Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
My Oscar Picks
Who Will Win:
Best Picture: "Boyhood"
Best Actor: Michael Keaton
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Director: Richard Linklater
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
Best Cinematography: "Birdman"
Best Original Screenplay: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Whiplash"
Who Deserves to Win:
Best Picture: "Boyhood"
Best Actor: Michael Keaton/Bradley Cooper/Steve Carrell
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Director: Inarritu
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
Best Cinematography: "Birdman"
Best Original Screenplay: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Whiplash" ("Gone Girl" should have been nominated)
Best Picture: "Boyhood"
Best Actor: Michael Keaton
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Director: Richard Linklater
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
Best Cinematography: "Birdman"
Best Original Screenplay: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Whiplash"
Who Deserves to Win:
Best Picture: "Boyhood"
Best Actor: Michael Keaton/Bradley Cooper/Steve Carrell
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Director: Inarritu
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
Best Cinematography: "Birdman"
Best Original Screenplay: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Whiplash" ("Gone Girl" should have been nominated)
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
UPDATED
Best Performances
from Comedians in Drama Films
By: Jason Zoblin
Comedians have tried to break out
of their classic comedic roles for a while. An actor likes to step out of their
comfort zone and really try to do something out of the ordinary and different
from what they are used to. Although, it might not always work, an actor might
like to try to something new, but it all depends on if their fans will like the
change or not because people might not like the change because it is so
different from what they are used to. It is normal for an actor to try new
things and branch out to whatever they are used to. It is a normal and natural
human urge to change and want to do something different. However, to be a good
actor it takes a lot of dedication, and also showing risks. Part of these risks
that an actor has to make is to pick roles that will be good for them. It is
also clear to see if a comedic actor switches to dramatic roles is good for an
actor or if it does not work because of well he/she can portray this new type
of role. The great actors are able to play any type of role, comedic, dramatic,
action whatever it is.
1. Jim
Carrey in “Eternal Sunshine in Spotless Mind” (2004)
Jim Carrey is a famous comedic actor. He
is known for his comedic roles in “The Mask” and “Ace Ventura.” With his crazy
antics, facial expressions, and his ability to create comedic moments with just
his funny noises. In 2004 he took of the role of Joel Barish. A troubled man
that thinks he found his true love with Clementine, played by Kate Winslet.
After a bad breakup, he decides to undergo a surgery that completely erases
Clementine from his memory, but during the surgery he realizes it is a mistake.
He tries to fight through the surgery, and make Clementine a positive part of
his life. It is a very morose, and gloomy look on life but he delivers a
powerful performance that will leave you guessing, and sobbing throughout the
film. It is a very different role for him because he is melancholy, depressed,
and wanting more out of life. Carrey shows that he can step out of his comfort
zone and really show that he can play other types of roles. It was almost
unsettling to see how different he is in this film. He is so depressed and lost
but it clearly makes him shine in this role. It seems like he is not even the
guy who becomes the mask, or the pet detective because it is superb to see how
well he crushes this role.
2. Robin
Williams in “Good Will Hunting” (1997)
This actor will
definitely be missed. He is by far one of the best actors of all time, and he
will be remembered. He is known for his roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and
“Aladdin.” After his family comedy classic, “Flubber,” the next role he chose
to take is Sean Maguire, a psychiatrist who helps Will Hunting, a young man
trying to find direction his life. Williams’s role as Maguire really showed
that a comedic actor and a stand-up comedian could do anything. He was
extremely powerful, and the intensity that he brought in this film is
groundbreaking. And the Oscar that he received is well deserved. After being in
“Mrs. Doubtfire, and “Flubber” he decided to take on a dramatic role. This role
is one of the key roles that a comedian, like himself, can do much more, and
break out of their one type-casted role that is normal for a comedian. He is
still one of the funniest men that ever lived. However, this role was stellar
and you can tell the intensity and how he came alive in this role, through how
passionate and eager he wanted to help Will. Robin Williams is one of the best
actors of all time because he was successful in switching genres and taking
effective risks that helped his career. His legacy will live on and he will be
greatly missed.
