#also wilson: you’re not autistic you just wish you were

[witchwives]

the very special autism episode of house is undeniably awful but can we just talk about how funny it is that it’s the same episode where house vehemently refuses to work in his office because cuddy replaced his old blood-stained carpet and it gets to the point where wilson suggests that house is on the spectrum himself

[everything-makes-me-anxious]

Of course, I still haven't seen all the adaptations (like films made in the 70s-80s), but here's my ranking of Sherlock TV/film/game adaptations:

Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce films from the 40s. Basil's air of cool intelligence is perfectly balanced with his small warm smiles, while Nigel plays a bit of a bumbling Watson to perfection. (Basil looks so much like my mental image of Holmes, too. And one of Holmes' aliases was Captain Basil, so that's also neat.) Also, there was no mention of the cocaine. The adaptations took his occasional usage to the extreme in a few instances.

Robert Downey Jr. I really dislike people who hate these films because they're different. Most people are just averse to an American playing London's beloved son. Guy Ritchie, before BBC Sherlock, resurrected many long-abandoned quirks of Holmes' that people seemed to dislike, despite them being canonical: scientific experiments, violin playing, extreme disguises, indoor gun practice, boxing, etc. Guy also breathed fresh life into Irene Adler, Mrs Hudson and even included Watson's once-mentioned dog (Study in Scarlet). Rachel McAdams made an impeccable Irene, and Jude Law, while perhaps too suave for a Watson, has been unmatched in playing the most dedicated, loyal and loving version, which is true to the character.

Hugh Laurie on House. It's unofficial, but it's there. House, Holmes. Intelligent reasoner with tendencies towards drug abuse, poor social skills and detached from everything but his work. Has a constant companion named Wilson. Fairly obvious. Anyway, I think Hugh Laurie's House so expertly embodied the modern Holmes, with few flaws. He was cold and logical, but human and sometimes soft, as Holmes was yet many portrayals forget.

Johnny Lee Miller on Elementary. The perfect blend of all of Sherlock's traits without verging too much on any one of his extremes. Not too rude, not too averse to human interaction, not too strange. Bonus points for Gregson, who was as much a fixture in the stories as Lestrade, though you wouldn't know it from most adaptations.

Benedict and Martin on BBC Sherlock. I thought the modernization was a touch overdone, and most changes were so huge that characters felt "in name only". Large chunks of episodes would pass via text message, Irene was unnecessarily promoted from scandalous actress to dominatrix, and Watson was soft, emotional and useless. Moriarty was so eccentric rather than cold and terrifying that I found myself drawn to him, in the way you're drawn to a charming sociopath. Benedict was rather autistic in his portrayal, and while it is a sound theory that Holmes was a touch on the spectrum, Benedict took it to the most cold, rude extremes. The queerbaiting was just off the charts pandering to the legions of women and girls who watched. I am still indebted to it for instilling in me an interest in Holmes, but I do not wish to ever watch it again.

Frogwares' Sherlock and teleporting Watson. For the same reason as BBC, they're more caricatures of themselves. Holmes was almost perfect- in a tacky and offbeat way -in The Devil's Daughter, and the game managed to adapt one or two lesser known cases (A Case of Identity) in fun ways. The use of Holmes' Baker Street Officials - the street children - for perhaps the first time in an adaptation was a nice touch, as was the disguise system.

[mymoviesnob]

A Movie Snob Predicts the Oscars - 2017 Edition

Hello again! Welcome to the 2017 edition of A Movie Snob Predicts the Oscars.

As I have been preparing to write this, I’ve been going back over the list of nominees and I noticed a few themes in the films across categories… from overcoming adversity in Hidden Figures and Hacksaw Ridge. to complicated families in Fences. Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea. But the theme I found the most compelling is that of refugees fleeing war torn countries to find a better life for their children in several documentaries, 4.1 Miles, The White Helmets, Fire at Sea and to some extent, Ennemis Interieurs.  The Academy was certainly trying to shine a bright light on this global issue and I hope the nominations brought more viewers to hear these stories.  

