This Year in Cinema: Origin Stories – 2023

This article is part one out of three in “This Year In Cinema” for the films of 2023. This series is published every year on this blog to look at the state of films and their artistic merits. 

Our annual film review (which coincides with the Oscars) is back!

“Origin Stories” breaks down every wide-released film into one of four categories: Originals, Adaptations, Sequels (which include prequels and spin-offs), and Remakes. How these terms are defined is listed in the appropriate segment below. In sorting films into these categories, we can see how original Hollywood is (or isn’t).

It’s commonly claimed that Hollywood is running out of original projects. This segment has annually shown that to be false. Let’s see if that’s the case for 2023!

Only films that went into wide release in the United States count towards these numbers. The vast majority of limited release films are original films and counting them would heavily skew things. We also omit films that were only released widely in foreign markets. Remember, the actual thing we’re measuring here is the types of source material. We are specifically looking at how Hollywood handles its source material, not Bollywood or China.

A star (*) indicates a film still in theaters, and +/- signs indicate how much more or less money the film made to its counterpart on this list last year. Box office numbers are sourced from The Numbers.

Originals

Using the same qualifiers the Academy Awards use, Original Films are films that are new screenplays, not based on previously existing material such as novels, plays, television shows, etc. Films based on events, but not creative works, are still original films. 

In 2022 there were 49 original films. This year there were 48. 

2023’s Top Five Original Films at the worldwide box office are:

1. Elemental – $485.1M/ +$55.1M {Elvis}
2. Migration – $278M/ +$95.1M {The Lost City}
3. Sound of Freedom – $250.6M/ +$78.6M {Ticket to Paradise}
4. Wish – $239M/ +$67.8M {Nope}
5. Napoleon – $218.1M/ +$111.6M {Everything Everywhere All At Once}

Adaptations

Adaptations are all films based on already existing material, which can include novels, plays, comic books, TV shows, etc.

Reboots are classified as adaptations because they are not sequels to existing material, but new versions of adapted material.

The emergence of shared universes is making classifying some films tricky. My guide is that if the focus of the film is on a character or characters that have not headlined a film before, then it is an adaptation.

In 2023 there were 36 adaptations. In 2022 there were 34.

2023’s Top Five Adaptations at the worldwide box office are:

1. Barbie – $1.44B/ +$982.1M {The Batman}
2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – $1.36B/ +$962.3M {Uncharted}
3. Oppenheimer – $960.7M/ +$570M {Black Adam}
4. Wonka – $625.2M/ +$374.7M {The Bad Guys}
5. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – $327.5M/ +$88.6M {Bullet Train}

Sequels/Prequels

In this category are films that are sequels or prequels to other films. There were 26 films that fit this category in 2023. There were 18 the year before.

The Top Five Sequels/Prequels from 2021 were:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 3 – $845.5M/ -$1.4B {Avatar: The Way of Water}
2. Fast X – $714.6M/ -$785.4M {Top Gun: Maverick}
3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – $681.8M/ -$318.2M {Jurassic World: Dominion}
4. Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning Part One – $566.6M/ -$385.6M {Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness}
5. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – $463.6M/ -$475.9M {Minions: The Rise of Gru}

Remakes

This category includes remakes of all feature films, as well as short films reimagined as feature length films, regardless of their country of origin. There were just three widely released remakes in 2022. In 2023, there were six.

1. The Little Mermaid – $568.3M/ +$352.3M {Smile}
2. The Blackening – $18.6M/ -$33.6M {Ambulance}
3. Retribution – $13.6M/ -$26.5M {Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank}
4. The Shift – $12.1M
5. Love Again – $10.7M

Conclusion

Interestingly, the categories that lost ground financially are percieved as the “less original” categories. Not only are sequels and remakes outnumbered again by originals and adaptations, but the money trail is reading the same way. 

So, once again, we encourage you to go out and find the new films instead of just relying on pop culture, marketing, and promotional campaigns to influence your choices! Looks like Hollywood is still relying on new ideas much more than not. 

Haunted by Humans’ Top 10 Films of 2022

Before Oscars Weekend, its time to look back over 2022 in cinema, and put forth Haunted by Humans’ very own Top 10 list of the year’s best. While this year seemed to be lacking a bit in quality (I’d contend that the top films of the year are still very good, but the drop in quality is quicker than in years past), it had quite a bit of brutal, jarring, satire. Sometimes, when people can’t hear you, the only course of action is to yell. And we saw a bunch of that in films from 2022, in a variety of wake-up calls.

Speaking of variety, don’t worry, there’s plenty of it here. Away we go!

#10 – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

What a treat. Firstly, “Fearless Hero” is my #1 jam right now. Secondly, this is everything you want in an animated film. A compelling story with emotional stakes, superb voice acting, a catchy soundtrack and score, animation that takes risks and provides beautiful landscapes and vibrant characters, and a script that provides a perfect balance of drama and humor. This is the perfect fractured fairy tale for the whole family. Despite that, it doesn’t act like a kids movie either.

#9 – Nope

Nope is the first of those biting satires. A commentary on fame and controlling the uncontrollable wrapped up in a horror/alien film, Nope is another great outing for Jordan Peele, complete with suspense, a unique monster, and a cast that brings to life the Hollywood desire to be famous at any cost.

#8 – The Fabelmans

Spielberg’s latest film is personal, touching, and inspirational. It provides great examples of truth being stranger than fiction, but these examples feel a bit disconnected at times, which prevents the film from being higher up the list. Nevertheless, the ensemble cast probably delivers the best overall performance on this list (aside from our #1 film) and Spielberg is clearly still at the top of his game. This is a solid addition to his filmography.

#7 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

With all the success the MCU has had, its still the connections with the actual comics that often elevate their films for big fans of the source material, even if that doesn’t hold true for those who are less familiar with the canonical stories. Seeing an intimidating Namor on screen was a highlight, and although there was much debate and fan theories flung around, sticking to the source and making Shuri the next Black Panther was the correct decision. And let’s not forget that this was simultaneously a blockbuster sequel and a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, and it succeeded in both categories.

#6 – Argentina, 1985

A mix of historical intrigue, courtroom drama, and suspenseful political thriller, this is one of two foreign language films to make the list. Ricardo Darín plays legendary prosecutor Julio César Strassera, who led an unlikely alliance of lawyers and activists in the prosecution of the leaders of Argentina during their dictatorial leadership. Its a brilliant, slow burning performance for Darín, who simultaneously displays a calm demeanor while pushing his team in a race against the clock to bring war criminals to justice. On paper, a character reading their typed closing argument in court doesn’t sound like great cinema, but Darín, with the assistance of a great score and masterful cinematography, makes it one of the best acting performances of the year.

