New Trailer: Disney's Moana

Disney's newest magical adventure Moana introduces us to its first Polynesian heroine. This Thanksgiving, Moana (voice of newcomer Auli'i Cravalho) chances upon the legendary demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) on her way to journey across the seas and fulfil her destiny once and for all.

Already I'm reminded of the wonderfully charming and uplifting Whale Rider (2002) in which Keisha Castle-Hughes first burst onto screens. In this teaser trailer, we don't get much out of Moana, but Maui sure seems like a real go-getter. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker with music composed by recent Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i. Moana releases in theatres on 23 June, 2016.

Blast from the Past: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

One way to start feeling really old, at least for me, is when news websites start putting up anniversaries of movies. Has it been that long I wonder? But yes, those movie milestones were a key part of your life growing up and it's really nostalgic to look back.

(Source: Tumblr)

On June 11, 1986, a charming little film about a high-school student, directed by John Hughes, opened and launched a star. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the ultimate love letter to Chicago. As the irrepressible Ferris, Matthew Broderick, stole the show as he planned the best day off from school. Many a student has tried to follow in his footsteps, including me, and failed, because let's face it, we can try to be like Ferris, but we can't really be Ferris.

I'm not going to say much about the plot (spoiler alert: it's so much fun!) but the cast, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, etc, pretty much nail it! Special mention of the hilarious Jeffrey Jones, as the beleaguered principal who just wants to make sure Ferris gets caught. Make sure you watch all the way until the end credits.

Directed by	John Hughes
Produced by	John Hughes Tom Jacobson
Written by	John Hughes
Starring	Matthew Broderick Mia Sara Alan Ruck
Music by	Ira Newborn Arthur Baker John Robie
Cinematography	Tak Fujimoto
Edited by	Paul Hirsch

Movie Review: Thithi

Last year at the Mumbai Film Festival, I saw amazing films both from international and Indian cinema. One of those Indian films happened to be Raam Reddy's Thithi, a stunningly complex and layered film on death, loss and familial relationships. Showing the travails of ordinary village life tied to the rituals of life and death, Thithi is a powerful film, made richer with the wonderful characters in it.

The most extraordinary thing about Thithi is that it is the first feature by Reddy. He scripted the film along with Eregowda, who based the film and its characters on the experiences from his own village. The film utilizes first-time actors, whose natural and effortless performances are the key to its likability.

Thithi opens with the death of the 101-year-old 'Century' Gowda, a colourful character if ever there was one. His death impacts three generations down the line; Century's son Gaddappa, Gaddappa's son Thamanna and Thamanna's son, Abhi. Each man has different reactions to the death of the patriarch in the family.

Gaddappa lives off the land and has long rid himself of attachments, human and objects. Thamanna is too concerned with his public image and taking forward the family name, while Abhi is a happy-go-lucky but useless young man, chasing after a shepherd girl, whose nomadic family has camped near their village.

It falls upon Thamanna organizes the 'thithi' for his grandfather, although he is more than happy to take up the mantle of head of family. Thamanna is also after the family land which he believes belongs to him. He forges fake documents to obtain it as his father Gaddappa maintains his Zen-like approach to the unfurling events around him which all come to a head at the all-important funeral celebration to honor Century Gowda.

Thithi recently won the National Film Award for Best Feature in Kannada and is about to get a nationwide release on June 3rd. I laughed (a lot), I was moved and charmed by the writing and depth of this film. Big kudos to Raam Reddy and Eregowda to bringing this slice of life to the big screen. Try and catch if it you can if it's playing near you. Thithi is a treasure!

Directed by Raam Reddy; Written by Eregowda; Co-written by Raam Reddy; Cinematography by Doron Tempert; Edited by John Zimmerman and Raam Reddy.

Running time: 120 minutes

Rating:

 

Trailer Time: The Magnificent Seven, The Girl on the Train, Jason Bourne and The Founder

Lots of trailers out this week, showing us what's in store for the rest of the year. Let's start with the reboot of one of the greatest Westerns in cinema.

