Wonderful "Wonderland"

The only negative thing I have to say about watching this movie yesterday is that the 3D showings were all sold out so we saw it in 2D; otherwise, I loved it. I am a big Tim Burton and Johnny Depp fan, however, so I may be fairly biased. I am always amazed by the way Burton so completely creates his visions on the big screen. You can really SEE him in every scene from the colors chosen for the costumes to the way the branches on the bare trees look like gnarled hands. Wouldn't it be something to see what goes on in his head? Every so often he lets us in when he makes another movie. Brilliant!

I believe this is the 7th film Burton and Johnny Depp have made together - they must have been brothers in another life because they seem to understand each other in a very particular way. Although Johnny has made plenty of great movies without Tim, his career wouldn't have been the same without him. Can you picture anyone else as Edward Scissorhands? Nope.

Good movie! Of course, it was darker than the sanitized, animated Disney version. Ron watched the movie with me but didn't completely get it because he didn't know the story. Even so, he gives it a "mild thumbs up. " I recommend this film to everyone to loves Burton & Depp, everyone who who loves the story of "Alice in Wonderland." Good stuff - I will be going back to see it again and hopefully in 3D next time!

If I had my way...

Tomorrow is Oscar night! Since we have lived in California, Ron and I have been much more tuned into Hollywood and the movie industry. You know how I ADORE the cinema! So now, especially since our time is our own, we really make an effort to see all the nominated films before the awards. We did very well this year and saw everything except for "A Single Man"-Colin Firth was nominated for Best Actor and "The Messenger" - Woody Harrelson nominated for Best Supporting Actor. We didn't see the documentaries or the foreign films, but most of that I have to do on my own time.

Just like everything else, the awards have gotten political. Maybe it's always been that way. I just get the feeling it's gotten worse in the last few years. Oh well, I still buy into the whole thing. What I wouldn't give to be a member of the academy so that I could vote. Not that it would make any difference...I used to vote for the American Idol but that didn't work either. ANYWAY, I can vote here. So, if I had my way, here is who win tomorrow night...

Best Supporting Actor - Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station"
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz in "Nine"
Best Actor - George Clooney in "Up in the Air"
Best Actress - Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"
Best Director - Lee Daniels for "Precious"
Best Animated Feature Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "Avatar"

Here is who will really win...

Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz in "Inglorious Basterds"
Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique in "Precious:
Actor - Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"
Actress - Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"
Director - James Cameron for "Avatar"
Animated Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "The Hurt Locker"

So let's see what happens!