#5 – The Menu

Ah, back to the dark satires. This time, we’re dealing with what happens when the cerebral subjectivity of the critic encroaches on the objectivity of the artist. What good is the art if its divorced from its source? Sure, on the surface, this is Ralph Fiennes playing a terrifying, psychopathic chef in his most villainous turn yet (sorry Potterheads). But dig deeper (once you get a chance to recover from some of the shocks), and you’ll see a scathing criticism of what we have allowed our culture’s take on art to be. If food is pretty-looking, but not enjoyable to eat, what is the point? If art does not point to something true and/or beautiful, then what is the point? And why do we think that we get to decide exactly what the work of an artist means?

#4 – The Batman

What a year for Paul Dano, who got to play two brilliantly smart characters this year, the wholesome patriarch of the Fabelman family, and the deranged villain of this film, the Riddler. Speaking of the Riddler, we finally get to see how dangerous and diabolical the character can be on the big screen. The Gotham brutality, the shadows, the winding mystery of the Riddler’s murderous rampage, all that and Batman well on the way to being the World’s Greatest Detective.

#3 – All Quiet on the Western Front

Based on the classic novel, this film perfectly encapsulates the futility and ultimate waste that war is. There’s no glory here. Just a rush from one trench to another. War is a monster, constantly begging for more ammo, with men in fancy uniforms happy to oblige, even after they count the dog tags of the dead. You’ll hear a lot about other ensemble casts this year, especially ones that have more famous participants, but the subdued performances here are among the best. Unless you’re a German film buff, you’re not likely to recognize names aside from Daniel Bruhl, and, in a way, that’s the point of the story. Nameless, the soldier gives his life on the Western Front, and he’s replaced by another cog in the machine. And for what? Glory? There’s no glory here.

#2 – Pinocchio

Yes, of course the del Toro version and not the Disney remake. It baffles me that del Toro had to pitch this movie more than one time to anyone. Its the perfect match for him: fairy tales and war. He’s done it with Pan’s Labyrinth and The Devil’s Backbone, matching the brutality of conflict with the fantastical, and now he does it with one of the best known fairy tales ever. Beautifully designed and animated, with characters simultaneously recognizable, yet new (the Cricket being the best example), this is truly a magical journey.

#1 – The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh does it again. This time he dials the absurdity and satire up to 11, and lets it stew. You’d like to think a story like this could be a comedy, played for laughs, especially with the chemistry of the lead actors, but it veers off into the dark. All this, because one day one man woke up and decided he didn’t like the other one any more? Throughout the film, there’s gunfire in the distance, a civil war raging. Is that any more or less absurd than the feud between Pádraic and Colm? Not really. Colin Farrell gives the performance of a lifetime here, Gleeson is grand, and Barry Keoghan delivers a spectacular performance in a supporting role. (WARNING: There’s a very short scene involving nudity, like 5-10 seconds, if that).

SIDE NOTE: Apparently there’s a lot of pointing in these films, if the pictures selected are any indication.

This Year in Cinema: Origin Stories – 2022

This article is part two out of three in “This Year In Cinema” for the films of 2022. This series is published every year on this blog to look at the state of films and their artistic merits.

“Origin Stories” breaks down every wide-released film into one of four categories: Originals, Adaptations, Sequels (which include prequels and spin-offs), and Remakes. How these terms are defined is listed in the appropriate segment below. In sorting films into these categories, we can see how original Hollywood is (or isn’t).

A commonly circulated claim is that Hollywood is running out of original projects. This segment has annually shown that to be false. Let’s see about 2022!

Only films that went into wide release in the United States count towards these numbers. The vast majority of limited release films are original films and counting them would heavily skew things. We also omit films that were only released widely in foreign markets. Remember, the actual thing we’re measuring here is the types of source material. We are specifically looking at how Hollywood handles its source material, not Bollywood or China.

A star (*) indicates a film still in theaters, and +/- signs indicate how much more or less money the film made to its counterpart on this list last year. Of course, with the pandemic effecting box office totals from both 2020 and 2021, these numbers will be a bit anomalous, but even so, all the films are in the same boat, generally. Box office numbers are sourced from The Numbers.

You can download a PDF of the full movie listing, complete with the source material for every wide release film of 2022! Just click the following link.

2022 Film Source Material – Haunted by Humans

Originals

Using the same qualifiers the Academy Awards use, Original Films are films that are new screenplays, and not based on previously existing material such as novels, plays, television shows, etc. Films based on events, but not creative works, are still original films.

2021 had 36 original films. In 2022 there were 49.

2022’s Top Five Original Films at the worldwide box office are:

1. Elvis – $287.3M/ -$36.2M {Free Guy}
2. The Lost City – $182.9M/ -$40.3M {Encanto}
3. Ticket to Paradise – $172M/ +$55.1M {Raya and the Last Dragon}
4. Nope – $171.2M/ +$113.7M {Nobody}
5. Everything Everywhere All At Once – $106.5M/ +$49.3M {Ron’s Gone Wrong}

Adaptations

Adaptations are all films based on already existing material, which can include novels, plays, comic books, TV shows, etc.

Reboots are classified as adaptations because they are not sequels to existing material, but new versions of adapted material.

The emergence of shared universes is making classifying some films tricky. My guide is that if the focus of the film is on a character or characters that have not headlined a film before, then it is an adaptation.

In 2022 there were 34 adaptations. In 2021 there were 36.

2022’s Top Five Adaptations at the worldwide box office are:

1. The Batman – $417.9M/ +$349.7M {Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings}
2. Uncharted – $400.7M/ +$1.8M {Eternals}
3. Black Adam – $391.3M/ -$7.4M {Dune}
4. The Bad Guys – $250.5M/ -$125M {Black Widow}
5. Bullet Train – $238.9M/ +$10.4M {Cruella}

Sequels/Prequels

In this category are films that are sequels or prequels to other films. There were 18 films that fit this category in 2022. There were 23 the year before.