 

The wild, wild west is back with Antoine Fuqua's remake of the classic The Magnificent Seven! With his Training Day star Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Byung-Hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Martin Sensmeier teaming up to go up against Peter Sarsgaard's baddie, the first teaser shows us how the assembling of the band of outlaws and heroes coming together to save a town. There will be much debate on whether a reboot or remake like this is needed after the previous masterpieces with Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954) and the 1960 version with Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, but casting Washington in the lead is welcome addition, for sure. The Magnificent Seven releases on September 23, 2016.

Right on the heels of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl came Paula Hawkins's psychological thriller, The Girl on the Train. The best-selling novel is being turned into a film which releases on October 7, 2016 with Emily Blunt as the titular girl who thinks she witnessed a murder from the train. Along with co-stars Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Haley Bennett and Alison Janney, the movie focuses on Rachel (Emily Blunt) and quest to separate fact from fiction. The first teaser looks fantastic, great choice with Kanye West's Heartless playing over it. However, I am disappointed that the filmmakers decided to change the setting of the novel from U.K. to America. It's missing something essential in the change, I believe. The Girl on the Train is directed by Tate Taylor.

The spy who just won't go away, Matt Damon returns back to the franchise with Jason Bourne. This time, original director Paul Greengrass too is on board to helm this latest film. The first teaser has everyone's favourite amnesiac making his presence known, yet again. I don't know why they keep getting surprised that he returns. You created a super spy, now deal with it. Julia Stiles seems to be the only returning cast member from the previous films, while newly minted Oscar winner Alicia Vikander and Tommy Lee Jones join the cast to hunt down Jason Bourne. The film is in theaters on July 29.

Michael Keaton, who's on an all-time professional high with the last two Oscar Best Picture wins under his belt, steps into the shoes of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. But as the first trailer begins to unveil, can he rightly be considered the founder of the fast food franchise, when the idea and the conception was someone else's? The Founder co-stars Laura Dern, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch and B.J. Novak and is directed by John Lee Hancock. It releases August 5, 2016.

New Photos: Disney's The Jungle Book cast

Ever wondered who's voicing the animals in Disney's upcoming remake of The Jungle Book? Today, the studio rolled out stunning new images of few of big names along with the CGI animals they play. Before the film releases in theatres on April 15, 2016, get reacquainted with some old/new friends.

(Photos: Walt Disney Studios)

Giancarlo Esposito as Akela, the leader of the wolves

Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Mowgli's champion and mentor

Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, a wily deceiver who hopes to ensnare Mowgli

Christopher Walken as King Louie, the intimidating ape with a purpose

Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha, Mowgli's adoptive mother and protector

Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Mowgli's main combatant in the jungle

New Ghostbusters reboot trailer!

It's here!! We're waiting until summer gets here to feast our eyes on Paul Feig's Ghostbusters reboot but until then, we'll satisfy ourselves with the trailer instead. Introducing the characters played by Melissa McCarthy, Kirsten Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, a group of scientists who get together to save the city from paranormal activity. Hey, somebody's got to do it. We also get a brief glimpse of their devastatingly handsome receptionist (Hi, Thor!) and some very familiar ghouls. Ghostbusters returns to theatres July 15, 2016. 

New Finding Dory Trailer!

Everyone's favorite forgetful fish Dory is back this summer in an all-new animated feature. It's no surprise that Andrew Stanton's Finding Nemo is one of Pixar's most beloved hits. For many years, the studio resisted going back for a sequel and this summer, the time is just right to return to the ocean gang. With returning characters Marlin, Nemo, and Mr. Ray, Dory sets out to find her real family, her mom and dad. Along the way, she meets new characters Bailey, a white beluga whale; Destiny, a whale shark; and Hank the octopus at the Monterey Marine Life Institute. Finding Dory's latest trailer kicks off the campaign #HaveYouSeenHer leading up to the film's release on June 17, 2016.  So have you seen Dory yet?

