"Iron Man 3"

"Big man in a suit of armor. Take that away and what are you?" (Captain America to Tony Stark in "TheAvengers")

Directed by Shane Black (taking over from Jon Favreau), "Iron Man 3" picks up after the events of "The Avengers" and readily answers the question.  It turns out, even without the suit, he's everything.  Here Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is shown as a character more than his alter-ego, Iron Man.  The existence of alternate dimension and alien invasion in New York City has triggered nightmares and panic attacks and shows Tony's vulnerability as human, "a man in a can."  He's not some God, supersoldier or hulking giant.  He buries himself in his work, experimenting with a prototype suit that could fly off and attach itself to Tony's body on command, and working on other inventions as well.  This has affected his relationship with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow, "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2").  At the same time, Black manages to keep things on the lighter side, as an "Iron Man" movie should be. 

When a terrorist bedecked in an elaborate getup, the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), recruits followers around the world and terrorizes the country, Tony issues a challenge to come and get him.  What follows is a massive destruction of his hillside mansion.  The helicopter strike is one of the few awesome action set pieces in the movie. 

The story then rewinds to 1999, where Tony spent New Year's Eve with his squeeze, scientist Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall, "The Town"), and stood up an appointment with another scientist, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce, "The King's Speech").  In present day, Killian has now developed the ability to recode the human brain's DNA and created superhumans with ability to self-heal and melt metals, although not without hiccup, such as overheating and combustion.

Tony soon has his hands full.  With his home in rubbles, out of his powered suit and stranded in middle America, hunted down by Killian's agents, head bodyguard Happy Hogan in a coma (cameo by Jon Favreau), best friend Colonel Rhodes (Don Cheadle, "Iron Man 2") held hostage, and both the President of the United States (William Sadler) and beloved Pepper in danger,  he enlists an unlikely ally, a smart boy (Ty Simpkins), and he must rely on his intellect, ingenuity, wit and resourcefulness to improvise and survive, track down the enemy, save the country and the one he loves most.  A couple of action sequences, midair human chain-rescues of Air Force One passengers and grand face-off with an army of armored suits, are bold spectacles.  A surprising link between the Mandarin and Killian, and Peppper's role that seals the nemesis' fate are twists no one sees coming. 

The story is more convoluted than the previous installments and it runs a bit slow in the middle, but it remains entertaining.  While the overall tone is less vivacious, the comedic moments are still laugh-out-loud funny.  The movie works for the most part thanks to Robert Downey, Jr.  Whilst this may or may not be the last standalone "Iron Man" movie for Downey, it's a very good thing that we have "The Avengers 2" to look forward to. 

Downey truly makes the movie the worldwide success that it has become and launched Marvel to the next level with "The Avengers."  It's hands down the most impeccable casting in superheroes' history.  Downey IS Tony Stark.  Especially after seeing him in person more than once command the attention of over 6,000 people at Comic-Con, it's impossible to imagine another actor with the sheer presence, personality, style, talent and charisma fit for the larger-than-life character.  This movie is proof that, without Downey's Tony, Iron Man is simply a metal suit or a machine, which can be  remotely controlled, assembled, disassembled or destroyed.  The one thing irreplaceable is him.  The real Iron Man.  Maybe not a superhero, but certainly a hero. 

"Iron Man 3" is a full blast of fun and action, a perfect lead to the 2013 summer blockbuster season. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-iron-man-3/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/czscyox

Comic-Con 2012

   

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"The Great Gatsby"

[Originally posted on 6/01/13]

[Note: I had been traveling overseas and missed a few movies in the last couple of weeks. Hope to catch up soon!]

An aspiring writer (Nick Carraway, Tobey Maguire) finds himself living in a cottage next to a mysterious neighbor, a millionaire (Gatsby, Leonardo DiCaprio) famous for his lavish parties. The parties turn out to be a bait to hopefully lure his now-married cousin (Daisy, Carey Mulligan), whose shares a past with Gatsby.