The Top Five Sequels/Prequels from 2021 were:

1. Avatar: The Way of Water* – $2.2B/ +$500M {Spider-Man: No Way Home}
2. Top Gun: Maverick – $1.5B/ +$719M {No Time to Die}
3. Jurassic World: Dominion – $1B/ +$279M {F9: The Fast Saga}
4. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – $952.2M/ +$450.3M {Venom: Let There Be Carnage}
5. Minions: The Rise of Gru  – $939.5M/ +$471.5M {Godzilla vs. Kong}

Remakes

This category includes remakes of all feature films, and short films reimagined as feature length films, regardless of their country of origin. There were just two widely released remakes in 2021. In 2022, there were three.

1. Smile – $216M/ +$131M {Wrath of Man}
2. Ambulance – $52.2M
3. Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank – $40.1M

Conclusion

Things are finally looking like they are getting back to normal at the box office, as indicated by the increased financial numbers. While original films were still the clear winner this year, it looks like studios may have been a little hesitant to rely on them as the box office recovered. Turning Red for example, was not a widely released film, but it was nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars and probably would have been a top film on these lists in most years.

But, as it stands, once again, original films and new adaptations outweigh sequels and remakes by a vast, vast, margin. So, once again, we encourage you to go out and find the new films instead of just relying on pop culture, marketing, and promotional campaigns to influence your choices!

This Year in Cinema: Origin Stories – 2021

“Origin Stories” breaks down every wide-released film into one of four categories: Originals, Adaptations, Sequels (which include prequels and spin-offs), and Remakes. How these terms are defined is listed in the appropriate segment below. In sorting films into these categories, we can see how original Hollywood is (or isn’t).

The claim typically circulated is that Hollywood is running out of original projects. And this segment annually shows that belief to be false.

Only films that went into wide release in the United States count towards these numbers. The vast majority of limited release films are original films and counting them would heavily skew the numbers. We also omit films that were only released widely in foreign markets. Remember, the actual thing we’re measuring here is the types of source material. We are specifically looking at how Hollywood handles its source material, not Bollywood or China.

A star (*) indicates a film still in theaters, and +/- signs indicate how much more or less money the film made to its counterpart on this list last year. Of course, with the pandemic effecting box office totals from both 2020 and 2021, these numbers will be a bit anomalous, but even so, all the films are in the same boat, so while the totals will be atypical, they should still generally be mostly properly aligned with each other in terms of rank.

You can download a PDF of the full movie listing, complete with the source material and writers for every wide release film of 2021! Just click the following link.

2021 Film Source Material By Month

Originals

Using the same qualifiers the Academy Awards use, Original Films are films that are new screenplays, and not based on previously existing material such as novels, plays, television shows, etc. Films based on events, but not creative works, are still original films.

2021 had 36 original films. In 2020 there were 26.

2021’s Top Five Original Films at the worldwide box office are:

1. Free Guy – $323.6M/ -$39.1M {Tenet}
2. Encanto* – $223.2M/ +$95.3M {Onward}
3. Raya and the Last Dragon – $116.9M/ +$3M {Soul}
4. Nobody – $57.5M/ +$17M {Greenland}
5. Ron’s Gone Wrong – $57.2M/ +$20.2M {Unhinged}

Adaptations

Adaptations are all films based on already existing material, which can include novels, plays, comic books, TV shows, etc.

Reboots are classified as adaptations because they are not sequels to existing material, but new versions of adapted material.

The emergence of shared universes is making classifying some films tricky. My guide is that if the focus of the film is on a character or characters that have not headlined a film before, then it is an adaptation.

In 2020 there were 28 adaptations. In 2021 there were 36.

2021’s Top Five Adaptations at the worldwide box office are:

1. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – $417.9M/ +$112.9M {Sonic the Hedgehog}
2. Eternals – $398.9M/ +$147.5M {Doolittle}
3. Dune* – $398.7M/ +$196.8M {Birds of Prey}
4. Black Widow – $375.5M/ +$236.5M {Alita: Battle Angel}
5. Cruella – $228.5M/ +$121.1M {The Call of the Wild}

Sequels/Prequels

In this category are films that are sequels or prequels to other films. There were 23 films that fit this category in 2021. There were just 8 last year.

The Top Five Sequels/Prequels from 2021 were:

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home* – $1.7B/ +$1.3B {Bad Boys for Life}
2. No Time to Die – $768M/ +$604M {Wonder Woman 1984}
3. F9: The Fast Saga – $721M/ +$562.1M {The Croods: A New Age}
4. Venom: Let There Be Carnage – $501.9M/ +$458.6M {Trolls: World Tour}
5. Godzilla vs. Kong  – $468M/ +$449M {Brahms: The Boy II}

Remakes

This category includes remakes of all feature films regardless of their country of origin. There was only one widely released remake in 2021. Last year there were two.

1. Wrath of Man – $85M/ +$15M {Mulan}

Conclusion

Theaters and box offices are obviously still recovering from the pandemic, but we still see the same trend. About three-quarters of films were originals or adaptations. Since sequels to tend towards the blockbuster side of things, they are likely in for an increase in 2022, with studios hesitant or unwilling to push big projects back any longer.

This Year in Cinema 2021 – Ten Favorite Films

Its the end of January, which means there’s been plenty of time to check off some late 2021 releases and compile this list. These are my top ten favorite films of this year. Of course, per tradition, this is just part one of Haunted By Humans’ three pronged summary of the year. The other two articles, regarding Oscar predictions and film source material (Where Did They Come From?), will be out later this week.

10) The Mauritanian

Jodie Foster plays lawyer Nancy Hollander, who tasks herself with defending falsely imprisoned Guantanamo Bay inmate Mohamedou Ouid Slahi (Tahar Rahim). A brutal, albeit occasionally heavy-handed adaptation of the memoir “Guantánamo Diary,” The Mauritanian cuts through the political garbage and addresses what happens when vengeance replaces justice.

9) Dune (Part One)

This film may be the most gorgeous film of the year when it comes to art direction, special effects and cinematography all working together in perfect harmony. (Eternals may have come close if it weren’t for the mind-boggling decision to make Pip the Troll an entirely CGI creation). Dune doesn’t have the benefit that Lord of the Rings does, in that the original author split the tale into clear parts, and it does suffer for it a little bit. But the film is breathtaking, the ensemble cast strong (especially Oscar Isaac, Timothée Chalamet, and Javier Bardem), and obviously, the saga is just beginning.

