“12 Years a Slave’ and “American Hustle” lead the pack of this year’s Golden Globes nominees. Both movies, which seem primed for awards season, each received seven nominations each. As for the rest, while there were some predictable selections there were no egregious offenses (will anyone every forget “The Tourist’ nomination in 2010?). But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to talk about. So here are a few thoughts and observations.

• Let me get this out of the way first – the snubbing of “Mud” was the biggest frustration. On the other hand it shouldn’t surprise me. “Take Shelter“, another film from Jeff Nichols, was snubbed in 2011 as was Michael Shannon for his amazing performance. Film critic Roger Moore pointed out to me that “Mud” probably wasn’t edgy enough for them. What a shame. It’s an almost criminal ommision.
• Staying with the snubs, where on earth is Mads Mikkelsen? I know the awards type have this weird concept of confining the foreign films to their one category (a small handful of exceptions excluded), but this is a pretty glaring ommision. Mikkelsen was amazing in “The Hunt” and not nominating him is most definitely a shameful snub.
• I loved seeing Greta Gerwig get a nod for her work in “Frances Ha“. Let’s be serious, she has absolutely no chance of winning but the nomination is deserved. Gerwig may only play these eccentric, slightly neurotic characters but she does it REALLY well.
• I knew it wouldn’t happen but Geoffrey Rush should have been nominated for his supporting work in “The Book Thief“. I could say the same for Emily Watson and young Sophie Nélisse. But Rush was just phenomenal and he was such a strong point in this underappreciated film.
• Voter favorite David O. Russell once again finds his film nominated in multiple categories. So far he’s only managed to bring home the big awards for his actors and actresses. Some have said the challenge for him is breaking through and winning Best Director and Best Picture. For me his biggest challenge is making a movie without a boatload of f-bombs.
• Is there anyone on planet earth who didn’t believe “Blue is the Warmest Color” would be nominated? Let me be fair, I haven’t seen it and I’ll probably never see it. But as sure as the sun shines during the day, it was going to be nominated. The Hollywood Foreign Press and the Academy actively search out films like this.
• It’s odd that Julie Delpy gets nominated for “Before Midnight” and Ethan Hawke gets snubbed. On the other hand, it’s odd that the weakest film in the trilogy (I’m know, I’m one of the few who think that) is the first to finally get recognized by the awards folks.
• The black community is well represented by some fantastic and deserving nominations. While I did have a few issues with “12 Years a Slave” there was nothing wrong with Chiwetel Ejiofor’s work. Absolutely brilliant. And Lupita Nyong’o was just as good giving a truly heartfelt performance. And it was wonderful to see Barkhad Abdi get recognized for his work in “Captain Phillips“. I’m also a huge fan of Idris Elba but I haven’t seen “Mandela”.
• Tom Hanks gets nominated for “Saving Mr. Banks” but not “Captain Phillips“? That’s surprising. He was wonderful in “Captain Phillips” and I can’t imagine him being any better in “Saving Mr. Banks”. We shall see.
• Congrats to Oscar Isaac. Here is an actor that is much better than the notice he has received. Some of his choices have been questionable but his talent isn’t. I’m glad to see the Coen brothers gave him an opportunity and the awards folks gave him recognition.

So much more could be said but I’ll end it there. It case you missed it, here are the film nominees. I would love to here your thoughts on my thoughts or the nominees in general. Let the awards season begin!!!