My final predictions before the 88th Academy Awards

Is that time already? Oscar predictions are due. To say that this year has been highly unpredictable is an understatement. Unlike past year, no film has lead the pack. In fact, in the guild awards in January and February, the choices have been divisive between The Big Short, Spotlight and The Revenant. The night's big winner on Oscar Sunday will genuinely end up a surprise to many. The acting races might hold less suspense, as nostalgia is leaning towards Leo and Kate and the comeback kid Sylvester Stallone to possibly end up on the podium. Host Chris Rock might have a lot to say on the year's biggest controversy, the lack of diversity in the nominations and the presenters list looks to make up that. But the big question on everyone's minds is always going to be on the actual winners and the new take on the speeches (are they really going to have a thank you scrawl on the bottom of the screen?). Until then, let's speculate one more time on the predictions. Here goes...

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR

The Big Short: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers

Bridge of Spies: Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers

Brooklyn: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers

Mad Max: Fury Road: Doug Mitchell and George Miller, Producers

The Martian: Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer and Mark Huffam, Producers

The Revenant: Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon, Producers

Room: Ed Guiney, Producers

Spotlight: Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers

Should win: Spotlight

Will win: The Revenant

My take: From a solid bunch of best picture nominees, Spotlight really resonated with me. A solid cast, a strong true to life story about a bunch of journalists uncovering a scandal and trying to wrong a right over a period of time. But the tide seems to be turning for The Revenant who leads all the nominees with 12 nominations. The film, its director and star all are leading as more and more watch the astonishing film. And it is a stunning achievement. But Spotlight is the better film for me.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Bryan Cranston in Trumbo

Matt Damon in The Martian

Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant

Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs

Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl

Should win: Michael Fassbender

Will win: Leonardo DiCaprio

My take: There is no doubt that this is Leo's year. Is this his best performance? No, I think he was outstanding in The Wolf of Wall Street and the Academy missed an opportunity there. Michael Fassbender looked nothing like Steve Jobs but in some moments in Danny Boyle's film, he inhabited Jobs's essence and his unending drive. Surprisingly that going into this Oscar year, the story was all about Eddie Redmayne's repeat of last year but look how the narrative has changed.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Christian Bale in The Big Short

Tom Hardy in The Revenant

Mark Ruffalo in Spotlight

Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies

Sylvester Stallone in Creed

Should win: Mark Ruffalo

Will win: Sylvester Stallone

My take: This category is a real lock. Stallone has got this in the bag. But it's no secret that Ruffalo is standout from the ensemble cast of Spotlight. If anyone is upsetting Stallone, it's him.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Cate Blanchett in Carol

Brie Larson in Room

Jennifer Lawrence in Joy

Charlotte Rampling in 45 Years

Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn
Should win: Brie Larson

Will win: Brie Larson

My take: Unfortunately, I haven't yet seen Carol. Brie Larson has won every major award going into the Oscars and I don't think anyone's is beating her this time. Again, it's great to see Charlotte Rampling here at all.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hateful Eight

Rooney Mara in Carol

Rachel McAdams in Spotlight

Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl

Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs

Should win: Kate Winslet

Will win: Alicia Vikander

My take: Alicia Vikander, who's having a great couple of years, could prove that she's really arrived. But as emotional as her performance was in The Danish Girl, I thought Kate Winslet was outstanding in Steve Jobs. She completely disappeared into becoming Joanna Hoffman in the film. Sidenote: How awesome would it be if Kate and Leo both won the same night? Sorry, I just digressed to be being a teenager again.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR

Anomalisa: Don Hall, Chris Williams and Roy Conli

Boy and the World: Alê Abreu

Inside Out: Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera

Shaun the Sheep Movie: Tomm Moore and Paul Young

When Marnie was There: Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiaki Nishimura

Should win: Anomalisa

Will win: Inside Out

My take: Pixar's brilliant Inside Out is a definitely a game changer. Making the movie all about Amy Poehler's Joy, it turned Phyllis Smith's Sadness into the film's real heroine. But I was so moved by Anomalisa when I saw it last year, it's a profound stop-motion feature with great ambition and such tender emotion at times, it's hard not to root for it. One day, people will look back and say, what a missed opportunity!

ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

Carol: Ed Lachman

The Hateful Eight: Robert Richardson

Mad Max: Fury Road: John Seale

The Revenant: Emmanuel Lubezki

Sicario: Roger Deakins

Should win: Roger Deakins

Will win: Emmanuel Lubezki

My take: Emmanuel Lubezki is about to make history as he goes for his third Oscar after Gravity and Birdman, with The Revenant. But Roger Deakins, the master cinematographer, sits with zero Oscars to his name. I hope that someday his great work will be recognized.

ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
Carol: Sandy Powell

Cinderella: Sandy Powell

The Danish Girl: Paco Delgado

Mad Max: Fury Road: Jenny Beavan

The Revenant: Jacqueline West

Should win: Jenny Beaven

Will win: Jacqueline West

My take: It comes down to a frontier from the past to a future ravaged by water wars in the costume design department. And I have a feeling that The Revenant will edge out here.

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING

The Big Short: Adam McKay

Mad Max: Fury Road: George Miller

The Revenant: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Room: Lenny Abrahamson

Spotlight: Tom McCarthy

Should win: Tom McCarthy

Will win: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

My take: Last year's winner Iñárritu is virtually a lock to make it two in a row. But if there's an upset, I'd like to see former actor Tom McCarthy win it for the true-blooded journalism film, Spotlight.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Amy: Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees

Cartel Land: Matthew Heineman and Tom Yellin

The Look of Silence: Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen

What Happened, Miss Simone?: Liz Garbus, Amy Hobby and Justin Wilkes

Winter's Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom: Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara

Should win: Amy

Will win: Amy

My take: Asif Kapadia's Amy is my personal pick here. But this category does seem ripe for upsets.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

Body Team 12: David Darg and Bryn Mooser

Chau, beyond the Lines: Courtney Marsh and Jerry Franck

Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah: Adam Benzine

A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Last Day of Freedom: Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman

Should win: Last Day of Freedom

Will win: Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah

My take: Based on Internet research, this is what the frontrunner looks to be, I could be wrong.

ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING

The Big Short: Hank Corwin

Mad Max: Fury Road: Margaret Sixel

The Revenant: Stephen Mirrione

Spotlight: Tom McArdle

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey

Should win: Margaret Sixel

Will win: Margaret Sixel

My take: Still not over the high that was Mad Max: Fury Road and that's largely due to Sixel's (also George Miller's wife) superb editing work.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR

Embrace of the Serpent: Colombia

Mustang: France

Son of Saul: Hungary

Theeb: Jordan

A War: Denmark

Should win: Son of Saul

Will win: Son of Saul

My take: Hungary's Son of Saul has been the virtual frontrunner since Cannes. I don't see it losing tonight.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Mad Max: Fury Road: Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared: Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

The Revenant: Siân Grigg, Duncan Jarman and Robert Pandini

Should win: Mad Max: Fury Road

Will win: Mad Max: Fury

My take: One word: Furiosa! Mad Max: Fury Road has got this in the bag.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Bridge of Spies: Thomas Newman

Carol: Carter Burwell

The Hateful Eight: Ennio Morricone

Sicario: Jóhann Jóhannsson

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: John Williams

Should win: John Williams

Will win: Ennio Morricone

My take: It's the battle of the musical maestros Morricone and Williams and it looks like Morricone has the slight edge here. Personally, I would love to see John Williams win on his 50th nomination.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SONG)

Earned It from Fifty Shades of Grey
Music and Lyric by Abel Tesfaye, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Daheala Quenneville and Stephan Moccio
Manta Ray from Racing Extinction
Music by J. Ralph and Lyric by Antony Hegarty
Simple Song #3 from Youth
Music and Lyric by David Lang
Til It Happens To You from The Hunting Ground
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren and Lady Gaga
Writing’s On The Wall from Spectre
Music and Lyric by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

Should win: Til It Happens To You

Will win: Til It Happens To You

My take: I've got no opinions on the song here, it's appalling that not all of the nominees will performing onstage. But it looks like the star power wins here.

ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

Bridge of Spies Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo and Bernhard Henrich

The Danish Girl Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Michael Standish

Mad Max: Fury Road Production Design: Colin Gibson; Set Decoration: Lisa Thompson

The Martian Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Celia Bobak

The Revenant Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Hamish Purdy

Should win: Mad Max: Fury Road

Will win: Mad Max: Fury Road

My take: Mad Max will be quite a force in the tech awards. It leads in production values.

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Bear Story Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala

Prologue Richard Williams and Imogen Sutton

Sanjay’s Super Team Sanjay Patel and Nicole Grindle

We Can’t Live without Cosmos Konstantin Bronzit

World of Tomorrow Don Hertzfeldt

Should win: Sanjay's Super Team

Will win: World of Tomorrow

My take: I would really love Sanjay's Super Team to win but I have a feeling that World of Tomorrow might win the big prize.

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Ave Maria: Basil Khalil and Eric Dupont

Day One: Henry Hughes

Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut): Patrick Vollrath

Shok: Jamie Donoughue

Stutterer: Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage

Should win: Day One

Will win: Day One

My take: Based on Internet research, this is what the frontrunner looks to be, I could be wrong.

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING

Mad Max: Fury Road: Mark Mangini and David White

The Martian: Oliver Tarney

The Revenant: Martin Hernandez and Lon Bender

Sicario: Alan Robert Murray

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Matthew Wood and David Acord

Should win: The Revenant

Will win: The Revenant

My take: Sound always wins it in twos, editing and mixing. The Revenant was the most reliant on it.

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING

Bridge of Spies: Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Drew Kunin

Mad Max: Fury Road: Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo

The Martian: Paul Massey, Mark Taylor and Mac Ruth

The Revenant: Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Randy Thom and Chris Duesterdiek

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio and Stuart Wilson

Should win: The Revenant

Will win: The Revenant

My take: See above.

ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

Ex Machina: Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett

Mad Max: Fury Road: Andrew Jackson, Tom Wood, Dan Oliver and Andy Williams

The Martian: Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Chris Lawrence and Steven Warner

The Revenant: Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

Should win: Mad Max: Fury Road

Will win: Mad Max: Fury Road

My take: Sorry grizzly bear, it looks like Mad Max: Fury Road's turn.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Big Short: Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay

Brooklyn: Screenplay by Nick Hornby

Carol: Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy

The Martian: Screenplay by Drew Goddard

Room: Screenplay by Emma Donoghue

Should win: The Big Short

Will win: The Big Short

My take: It's hard to make a financial comedy about the global meltdown of 2008 but the writers of The Big Short nailed it.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Bridge of Spies: Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen

Ex Machina: Written by Alex Garland

Inside Out: Screenplay by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley; Original story by Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen

Spotlight: Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy

Straight Outta Compton: Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff

Should win: Spotlight

Will win: Spotlight

My take: The ode to journalism should win best screenplay.

First Production Teaser for Star Wars: Episode VIII

"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to Episode VIII!" With those glorious words by director Rian Johnson, we've officially opened the floodgates to speculation on the next chapter of the Star Wars saga. When we last left them, Luke Skywalker and Rey were just about to introduce themselves to introduce each other. It looks like Episode VIII will pick up exactly from there. Besides these teaser announcement on the start of production for the next film, we also have a confirmation on the returning cast and new additions on the next film.

Actors Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis will all return to reprise their roles. Meanwhile Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran will join the cast for ongoing adventures. If you haven't seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens yet, then surely you've seen some names missing from this list. Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking. Now, go watch the movie.

Filming commenced on the production today and the untitled next chapter will release seven months from its previous release date on December 15, 2015. So, let's start wondering who these new characters are? Friends or foes?

