you stop reading and shun me forever, hear me out. Although corny at times (Dennis Quaid as a preacher, need I say more), it was also heartwarming and delightful. Yep, I just called an MTV film “delightful.” Moving on before I get myself in too much trouble here…

“V for Vendetta” was a necessity, because how can you not watch it on Nov. 5? “Stripes” is a comedy starring a slacker Bill Murray who enlists in the Army, which I would recommend. It also stars John Candy.

The “Alien” trilogy will be finished next weekend. For now, I’ll keep you updated with what the week brings in the wonderful world of film.