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
“12 Years a Slave”
“Captain Phillips”
“Gravity”
“Philomena”
“Rush”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
Sandra Bullock, “Gravity”
Judi Dench, “Philomena”
Emma Thompson, “Saving Mr. Banks”
Kate Winslet, “Labor Day”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Chiwetel Ejiofor, “12 Years a Slave”
Idris Elba, “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Tom Hanks, “Saving Mr. Banks”
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”
Robert Redford, “All Is Lost”

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“American Hustle”
“Her”
“Inside Llewyn Davis”
“Nebraska”
“The Wolf Of Wall Street”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Adams, “American Hustle”
Julie Delpy, “Before Midnight”
Greta Gerwig, “Frances Ha”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Enough Said”
Meryl Streep, “August: Osage County”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Christian Bale, “American Hustle”
Bruce Dern, “Nebraska”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Oscar Isaac, “Inside Llewyn Davis”
Joaquin Phoenix, “Her”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“The Croods”
“Despicable Me 2″
“Frozen”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“Blue is the Warmest Color”
“The Great Beauty”
“The Hunt”
“The Past”
“The Wind Rises”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Sally Hawkins, “Blue Jasmine”
Jennifer Lawrence “American Hustle”
Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”
Julia Roberts, “August: Osage County”
June Squibb, “Nebraska”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Barkhad Abdi, “Captain Phillips”

Daniel Brühl, “Rush”
Bradley Cooper, “American Hustle”
Michael Fassbender, “12 Years a Slave”
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips”
Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave”
Alexander Payne, “Nebraska”
David O. Russell, “American Hustle”

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
Spike Jonze, “Her”
Bob Nelson, “Nebraska”
Jeff Pope, Steve Coogan, “Philomena”
John Ridley, “12 Years A Slave”
Eric Warren Singer, David O. Russell, “American Hustle”

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
Alex Ebert, “All Is Lost”
Alex Heffes, “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom”
Steven Price, “Gravity”
John Williams, “The Book Thief”
Hans Zimmer, “12 Years A Slave”

Well winter is here and what better place to keep warm than in a movie theater! The winter movie season is notorious for its flops, particularly in January and February. But sometimes we get some really nice surprises and it looks like that may be the case again. So today I’m picking out five winter releases that I am genuinely interested in and want to spread the word about. These I’ll certainly flaunt. I’m also going to pick five releases that are (from my perspective) toilet ready. These I’ll flush. It’s Flaunt It or Flush It time again.

FLAUNT ‘EM

1. THE MONUMENTS MEN (February 7, 2014) – After first hearing about this film I was immediately interested. It’s a remarkable true story and with the right cast and direction it seems perfect for the big screen. The first trailer had me second guessing my excitement but the second trailer fired me up again. Based on Robert Edsel’s book, the film tells a story unique to World War 2 and features a strong cast. George Clooney stars and directs the film which was originally set to be released in time for 2013 Oscar consideration. Being pushed to February is worrisome but not enough to ruin my excitement for this movie.

2. INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (December 6, 2013) – Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I am a big, big Coen brothers fan. So naturally I would be excited upon hearing that their new film “Inside Llewyn Davis” hits theaters this winter. Of course it’s written and directed by the brothers and stars Oscar Isaac, a really good actor who deserves more spotlight than he is usually given. It’s guaranteed to have a quirky sense of humor and a fine directing style. Let’s just hope that the 1960’s New York City folk music scene is a good enough setting for their particular style of filmmaking.

3. THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (December 13, 2013) – While I can’t hardly say its full title without laughing, I’m still extremely excited for the next installment in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy. The first film was a lot of fun and captured a lot of Jackson’s earlier Middle Earth magic. Yet it was never as good as any of the Lord of the Rings films. Still it left me really anxious for the next installment. I love the Middle Earth that Jackson has created for the big screen and ANYTIME I have an opportunity to go back I’m excited. Here’s hoping that he delivers another solid if not better film.

4. THE RAILWAY MAN (January 2014) – Yet another movie with connections to World War 2. In “The Railway Man” Colin Firth plays a British officer who was captured and tortured while in a Japanese P.O.W. camp. Years after the war he is still an emotional wreck. He finds out that a captor of his is still alive. He seeks his captor out thinking that confronting him may be the only way to put his past torment behind him. The trailer for this looks stunning. Firth is a fabulous actor and he’s joined by Nicole Kidman, Stellen Skarsgard, and Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada who I’ve always liked. This has a chance to be a truly remarkable experience.

