Day: February 22, 2009

Good God: Review for “ Religulous”

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They say there are three subjects you should never speak of in public or with strangers: religion, sex, or politics. Religulous, the new documentary from the director of Borat, is about the first of the three taboos, as you can tell by its almost-at-first-glance-unpronounceable title. Bill Maher, a self-proclaimed non-believer/atheist/comedian hails the documentary with quick wittedness. They go from place to place interviewing people on religion. Their religion, the religion of others, crazy religions, irrational terms that people use in religion, and even a marihuana religion. Luckily, our host isn’t some weirdo going out of his way to offend people without knowing what he’s talking about. At least he’s read his stuff. Not only do they talk about what may be assumed as the main target of Christianity, but he also has discussions with Muslims. He can be a little rough and make jokes that you will undoubtedly frown or wince at, but by the next interview you’re laughing too hard to remember why you were offended. It is enjoyable, albeit a little mean to watch people flabbergasted by the questions put for this by the guy. And sometimes, when they spot who Mr. Maher actually is, the people will throw him out. Why? Probably because they’re too afraid to defend their religion. It’s a very interesting and funny documentary. The one problem is that anyone who sees this and actually knows what it’s about is already, for lack of a better word, “converted”. I do wish that some of my overly zealous friends watch this documentary with an open mind. Do I agree with everything Bill Maher says in this feature? No, but what I believe is irrelovant. Bill Maher isn’t really telling us to leave our religion; he’s merely bringing up questions that could in turn inspire a very passionate conversation…if people were secure enough to discuss it without acting as rashly as some have. He’s also asking us to wise up and notice the flaws of man. The film, an enjoyable hour and forty minutes, ends on a low note. This is not a bad low note, but note as high and as light hearted as the film had been. But the end result is rather satisfying. It will offend you but if you’re smart enough, you’ll engage in a conversation with someone soon as to why they are so faithful to who ever they worship.

Grade: B+

This entry was posted in comedy, Documentary.

The Under”dog” Will Win: My Oscar Predictions

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Tonight is the night many people have been waiting for. We’ve had to go through the slums of Mumbai to get here. It’s Oscar night. Who will win? What will be the biggest upset? I’ve got the predictions for all of the major categories.

Best Picture

Should Win: Milk has a very, pardon the pun, skim chance of winning. But it’s powerful political story serves up nice and fresh in this time of the unknown.

Will Win: Slumdog Millionairehas got it before you can say “Mumbai”. The critics have fawned over it, with its accolades building steadily higher and higher.

Upset?: Frost/Nixon is a fantastic film, but out of the five may be the weakest, unless it can pull a strong vote for Best Actor (which it won’t) or Director.

 

Best Actor

Should Win: Richard jenkins’ moving role in The Visitor is the most worthym though the least seen this year.

Will Win: It may be a hard choice for people to choose between Rourke and Sean Penn for Milk. But I think Rourke will win.

Upset?: A great actor and playing the role of a polarizing President, Frank Langella’s performance as Richard Nixon (for which he won a Tony award in 2007) may be an upset winner.

 

Best Actress

Should Win: Anne Hathaway’s Kym in Rachel Getting Married is a gem among the performances this year. Her dinner toast alone would make an entertaining short film.

Will Win: It’s either 15 time nominee Meryl Streep in John Patrick Shanley’s adaptation of his play Doubt or Kate Winslet’s Nazi in The Reader. I’m going with Streep, who won last for Kramer vs. Kramer.

Upset?: Though she’s young and has plenty of time, Anne Hathaway may be able to pull of an upset.

 

Best Supporting Actor

Should Win: Robert Downey Jr. should definitely win the Oscar for his hilarious Kirk Lazurus in Tropic Thunder. He pulled off freaking black face! C’mon!

Will Win: Who do you think, the Pope? Heath Ledger will win because of pity votes this year. He was a riveting Joker, though he doesn’t deserve it just because he’s dead.

Upset?: Surely, if there is an upset, which there won’t be, it would be Downey Jr. claiming the statue he deserves.

 

Best Supporting Actress

Should Win: Viola Davis may have only been on the screen for barely 20 minutes, but she’s made quite a something out of a small role in Doubt.

Will Win: Vicky Christina Barcelona‘s Penelope Cruz may take it or Viola Davis may win.

Upset?: Amy Adams is great actress and she deserves to win…just not this year. Will she? I Doubt it.

 

Best Animated Feature

Should Win: WALL-E is going to win and should win and if it doesn’t, I’ll sue!

Will Win: Is there any contest? At all? The heart warming Wall-E should take the prize.

Upset?: There won’t be, but if there were, Kung Fu Panda may end up winning.

 

Best Director

Should Win: David Finscher pulled off a beautifully designed and wonderfully written adaptation of a ten page story, turning The Curious Case of Benjamin Button into a near masterpiece.

Will Win: There is no contest in this category. Danny Boyle will surely win for Slumdog Millionaire.

Upset?: David Fincher may pull the carpet under Doyle’s feet for the trophy.

This entry was posted in Awards, News.