Hyped up to be this dramatic story of love, betrayal and tragedy among the excess of 1920s New York, "The Great Gatsby" is surprisingly not-so-great. The expansive waterfront estates, sequined dresses and tuxes, endless champagne, party streamers, confetti and fireworks don't make up for the lack of depth in the characters. And Gatsby's object of affection really has no redeeming quality; one-note spoiled, vapid and deceitful that it's hard to root for.

The film sure is pretty, but it's flat (much flatter than Baz Luhrmann's previous works, "Moulin Rouge" and "Australia").  It just goes to show that all that glitter may not be gold.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/k6yn572

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"Oblivion"

  "Earth is a memory worth fighting for.”

“Oblivion” centers on a drone technician, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise, “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol), who flies a Bubble Ship (a hybrid of a fighter spaceship and helicopter) and is tasked to fix downed drones on earth in 2077.  He lives in a sleek dig high above the clouds together with his partner, Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), who also serves as his communication officer.  She monitors his safety from their base in space and dutifully reports to their superior, Sally (Melissa Leo) through a sophisticated system.  Before embarking on their five-year service, Jack and Victoria had their memories wiped to maintain the security of their mission.

60 years ago, earth was invaded by aliens, called 'scavs' (scavengers).  The scavs shattered the moon, and without the moon, the earth destablized, resulting in earthquakes and tsunamis that destroyed half of the planet.  Humans launched nukes to stave off the scavs and eventually won the war.  However, the earth became mostly inhabitable and the surviving humans moved to Titan, one of the moons of the Saturn ring.  The drones are used to man fusion reactors that drain seawater and convert into energy.  They also patrol the earth's surface to shoot down any remaining scavs. 

Jack and Victoria are nearing the end of their mission; in two weeks, they will conclude their service and join the rest of the humans in Titan.  While Victoria is looking forward to it, Jack has doubts and oddly feels that earth would always be his home.  He's traveled far and wide and found unspoiled swaths on earth, including a remote cabin by the lake, a calming oasis.  His uncertainty is confounded by recurring dreams of a woman (Olga Kurylenko) and flashes of life in New York, which strangely feels like a memory of a past than a fantasy. 

When a spaceship crash lands on earth, Jack finds that it's filled with several pods of humans in hyper-sleep state.  And inside one of the pods, is the woman in his dreams, who later wakes up and mentions that her name is Julia.  Jack and Julia are discovered and captured by a group of rebels (led by Morgan Freeman and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), human survivors.  The events that transpire, followed with fierce flying and firefights, make Jack realize that his life is not what it seems to be and that he's not what he thinks he is.  He may just unknowingly holds the fate of mankind on his hands. 

Director Joseph Kosinski (“Tron Legacy”) executes his vision with excellence.  Cruise plays his part with sincerity, connects with both of his leading ladies and the higher mission he's entrusted with.  With a straightforward story and humanity, “Oblivion” is captivating from the start.  Part of the appeal is the mystery, which unfurls easily piece by piece and takes us along through each discovery and ultimate truth.  A bigger appeal is the phenomenal visual, reminiscent of last year's “Prometheus,” elevated by an electronica beat, along the same vein of "Tron Legacy" and “Hanna.”  Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda (“Life of Pi”) creates a vast and elegant canvas.  Desolate, barren wasteland dotted with ruined monuments in stark contrast with deep gorges and verdant mountains.  The sterile white of the glassy homebase and pool in space with the homey, lakeside wood cabin on earth. 

A cool sci-fi with a heart, “Oblivion” is satisfyingly entertaining. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-oblivion/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/d4c935y
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/d8jhlna

Bubble Ship Display at 2013 WonderCon

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Upcoming Movies: June 2013

[Originally posted on 6/02/13]

June 7
"The Internship" (http://www.theinternshipmovie.com/) - Two salesmen whose careers have been torpedoed by the digital age find their way into a coveted internship at Google, where they must compete with a group of young, tech-savvy geniuses for a shot at employment.

"The Purge" - A family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legalized.

June 14
"Man of Steel" (http://manofsteel.warnerbros.com/index.html) - A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.

