ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Academy Awards

THE FISHING HOLE: Oscars 2019

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Welp, the name of the game here at ScreenFish is MOVIES.  So the team embarked on their annual pre-Oscar chat where they discussed who WILL win and who SHOULD win on Hollywood’s biggest night!

Chris U: Alrighty! Pre-Oscar Fishing Hole Time! Who WILL win? Who SHOULD win?

Arnaldo R: Lol, I know nothing so will contribute nothing…Wakanda Forever!

Chris: I thought you saw Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Arnaldo: Nope, no interest in them. 2018 I saw probably 3 movies. And all 3 were with my daughter. Poppins, Spiderverse and Incredibles 2.

Chris: Let me call the easiest win first…Shallow will win Best Song. That race was over when the first trailer dropped.

Jacob S: I need to see Vice and Green Book.

Chris: Won’t get to see Vice. Didn’t play well out here in GOP-heavy Texas.  Wait, Arnaldo!  Didn’t you see Black Panther?

Arnaldo: Oh yeah, that one also. And Avengers. So five. LOL

Chris: So you saw 2 Best Animated Feature nominees. That qualifies!

Arnaldo: Spiderverse wins.

Chris: Agree 1000% percent, Incredibles 2 was very mediocre; hated the ending.

Jacob: Agree on Spiderverse. Disagree that Incredibles 2 was mediocre.

Chris: I felt no sense of real danger with the villain. Also didn’t buy her criminal machinations. Jack Jack and the raccoon was cute.  The Elastigirl/Mr. Incredible role switch was good. (Same thing has been going on in my house for the last 12 years).

Arnaldo: Incredibles 2 wasn’t better than the first.

Chris: Agreed.  15 year wait for a sequel have packed a much bigger punch.

Arnaldo: What were the other animation films nominated?

Chris: Isle of Dogs, Ralph Breaks The Internet, Mirai

Arnaldo: Oh yeah, I saw Ralph lol.  Spidey wins.

Chris: So, allegedly, Roma stands to win 4 Oscars for 1 person: Picture/Director/Cinematography/Producer.  Who HAS seen Roma?

Jacob: Saw some of Roma. I don’t read subtitles.

Chris: I liked The Favourite. Three women with varying degrees of wickedness and depravity…in corsets!

Steve N: Sooooo, you liked the wickedness and depravity? Or the corsets?

Chris: LOL!  Definitely not the corsets!  Although you do get an eyeful of Emma Stone! Very glad BlacKkKlansman didn’t get lost in the awards shuffle. It was on shaky ground after Thanksgiving but rebounded in the race after Christmas. Probably the pre-Christmas awards rush turned out to be wack. There are 3 $200 million + grossers on the list.

Darrel M: My expectation for best pic is Black Panther. It or Roma would get my #1 vote. I think best doc will go to RBG, should go to Free Solo, although Of Fathers and Sons is perhaps the most important. Cinematography to Cold War. Animated feature to Spidey. I hope Spike Lee gets director, but it will probably go to Cuaron. Actor Rami Malek (I’d prefer Christian Bale). Actress Glenn Close. Sup actor: Mahershala Ali.  Sup Actress: Regina King. Foreign Language: Roma, but I’d prefer Shoplifters.

Chris: They predict Spike will get Adapted Screenplay They’re also predicting Amy Adams over Regina King, which will INFURIATE me to no end.

Darrel: My choices for screenplays: First Reformed and Beale Street.

Chris: Hopefully Beale Street wins Score too.  That score was FANTASTIC.

Darrel: Yeah, I may throw things at the TV if it doesn’t get score.

LATER THAT EVENING, CHRIS U watches Roma on Netflix…

Chris: Well…the mainstream cinema has stepped up its game. The snobby, pretentious, talk AT YOU stuff that the elitists adore had to answer with vigor. Roma is the answer.

Chris: Cannot believe Black Panther is gonna lose to THIS!

Jacob: We agree on that.

Chris: Sound on this is probably insane in an Atmos equipped movie theatre.  I’ll give it that. My soundbar is capturing the ambiance.  I DO see why it will win.  Movie closed out with 4 of the saddest movie scenes of the year.  Can’t share without spoiling. But…yeah.  Legit gut punches.  But is that fair for it to win just off of 3 gut punching scenes when the rest is just an exercise in Ego Filmmaking? Best Foreign Film? I’d buy it. But Best Picture?  Green Book, Star, KkKlansman, Favourite, Bohemian AND Black Panther –  ALL better than this! But…I get it.  Awards Season -is for the elite. Roma is the type of film they eat up. It’s almost…WEINSTEINIAN!