8) Judas and the Black Messiah

Daniel Kaluuya was great in Black Panther, and spellbinding in Get Out, but this is a completely new level as he embodies Black Panther chariman Fred Hampton. Shaka King directs a tense drama with a stellar cast, and succeeds at retaining the betrayal thread throughout. The result is a biopic that plays Hampton’s story as it is punctuated by his own Judas, with tragedy, injustice, and broken pride at every step.

7) Minari

Steven Yeun plays Jacob, a Korean-American man trying to start his own farm in Kansas during the 80s, and the struggle is real. His family isn’t always on board, and neither is the weather or his family’s finances, but this is a wonderful story about a father fighting for a better life for his family. Legendary actress Yuh-Jung Youn brings one of the best characters of the year to life as the grandmother, Soonja, who provides much needed wisdom and personality.

6) Nomadland

Frances McDormand has become one of my favorite actresses in the past few years, and she is a tour-de-force in Nomadland. This film is more of a meditation on the lifestyle of new American drifters, but when taken as a whole, it shows the determination of the human spirit as it moves to conquer new challenges. The beauty of the American frontier is the backdrop of it all, and the breathtaking cinematography takes it all in and stirs up a sense of adventure and discovery in the viewer.

5) Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

The second Phase Four film from Marvel Studios was the first to stand out. It turns the Prodigal Son parable on its head, with the virtuous son returning home to confront the lost father. Look past the beautiful visuals and the masterfully choreographed combat (that bus scene!), and you’ll find a story of what fatherhood really means, and what happens when you fight for (and against) those you are supposed to love most.

4) Nightmare Alley

Guillermo del Toro is the master of atmosphere. He brings the macabre romance of the traveling carnival to life in beautifully heavy fashion. Bradley Cooper plays mentalist Stanton Carlisle, who rises to fame only to bite off more than he can chew. Willem Dafoe, Ron Perlman, and David Strathairn help headline the carny crew of Cooper’s apprentice days, but its Dr. Lilith Ritter, played by Cate Blanchett, who finally turns the doom-laden film to its shocking, but inevitable conclusion.

3) Mass

Subject matter as heavy as a school shooting is a challenge to handle in any medium. Director/writer Fran Kranz does so masterfully by electing to tell a story with no trappings. There are only nine actors in the cast, with most of the film taking place in one room in a church, where two couples meet to speak about the unspeakable. Jay and Gail (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, respectively) are the parents of a school shooting victim, and Richard and Linda (Reed Birney and Ann Dowd) are the parents of the shooter. What ensues is simply heart-wrenching.

2) The Tragedy of Macbeth 

“Macbeth” has always been my favorite Shakespeare play. Having Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as the leads cemented this version of it as must see. This is not a fancy, Hollywood production. It is stark and grim, with towering, echoing spires and castles that echo with hollow vacancy. As we follow Macbeth’s downward spiral, we get an inside look at the frantic paranoia and quickly degrading psyche of a guilty conscience. Kathryn Hunter steals the show, playing all three weird sisters in sinister avian fashion.

1) Spider-Man: No Way Home

For many, seeing the three film Spidey’s share the same screen will forever be their highlight, and don’t get me wrong, that was great (and it almost makes you forget how terrible the Amazing Spider-Man films were), but there was so much to unpack here. There was the triumphant return of Norman Osborn, complete with a brutal hand-to-hand faceoff that instantly reminded viewers why the Goblin is up there with the Joker and Magneto in the comic book villain pantheon; the self-sacrifice that Spidey has always embodied; an ending both sad and hopeful; and a few scraps of red and blue fabric left behind at an apartment in New York, where someone will probably soon be struggling with rent. This was both a love letter to the franchise, a new beginning, and a return to the roots of who Spider-Man really is.

HxH 2019 Holiday Movie Guide

2019 is winding down, which means Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and company are bringing family and friends together. Since many folks head out to theaters to watch new films on the big screen, Haunted by Humans (HxH for short) is offering you this (nearly) comprehensive guide to these films.

We rate films based on two primary categories of quality: artistic and moral. True art contains truth and beauty, and it allows for wonder. We try to recommend films that are quality productions, while also free from debauchery that drags down the film (you know, the films we say “That was great, but there was this one bad scene” about).

We have five categories: Must See, Recommended, Take It or Leave It, Skip It, and Avoid At All Costs.

1917

Two WWI soldiers strike out across enemy lines to deliver an urgent message to an army commander on the verge of a disastrous tactical error in this year’s incredible war film. 1917 will be strongly planted in the awards hunt and could join the likes of Saving Private Ryan and Hacksaw Ridge as some of the greatest war films ever. Directed masterfully and acted beautifully, it captures the true violence and futility of war while at the same time showing what the potential for heroism can lead to. As you’d expect, the violence and language isn’t for everyone. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: A, Moral Quality: B+)

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

The true story of Fred Rogers’ friendship with journalist Tom Junod offers a lot of sentimental value, while also digging beneath the surface to discover that Mr. Rogers’ kindness and love for others can really change the world, one person at a time. Does that sound mushy? Sure it does. But this is Mr. Rogers, so it isn’t. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: B+, Moral Quality: A+)

Black Christmas

Allegedly scary and full of tired tropes that plague many slasher/horror films these days. It almost feels like this movie was made just so the studio could release a scary movie on Friday the 13th. (Avoid At All Costs. Artistic Quality: D, Moral Quality: D)

Bombshell

A “based on true events” film about the rampant misogyny and harassment at Fox News and the lawsuit that helped bring it to light. The cast is phenomenal, and the story needs to be told, but the final product doesn’t hold up well. It relies too much on sensationalism, and there’s not enough time spent getting beyond that facade. There’s a surprising amount of language, and a lot of uncomfortable scenes, which is expected, considering the story. (Skip It. Artistic Quality: C+, Moral Quality: C)

Cats

One of those rare films that gets labeled “Worst of the Decade.” If you want real entertainment, skip this plotless, garbled mess and read the reviews. They are much more entertaining. If you really liked the musical, go ahead and listen to the soundtrack instead. (Avoid At All Costs. Artistic Quality: F, Moral Quality: C)

Clemency

Alfre Woodard plays Bernadine Williams, a prison warden responsible for supervising the execution of death row inmates, until one particular prisoner and his lawyer begin driving her over the edge. This film examines the psychological toll on Warden Williams and her loved ones.  (Take it or Leave it. Artistic Quality: B, Moral Quality: B+)  