3. John
C. Reilly in “Terri” (2011)
John C. Reilly is
one of the funniest comedic actors of this generation. His roles with Will
Ferrell are extremely popular and Americans flock to their films. A lot of
people overlook Reilly as an actor because of his comedic roles. However, he
has been in many different dramatic and independent roles that are very well
done, and shows how great of an actor he really is. His roles in “Cyrus”
“Chicago” and “Terri” prove that he can take risks as an actor. Reilly plays a
guidance counselor that helps out a troubled kid named Terri who does not have
any friends, and wears robes to school. Reilly delivers on so many levels in
this film, whether it is through his constant compassion towards Terri, or how
really dedicates everything to help him through whatever he is going through,
throughout the film. He is also very funny, which helps the tension and
seriousness break, during the dramatic and depressing parts of the film. It is
a very depressing film to see Terri and his loneliness, but Reilly helps him,
through his compassionate nature in being a guidance counselor. He is an
amazing actor that should not only be remembered for his comedic roles with
Will Ferrell.
4. Adam
Sandler in “Punch Drunk Love” (2002)
Adam Sandler is
one of the most famous comedic actors of this generation. He is very popular
because of his loudmouth, and crude humor. He has been on the top of comedic
films since the 1980’s. Whether it was his role in “Happy Gilmore” “Big Daddy”
“Billy Madison” the list goes on. It was a big deal for him to switch roles
into a dramatic and depressing role in “Punch Drunk Love,” especially right
after his role in “Little Nicky” which was a decent success for him and a
classic for his fans. His role as Barry Egan in this film showed that he can be
in almost any type of film and he was not bad at switching genres. This role
was famous for him because he has worked with comedy for decades and it was a
joy to see him shine in a different type of role. It is amazing to see him in a
different type of role. We are so used to seeing him yelling, cursing, and
fighting. However, in this role he shines, and it is great to see him in such a
different role because he was so type casted at that time. He did go back to
comedic roles after this film, but this particular situation was good for Adam
Sandler because it showed that he can play many different types of roles and he
is not only the funny guy.
5. Steve
Carrell in “Foxcatcher” (2014)
Steve Carrell is
extremely funny. His roles in “The Office” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and
“Anchorman” will be remembered for decades. This year he took a chance and took
the role as John Du Pont in “Foxcatcher” the result was a great success. He
played a wrestling coach that helped the Schultz brothers in the Olympics but
things went astray when he gained more power over them. This is easily one of
the best roles he has ever had. Carrell completely transformed his face, his
accent and his body to fully create such a dense character. It is so
unbelievable to watch him in this role. After making us laugh for years on “The
Office” we did not expect him to deliver such a groundbreaking, monumental role
for his career. His voice, his look was so different from what he actually
looks like, and it was so exciting to watch. It is hard to figure out how well
he became John Du Pont. It was also terrifying to see how well he became John
Du Pont in this film; it was like nothing we have seen before from Steve
Carrell. He nailed his role, and he completely deserved his Oscar nomination
for this role.
6. Will
Ferrell in “Everything Must Go” (2010)
Will Ferrell is
one of the most popular comedic actors. He is known for his roles in
“Anchorman” “Step Brothers” “Old School” “Elf” and the list goes on. His roles
consist of much different slapstick, crude humor. However, in this film he
plays an alcoholic selling all of his professions at a yard sale to try to get
rid his items that relate to his past marriage and the things he wants to
forget. It was different to see Ferrell in this type of role because of his
past funny, and hilarious roles we all love. He was depressed, gloomy, which
could be funny to some people depending on how you see him. However, he showed
many different emotions that was interesting to watch and kept us on the edge
of our seats in this film. This role was completely different to how we
perceive Will Ferrell. It is nice to see an actor to try something different and
want to break out of their iconic roles. Remember this film, was made shortly
after his giant success with “Step Brothers.” Yet, it was another great success
for him, and showed that he is better than his one role he usually plays. This
film is overlooked a lot but it is a very good role that Will Ferrell nails and
delivers.