"The Bling Ring" - Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

June 21
"World War Z" (http://www.worldwarzmovie.com/) - A United Nations employee traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.

"Monster University" (http://disney.go.com/monsters-university/) - A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.

June 28
"White House Down" (http://www.whitehousedown.com/site/) - While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.

"Byzantium" - Residents of a coastal town learn, with deathly consequences, the secret shared by the two mysterious women who have sought shelter at a local resort.

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Summer Blockbusters 2013

Summer is around the corner, which means one thing... blockbuster season!  Oblivion.  Iron Man 3.  The Great Gatsby.  Start Trek Into Darkness.  Hang-Over Part III.  Fast & Furious 6.  After Earth.  Man of Steel.  Red 2.  White House Down.  World War Z.  The Lone Ranger.  The Wolverine.

2013 blockbuster movies mashup in 3:09 minutes:

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Upcoming Movies: May 2013

Summer may not officially arrive yet, but a packed blockbuster season is definitely here!


May 3
"Iron Man 3" (http://marvel.com/ironman3) - When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

May 10
"The Great Gatsby" ( http://thegreatgatsby.warnerbros.com/) - A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor.

May 17
"Star Trek Into Darkness" (http://www.startrekmovie.com/) - After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

May 24
"Fast & Furious 6" (http://www.thefastandthefurious.com/) -  Agent Hobbs enlists the aid of Dom and team to help bring a rival gang, led by Owen Shaw, to justice. In exchange for clear records, they must put an end to their schemes, no matter how personal the cost.

"The Hangover Part III" (http://www.hangoverpart3.com/) - This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

May 31 
"After Earth" (http://www.afterearth.com/site/) - A crash landing leaves a son and his father stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after events forced humanity's escape. With his father injured, a boy must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.

"Now You See Me" (http://www.nowyouseememovie.com/) - An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

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25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2013

The year is still young and we've got a lot more movies to cover.  Yahoo! Movies has all the sequels, bestselling book adaptations, post-apocalyptic adventures, and comic-book movies to pick out and rank the 25 most anticipated titles of 2013.

Check out the synopses and clips here:
http://tinyurl.com/ay4phuc

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Upcoming Movies: April 2013

April 5
"Trance" - An art auctioneer who has become mixed up with a group of criminals partners with a hypnotherapist in order to recover a lost painting.

"The Company You Keep" - A thriller centered on a former Weather Underground activist who goes on the run from a journalist who has discovered his identity.

April 12
"Oblivion" (http://www.oblivionmovie.com/) - A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself.

"To the Wonder" (http://www.magpictures.com/tothewonder/) - After visiting Mont Saint-Michel, Marina and Neil come to Oklahoma, where problems arise. Marina meets a priest and fellow exile, who is struggling with his vocation, while Neil renews his ties with a childhood friend, Jane.

April 26
"Mud" (http://mud-themovie.com/) - Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

"The Big Wedding" (http://thebigweddingmovie.com/) - A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding.

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"Olympus Has Fallen"

 

Not only it's 'Die Hard in the White House,' it's die harder. "Olympus Has Fallen" takes full advantage of the R-rating by having the highest body count and headshots ever seen in an action movie. The stabbings are brutal and gunfire roars almost nonstop.

A former secret agent and head of presidential security detail is put on desk duty after he saved the president from a freak car accident at the expense of the first lady. When the White House is under air and ground attack from North Korean terrorists, he pushes his way in and goes 'Rambo' to save the president and his young son, and the security advisers. He also serves as an insider who connects with the war room in the Pentagon.