While many of the films were heavy in subject matter, there were a few bright spots as well with small movies like Captain Fantastic, A Man Called Ove, La Femme et la TGV and the not so small and much beloved La La Land.

I typically wrestle with the films I personally enjoyed the most vs those which I believe will actually win. … because, let’s face it, I like being right. This year, I feel like the Academy and I will be pretty well lined up in that regard.  

And as the whitest white girl ever, I can’t claim that the diversity issue from past years has been resolved, but this year feels like a step in the right direction.

So, without further ado, here are my picks for the 89th Annual Academy Awards.

 Best Picture

Arrival – A film about aliens who land on earth and the linguists who attempt to communicate with them.  I found the concept to be interesting, but I could have done without the whole “special powers” thing that Amy Adams’ character experienced. Not a favorite.

Fences – Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, it was one of this year’s best. Solid performances all around and full of flawed characters and quick dialog.

Hacksaw Ridge – A lot of people who saw this one before I did raved about it. Maybe my expectations going in were too high but I personally did not love it. I agree that this man’s story is miraculous and he’s a true hero. I’m glad his story has been told, but this is not my choice for Best Picture. And who casts Vince Vaughn as a drill sergeant?? Seriously? 

Hell or High Water – The Dude, Chris Pine, Ben Foster… some bank robberies and lots of dirt. Good flick, but not the best in this bunch. See it though. I liked it.

Hidden Figures – this is another story I’m glad was told. I had no idea that these women had a hand in getting our space program off the ground. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I don’t think it’s the best.

La La Land – Hands down my favorite movie I’ve seen in years. I’m not typically one for glossy romances, let alone musicals, but this movie is pure magic. It was shot in Cinemascope and from the opening sequence, it had me. This is a throwback to the old Hollywood that made me fall in love with movies. And yes, I actually loved the singing and dancing and even the mushy stuff. This year I will not agonize about my favorite vs. the critical darling because they are one in the same! With all the darkness out there, it was refreshing to have a little light. Anyway.. much more gushing over this one later.

Lion – The amazing true story of a little boy who gets separated from his family in India and adopted by an Australian family. I found this to be more interesting than I expected but it was probably my least favorite of this bunch.

Manchester by the Sea – This is a heartbreaking story of a man who is forced to confront a dark past to care for his nephew after his brother passes away unexpectedly. This is slow and sad and looks at how people deal with loss and grief. This is one I had to reflect upon a bit. Initially, I was not a fan, but it’s not meant to be the “feel good movie of the year” and it accomplishes what it sets out to do.

Moonlight – this is one I saw almost as soon as it came out, not knowing anything at all about it. I went in with no expectations and left pleasantly surprised. Again, not a “feel good” movie, but one that tells the story of a boy, growing up in a drug infested community with a mother who is an addict and a drug dealer as his role model. and father figure. It follows him through three stages in his life and the internal conflict he experiences as he learns who he is. See it.

 Actress:

Isabelle Huppert – Elle – I wasn’t able to see this movie… it’s not available anywhere yet in the States, but she did win the Golden Globe so I think she has a shot.

Ruth Negga – Loving – Good movie… I’m surprised it didn’t get more nominations.

Natalie Portman – Jackie – I think she was good in this, but I found the character to be super annoying. I realize she was playing a real person… so maybe that means I would have found Jackie Kennedy to be super annoying? Anyway, not my favorite.

Emma Stone – La La Land – She’s my pick. Singing and dancing and being vulnerable in that way made me love her.

Meryl Streep – Florence Foster Jenkins – She can do no wrong… we all know this. 

 Supporting Actress:

Viola Davis – Fences – Hands down, no brainer, this is her night. She was AMAZING. She put Denzel in his place like her life depended on it. She will win and if she doesn’t it will be a travesty!

Naomi Harris – Moonlight – She was great as the crack addicted mother in this film. I also saw an interview with her later and realized she’s not American… accent was spot on. I would never had guessed!