7. Josh
Peck in “The Wackness” (2008)
Josh Peck
skyrocketed his career as Josh on the hit Nickelodeon show, “Drake and Josh.”
He was an overweight funny brother of Drake Bell that was loveable. In this
film he plays a drug dealer trying to help his parents out paying the rent. He
is also going to therapy. After becoming friends with his psychiatrist, he
starts spending time with his daughter, played by Olivia Thirlby. It is a
coming of age tale that really shows how great Josh Peck is acting. This actor
started out on Nickelodeon and then completely does a 180 and play a drug
dealer, cursing, having sex, and smoking is a big change for an actor, but it
worked. This role was very risky for Peck. He was used to being in the kids
show spotlight, for most of his career but this was obviously different for
him. It was great to see how much he has grown as an actor in this film. He
really showed many different emotions, and we really thought that he was a drug
dealer dealing with all of these mental problems, and giant issues about
growing up. He delivers on so many levels and it is fascinating to watch his
transformation throughout the film. It is amazing to see him on a kid show, and
see how much he changed for this role.
8. Seth
Rogen in “50/50” (2011)
Seth Rogen is
known for his comedic roles with James Franco and Paul Rudd. However, he
changed his comedic ways to play a loveable, caring best friend in this film.
It is heartwarming to see how great the friendship between Rogen’s and Joseph
Gordon Levitt’s character is shown in this film. Yes Rogen is funny in this
film but he is very compassionating, caring, and helpful towards his best
friend when he is diagnosed with cancer. He really cares for him and it is nice
to see him do something different. Seth Rogen is used to being the loudmouth,
comedic relief in most of his roles. It is was a pleasure to see him caring and
wanting to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character in this film. He has made a name
for himself in Hollywood but in this film he shines. An audience member can
clearly see him being the friend that everyone wants, regardless if he is a
little obnoxious. Rogen brought this character to life. He is relatable in this
role because we have always tried to help our friends in a time of need, and we
feel like we want him to be as good of a friend as he is in this film.
9. Jonah
Hill in “Moneyball” (2011)
Jonah Hill is
known for being the overweight funny guy. His roles in “Superbad” “Knocked Up”
and “Get Him to the Greek” are great comedic roles with him. Over the past few
years his weight has fluctuated and so have his roles. One of the best roles he
has had was his portrayal of Peter Brand in “Moneyball.” He was very serious
and wanted everything right not only for his team but his mentor, Billy Beane played
by Brad Pitt. This role has skyrocketed his career even more, and with his
Oscar nomination for this role, and his Oscar nominated role in “The Wolf of
Wall Street” will probably skyrocket his career even more. This role was
brought up and made fun of in the comedic gem, “This is the End” but this role
was crucial for his career. He played Peter Brand so well. He essentially
became Peter Brand. Also, he worked so well with the amazing Brad Pitt. They
were a perfect pair together for this film, and they fed off each other so well
in this film. It was almost not even a surprise when they both got nominated
for their roles. Nevertheless, Hill was a home run in this film, and helped his
career so much.
10. J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash” (2014)
J.K. Simmons has
always been a supporting role kind of actor. However, he is still an amazing
actor. This year his role in “Whiplash” has proved that he is not a force to be
reckoned with because he is spectacular. This film is terrifying because of his
incredibly gripping role. He plays a music teacher that leads a big band at one
of the music schools in the country. He brings in a young drummer who has a lot
of potential played by Miles Teller. Simmons’ character has a cutthroat,
intense program that is extremely intense to watch. Simmons has been great
being a supporting character for years. It is a shame that he is not in many
different lead roles. He is an incredible actor that is taken for granted it
seems like. However, this role is by far his best. He transformed himself into
this menacing, and frightening teacher that is so intimidating. He also gained
muscle for this role to add to the effect of being so big and scary. He also
showed his sensitive side throughout the film and portrayed such a dense and
complicated character. His nomination for this role is well deserved because he
delivers so much in this role. It is both exciting and horrifying to watch but
for some reason it is hard to stop watching to see what happens.
