Oscars Round-Up 2009

My increasing problem with Benjamin Button is that although it is fantasy, and a massive suspension of disbelief is required, there is absolutely no way he wouldn't have ended up in a vivisection lab. :D

I think I'm just miffed because Kevin Costner wasn't in it.

Oh come on Ali!
Sure the plot details are unique to the story, but the themes, execution & obstables are generic and present in every single romantic film ever made.
Boy meets girl. Initial rejection turns to resigned acceptance turns to blossoming love.
Obstacles placed in way of burgeoning romance.
Obstacles overcome, true love to follow.
Final hurdle of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Hurdle cleared and love reigns supreme.

Those plot beats are present in just about any and every romantic film there is and ever will be.
And come on, a race and reunion on a train station? I've been on hundreds of trani platforms, and not once has there been any plucky hero waiting for his "twue love."

Slumdog is a nice little film, but I think in a couple of years people are going to look back and go "Errrr...we were carried away".
A Life Less Ordinary is, for me, a better Boyle romantic fantasy. At least that one has Delroy Lindo arguing with Holly Hunter.

You could've sawn Hugh Grant's legs off and blacked his face up, the role was that generic for Romantic Lead.
The only thing missing was a misunderstanding between Hero & Heroine where one thinks the other is unfaithful, only to discover that's not the case and they have to then race across town to prevent the depature/wedding of intended life-partner.

Crocodile Dundee had a much better ending, and the soundtrack was cooler.

"Hey you girl with the sad face...come up to my place...and live it up.."

I don't get people who say it's cliched. I for one have never seen a romance where the man gets on a gameshow and has to answer questions using the knowledge he's gained in his life to meet the girl who got away. It's hardly typical. There's kissing, lost love, happiness etc. But that's the same of any film. It wouldn't work without the basic elements.

But look at their grubby little faces!

Same, i just don't get it. Usually i can find at least a handful of people who would agree with me on something like this but everyone I've spoken to loves it and I'm left to ask them, where is the brilliance? Where is the great moment destined to be played in Top 100 clip shows for all eternity. Where is the genius? Hell where is there even any originality or something we've not seen before.
I've said before that i thought it was a good film but all this praise leaves me confused.

I *really* don't get the hysteria over Slumdog Millionaire.
It's a nice film, it's fun to watch but ultimately follows the cliches of romantic films with seperation/chase/reunion/happily ever after etc.

I guess having real dirty orphans gives it more gravitas

Nothing for 'Push'?

"Slumdog had children in it. Poor children. Poor foreign children."

And that just about sums up why it won. Most overrated Best Film winner since .... i actually cant think of a more overrated film, even Titanic had a massive boat, Leo dying and Kate's lovely boobies.
Most of the awards left me disagreeing with the result. I was less than happy that The Wrestler didnt even get nominated for best picture but i wanted Button to win anyway. Even Winslets deserved win was for the wrong film.