5. OUT OF THE FURNACE (December 6, 2013) – This is a movie that has creeped up on me. I’m not sure how a movie could fly under my radar with a cast like this: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitacker, Sam Shepard, and Willem DaFoe. Set in the economically strained Rust Belt, Bale and Affleck play brothers, one of whom gets caught up in a brutal crime ring and the other who sets out to help him. The trailer looks very good and it looks as though director Scott Cooper has created an intense environment and setting. I’m really hoping that “Out of the Furnace” delivers.

FLUSH ‘EM

1. BEST NIGHT EVER (January 31, 2014) – Ok, tell me if you’ve heard this before – a group of friends go to Las Vegas for a one-night bachelorette party but things get wild and completely out of control. I mean how many times do we have to see this? The all female cast embraces this current trend of showing that they can be as stupid, sleazy, and juvenile as men. This is another of those raunchy comedies loaded with profanity, sex, nudity and all of the other formulaic crap that seems to dominate the comedy genre today. This thing looks pathetic and while I wouldn’t be surprised if it attracts an audience, I can guarantee you I won’t be a part of it. Lame.

2. A MADEA CHRISTMAS (December 13, 2013) – Maybe I haven’t tried hard enough but I just can’t get into these Madea movies. They pretty much hit the same note every time and there is no reason to think “A Madea Christmas” will be any different. Tyler Perry has certainly hit a gold mine directing, writing, and starring in these films. There will be plenty of people who go to this for the Madea name and others who will go because it’s a Christmas movie. Perry knows a cash in when he sees one. I can see “A Madea Christmas” doing good at the box office but it looks like a flusher through and through for me.

3. GRUDGE MATCH (December 25, 2013) – I would love to be excited about a movie that puts Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone together. But after seeing the trailer for “Grudge Match” several times now, let’s just say this isn’t the movie I would prefer. The two screen legends play retired boxers who never got along in their prime and have held grudges since. The old guys are persuaded to go at it one more time, blah blah blah. I can see it now, tons of old and out of shape gags and a happy, feel good ending. It looks silly, predictable, and utterly forgettable. Who knows, maybe “Grudge Match” will surprise. I don’t see it.

4. JUSTIN BIEBER’S BELIEVE (December 25, 2013) – Look, I know this pick is too easy and too obvious but I just couldn’t leave it off the list. Normally I would just cast something like this aside knowing that most readers would know its flush status without me mentioning it. But the Bieb’s first film brought in nearly $100 million! So consider this a public service announcement. This sequel promises to be more of the same. Expect this annoying little ulcer to prance around, pose, and belt his teeth-grinding lyrics to a horde of screaming young teens. I don’t know about you, but I don’t see myself sitting through 90 minutes of that!

5. VAMPIRE ACADEMY (February 14, 2013) – Sigh…here we go again. Look, I know this is based on a best-selling novel and I know that I’m not the target audience. But I’m also not the target audience for “The Hunger Games” yet it’s at least entertaining. “Vampire Academy” looks awful and I can’t help but think this is another example of Hollywood milking a current fad dry. I say current fad but are vampires as big as they were a few years back? “Twilight”, “True Blood” – all of these soapy vampire shows and flicks have run their course but that doesn’t stop Hollywood. How I miss the days of Nosferatu!

I’ve had a ton of fun looking back at the movies from the 1980s. I grew up on these films and I’ve been making my way through them year by year. Today we stop in 1985 to look at five of the best films from that year. While 1985 wasn’t as rich with great movies as the previous year, there were still a number of fantastic flicks many of which have stood the test of time. There were a wide range of films that covered nearly every genre and a few turned out to be all-time classics. So considering all of that I won’t go as far as to call this the definitive list. But I firmly believe that these five films from 1985 are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “BACK TO THE FUTURE”

I know that this would be #1 on most people’s list and I understand why. It’s a film from 1985 that many do regard as a true timeless classic. While I don’t personally hold it up that highly, I do think it’s a very good film that deserves to be on this list. The whole idea behind “Back to the Future” is just plain fun. It’s also a very “80s” movie that remarkably still holds up well today. Sure a lot of it is due to the nostalgia factor, but just as much is due to the great characters and numerous memorable lines. Michael J. Fox will always be remembered for his role as Marty McFly and watching him trying to get out of his time-jumping predicament is a blast.