Nicole Kidman – Lion – I’m not sure why she’s in this bunch. I like her, but I don’t get it this year.

Octavia Spenser – Hidden Figures – Another great performance from her, but Viola kicked her butt this go round.  

Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea – I don’t think she got enough screen time to warrant a nomination. Sure, she was good when we saw her, but she didn’t make a huge impression for me.

 Actor:

Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea – He gave a heart wrenching performance of an incredibly complicated character. It was more nuanced, less in your face than the other front runner and that is my reason for going with him.  He gets my vote but I’ve read that there have been some recent harassment suits brought against him that may cause him to lose votes.

Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge – nope.

Ryan Gosling – La La Land – I don’t think he will win, but I need to say that he proved to be more than a pretty face (and perfect abs, etc, etc). He sang. He danced. And as I was leaving the theater, I immediately looked up whether or not he played his own piano to find that HE DID! I find that to be incredibly impressive. And can we talk about his speech at the Golden Globes where he thanked his lady for being home raising their daughters while he was making this movie? Love him.

Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic – I had no idea what this movie was until it was nominated and I really, really liked it. He plays a single father, living off the grid with his six children. I know that sounds riveting, but it was surprisingly sweet and funny and entertaining. I recommend it.

Denzel Washington – Fences – If Affleck doesn’t take it, it’s got to go to Denzel. He’s Denzel.  And delivering those lines had to have been one hell of a challenge.  Someone i feel it must be “easier” to be bold and boastful as he was in this performance vs quiet and subdued as Affleck was. 

 Supporting Actor:

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight – He’s my favorite to win. He’s that character you’re not supposed to like by the nature of what he does, but you find out that he’s a compassionate guy doing what he had to in order to survive.

Jeff Bridges – Hell of High Water – He’s THE DUDE! No other explanation necessary … you know that means he is, and always will be, awesome.

Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea – He’s the teenager dealing with the loss of his father and an uncertain future.

Dev Patel – Lion – He’s the lost Indian boy, all grown up and trying to find his family. I’m not sure who he was “supporting” though... he was the main guy in this movie... 

Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals – He’s a cop with nothing to lose… (you know you want to read that in the “movie announcer voice”). Anyway, he is a great actor. Does great with creepy and/or crazy characters. This is not his year though. I wish this nomination had gone to his counterpart in this film,  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, instead. He played a really good psychopath. 

 Animated Feature:

Kubo and the Two Strings

Moana – I loved this, and I think it would win if not for Zootopia

My Life as a Zucchini

The Red Turtle

Zootopia – this is our winner

 Cinematography:

Arrival

La La Land

Lion

Moonlight

Silence

Costume Design:

Allied

Fantastic Beasts and where to Find Them

Florence Foster Jenkins

Jackie

La La Land

 Director:

Damien Chazelle – La La Land – yes, yes, yes a thousand times, yes, he should win. He also directed Whiplash (which was amazing… you should see it)  and is likely becoming my new favorite director! He’s brave and only 32 years old. I’m looking forward to his long, beautiful, brilliant career!

Mel Gibson – Hacksaw Ridge – I’m just glad he wasn’t IN this movie. And I hold him responsible for the whole “Vince Vaughn as a drill sergeant” thing.

Barry Jenkins – Moonlight

Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea

Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

 Documentary Feature:

Fire at Sea – about refugees fleeing the African coast for a small Italian island, and the people who rescue them

I am not your Negro

Life, Animated – this is about an autistic boy who grew up relating life to what he learned watching Disney movies. I liked it.

O.J:. Made in America – I think this will win due to its pure scope and scale. It literally goes on for days… (ok… 7 hours and 47 min but that felt like days..) and I did walk away having learned things I didn’t know about him and the murder trial.

The 13th – This is the one I secretly hope will win.