The plot holes are bigger than the undetected bomber plane and armored garbage trucks, but it's entertaining nonetheless. At the same time, the constant gunplay in the dark becomes monotonous after a while. A half-hour shorter running time would have been sufficient to restore the old glory and it would've been more fun. 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bmletsq
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/cahrp4o

 

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"The Call"

 

Edge-of-your-seat realistic... until it's not.  Realistic, that is.  A 9-1-1 operator faces a serial killer on the line hell-bent on kidnapping and murdering teenage girls.  "The Call" manages to keep the suspense going scene after scene mostly because of the probability of the incidents happening in real life (and shows us what to do and what not to do), and the consequences suffered by the victims and bystanders.  But it goes downhill after three-quarter of the movie, with an idiotic ending that betrays what we know about the main protagonist.  A strong 'B' movie, it's enjoyable for what it is, but a different ending wouldn't have lessened the edge-of-your-seat element, and it would have kept it real. 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bsk5ewp

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/c4933sc

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Farewell Posterous, Hello Blogger: New Home

Posterous, acquired by Twitter last year, is shutting down on April 30, 2013 (sadly), so this blog (http://themoviemaven.posterous.com), created in 2010, will be gone forever.  If you receive this via e-mail from Posterous and would like to continue to receive updates, this is the right page on Blogger and enter your e-mail address.  Unless otherwise notified, http://sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com/ will be the new home for The MovieMaven.  Thanks for reading!

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"Oz: The Great and Powerful"

 

Magic. Fantasy. Wonder. These are some of the things that came to mind when viewing “Oz: The Great and Powerful.”

Oscar Diggs (James Franco, “Eat Pray Love") is a street-magician with traveling circus in Kansas. He performs his tricks, both for the audience and beautiful women, with equal charm and smarminess. Although he does seem to hold a special place in his heart for a special lady, Annie (Michelle Williams, “Shutter Island”). The extended black-and-white scenes are necessary and give insight into Oscar's life and aspiration.

After being chased out of his trailer during an incident, Oscar hops into a hot air balloon and runs into a tornado. He gets twirled and transported into a fantasy land vibrant beyond imagination. Cascading waterfalls, blooming flowers and glowing butterflies over verdant lands, and snowy mountains in the background.

Oscar meets a beguiling beauty, Theodora (Mila Kunis, “Black Swan”), who says that she's a good witch. She mistakes him for a wizard, who falls out of the sky to save the people and claims the throne, fulfilling a prophecy of defeating a wicked witch who killed the king. She leads him the yellow brick road to the diamond palace of Emerald City and see her sister, another witch, Evanora (Rachel Weisz, "The Bourne Legacy"). Dangled with riches and respect, Oscar plays along and pretends that he's indeed Oz, the wizard. Along the way, he partners with a winged monkey (Finley) and porcelain doll (China Girl), who accompany him in his misadventures. His interactions with them are the highlights of the movie, comical and tender.

When Oscar finally finds the purported Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda (Michelle Williams), the truth comes out. He faces the challenge of continuing to assume his identity as a savior for the sake of the people, who places their belief and hope in him, or run and hide.

Oscar is faced with the impossible dilemma of leading an army of ordinary folks - munchkins, farmers and tinkers, who only know how to work the land, make bread, sew clothes or play music - against wicked witches, trained soldiers and flying beasts. With faith and encouragement from those around him, the mortal con-man comes up with a plan utilizing his skills as a magician and everyone's strengths to create wondrous smokescreen to defeat the enemy. The clever trickery, using fog bank, scarecrows, illusion, fires and fireworks, play out masterfully. Oscar may not be the great and powerful wizard they're looking for, but he may be just what they need. He may be destined for greatness and there may be goodness in him after all.

"Wizard of Oz” may be a movie originally made for kids, but “Oz: The Great and Powerful” is a magical spectacle and story enjoyable for all ages. The vivid visuals alone are worth the admission price. The 3-D makes the special effects really pop but not overused. And especially for those who've never seen the 1939 film, director's Sam Raimi's version of 'Oz' is sweepingly enchanting and engaging.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-oz-the-great-and-powerful/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/ahh5h5w
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/ajwrs6d

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Upcoming Movies: March 2013

March 1

"Jack the Giant Slayer" (http://jackthegiantslayer.warnerbros.com/) - The ancient war between humans and a race of giants is reignited when Jack, a young farmhand fighting for a kingdom and the love of a princess, opens a gateway between the two worlds.

