AVATAR and such

WOW. that is all I can say regarding what I just saw. I know i probably waited a little too long to see Avatar, the movie that is now the second highest grossing film of all time worldwide, after another James Cameron film you may have heard of, Titanic. Avatar just blows the mind in every way possible. The film is visually stunning, and anyone that said that the film had no plot clearly saw a different film than I just saw. A love story set against the backdrop of a racial war about to take place between humans and the Na'vi people, the film has just something for just about everyone. It's funny, witty, and smart---and i only looked at my phone once (except for when it died and it made a loud annoying buzzing noise). I would definitely recommend seeing it in atleast 3D--I did not see it in IMAX, but I heard it is a different experience altogether. But if youre not going to see it in one of those two ways, than dont bother seeing it at all. Cameron made this film for it to be seen in 3D, and you wont get the full effect of the film if you do not see it that way. I am a little disappointed that Sigourney Weaver is not getting more buzz for her role in the film- it would nice to see the film get at least one acting nomination, and hers should be it. But alas, the best supporting actress race this year is an extremely tight one, and she will probably be left on the cutting room floor.

In terms of other oscar worthy films, i saw The Lovely Bones and Up this past weekend. The Lovely Bones clearly does not have much support from its studio, as its wide release date was pushed back to January 15th, away from all the chaos that is Christmas film releases. I did not read the book, however, the movie was deeply moving and portrayed beautifully. Peter Jackson, along with James Cameron, is one of the most brilliant directors of our time, and this film only strengthens that. Up was a typical Pixar movie and exactly what i expected, but it was still great nonetheless. Somehow, Pixar knows every time how to find a hit, no matter the topic. Do not be surprised if you find Up was one of the 10 nominees this year for Best Picture at the Oscars. Also saw Invictus this past break. Ever since Morgan Freeman came to prominence in the early 1990s, people have been saying that he was born to play Nelson Mandela- and he lived up to that. He truly embodied one of the most beloved men of our time. Although the movie was more about the 1995 Rugby World Cup than the life of Mandela, it was truly a great film and one that should not be missed.

Also looking forward to hopefully catching Crazy Heart this weekend, as people have been touting Jeff Bridge's performance for weeks now. I think he might just win the oscar--its really a toss up between him, Colin Firth (a Single Man) or Morgan Freeman (Invictus). That should be an interested race come Oscar time.

Started my job at Sony Music this week- never envisioned I would be doing stuff like this, but it is extremely interesting and I am truly learning a lot. That is all for now.

EP

Jack Gabriel Epstein

Today was my nephew's bris, whose name is Jack Gabriel Epstein. When I first heard they were going to name him that, i thought- wow, i don't think I know any jews named Jack. But the more I think about it, the more I like it and realize how nice of a name it really is- a very 21st century name that I think fits well together. He is so freakin cute- it was tough to see him in so much pain, but some things just must be done, and this was unfortunately one of them. I cannot wait to see him tomorrow night- he looks different every time I see him, its astonishing how often baby's features change.

After the bris, I went to see The Young Victoria. Usually I am weary about costume historical dramas like this, but wow was I astonished at the story-line and acting in this film. Emily Blunt was fantastic and although it is going to be a tough Best Actress oscar race, I think she should and will get a nomination. Overall, the film was engaging and historical and intriguing and everything that I like about movies- why should I expect anything less from a film that Martin Scorcese allowed his name to be put on.

Should be a quiet weekend- probably going to start reading Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol. If it's anywhere up to par with his other books, I am sure I will finish it by the end of the weekend.

Saw another trailer for Crazy Heart today, and I am so excited to see this film. It really seems like Jeff Bridges gives the performance of a lifetime and I always enjoy watching Maggie Gyllenhaal. Hopefully the film will not disappoint. Also, I heard from a friend (JM) that Sherlock Holmes was great and RDJ was fantastic (no surprise there)- so hopefully I will get a chance to see that soon as well.

Anyways, Happy holidays.

EP

First day blogging

today is my first day blogging. i thought- enough of facebook status updates and annoying everyone with what i have to say. if you really want to know what i think, you can now read my blog. it is christmas eve, and i am currently sitting in apartment waiting for my jewish friend to have a christmas dinner party--irony eh? as i walk around the city on a night like tonight, its funny to see all these people walking around doing their last minute christmas shopping. i am thankful that i am jewish and dont have to get 25 people 25 different presents. although it would be nice to receive some presents. RIGHT now im in total movie mode- trying to see as many oscar-worthy movies as possible before the big night. saw the blind side yesterday, and wow, what a film. sandra bullock like youve never seen and just a great story all around. i really hope sandra gets a best actress nod- she deserves it. it is common knowledge that actors and actresses get what we like to call "career" nominations, which mean they were necessarily sensational in this role, but they are getting a nomination for their whole body of work, ala morgan freeman for million dollar baby or perhaps, as some would argue (but i disagree) kate winslet for the reader. hopefully going to go see avatar soon-the word ive heard so far is: visually stunning, poor story line. i dont know what to think about that, because i dont think james cameron has made a bad movie EVER....terminator, aliens, T2, the abyss, true lies, titanic (whatever your thoughts are on this, it still won 11 oscars)...avatar just has to be amazing- and i wont think otherwise until i see it for myself.

Oscar Worthy movies seen so far:

Up in the Air

Precious

A Single Man

The Road

The Blind Side

Inglorious Basterds

Need to See:

Invictus

The Young Victoria

Crazy Heart

Nine

The Lovely Bones

A Serious Man (I know, i am pretty late with that one)

The Hurt Locker

The Last Station

well thats all for today...have my nephews bris tomorrow VERY early in the morning- should be exciting. happy holidays everyone!!

EP