Oscars Class of 2016

(Photo: The Academy)

A bit late posting this up, but it's my favorite thing leading up to the actual ceremony, the nominees luncheon where everyone gathers to have a good time and enjoy their nomination. VFX artists, editors, writers, animators, directors and actors all come together to take the biggest class photo of the year - the Oscars class of 2016! As usual, let's have a look see to how many nominees can you correctly identify? How fast can you spot Lady Gaga or J Law?

2016 Vanity Fair Hollywood Cover

(Photo: Vanity Fair)

Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the Hollywood cover issue of Vanity Fair has arrived, as it does every February. Featuring the top actresses of Hollywood, many of them who have been nominated for Oscars, past and present. From left to right, the wonderful women include Jane Fonda, Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlotte Rampling, Brie Larson, Rachel Weisz, Lupita Nyong'o, Alicia Vikander, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Helen Mirren, Saoirse Ronan and Diane Keaton. What do you think of this gorgeous cover? Anybody missing? 

New Photos: Ghostbusters Reboot

Now, we've all heard enough on the new Ghostbusters reboot by Paul Feig to get us all excited. But, I have to say, these new photos of the Ghostbusters cast make me want to watch the trailer RIGHT. NOW.

Melissa McCarthy as Abby Yates
Paranormal researcher, supernatural scientist, entity trapper

Kristin Wigg as Erin Gilbert
Particle physicist, academic firebrand, spectral warrior

Kate McKinnon as Jillian Holtzmann
Nuclear engineer, munitions expert, proton wrangler

Leslie Jones as Patty Tolan
Ghost tracker, municipal historian, metaphysical commando

Chris Hemsworth as Kevin
Telecommunications expert, reception services technician, unemployed actor

(Photos: Official Website)

The new stills give us some more info on the new characters and the roles they'll play in the new film. Chris Hemsworth's role as the Ghostbuster's receptionist is already becoming my favourite thing about the movie. The good news, according to Feig, is that the trailer is due to drop this month. So it shouldn't be long now. Ghostbusters hits theatres this summer, July 15, 2016

They're here, the 2016 Oscar Nominations are announced!

 
Second to Oscar day, the most exciting time of the year is when the nominations are announced. It's my anticipated days of the new year. This new tradition of dividing the nominations into two segments is growing on me. The first sections (mostly the tech noms) are announced by two directors, today it was Ang Lee and Guillermo del Toro. The second section (the real deal, y'all) was announced by a scruffy John Kransinki (Hi, Jim!) and Academy President Cheryl Isaacs Boone. As soon as the nominations were announced, wave of delight and outrage started online. So without further adieu, here are the complete nominations for 2016 below

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR

The Big Short: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers

Bridge of Spies: Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers

Brooklyn: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers

Mad Max: Fury Road: Doug Mitchell and George Miller, Producers

The Martian: Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer and Mark Huffam, Producers

The Revenant: Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon, Producers

Room: Ed Guiney, Producers

Spotlight: Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers

My take: Just like last year, the best picture nominations totals eight.The Revenant leads the pack with 12. I'm already bracing myself for the inevitable, the unpredictability of this year. There's no clear frontrunner and I truly believe it's anyone's year. It all matters on momentum and just how that particular Oscar voter was feeling that day. That said, I'm delighted to see Room, The Big Short and The Revenant land the big nominations. It's good to see The Martian and Mad Max: Fury Road, two films that did extremely well at the box office make it to the top eight. This exclusive club is open to the blockbusters occasionally. I haven't gotten the chance to see Brooklyn or Spotlight yet. Time to rectify that soon.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Bryan Cranston in Trumbo

Matt Damon in The Martian

Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant

Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs

Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl

My take: The big story in this category remains that will the Academy ever see DiCaprio worthy of winning the gold statue or will Redmayne make like Tom Hanks and score himself a second consecutive Oscar. I say, don't count out the formidable Byran Cranston, whom I'm sure could teach these young 'uns a lesson.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Christian Bale in The Big Short