Ford v Ferrari

Matt Damon and Christian Bale lead the way in this fueled-up automotive adventure, which tells the story of Ford’s quest to build a car capable of defeating a Ferrari during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride that should roar into some major awards. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: B+, Moral Quality: B+)

Frozen II

Not quite as groundbreaking as the first film, Frozen II is nevertheless a solid sequel, building on the original story and charting new territory at the same time. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: B, Moral Quality: A)

Jojo Rabbit

Very few artists can mix surreal humor with poienent drama to produce memorable films like Taika Waititi, and he does it again with Jojo Rabbit. Jojo is a young boy enlisted in Hitler’s youth army. He has an imaginary friend…who is Adolph Hitler. Waititi runs the gamut from satire to drama to comedy so well that the three blend together to leave a lasting impression about the value of each life. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: A-, Moral Quality: B)

Jumanji: The Next Level 

King of the Box Office the past couple weeks, this sequel has plenty of fun and adventure, and the actors have great chemistry, especially Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. Some immature humor prevents it from being a classic. You’ll enjoy yourself watching it, but it doesn’t leave lasting meaning. (Take It or Leave It. Artistic Quality: B-, Moral Quality: B-)

Just Mercy

This is the true story of attorney Bryan Stevenson, famous for his work in advancing civil rights, and the trial of his client Walter McMillian. The acting is good, and the story is one that everyone should hear, but the film lacks subtlety, and the characters could be a bit more human and bit less of roles being played. (Take it or Leave it. Artistic Quality: B-, Moral Quality: B+)

Knives Out

A noteworthy addition to the stable of great cinematic who-done-its, Knives Out boasts an incredibly talented ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Christopher Plummer. It’s a twisty-turny adventure with memorable characters and solid direction. (Recommended. Artistic Quality: A-, Moral Quality: B+)

Little Women

While families will likely flock to the bright lights of Jumanji, Frozen II, and Spies in Disguise, this film is what they should be venturing to. The acting, especially Saoirse Ronan’s, is brilliant, and director/screenwriter Greta Gerwig delivers another memorable outing. (Must See. Artistic Quality: A-, Moral Quality: A)

Parasite

The Korean film getting the most buzz in international movie circles is an absolute masterpiece. It tells the story of a family of four who gradually infiltrate a high class family in South Korea. Everything from the direction to the set design combines into an experience that generates discussion that transcends the world of film, which is exactly what art should do. There’s one scene to avoid in terms of sexuality, but if you look the other way while a married couple are seated on the couch in the living room, everything else is fine. The violence and language in the film are realistic and not played for extremes or shock value. (Must See. Artistic Quality: A+, Moral Quality: B)

Richard Jewell

Based on the true story of Richard Jewell, the security guard who discovered the Atlanta Olympic bomb and whose life unraveled thanks to a reporter too eager for a story. It may not make a lot of Top 10 lists for 2019, but it is a timely film, acted and directed well, that shows the effects of our modern 24-hour news cycle that increasingly avoids due diligence.  (Recommended. Artistic Quality: B+, Moral Quality: B)

Spies in Disguise

The film most likely, after Jumanji, to bring in young audiences, is a harmless bit of fun that involves one of the world’s top spies being turned into a pigeon. It has the star power of Will Smith and Tom Holland, but isn’t particularly memorable. (Take it or Leave it. Artistic Quality: B-, Moral Quality: A)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

You’ve probably heard enough about this one to make up your own mind, and even if you don’t know the story, you know what to expect in terms of tone and creative direction. There are way too many variables in how folks react to Star Wars material these days (unless it involves Baby Yoda), so we’ll avoid making a recommendation one way or the other. (Artistic Quality: B-, Moral Quality: B)

Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler gives the performance of his career, a New York jeweler and gambler trying to keep one step ahead of the competition and his creditors while going for the biggest score of his life. Unfortunately, the hundreds of F-bombs in addition to some sexual content (which, to be fair, could be skipped over if watching from home), prevent us from being able to recommend this to viewers. (Skip It. Artistic Quality: B+, Moral Quality: D).

2017 Oscar Nomination Scorecard

 

With nominations announced this morning, its time to see how my predictions fared. This year’s nominees are amazing diverse, and fantastic reminders that Hollywood is still a hotbed of creativity and art.

I’m copy/pasting my prediction lists (in condensed form). Incorrect predictions will be crossed out, and replaced by the correct ones, which have a number in parenthesis indicated where I ranked them on my original prediction list (out of 10). Correct predictions are in bold.

Best Picture

1) La La Land

2) Moonlight   

3) Manchester by the Sea

4) Arrival

5) Hell or High Water

6) Hacksaw Ridge   

7) Hidden Figures   

8) Lion 

9) Fences

A perfect nine for nine! My super-secret algorithm comes through again!

*Note: Anywhere from 5-10 films can be nominated for Best Picture. I always pick the maximum because there’s no way of determining how many films will be picked. My 10th pick, 20th Century Women, was not nominated, meaning my top 9 picks were.

 

Best Director

1)  Damien Chazelle – La La Land

2) Barry Jenkins – Moonlight

3) Martin Scorsese – Silence     Mel Gibson – Hacksaw Ridge   (#7)

4) Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea

5) Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

 

Best Actor

1) Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea

2) Denzel Washington – Fences

3) Ryan Gosling – La La Land

4) Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge

5) Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic

 

Best Actress

1) Emma Stone – La La Land

2) Natalie Portman – Jackie

3) Isabelle Huppert – Elle 

4) Amy Adams – Arrival     Ruth Negga – Loving   (#6)  

5) Meryl Streep – Florence Foster Jenkins

 

Best Supporting Actor

1) Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

2) Dev Patel – Lion

3) Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water

4) Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea

5) Liam Neeson –  Silence     Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals   (#6)

 

Best Supporting Actress

1) Viola Davis – Fences

2) Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea

3) Naomie Harris – Moonlight

4) Nicole Kidman – Lion

5) Greta Gerwig – 20th Century Women     Octavia Spencer – Hidden Figures   (#6)

 

Best Foreign Language Film

1) Toni Erdmann

2) Land of Mine

3) A Man Called Ove

4) My Life as a Zucchini     The Salesman   (#6)

5) Tanna

 

Best Animated Film

1) Zootopia

2) Kubo and the Two Strings 

3) My Life as a Zucchini

4) The Red Turtle

5) Moana

 