Shelley M: Anybody seen Cold War? I’m seeing it tomorrow on recommendation of a friend – says it’s the best she’s seen all year.

Darrel: Cold War is very good. Outstanding cinematography. Great music. The story may keep the characters at arm’s length a bit..

Chris: As far as Best Picture, Roma will win.  Black Panther ABSOLUTELY SHOULD win.

Arnaldo: I want BP to win because I’m a comic guy and of course I LOVE the movie.

Chris:That movie transcended the movie screen and left an unprecedented and immovable footprint in the culture of the world. Chadwick’s acceptance speech at SAG said it all.  I don’t think I put this in my review. But halfway through the first viewing, I turned to my wife  and said “THIS IS A DAGGONE SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY, not a comic book movie!”

Arnaldo: I also want it to win because I want the bath in the tears and whining of those who will say “it’s a PC SJW win and the only reason it won”

Chris: The thing about those folks. Those tears are because we live in a world that is leaving them behind. And it’s their fault for not getting on the train.

Arnaldo: Oh yeah I know their problem. Also their loss. BP was more than a comic book film! And no amount of tears will change that.

Join the conversation! Agree or disagree with our band of ScreenFishers? Ready to challenge their POV? Feel free to share in the comments!

4.11 Paying Attention to LADY BIRD

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Is there a difference between ‘love’ and ‘attention’? Can you ever truly break free from your family upbringing? These issues and more lie at the heart of Great Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird. Having held the record (briefly) for highest rated film in history on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is connecting audiences in a big way. This week, Steve welcomes back Paul and Julie Levac to talk coming of age in the 21st Century and the help (and damage) inherent to family relationships.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

4.11 LadyBird

Thanks Paul and Julie for joining us!

For those of you in Canada who are interested, you can donate to ScreenFish by clicking the link below and simply selecting ‘ScreenFish’ from the ‘Apply Your Donation…’ area. 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/connect-city/

4.10 Anger, Loss and Grace in THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

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With the release of this week’s Oscar nominations, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI cemented itself as an Oscar favourite with multiple nominations. Starring Francis McDormand and Sam Rockwell, BILLBOARDS is an intense drama (or is it a comedy?) and Steve welcomes back Shelley McVea to discuss the film’s interest in loss, anger and the power of grace. PLUS, they give their thoughts on the snubs and surprises of this year’s Oscars!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

4.10 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Thanks Shelley for joining us!

For those of you in Canada who are interested, you can donate to ScreenFish by clicking the link below and simply selecting ‘ScreenFish’ from the ‘Apply Your Donation…’ area. 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/connect-city/

3.14 Losing LOGAN

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This week on the show, Steve reconnects with Arnaldo Reyes and Peter Adourian to talk about purpose and hopeful death in James Mangold’s LOGAN.  (We may even answer the eternal question: Why Arnaldo doesn’t like Jackman’s Wolverine!)

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.14 Logan

Thanks to Peter Adourian and Arnaldo Reyes for joining us on the show!

Yes, One Last Top Ten List

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Yes, tonight is Oscar night

Yes, it’s the end of February.

Still, I wanted to wait until I’d seen enough of last year’s films to truly give a proper ‘Top Ten’ list… and that takes time.  While there were many films that could have been on here, I felt that these were my picks as the ten most engaging film experiences I had in 2016.  Do you agree?  What would be on yours?

10) Doctor Strange – I admit it.  Over the last two years, I’ve grown tired of Marvel’s overall repetitiveness.  While they often create interesting characters, they often lack in bringing anything particularly new.  Doctor Strange was the exception to the rule.  By introducing magic into the MCU, director Scott Derrickson also introduced a heart of spirituality that has often been lacking from the franchise.  It would take a lot for me to enter a Marvel film into my Top 10 but I couldn’t deny this pleasant surprise from an appearance.

9) Sing Street – This little rock n’ roll film film from the director of Once is pure joy.  The film moves along at a solid pace and the characters fit well with the world in which they exist.  Despite their youth, they struggle with the effects of poverty and tensions within 1980s Ireland but they find hope as the come together in their music.  Also, it’s a ton of fun.  And ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ will stick in your head all day.

8) Kubo and the Two Strings – While this likely won’t win Best Animated Feature tonight, it really should.  This surprise is all about the power of our stories and how they drive us.  The animation is simply beautiful–given to look like paper themselves, re-emphasizing the story motif–and the film is simply amazing.  See it.