#4 – “FRIGHT NIGHT”

Just disregard the lame sequels and poor remake. The original “Fright Night” from 1985 was a great horror picture written and directed by Tom Holland. There were several things that made “Fright Night” stand out. It didn’t just follow the same overused horror movie formula. It cleverly incorporated humor and homage into its creepy vampire tale. There are several laughs mixed in with the frights and the constant tips of the hat to the old classic B-movie horror pictures and television shows really works. But it also features some really good makeup effects from a time when we weren’t dependent on computers to enhance our films. Sure it’s a tad corny at times but that is easy for me to forgive. I’m still a big fan of “Fright Night”.

#3 – “COMMANDO”

Laugh at me or say what you want but “Commando” is still one of my favorite action movies from the 1980s. This was one of the movies that launched Arnold Schwarzenegger into stardom and one of the original ‘one man army’ action pictures that became pretty common later in the decade. “Commando” is brimming with great action, super cheesy one-liners, and a bullet filled finale that I probably watched 100 times growing up. It certainly didn’t win an Oscar and Arnie didn’t earn accolades for his performance. But there are so many memorable moments and I still love watching this wild romp today. The amount of cheese is only surpassed by the body count, but the entertainment value is through the roof. So call me what you want but I do love “Commando”.

#2 – “THE BREAKFAST CLUB”

Talk about a movie that is right at home in the 80s! “The Breakfast Club” remains one of my favorite films from writer and director John Hughes. While this movie is loaded with hilarious moments, it also takes a serious look at a number of weighty teen problems that were often times glossed over during that time. Teen rebellion, social outcasting, suicide, peer pressure, parental pressure – it’s all addressed in a smart and responsible way. But it’s also a film that has fun. 80’s regulars Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall each give great performances. But it may be the late Paul Gleason as the merciless assistant principal who steals the biggest laughs. “The Breakfast Club” is such a wonderful film and even as it approaches 30 years old it still doesn’t miss a beat.

#1 – “MASK”

We see so many ‘based on a true story’ movies these days and new biopics seem to pop up routinely. But few have ever carried the emotional pop that you’ll find in the 1985 drama simply titled “Mask”. The movie tells the true story of Roy “Rocky’ Dennis, a boy born with a severe cranial disorder. He’s had to grow up with his incurable facial disfigurement but you would never know it by being around him. His great attitude, chipper demeanor, and ambitious dreams make being around him infectuous. Eric Stoltz is fantastic as Rocky but it’s Cher who really blows me away. She plays his single mother who has had her share of personal troubles but is 100% dedicated to supporting her son. I won’t ruin the ending for you but let me just say if you haven’t seen “Mask” please do. It’s an unforgetable experience.

So there they are – 5 Phenomenal Movies from 1985. What do you think? See something I missed? Disagree with any of my choices? If so please take time to share your comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts on the movies of 1985!

It can’t only be reviews, Phenomenal 5 lists, and commentaries, right? Know Your Movies is all about having fun. Here’s how it works: I’ll share a single shot from a movie. It can be extremely serious or completely absurd. After that I’ll provide you with three hints. The rest is up to you. Hop on the comments section and share your guess as well as any thoughts you have on the movie, actor/actress, or the scene. It should be a blast.

Today’s image is from a comedy that is still hilarious to this day. So here’s the shot. Three hints will follow.

Hint 1: Released in 1994

Hint 2: Has a long awaited sequel set for 2014

Hint 3: Features a cameo from Hockey Hall of Famer Cam Neely

Now head to the comments and share your guess. Pretty obvious, right? I would also love to hear your thoughts on the film, the scene, or anything else related to it. The correct answer will be announced first on my Twitter feed (@KeithandMovies for those who want to follow).

