2007 - 2008 Oscar Hopefuls: Fall Preview

[Emperor]

AMERICAN GANGSTER (Universal Pictures)

 

Frank “Superfly” Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, was the biggest Heroin dealer on Harlem through the 70’s and narcotics detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, was the man who ultimately brought Lucas down. This film, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, tells the story of how this happened.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington being directed by Ridley Scott.  However, Ridley Scott seems to be hit or miss on his films.

 

THE KITE RUNNER (DreamWorks SKG)

 

The compelling story of two Afghan men: the wealthy and California-raised Amir and his childhood friend and servant Hassan during the times of the Taliban regime in the country. Screenwriter David Benioff adapts the best selling book by Afghan American author Khaled Hosseini for acclaimed director Marc Forster.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  The book was excellent from what I here and is on the best seller list.  Oh did I mention it is being directed by the guy that did Monsters Ball and Finding Neverland?

 

RESERVATION ROAD (Focus Features)

 

An intense drama about the outcomes of a hit and run car accident and how it affects the lives of the families of the fugitive driver and his victim. Oscar nominated writer Terry George directs and adapts the famed novel by John Burnham Schwartz. Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino and Mark Ruffalo star.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  Well it has some buzz apparently because of the best selling book... but Joaquin Phoenix usually delivers a great performance in whatever he is in.

 

3:10 TO YUMA (Lions Gate Films)

 

A remake of the 1957’s western classic by Walk the Line’s director James Mangold and starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Peter Fonda.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  One of my favorite movies of the year and the only one that has what the academy is looking for.

 

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (Columbia Pictures)

 

The divisive but best selling historical novel about the rivalry between the aristocrat sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn gets its first film treatment by screenwriter Peter Morgan (The Queen) and director Justin Chadwick. The film is told through the eyes of Mary, played by Scarlett Johansson, who always lived overshadowed by her famous sister Anne, played by Oscar nominee Natalie Portman.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  SJ.... mmmmm

 

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (Universal Pictures)

 

Based on the 2003’s best selling novel by George Crile, Mike Nichols directs this drama centered on Charlie Wilson, the Texas congressman who conspired with a rogue CIA operative to launch an operation to help the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the eighties. Tom Hanks takes double duties as the film’s title character and producer. Recent Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman, along with the recently nominated Amy Adams co-star.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  Aaron Sorkin is the screenwriter.  It also has a good group of actors and a potentionally strong story.

 

 

 

 

[Cadsuane]

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (Columbia Pictures)

 

The divisive but best selling historical novel about the rivalry between the aristocrat sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn gets its first film treatment by screenwriter Peter Morgan (The Queen) and director Justin Chadwick. The film is told through the eyes of Mary, played by Scarlett Johansson, who always lived overshadowed by her famous sister Anne, played by Oscar nominee Natalie Portman.

 

Why Empy thinks so:  SJ.... mmmmm

 

 

AND Natalie Portman. Double mmmmmmm.  ;D

[Haxorsist]

If Scarlett Johansson is one mmmmm, then adding Natalie Portman won't make it a double mmmmm. More like a one and a half mmmm. :P

[Emperor]

Sorry... I got lost thinking about SJ....

[Mendorah]

Oooooooh, I hope this is Christian Bale's year to win an Oscar!!!

[SBoydW]

Is it sad that I haven't heard of any of those movies..... well I think I've heard of the 3:10 to yuma one...

[Paityr]

AND Natalie Portman. Double mmmmmmm.  Grin

 

I'm sorry, but the fact that Caddie said that made me completely forget everything else...

 

What were we talking about?