7) Birth of a Nation – Yes, it has it’s issue.  Yes, it’s controversial… but there’s a lot of good in this Braveheart-style film (which was, incidentally, ‘mentored’ by an uncredited Gibson.  Much of the backlash towards the film was related to writer/director Nate Parker but the film itself is focused and has much to say.  The story of Nat Turner is one that Parker wants you to experience and feel, and personally, I felt he accomplished this.  In addition, the film has lots to talk about who owns the Scripture, which I found very interesting.

6) Silence – This film breaks my heart–not because of the torture scenes of Christians but actually due to the lack of support it received from the Evangelical community.  Seen as one of the biggest bombs of Scorcese’s career, it really is only because people didn’t show up.  The quality of the film is superb and provides a riveting challenge to faith while also demonstrating the value of it.  Frankly, the church missed out on an amazing opportunity.  This film was brilliant.

5) Jackie – To me, this was undoubtedly one of the best scripts of the year.  Following Jackie Onassis on the week after JFK’s assassination, this character study was a fascinating exploration of the relationship between fame and politics.  Portman’s performance is, in my mind, the best lead actress of the year (though she likely won’t win the Oscar).  She plays Jackie O with ferocity and fragility and it’s truly something to see.

4) Hail, Caesar! – Clooney arguing the Communist dialectic.  Channing Tatum tap dancing on a table.  “Would that it t’were so simple?”  This Coen brother’s comedy is hilarious in its absurdity but also an interesting look at Hollywood’s connection with faith-based culture.  I laughed.  A lot.  And it earned them.  Definitely one of my favourites of the year.

3) Arrival – I love thoughtful sci-fi… and Denis Villeneuve… but this film earns the position based on it’s own merits as well.  While not truly a ‘twist’ ending, the film’s finale does bring everything together in an engaging and thought-provoking matter.  Plus, I found the exploration of language and suffering is moving.  I’d say more but the less you know before you see, the better.

2) La La Land – Yes, it’s good.  I’ll admit it.  I simply don’t get the emerging backlash against the film.  It’s fun, the music is wonderful and the performances engaging.  Chazelle proves yet again that his direction is something to be noticed and the set design is eye popping.  More importantly though, the story does have something to say by talking about the tension between nostalgia and moving forward.  Does it deserve 14 nominations?  I struggle with that… but it’s a worth Best Picture film should it take gold tonight.

1) Moonlight – No other picture surprised me as much as this film did this year.  Moving and powerful, Moonlight explores sexuality and masculinity in an urban African-American setting that is rarely explored.  The slow, panning camera let you feel each moment as Little grows to Chiron and transforms to Black.  In the end, this film simply gave me more to think about than any other film this year.

3.13 Finding Ourselves in the MOONLIGHT

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This week, Steve welcomes back Audra Grey-Choy and Shelley McVea to wrestle with issues of identity, sexuality and cultural definitions of masculinity in Barry Jenkins’ MOONLIGHT!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.13 Moonlight

A very special thanks to Audra (Adonai Creative Arts) and Shelley for coming back on the show!

3.12 Grilling THE FOUNDER

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This week on the show, Steve welcomes co-host of the Feelin’ Film podcast, Aaron White, to serve up a hot and fresh conversation about Michael Keaton’s new movie, THE FOUNDER!  Telling the origin of McDonald’s and it’s global empire, THE FOUNDER also has lots to say about the balance between ambition and pride.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.12 The Founder

A very special thanks to Aaron White (Feelin’ Film) for joining us this week!

3.11 Discovering the HIDDEN FIGURES

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This week on the show, Chris Utley joins Steve to talk diversity in the Oscars and their response to last years #OscarsSoWhite controversy!  Plus, they also look at the Oscar-nominated film, HIDDEN FIGURES and the cultural impact of breaking barriers of  race and gender!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.11 Hidden Figures

Thanks to Chris Utley for being on the show this week!

3.10 The Sound of SILENCE

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This week, Steve welcomes Peter ‘the Bearded Movie Guy’ Percival and Patrick ‘with the good beard’ Erskine to wrestle with one of director Martin Scorcese’s most nuanced works, SILENCE.  Does God speak in the silence of our suffering?  How does faith interact with action?  All this and more, only on ScreenFish.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.10 Silence

A very special thanks to Peter (Bearded Movie Guy) and Patrick (patrickerskine.com)  for coming on the show!

3.9 Mending FENCES

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How do you know if someone is a good person? This week, Steve welcomes ScreenFish newbies Shelley McVea and Audra Gray to the show to talk FENCES, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.9 Fences

Thanks to Shelley and Audra for coming on the show!