Best Documentary Film

1) O.J.: Made in America

2) 13th

3) Cameraperson     Life, Animated   (#7)

4) I Am Not Your Negro

5) Weiner     Fire at Sea   (#10)

 

Best Adapted Screenplay

1) Moonlight  

2) Fences 

3) Arrival

4) Silence     Lion   (#6)

5) Nocturnal Animals     Hidden Figures   (#9)

 

Best Original Screenplay

1) Manchester by the Sea

2) La La Land

3) Hell or High Water

4) Jackie     The Lobster   (#6)

5) The Edge of Seventeen     20th Century Women   (#8)

 

Best Film Editing

1) Moonlight  

2) La La Land

3) Hacksaw Ridge

4) Jackie     Hell or High Water   (#9)

5) Arrival

 

Best Cinematography

1) Moonlight

2) La La Land

3) Arrival

4) Jackie     Lion   (Not ranked)

5) Silence

 

Best Production Design

1) La La Land

2) Jackie     Hail, Caesar!   (Not ranked)

3) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

4) Arrival

5) Silence     Passengers   (Not ranked)

 

Best Costume Design

1) Jackie

2) La La Land

3) Florence Foster Jenkins

4) Love & Friendship     Allied   (#6)

5) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

 

Best Make-up and Hairstyling

1) Florence Foster Jenkins     Suicide Squad   (#4)

2) Star Trek Beyond

3) A Man Called Ove

 

Best Original Score

1) La La Land

2) Jackie

3) Moonlight 

4) Lion 

5) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story     Passengers   (Not ranked)

 

Best Original Song

1) “City of Stars” – La La Land

2) “How Far I’ll Go” – Moana

3) “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Trolls

4) “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” – La La Land

5) “Heathens” – Suicide Squad     “The Empty Chair” – Jim: The James Foley Story   (Not ranked)

 

Best Sound Mixing

1) La La Land

2) Hacksaw Ridge

3) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

4) Doctor Strange     13 Hours   (Not ranked)

5) Arrival

 

Best Sound Editing

1) Hacksaw Ridge

2) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story     Arrival   (#6)

3) La La Land

4) The Jungle Book     Deepwater Horizon   (#7)

5) Doctor Strange     Sully   (#8)

 

Best Visual Effects

1) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

2) The Jungle Book

3) Doctor Strange

4) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them     Deepwater Horizon   (#6)

5) Kubo and the Two Strings 

 

Best Short Film

1) Graffiti     Ennemis Intérieurs   (#7)

2) Timecode

3) Bon Voyage     La Femme et le TGV   (#8)

4) The Way of Tea     Silent Nights   (#10)

5) Mindenki (Sing)

 

Best Animated Short Film

1) Piper

2) Pearl

3) Inner Workings     Pear Cider and Cigarettes   (#6)

4) Borrowed Time

5) Blind Vaysha

 

Best Documentary Short Film

1) The White Helmets

2) Extremis

3) Joe’s Violin

4) The Mute’s House     Watani: My Homeland   (#8)

5) 4.1 Miles

2015 in Cinema (Part Three) – The Oscarwatch

To conclude coverage of 2015’s film slate, here are my predictions for Oscar nominations.

Oscar nominations are not announced until the 14th. However, with the Golden Globes this weekend, I’m releasing my predictions now. This is because, in years past, folks at sites like IMDB, Gold Derby, and the now-defunct Rope of Silicon always found themselves changing their picks drastically after the Golden Globes. This happens for two different reasons. The first is that they are eager to jump on bandwagons created by Golden Globe wins, which actually aren’t always that great of a predictor. The second is that they have to stop themselves from looking silly by distancing themselves from stupid picks they previously made which had very little chance of actually being correct.

This isn’t to say that it is somehow not kosher to change picks. Everyone’s free to do so. If I do, they will be noted here. The important part is transparency, to see how accurate things are as time goes by.

Here we go! Bold picks are ones I consider to be locks.

EDIT: The Oscar Nominations have been announced. I picked 75% correctly. Below, you’ll see that my correct predictions are in bold, and my incorrect picks have been crossed out, and replaced by the actual nominees. 

Best Picture 

1. Spotlight
2. Room
3. Brooklyn
4. Carol
5. The Revenant
6. The Martian
7. Mad Max: Fury Road
8. The Big Short
9. Bridge of Spies
10. Sicario

As I said below, this category can have from 5-10 nominees. Carol and Sicario were not nominated, but all other films were accurately picked.

These past few years, the nomination race has been very fun to watch. This year, there are three films that intrigue me. The first is Mad Max. Usually action films like this get passed over by the Academy. But with nominations by the Golden Globes and Critics Choice circles, I can’t count it out. Not only that, its looking pretty good for a nomination.

Beasts of No Nation is so hard to get a read on thanks to its Netflix-only release. Its as good as the last few films on here, but I think it doesn’t quite make it.

Finally, there’s Creed. I think it can sneak in, but I’m wondering if nostalgia is kicking this one up the ladder a bit. On the bubble perhaps.

Also, remember there doesn’t have to be 10 nominations, so we could see some fall by the wayside.

Best Director

1. Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)
2. Alejandro Inarritu (The Revenant)
3. Ridley Scott (The Martian) Lenny Abrahamson (Room)
4. George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
5. Todd Haynes (Carol) Adam McKay (The Big Short)

Best Actor

1. Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
2. Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
3. Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
4. Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
5. Johnny Depp (Black Mass) Matt Damon (The Martian)

On the bubble: Matt Damon (The Martian)

Best Actress

1. Brie Larson (Room)
2. Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
3. Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
4. Cate Blanchett (Carol)
5. Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road) Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)

On the bubble: Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)

Best Supporting Actor

1. Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
2. Paul Dano (Love and Mercy) Christian Bale (The Big Short)
3. Sylvester Stallone (Creed)
4. Michael Shannon (99 Homes) Tom Hardy (The Revenant)
5. Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation) Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)

On the bubble: Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)

Best Supporting Actress

1. Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
2. Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful 8)
3. Rooney Mara (Carol)
4. Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)
5. Helen Mirren (Trumbo) Rachel McAdams (Spotlight)

On the bubble: Rachel McAdams (Spotlight)

Best Original Screenplay

1. Spotlight
2. Bridge of Spies
3. Inside Out
4. Sicario  Straight Outta Compton
5. The Hateful 8 Ex Machina

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. The Martian
2. The Big Short
3. Room
4. Steve Jobs Carol
5. Brooklyn