11. Bill Murray
in “Lost in Translation” (2003)
Bill Murray has
always been a popular actor among the comedy world. Whether it was
“Ghostbusters” “Stripes” “Caddyshack” or “Groundhog Day” he has been making us
laugh with his dry, sarcastic humor for years. In “Lost in Translation” he
plays a popular actor staying in Japan after having problems with his wife. It
is a depressing tale that shows how powerful Bill Murray can be. He his so
passionate, and subtle at the same time in this film, and he really delivers in
this film, and is considered one of his best roles. It is depressing and
exciting to see how he ends up in this film. He also works so well with Scarlet
Johannson. They are both broken souls in this film and they both are like puppy
dogs, because of how innocent they are and portray. Murray especially because
even though he is older than Scarlet’s character he is still so broken and we
can see this through his indifferent and gloomy look on life. He is such a
broken character you feel for him throughout the film but it is also beautiful
to watch. It is great to see him so how talented he is. He is extremely funny
in his iconic roles but it was great to see him so powerful in this role. It is
a very influential film that is incredible and it well deserved Oscar
nomination for Bill Murray.
12. Jack Black in “King Kong” (2005)
Jack Black has
always been the hilarious actor that everyone loves whether if it’s been for a
stoner film like “Tenacious D: in the Pick of Destiny” or a family comedy like
“School of Rock.” In 2005 right after
his success of “School of Rock” he decides to take on the role as Carl Denham
in the remake of “King Kong.” This was a very different role for him, and with
this success it lead to other great dramatic roles for him. He is a decent
actor that really shines if he really prepares for his roles. He has been in
many different roles that flopped but he made a decent career for herself. These
roles gave him a chance to breakout of his comedic glory and finally step out
of his comfort zone, that was kind of at a standstill for awhile. This role
helped his career so much because he was in many different roles after this
film. He has done a number of other dramatic roles after this film, including,
“Bernie” “Margot at the Wedding” and many others. He is not only hilarious in
his comedic roles; he really does a great job in these dramatic roles. It is
not like anything he we are used to see him. We are used to the happy-go-lucky,
loudmouth, energetic, Jack black like in “School of Rock” or “Saving
Silverman.” Or getting so energized, excited and so hyper like in “Tenacious D”
or “Nacho Libre.” Although, he can really control his character’s tone
throughout his roles and really tries and prepares for every role he is given.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Best Peformances from Comedians in Drama Films
Best Performances
from Comedians in Drama Films
Comedians have tried to break out
of their classic comedic roles for a while. An actor likes to step out of their
comfort zone and really try to do something out of the ordinary and different
from what they are used to. To be a good actor it takes a lot of dedication,
and also showing risks. Part of these risks that an actor has to make is to
pick roles that will be good for them. The great actors are able to play any
type of role, comedic, dramatic, action whatever it is.
1. Jim
Carrey in “Eternal Sunshine in Spotless Mind” (2004)
Jim Carrey is a famous comedic actor. He
is known for his comedic roles in “The Mask” and “Ace Ventura.” With his crazy
antics, facial expressions, and his ability to create comedic moments with just
his funny noises. In 2004 he took of the role of Joel Barish. A troubled man
that thinks he found his true love with Clementine, played by Kate Winslet.
After a bad breakup, he decides to undergo a surgery that completely erases
Clementine from his memory, but during the surgery he realizes it is a mistake.
He tries to fight through the surgery, and make Clementine a positive part of
his life. It is a very morose, and gloomy look on life but he delivers a
powerful performance that will leave you guessing, and sobbing throughout the
film. It is a very different role for him because he is melancholy, depressed,
and wanting more out of life. It seems like he is not even the guy who becomes
the mask, or the pet detective because it is superb to see how well he crushes
this role.