"Stoker" (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/stoker/) - After one girl's father dies, her uncle, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

March 8

"Oz the Great and the Powerful" (http://disney.go.com/thewizard/) - A small-time magician arrives in an enchanted land and is forced to decide if he will be a good man or a great one.

"Dead Man Down" - In New York City, a crime lord's right-hand man is seduced by one of his boss's victims, a woman seeking retribution.

March 15

"The Call" - When a veteran 911 operator receives a call from a girl who has just been abducted, she soon realizes that she must confront a killer from her past in order to save the girl's life.

"Upside Down" (http://upsidedown-movie.com/) - Adam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love.

March 22

"Olympus Has Fallen" (http://olympusmovie.com/) - Disgraced former Presidential guard finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack; using his inside knowledge, he works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers.

"Admission" (http://m.focusfeatures.com/) - A Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

March 29

"G.I. Joe Retaliation" (http://www.gijoemovie.com/) - The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.

"The Host" (http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/thehost_movie.html) - A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race's mission of taking over the Earth, "Wanda" (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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"Safe Haven"

This sweet serving from Nicholas Sparks' novel offers a lovely taste of a simple life in a seaside town in the South. Julianne Hough (Katie) and Josh Duhamel (Alex) seem comfortable together and sell the story of second chances.  But don't mistake simple life for safe.  Katie's past follows her and there's nice twist you won't see coming (unless if you read the book), which makes "Safe Haven" a step above your run-of-the-mill Sparks'
romance. 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/caq7mqx
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/cpngl24

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Academy Awards 2013

If the last couple of months of excitement and unpredictability was any indication, Hollywood's biggest night might be less predictable than in years past.  Aside from the predictable parade of stars coming out in glamorous gowns and finest tuxes, it certainly was.  It's already season of extremes in the first place with youngest (Quvenzhane Wallis, 9) and oldest (Emanuelle Riva, 86) nominated performers, while leaving out champion directors (Ben Affleck, Kathryn Bigelow and Tom Hooper) whose movies are up for best picture. 

The 2013 Academy Awards carries a theme, music in films.  Instead of mocked-up movie montages, lengthy musical numbers opened the show shortly after Seth MacFarlane took the stage as host.  Less seasoned than veteran host Billy Crystal, MacFarlane jokingly said that hosting the Oscars this year was an honor bestowed on him as everybody else refused. William Shatner made an onscreen cameo as Captain Kirk, displaying fake Twitter posts from the next day on how MacFarlane fared as host. I must say that I missed the inventive montages, which typically have been far more fun. 

MacFarlane quickly took a jab at the Academy Award voters for snubbing directing nomination for Ben Affleck, stating that even though “Argo” was a great film, its director was unknown to the Academy.  Later in the show he remarked that the Oscars was just like a church, with people dressing up, only with more praying (for winning).  He poked fun at Tommy Lee-Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Daniel Day-Lewis, George Clooney, among others.  I didn't care for him in general; he came off as awkward and some of his jokes hit below the belt.

Halle Berry, a former Bond girl, introduced James Bond footage from different generations as a tribute for the 50^th anniversary.  Dame Shirley Bassey belted out the theme song from “Gold Finger.”  Adele sang “Skyfall” against a screen backdrop of colorful liquid and grabbed Best Original Song award. 

John Travolta, famous for his musical role in “Grease,” presented selected clips from some of the biggest musicals, capped with standing ovation-worthy singing performances from Jennifer Hudson and the cast of “Les Miserables.” “Les Miserables” claimed Best Sound Mixing award, while Best Sound Editing allowed a surprising tie between “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Skyfall.”

Barbra Streisand made a comeback with "The Way We Were" song, following in memoriam segment, flashbacks of those in the industry who passed away in the last year.

Behind-the-scene artists who dress and make up the stars split the awards between “Anna Karenina” (Best Costume Design) and “Les Miserables” (Best Makeup and Hairstyling).