On the bubble: Carol

Best Animated Feature Film

1. Inside Out
2. Anomalisa
3. The Peanuts Movie Boy and the World
4. Shaun the Sheep Movie
5. The Good Dinosaur When Marnie Was There

On the bubble: Home

Best Documentary Film

1. Amy
2. The Look of Silence
3. Going Clear Winter on Fire
4. Listen to Me, Marlon What Happened, Miss Simone?
5. Cartel Land

Best Foreign Film

1. Son of Saul
2. Mustang
3. Theeb
4. A War
5. Embrace of the Serpent

On the bubble: The Fencer

Best Cinematography

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. The Revenant
3. Sicario
4. Carol
5. The Hateful 8 

On the bubble: The Martian, Bridge of Spies

Best Costume Design

1. Cinderella
2. The Danish Girl
3. Brooklyn
4. Carol
5. Far from the Madding Crowd

On the bubble: Mad Max: Fury Road, The Assassin

Best Makeup and Hair

1. Black Mass  The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
2. The Revenant 
3. Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Production Design

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. Carol The Revenant
3. Bridge of Spies
4. The Danish Girl
5. The Martian

On the bubble: Brooklyn, Crimson Peak

Best Film Editing

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. The Revenant
3. The Martian Star Wars: The Force Awakens
4. Spotlight
5. The Big Short

Best Visual Effects

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. The Martian
3. Ex Machina
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
5. The Walk The Revenant

Best Original Score

1. The Hateful 8
2. Carol
3. Spotlight Star Wars: The Force Awakens
4. Inside Out Bridge of Spies
5. Sicario

Best Original Song

1. “See You Again” (Furious 7) “Manta Ray” (Facing Extinction)
2. “Writing’s on the Wall” (Spectre)
3. “’Til it Happens to You” (Hunting Ground)
4. “Simple Song 3” (Youth)
5. “Better When I’m Dancing” (The Peanuts Movie)

Best Sound Editing

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. Sicario
3. The Martian
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
5. The Revenant 

Best Sound Mixing

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
2. The Martian
3. The Revenant
4. Bridge of Spies
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Live Action Short (Total Crapshoot)

1. Ave Maria
2. Shok
3. Everything Will Be Okay 
4. Winter Light Day One
5. Stutterer

Best Animated Short  (Total Crapshoot)

1. World of Tomorrow
2. If I Was God Bear Story
3. Sanjay’s Super Team
4. Carface Bear Story
5. Prologue

Best Documentary Short  (Total Crapshoot)

1. Chau, Behind the Lines
2. My Enemy, My Brother Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah
3. Last Day of Freedom
4. A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness
5. Body Team 12

This Year in Cinema, Part 2: Where Did They Come From? (2013)

There’s a rumor going around that’s been circulating for a number of years. That rumor would have you believe that Hollywood is losing its creative prowess, that somehow, just because sequels and reboots tend to make more money at the box office (which would seem obvious, right? A film with a previously established target audience that already likes the subject material would obviously make more money), that there are no good new ideas in Hollywood. Of course, we already debunked that claim last year, as you can see here. However, to keep up the good work, here is a look at the source material for all wide release films of 2013 (limited release films are not included, as their presence would skew the numbers even more towards original works than they already are.

Where Did They Come From?

Originals

Using the same qualifiers that the Academy Awards use, Original Films are films that are new screenplays, and not based on previously existing material such as novels, comic books, plays, or television shows. Originals include films such as Gravity and The Croods that are completely new stories, and films such as Saving Mr. Banks and 47 Ronin, which are original stories based on “real life” events (based being the key word here). Basically, “Original” means not connected to any pre-existing work in print, screen, or stage. 

As you can see, Original Films were the most common film in 2013, and they have been for some years.

The Top Five Original Films at the worldwide box office in 2013 were:

(* = still in theaters)

1. Gravity* – $653M  
2. The Croods – $587M
3. Pacific Rim – $408M
4. Now You See Me – $352M
5. The Conjuring – $317M

Adaptations

Adaptations are all films based on already existing material, which can include novels (The Great Gatsby), short stories (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), plays (August: Osange County), TV shows etc. Reboots such as Man of Steel are classified as Adaptations because they are not sequels to existing material, but new versions of adapted material. Also films like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire are considered Adaptations as well. These are not actually sequels in the sense that Iron Man 3 or The Wolverine are, but actually new adaptations of works that continue the story adapted in the first film. The Catching Fire film is an Adaptation of the Catching Fire book, and not just a film continuing the story of another film.

With 40 total Adaptations, they were the second most common film in 2013.

The Top Five Adaptations at the worldwide box office in 2013 were:

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire* –  $798M
2. Man of Steel – $663M
3. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug* – $626M
4. World War Z – $540M
5. Frozen* – $507M

Sequels/Prequels

In this category are all films that are sequels or prequels to other films. Easy huh? There were 19 sequels in 2013.

The Top Five Sequels/Prequels at the worldwide box office in 2013 were:

1. Iron Man 3 – $1.2B <——-Yes, billion.
2. Despicable Me 2 – $919M
3. Fast and Furious 6 – $789M
4. Monsters University – $744M
5. Thor: The Dark World* – $630M

Remakes

This category includes all remakes of feature films regardless of their country of origin. There were only 3 remakes in 2013, here are their international box office totals.

1. Evil Dead – $97M
2. Delivery Man – $31M
3. The Big Wedding – $22M

Re-releases

Top Gun, Jurassic Park, and The Wizard of Oz were all re-released in 3D this year.

In Conclusion

Once again, we see that the vast majority of 2013 films are brand new to the screen, either by way of Original Screenplay or an Adaptation. I include the box office data here for fun, but really, the amount of money a film makes isn’t the best indicator of how good a film is. Look how much money the Twilight series made, and that was awful. In closing, a reminder that these numbers I’m posting here only include widely released films, so there’s really nobody to blame but yourself if you haven’t seen them.

The final part of This Year in Cinema comes tomorrow, with my personal favorites from 2013, and 10 films I’m excited for in 2014!

This Year in Cinema, Part 1: Oscarwatch 2013

So we’ve reached the end of the line. Its time to look at the year in film, name some favorites, predict some awards, and so on. Today, its Oscarwatch, my Oscar-nominee predictions. Also, I officially predict that 12 Years a Slave will take home Best Picture at the Oscars.