2. Robin
Williams in “Good Will Hunting” (1997)
This actor will
definitely be missed. He is by far one of the best actors of all time, and he
will be remembered. He is known for his roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and
“Aladdin.” Afetr his family comedy classic, “Flubber,” the next role he chose
to take is Sean Maguire, a psychiatrist who helps Will Hunting, a young man
trying to find direction his life. Williams’s role as Maguire really showed
that a comedic actor and a stand-up comedian could do anything. He was extremely
powerful, and the intensity that he brought in this film is groundbreaking. And
the Oscar that he received is well deserved. After being in “Mrs. Doubtfire,
and “Flubber” he decided to take on a dramatic role. This role is one of the
key roles that a comedian, like himself, can do much more, and break out of
their one type-casted role that is normal for a comedian. Robin Williams is one
of the best actors of all time because he was successful in switching genres
and taking effective risks that helped his career. His legacy will live on and
he will be greatly missed.
3. John
C. Reilly in “Terri” (2011)
John C. Reilly is
one of the funniest comedic actors of this generation. His roles with Will
Ferrell are extremely popular and Americans flock to their films. A lot of
people overlook Reilly as an actor because of his comedic roles. However, he
has been in many different dramatic and independent roles that are very well
done, and shows how great of an actor he really is. His roles in “Cyrus”
“Chicago” and “Terri” prove that he can take risks as an actor. Reilly plays a
guidance counselor that helps out a troubled kid named Terri who does not have
any friends, and wears robes to school. Reilly delivers on so many levels in
this film, whether its through his constant compassion towards Terri, or how
really dedicates everything to help him through whatever he is going through,
throughout the film. He also very funny, which helps the tension and
seriousness break, during the dramatic and depressing parts of the film. He is
an amazing actor that should not only be remembered for his comedic roles with
Will Ferrell.
4. Adam
Sandler in “Punch Drunk Love” (2002)
Adam Sandler is
one of the most famous comedic actors of this generation. He is very popular
because of his loudmouth, and crude humor. He has been on the top of comedic
films since the 1980’s. Whether it was his role in “Happy Gilmore” “Big Daddy”
“Billy Madison” the list goes on. It was a big deal for him to switch roles
into a dramatic and depressing role in “Punch Drunk Love,” especially right
after his role in “Little Nicky” which was a decent success for him and a
classic for his fans. His role as Barry Egan in this film showed that he can be
in almost any type of film and he was not bad at switching genres. This role
was famous for him because he has worked with comedy for decades and it was a
joy to see him shine in a different type of role.
5. Steve
Carrell in “Foxcatcher” (2014)
Steve Carrell is
extremely funny. His roles in “The Office” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and
“Anchorman” will be remembered for decades. This year he took a chance and took
the role as John Du Pont in “Foxcatcher” the result was a great success. He
played a wrestling coach that helped the Schultz brothers in the Olympics but
things went astray when he gained more power over them. This is easily one of
the best roles he has ever had. Carrell completely transformed his face, his
accent and his body to fully create such a dense character. It was terrifying
to see how well he became John Du Pont in this film, it was like nothing Steve
Carrell have seen before. He nailed his role. He completely deserved his Oscar
nomination for this role.
6. Will
Ferrell in “Evrything Must Go” (2010)
Will Ferrell is
one of the most popular comedic actors. He is known for his roles in
“Anchorman” “Step Brothers” “Old School” “Elf” and the list goes on. His roles
consist of much different slapstick, crude humor. However, in this film he
plays an alcoholic selling all of his professions at a yard sale to try to get
rid his items that relate to his past marriage and the things he wants to
forget. It was different to see Ferrell in this type of role because of his
past funny, and hilarious roles we all love. He was depressed, gloomy, which
could be funny to some people depending on how you see him. However, he showed
many different emotions that was interesting to watch and kept us on the edge
of our seats in this film. This film is overlooked a lot but it is a very good
role that Will Ferrell nails and delivers.