Tom Hardy in The Revenant

Mark Ruffalo in Spotlight

Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies

Sylvester Stallone in Creed

 

My take: Two first-timers, a previous winner and a three-time nominee, they all got nothing on the sentimental favorite Stallone who's back playing Rocky Balboa. The first real lock of 2016.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Cate Blanchett in Carol

Brie Larson in Room

Jennifer Lawrence in Joy

Charlotte Rampling in 45 Years

Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn

 

My take: I'm always chiding the Academy for not recognizing young talent and here, three young actresses have virtually taken over the category. Cate Blanchett is looking to get into the same league  as Meryl Streep with her third win, if only the Academy can resist the charms of Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for all three of her films with David O. Russell). But the real winner is Charlotte Rampling, I'm so pleased her performance was honored. It'd be too much to ask that she would win.

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hateful Eight

Rooney Mara in Carol

Rachel McAdams in Spotlight

Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl

Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs

My take: Kate Winslet might have just won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress but for the big race, I do think it's between Rooney Mara and Alicia Vikander, even though theirs are not supporting performances. The lead actress category was so crowded this year that it spilled over to the supporting. A sneaky way, but effective nonetheless.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR

Anomalisa: Don Hall, Chris Williams and Roy Conli

Boy and the World: Alê Abreu

Inside Out:  Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera

Shaun the Sheep Movie: Tomm Moore and Paul Young

When Marnie was There: Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiaki Nishimura

My take: Last year, this category scored a big upset when Big Hero 6 won. Will this year be the same? Pixar's Inside Out was so critically acclaimed this year that I thought it might sneak into Best Picture. It definitely looks to be the frontrunner here but I wouldn't count out Anomalisa or the films from Aardman and Studio Ghibli - Shaun the Sheep Movie and When Marnie was There.


ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

Carol: Ed Lachman

The Hateful Eight: Robert Richardson

Mad Max: Fury Road: John Seale

The Revenant: Emmanuel Lubezki

Sicario: Roger Deakins

My take: Keeping my fingers crossed that this is year Roger Deakins finally, finally wins. But the rest of the films in this category were gorgeously shot. Still hoping for a Deakins win. 

ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

Carol: Sandy Powell

Cinderella: Sandy Powell

The Danish Girl: Paco Delgado

Mad Max: Fury Road: Jenny Beavan

The Revenant:  Jacqueline West

My take: The amazing Sandy Powell made Cate Blanchett look absolutely stunning onscreen in both Carol and Cinderella but the characters in Mad Max were so damn unique (and numbering in hundreds).

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING

The Big Short: Adam McKay

Mad Max: Fury Road: George Miller

The Revenant: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Room: Lenny Abrahamson

Spotlight: Tom McCarthy

My take: Surprising not seeing Ridley Scott here but last year's winner Iñárritu makes a strong presence this year again. Great seeing funnyman McKay in the mix as well.
 
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Amy: Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees

Cartel Land: Matthew Heineman and Tom Yellin

The Look of Silence:Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen

What Happened, Miss Simone?: Liz Garbus, Amy Hobby and Justin Wilkes

Winter's Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom: Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara

My take: I'm relieved that this year I have a head start and have seen two of the nominated documentaries, Amy and Cartel Land. Oppenheimer's The Look of Silence has had the most buzz around it. I personally really enjoyed Amy.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

Body Team 12: David Darg and Bryn Mooser

Chau, beyond the Lines: Courtney Marsh and Jerry Franck

Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah: Adam Benzine

A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Last Day of Freedom: Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman

My take: It's homework time on these shorts, though I do recognize a previous nominee, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING

The Big Short: Hank Corwin

Mad Max: Fury Road: Margaret Sixel

The Revenant: Stephen Mirrione

Spotlight: Tom McArdle

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey

My take: Ah, finally a technical category where the number of women matches up to the men.Very, very pleased to see Sixel and JJ Abrams's longtime editors Brandon and Markey being honored here. The icing on the cake would be if they won.
 