Edits: (1/15): Amy Adams and Meryl Streep switch for Best Actress, Oprah Winfrey and Sally Hawkins switch for Best Supporting Actress, Omar and Two Lives in and The Grandmaster and The Missing Picture out for Best Foreign Film, All is Lost in and Rush out for Best Original Score, Lone Survivor in and Rush out for Best Sound Mixing, “Atlas” in and “Moon Song” out for Best Original Song, The Croods in and Despicable Me 2 out for Best Animated Film, Captain Phillips in and Rush out for Cinematography, Lone Survivor in and 12 Years a Slave out for Sound Editing.

Oscarwatch

Although there are still a couple weeks left before Oscar nominations are announced, I like to announce my predictions before the other awards shows (Golden Globes, etc.). Last year my rankings predicted Argo as the Best Picture winner in December, so I’m at it again.  My predictions are classified as either locks (marked with one of these: *, meaning they will for sure be nominated), and contenders, which are less certain. They are also ranked by likelihood of garnering the nomination. Here we go…

Best Picture (Between 5 and 10 films will be nominated) –  Also, I officially predict 12 Years a Slave will win Best Picture.

1. 12 Years a Slave*
2. Gravity*
3. Her*
4. American Hustle*
5. Captain Phillips*
6. Nebraska*
7. The Wolf of Wall Street
8. Inside Llewyn Davis
9. Dallas Buyers Club
10. Philomena

On the bubble: Saving Mr. Banks and Blue Jasmine.

List of my Best Picture favorites can be found here, with nomination listing.

Best Actor

Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska

1. Chiwetel Ejiofor* (12 Years a Slave)
2. Matthew McConaughey* (Dallas Buyers Club)
3. Bruce Dern* (Nebraska)
4. Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips)
5. Robert Redford (All is Lost)

On the bubble: Christian Bale (American Hustle), Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street).

Best Actress

1. Cate Blanchett* (Blue Jasmine)
2. Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks)
3. Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
4. Judi Dench (Philomena)
5. Amy Adams (American Hustle)

On the bubble: Meryl Streep (August: Osage County), Brie Larson (Short Term 12).

Best Supporting Actor

Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips and
Barkhad Abdi (left) as Abduwali Muse.

1. Jared Leto* (Dallas Buyers Club)
2. Michael Fassbender* (12 Years a Slave)
3. Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
4. Daniel Bruhl (Rush)
5. James Gandolfini (Enough Said)

On the bubble: Tom Hanks (Saving Mr. Banks), Bradley Cooper (American Hustle).

Best Supporting Actress

Julia Roberts in August: Osage County

1. Lupita Nyongo* (12 Years a Slave)
2. Jennifer Lawrence* (American Hustle)
3. June Squibb (Nebraska)
4. Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)
5. Oprah Winfrey (The Butler)

On the bubble: Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)

Best Director

Steve McQueen directing 12 Years a Slave

1. Steve McQueen* (12 Years a Slave)
2. Alfonso Cuaron* (Gravity)
3. David O. Russell (American Hustle)
4. Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips)
5. Martin Scorcese (The Wolf of Wall Street)

On the bubble: Alexander Payne (Nebraska), Spike Jonze (Her).

Best Original Screenplay

Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale in American Hustle

1. American Hustle*
2. Her*
3. Blue Jasmine*
4. Inside Llewyn Davis
5. Nebraska

On the bubble: Gravity, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. 12 Years a Slave*
2. Captain Phillips*
3. Before Midnight
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5. Philomena

On the bubble: August: Osage County

Best Animated Feature Film

1. Frozen*
2. The Wind Rises*
3. Monsters University
4. The Croods
5. Ernest and Celestine

On the bubble: Despicable Me 2, A Letter to Momo.

Best Documentary Film

1. Stories We Tell*
2. The Act of Killing*
3. Blackfish
4. 20 Feet From Stardom
5. The Square

Best Foreign Film

1. The Great Beauty*
2. The Hunt
3. The Broken Circle Breakdown
4. Omar
5. Two Lives

On the bubble: The Grandmaster, The Missing Picture

Best Cinematography

1. Gravity*
2. 12 Years a Slave
3. Inside Llewyn Davis
4. Prisoners
5. Captain Phillips

On the bubble: Rush

Best Costume Design

1. The Great Gatsby*
2. 12 Years a Slave*
3. American Hustle
4. Oz, the Great and Powerful
5. Saving Mr. Banks

On the bubble: The Invisible Woman, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

Best Make-up and Hair

1. American Hustle*
2. The Lone Ranger
3. Dallas Buyers Club

Best Production Design

1. The Great Gatsby*
2. 12 Years a Slave*
3. Gravity
4. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
5. American Hustle

On the bubble: Oz, the Great and Powerful, Saving Mr. Banks

Best Editing

1. Gravity*
2. 12 Years a Slave*
3. American Hustle*
4. Captain Phillips
5. The Wolf of Wall Street

On the bubble: Rush

Best Visual Effects

1. Gravity*
2. Pacific Rim*
3. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
4. Iron Man 3
5. Star Trek: Into Darkness

On the bubble: Elysium, Thor: The Dark World.

Best Original Score

1. Gravity*
2. 12 Years a Slave*
3. Saving Mr. Banks
4. The Book Thief
5. All is Lost

On the bubble: Rush, Captain Phillips

Best Original Song

1. “Let it Go” (Frozen)*
2. “Young and Beautiful” (The Great Gatsby)*
3. “Ordinary Love” (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
4. “Atlas” (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire)
5. “I See Fire” (The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug)

Best Sound Editing

1. Gravity*
2. Captain Phillips*
3. Rush
4. Lone Survivor
5. All is Lost

Best Sound Mixing

1. Gravity*
2. Captain Phillips*
3. Lone Survivor
4. All is Lost
5. Inside Llewyn Davis

On the bubble: 12 Years a Slave, Oblivion

Best Animated Short

1. Get a Horse*
2. Mr. Hublot
3. Room on the Broom
4. The Missing Scarf
5. Subconscious Password

Best Live Action Short

1. The Voorman Problem
2. Tiger Boy
3. Dva
4. Kush
5. Throat Song

Best Documentary Short

1. The Lady in #6: Music Saved My Life*
2. Facing Fear
3. Slomo
4. Cavedigger
5. Jujitsu-ing Reality

Let me know what you think. Tomorrow will be wrapping up part two of This Year in Cinema: Where Did They Come From?