7. Josh
Peck in “The Wackness” (2008)
Josh Peck
skyrocketed his career as Josh on the hit Nickelodeon show, “Drake and Josh.”
He was an overweight funny brother of Drake Bell that was loveable. In this
film he plays a drug dealer trying to help his parents out paying the rent. He
is also going to therapy. After becoming friends with his psychiatrist, he
starts spending time with his daughter, played by Olivia Thirlby. It is a
coming of age tale that really shows how great Josh Peck is acting. This actor
started out on Nickelodeon and then completely does a 180 and play a drug
dealer, cursing, having sex, and smoking is a big change for an actor, but it
worked. It is amazing to see him on a kid show, and see how much he changed for
this role.
8. Seth
Rogen in “50/50” (2011)
Seth Rogen is
known for his comedic roles with James Franco and Paul Rudd. However, he
changed his comedic ways to play a loveable, caring best friend in this film.
It is heartwarming to see how great the friendship between Rogen’s and Joseph
Gordon Levitt’s character is shown in this film. Yes Rogen, is funny in this
film but he is very compassionate, caring, and helpful towards his best friend
when he is diagnosed with cancer. He really cares for him and it is nice to see
him do something different. He is relatable in this role because we have always
tried to help our friends in a time of need, and we feel like we want him to be
as good of a friend as he is in this film.
9. Jonah
Hill in Moneyball (2011)
Jonah Hill is
known for being the overweight funny guy. His roles in “Superbad” “Knocked Up”
and “Get Him to the Greek” are great comedic roles with him. Over the past few
years his weight has fluctuated and so have his roles. One of the best roles he
has had was his portrayal of Peter Brand in “Moneyball.” He was very serious
and wanted everything right not only for his team but his mentor, Billy Beane
played by Brad Pitt. This role has skyrocketed his career even more, and with
his Oscar nomination for this role, and his Oscar nominated role in “The Wolf
of Wall Street” will probably skyrocket his career even more.
10. J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash” (2014)
J.K. Simmons has
always been a supporting role kind of actor. However, he is still an amazing
actor. This year his role in “Whiplash” has proved that he is not a force to be
reckoned with because he is spectacular. This film is terrifying because of his
incredibly gripping role. He plays a music teacher that leads a big band at one
of the music schools in the country. He brings in a young drummer who has a lot
of potential played by Miles Teller. Simmons’ character has a cutthroat,
intense program that is extremely intense to watch. It is both exciting and
horrifying to watch but for some reason it is hard not to keep watching to see
what happens.
11. Bill Murray in “Lost in Translation”
(2003)
Bill Murray has
always been a popular actor among the comedy world. Whether it was
“Ghostbusters” “Stripes” “Caddyshack” or “Groundhog Day” he has been making us
laugh with his dry, sarcastic humor for years. In “Lost in Translation” he
plays a popular actor staying in Japan after having problems with his wife. It
is a depressing tale that shows how powerful Bill Murray can be. He his so
passionate, and subtle at the same time in this film, and he really delivers in
this film, and is considered one of his best roles. It is depressing and
exciting to see how he ends up in this film. It is a very influential film that
is incredible and it well deserved Oscar nomination for Bill Murray.
12. Jack Black in “King Kong” (2005)
Jack Black has
always been the hilarious actor that everyone loves whether if it’s been for a
stoner film like “Tenacious D: in the Pick of Destiny” or a family comedy like
“School of Rock.” In 2005 right after
his success of “School of Rock” he decides to take on the role as Carl Denham
in the remake of “King Kong.” This was a very different role for him, and with
this success it lead to other great dramatic roles for him. He is a decent
actor that really shines if he really prepares for his roles. He has been in
many different roles that flopped but he made a decent career for herself.
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