Tag: EX_MACHINA

Making Sense of the New Oscars Rules | Special Features

Yesterday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced what changes are being made for the upcoming 99th Academy Awards in a lengthy news update and press release. These are significant rule changes in certain categories that, in one case, frankly, needed an update. There are also more technical adjustments to be found in the press release, as well as an attempt to rule out the influence of artificial intelligence on what is considered award-worthy. Do note that while a Best Stunt Design category has previously been announced, this new category will not be a part of the Oscars until the 100th ceremony in 2028; these rule changes do not take into account said category. So, today, I’m going to go through the most significant changes and answer whether these award rule changes make sense, so that you can better understand their reasoning for changing things and be better prepared for the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 14th, 2027.

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Best of the 2010s: Top Ten Sci-Fi Films

Mad Max: Fury Road — Warner Bros.

As has been announced previously, now that the 2010s have come to an end, I want to highlight, recognize, and, in a sense, reward the best films not just of a year but also of the last decade. Previously, I’ve written Best of the 2010s-lists on Comedy, Directorial Debuts, Biopics, and Horror films. The next genre-specific top ten list for the 2010s is all about one of my very favorite genres: Science-Fiction. However, before I list the best science-fiction films of the decade, let me describe my criteria for putting the list together. Continue reading “Best of the 2010s: Top Ten Sci-Fi Films” →

Best of the 2010s: Directorial Debut Films

There is something very exciting about a directorial debut. Obviously, the filmmaker is excited about their first chance to step behind the camera on a feature film, but, as an audience member or film writer of any kind, it is so fascinating to see the choices being made. Sometimes some of the boldest and most imaginative filmmakers present us with instant classics, other times newcomers deliver a product that may not be extraordinary filmmaking but which may still be a moving or exciting motion picture. In this month’s best of the decade list, I’m honoring the very best directorial debuts. Some of them are first works for potential auteurs, while others are impressive blockbuster entertainment from untested new filmmakers just learning the ropes. Continue reading “Best of the 2010s: Directorial Debut Films” →

Top Ten Movie Villains of 2015

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' Lucasfilm.
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ Lucasfilm.

The following list contains spoilers for films from 2015.

It’s week seven of the Heroes and Villains period of Top Ten Tuesday, and that means I’m posting two top ten lists today. This is the final villains list for a little while, until I’m ready to release my 2016 list. Do note that these characters aren’t solely ranked on how evil their actions are. Without further ado, here are the top ten movie villains of 2015.
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88TH ACADEMY AWARDS: REACTION – MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS #7

MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS

Leonardo DiCaprio – Academy Award-Winning Actor! Finally! The 88th Academy Awards was a great show, with a lot of great winners. Chris Rock was a really solid host, and, as a whole, it probably was one of the better Oscar shows in recent memory. Continue reading “88TH ACADEMY AWARDS: REACTION – MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS #7” →

Reaction to the 88th Academy Award Nominations – Motion Picture Thoughts #5

MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS

The Academy has announced what films are worthy to call themselves the best of 2015. The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Martian were shown a lot of love in the nomination process, but Star Wars: The Force Awakens did get a handful of nominations as well. Now, let’s look at the nominations and discuss the odd Oscar snubs and the nominations that caught some by surprise. Continue reading “Reaction to the 88th Academy Award Nominations – Motion Picture Thoughts #5” →

Predicting the Nominees for the 88th Academy Awards – Motion Picture Thoughts #4

MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS

By this time tomorrow we will know which films will battle for some of the biggest awards in western cinema. One of my favorite days of the year is when the Academy announces the nominees. Cinephiles always have opinions about award snubs, and I’m always excited to take part in that conversation. This year it’ll probably end up being The Revenant versus Spotlight for the big awards, but don’t be surprised if the Academy shows a lot of love for either Mad Max: Fury Road or The Martian. Let’s try to predict the nominees! Continue reading “Predicting the Nominees for the 88th Academy Awards – Motion Picture Thoughts #4” →

Golden Globe Awards: Predictions – Motion Picture Thoughts #3

MOTION PICTURE THOUGHTS

On the 10th of January 2016 Ricky Gervais hosts the 73rd Golden Globe Awards. In this Motion Picture Thoughts post I predict the winners in the film categories. Carol may have the most nominations, but I definitely think this is Spotlight‘s year. Keep in mind that these aren’t necessarily the films I want to see win, these are just who I think will.  Continue reading “Golden Globe Awards: Predictions – Motion Picture Thoughts #3” →

3rd I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards – 2015

Third Annual…

This year we have a total number of 18 categories, all with their own nominees which can be found here. These are the categories for the third annual I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards:

  1. Song of the Year
  2. Best Performance by a Voice Actor in a Gaming Experience
  3. Game of the Year
  4. Superhero of the Year
  5. Superheroine of the Year
  6. Best Performance by an Actor in a Superhero Film
  7. Best Performance by an Actress in a Superhero Film
  8. Superhero Film of the Year
  9. Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Show
  10. Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Show
  11. Television Episode of the Year
  12. Television Show of the Year
  13. Rising Star in Film
  14. Best Performance by an Actor in a Cinematic Experience
  15. Best Performance by an Actress in a Cinematic Experience
  16. Best Performance in Directing a Cinematic Experience
  17. Best Performance in Writing a Cinematic Experience
  18. Movie of the Year

Please be aware that cinematic release dates are based on the Danish theaters. Therefore, films from 2015 that premiere in 2016 in Denmark won’t be considered for the I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards, and after some reconsidering only 2015 films released in Denmark in 2015 are eligible for my top ten films of 2015. Continue reading “3rd I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards – 2015” →