"The Avengers” team, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel Jackson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, assembled and presented Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects awards to luminously imaginative “Life of Pi.”  No surprise here. The film also scored Best Original Score. And more significantly, Ang Lee surprisingly took home Best Director gold, beating frontrunner Steven Spielberg (Lincoln). 

On the writing side, Quentin Tarantino took home Best Original Screenplay for “Django Unchained" and made a rousing speech.  Amazing screenplay adaptation and excellent editing net Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing for "Argo."

Christoph Waltz (“Django Unchained”) bested Tommy Lee-Jones (“Lincoln”) as Best Supporting Actor.  He bowed and saluted the other nominated actors in the category.  Anne Hathaway predictably won Best Supporting Actress for her heartwrenching performance in “Les Miserables.” She singled out Hugh Jackman early in her speech and thanked him.  It's a long way for the former princess in “Princess Diary.”

Daniel Day-Lewis as a living, breathing Lincoln, virtually a lock-in for the top acting honor, easily nabbed Best Actor.  He became the first actor in history to have won the award three times in the leading actor category.  His victory speech was humble and hilarious, showing respect for the other actors nominated in the category and humor about wanting to see Meryl Streep, who presented him with the statue, play Lincoln.  The film also earned Best Production Design for its authentic 18th century production.  

Jennifer Lawrence took a tumble down on the way up to the stage accepting Best Actress award.  She recovered quickly and modestly said that people were rising to their feet simply because they took pity on her falling.  Her dramatically grown-up role in “Silver Lining Playbook” was a standout, a more deserving winner than the initially leading actress, Jessica Chastain (“Zero Dark Thirty”).

Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance via live feed.  Introduced by Jack Nicholson, the first lady took the spotlight with her commentaries on the nominated films and announced Best Motion Picture award.  Crowd-favorite “Argo” ultimately won the hearts of the Academy and claimed Best Motion Picture victory, a very fitting crown.  After being snubbed for directing nomination, Ben Affleck and his "Argo" continued racking up every major award during the awards circuit.  The tidal wave of accolades proved to be unstoppable.  Affleck made a spirited (bordering breathless) and gracious speech, acknowledging the other films nominated for the prestigious prize, everyone and everything associated with the film. 

And the winners are...

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Winner: Argo - Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck, George Clooney

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Winner: Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook 

Best Achievement in Directing

Winner: Ang Lee for Life of Pi 

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

Winner: Django Unchained - Quentin Tarantino

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

Winner: Argo - Chris Terrio

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song

Winner: Skyfall - Adele, Paul Epworth("Skyfall")

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

Winner: Life of Pi - Mychael Danna

Best Achievement in Production Design

Winner: Lincoln - Rick Carter, Jim Erickson

Best Achievement in Editing

Winner: Argo - William Goldenberg

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Winner: Anne Hathaway for Les Misérables 

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

Winner: Skyfall - Per Hallberg, Karen M. Baker and Zero Dark Thirty - Paul N.J. Ottosson

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Winner: Les Misérables - Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson, Simon Hayes

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year

Winner: Amour (Austria)

Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner: Les Misérables - Lisa Westcott, Julie Dartnell

Best Achievement in Costume Design

Winner: Anna Karenina - Jacqueline Durran

Best Achievement in Visual Effects

Winner: Life of Pi - Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik De Boer, Donald Elliott

Best Achievement in Cinematography

Winner: Life of Pi - Claudio Miranda

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

Winner: Brave - Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Winner: Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained

For a complete list of winners, please check out the official website.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/academy-awards-2013/

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"A Good Day to Die Hard"

Out.of.this.world stunts.  Driving, diving, chasing, crashing, exploding like there's no tomorrow.  It doesn't live up to its predecessor with a non-existent story and weak bad guy, but it's fun.  John McClane (Bruce Willis, "Red") and his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney, "Jack Reacher") really try to die hard in so many ways.  Fortunately for us, they continue to live and entertain.  They did a good job in casting Courtney. He's got the build and actually bears resemblance to Willis (much more so than Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "Looper.") And watching him play off Willis, he really could pass as his son. Tons of fun! 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/abuozge

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/a34gr7o

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