I’ve always had a unique affection for going back and rewatching a movie for a second time, particularly movies I love. Obviously there is the satisfaction of rewatching a good film. But more than that, I love seeing if a film holds up and justifies my high praise a second time around. I love seeing if my initial enthusiasm was merited or if it has fizzled over time.

This past weekend I finally had the opportunity to revisit “Amour”. Winner of more international awards than you can count, including the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, “Amour” was a global attention getter. It was also one of only three films from 2012 that I gave a perfect 5 star rating. Needless to say, with such a positive original review I was really anxious to see the film would still impress me. More importantly, especially with a film like this, would the movie still pack the moving and emotional punch that it did when I first saw it in the theater? The answer is an unequivocal and resounding yes!

Michael Haneke wrote and directed “Amour” and to say I’m fascinated by his technique is an understatement. He’s a very identifiable filmmaker who has an undeniable style and never shies away from difficult subject matter. Such is the case with “Amour”, a tender yet crushing story of an elderly French couple whose lives change after the wife Anne suffers a paralyzing stroke. Her husband Georges commits to taking care of his true love even as her health slowly deteriorates. We get to see a true testament to the incredible and self-sacrificial love that so many never experience these days. We also see the reality of the harshness of life which Haneke never shortcuts.

The effect “Amour” had on me didn’t change a bit during the second viewing. I still loved Georges and Anne Laurent. I laughed with them. My heart broke with theirs. And even as their circumstances grew more difficult, I still wanted to be right there with them. A lot of that has to do with the brilliant performances. Emmanuelle Riva gives one of the most authentic and committed performances I have ever seen. Her convincing and uncompromising approach is one of the most essential and vital ingredients to the film’s success. The way she embraces Haneke’s script and direction is masterful. Not to be outdone, Jean-Louis Trintignant’s work as Georges is top-notch. Haneke wrote the script specifically for Trintignant. After a 14-year absence from cinema, the actor accepted the role and he is amazing.

Haneke is often criticized for his focus on uncomfortable things and his willingness to crush his characters under the weight of torturous circumstances. Certainly movies like “Funny Games” and “Caché” have given a hint of credibility to those arguments. That same criticism was volleyed against “Amour” by some and a linear focus on one aspect of the film could feed that. But I think that misses another strong element of the movie that gives it such an impact. Yes “Amour” is sometimes difficult to watch and it unashamedly depicts Anna’s failing health in uncomfortable ways.

But sprinkled throughout the film are those special moments – sweet and beautiful moments that the couple share which reflect their love. It may be a funny moment at the dinner table. It could be a special bedside story. These lovely scenes are critical to fully understanding what Haneke is portraying. These are the scenes that give light to the darker moments of trial and difficulty. These are the moments I cling to and that help me understand and comprehend everything else I’m seeing.

I’m also still amazed by Haneke’s technique. The director never manipulates for the sake of emotion. His camera is almost always in a state of observation. He strategically frames his shots and will leave the camera rolling allowing us to take in all that’s happening. Whether it’s long takes or his quiet and still camera, Haneke’s style is always perfectly in sync with the material. We see these techniques at work in the Laurent’s Paris apartment. In fact, other than a brief sequence at the beginning, we spend the entire movie inside the apartment confined just as they now are. By the end of the film, I knew every room and the layout was as familiar to me as to the characters.

Needless to say my opinion of “Amour” hasn’t changed one bit. It’s still the brilliant 5 star film that it was after my first viewing. It’s potent, painful, sweet, and real. These are just a few of the adjectives I could use to describe Michael Haneke’s Oscar winning gem. It’s filmmaking mastery featuring two of the best lead performances of the past several years. It paints a beautiful picture of love and a dismal picture of illness. Yet it all is interwoven to create a truly remarkable and touching experience.

Click here to see my original review of “Amour”.