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR

Embrace of the Serpent:Colombia

Mustang: France

Son of Saul: Hungary

Theeb: Jordan

A War: Denmark

My take: Aaaand just like last year, I haven't seen a single foreign film from the category. Shameful!

ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Mad Max: Fury Road” Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared” Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

The Revenant” Siân Grigg, Duncan Jarman and Robert Pandini

My take: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared (of which i know nothing) could make history as the longest title to win an Oscar. But the real question is which Tom Hardy film is winning the makeup Oscar?


ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Bridge of Spies: Thomas Newman

Carol: Carter Burwell

The Hateful Eight: Ennio Morricone

Sicario: Jóhann Jóhannsson

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: John Williams

My take: Musical maestros Morricone and Williams are turning back the clock with their nominations. Williams is already the most nominated music director ever, but I have a feeling this category can bring a shocker come Oscar night.

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURES (ORIGINAL SONG)


Earned It from Fifty Shades of Grey
Music and Lyric by Abel Tesfaye, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Daheala Quenneville and Stephan Moccio 
Manta Ray from Racing Extinction
Music by J. Ralph and Lyric by Antony Hegarty
Simple Song #3 from Youth
Music and Lyric by David Lang 
Til It Happens To You from The Hunting Ground
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren and Lady Gaga
Writing’s On The Wall from Spectre
Music and Lyric by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

My take: I'm dismayed with the selection this year. What happened Academy? Also, Fifty Shades of Grey is an Oscar nominee. smh


ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

Bridge of Spies Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo and Bernhard Henrich

The Danish Girl Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Michael Standish

Mad Max: Fury Road Production Design: Colin Gibson; Set Decoration: Lisa Thompson

The Martian Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Celia Bobak

The Revenant Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Hamish Purdy

My take: From Mars to Amsterdam to colonial America, these film's sets had it all.

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Bear Story Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala

Prologue Richard Williams and Imogen Sutton

Sanjay’s Super Team Sanjay Patel and Nicole Grindle

We Can’t Live without Cosmos Konstantin Bronzit

World of Tomorrow Don Hertzfeldt

My take: Yay for Sanjay's Super Team! For the rest of the nominees, time to start reading up on them.

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Ave Maria: Basil Khalil and Eric Dupont

Day One: Henry Hughes

Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut): Patrick Vollrath

Shok: Jamie Donoughue

Stutterer: Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage

My take: Reading time!

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING

Mad Max: Fury Road: Mark Mangini and David White

The Martian: Oliver Tarney

The Revenant: Martin Hernandez and Lon Bender

Sicario: Alan Robert Murray

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Matthew Wood and David Acord

My take: Yay for Star Wars! *makes lightsaber noises*

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING

Bridge of Spies: Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Drew Kunin

Mad Max: Fury Road: Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo

The Martian: Paul Massey, Mark Taylor and Mac Ruth

The Revenant: Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Randy Thom and Chris Duesterdiek

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio and Stuart Wilson

My take: See above.

ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

Ex Machina: Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett

Mad Max: Fury Road: Andrew Jackson, Tom Wood, Dan Oliver and Andy Williams

The Martian: Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Chris Lawrence and Steven Warner

The Revenant: Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

My take: The lone female visual effects supervisor in the category belongs to Ex Machina. Rock on sister!

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Big Short: Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay

Brooklyn: Screenplay by Nick Hornby

Carol: Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy

The Martian: Screenplay by Drew Goddard

Room: Screenplay by Emma Donoghue

My take: One of the toughest categories for me. Hard to pick at this stage but delighted to see The Martian and Room here.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Bridge of Spies: Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen

Ex Machina: Written by Alex Garland

Inside Out: Screenplay by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley; Original story by Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen

Spotlight: Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy

Straight Outta Compton: Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff

My take: #OscarSoWhite they only saw fit to nominate Straight Outta Compton in the Screenplay category. What happened to Best Picture and Score? smh again
 
The 88th annual Oscar awards, hosted by Chris Rock, will be given out on February 28, 2016.