 Documentary Short Film:

Extremis – about doctor’s helping terminally ill patients and their families make difficult end of life decisions

4.1 Miles – about Syrian refugee’s fleeing for a small Greek island

Joe’s Violin – about a 92 year old holocaust survivor’s violin which has been passed on to a young music student at a school for immigrant girls in the Bronx. As the one not about the refugee crisis, it stands out, which is why I think it will win.

Watani: My Homeland

The White Helmets  - about a group of men, former builders, tailors, blacksmiths, etc, who risk their lives volunteering to save civilians (from either side of the fight) in Aleppo as bombs fall around them.  Everyone who believes that we should not allow refugees in to our country should see this movie. I realize that things are more complicated than that, but there is nothing complicated about parents not wanting to have to teach their toddlers the difference between the sound of a regular plane and the sound of one carrying bombs or not wanting to have to dig them out of a pile of concrete that used to be their home or school. I’ve heard the “if it’s so bad, they should leave” argument… but they need a place to go.

 Film Editing:

Arrival

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

La La Land – let’s keep this lovefest going…

Moonlight

 Foreign Language Film:

Land of Mine

A Man Called Ove - really, really enjoyed this one. 

The Salesman – for political reasons, I think this will win

Tanna

Toni Erdmann

 Makeup and Hairstyling:

A Man Called Ove 

Star Trek Beyond – because of the Spock ears and stuff. (BTW… I hate these movies)

Suicide Squad – I can’t believe I sat through this garbage.

 Original Score:

Jackie

La La Land – YES! The music is as much a part of this movie as Stone and Gosling.

Lion

Moonlight

Passengers

 Original Song:

Audition (The Fools Who Dream) –  La La Land – I love this! And I had a really hard time between this and City of Stars…

Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Trolls – as much as I would like to see JT win an Oscar, I don’t think this will win, even if it is the only song in this bunch that most of you  know.

City of Stars – La La Land – this is the one I’ve had stuck in my head since I saw the movie. I love it!

The Empty Chair – Jim: The James Foley Story

How Far I’ll Go – Moana – I want Lin-Manuel Miranda to win, but not this year

 Production Design:

Arrival

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Hail, Caesar!

La La Land - the sets are amazing!

Passengers

 Animated Short Film:

Blind Vaysha

Borrowed Time

Pear Cider and Cigarettes

Pearl – this one is made to be viewed in virtual reality so its ground breaking and cool… I think it could win. But Piper is Pixar so... 

Piper –  will win… and it’s cute.

 Live Action Short Film:

Ennemis Interieurs – this is about the interrogation of an Algerian man who has lived in France for years but is trying to gain official citizenship. I hope this doesn’t happen in real life but something tells me it is likely not far off from reality…

La Femme et la TGV-about a woman who lives alongside the tracks of a high speed train and strikes up a friendship with the train operator she’s never met.

Silent Nights – didn’t love it.

Sing – about a girl who wants to join her school choir and a teacher who is hell bent on them winning a competition. I really liked this one too. 

Timecode  - silly and weirdly sweet

 Sound Editing:

Arrival

Deepwater Horizon – I sat through this garbage too. Marky Mark needs to go away

Hacksaw Ridge – this is where I throw this one a bone…

La La Land – if Hacksaw doesn’t take it

Sully

 Sound Mixing:

Arrival

Hacksaw Ridge

La La Land – because it’s a musical

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

 Visual Effects:

Deepwater Horizon

Doctor Strange

The Jungle Book

Kubo and the Two Strings

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

 Adapted Screenplay:

Arrival

Fences – I’m torn…

Hidden Figures

Lion

Moonlight – I’m going with this, but Fences may take it.

 Original Screenplay:

Hell or High Water

La La Land – again, torn, but…

The Lobster – quite possibly the weirdest movie I’ve ever enjoyed. Very, very strange.

Manchester by the Sea- I’m going with my gut and saying this is the winner

20th Century Women

Well, there you have it! 

This year I’ve been fortunate enough to have brought a few more friends into the “watch all the movies” challenge and it’s been so much fun! Can’t wait to see what next year brings!