Two Oscar snubs I can't get over...

As the Academy Award nominations came out on Tuesday, I couldn't help but feel a little upset for the movies and actors that got snubbed.

I'll admit that I haven't seen every film nominated, but there was really no way some of the nominations were as deserving as those that didn't get nominated.

Let me start off with the actor that I was almost 100 per cent sure to get a nod, if not a win:  Michael Fassbender.

I know Shame is not a film for everyone due to its 18A rating, full-frontal nude scenes, and heavy sex but if Fassy did not give one hell of a performance, I don't know what the Academy's standards are.  Yes, I agree with the nominations given to George Clooney, Gary Oldman, and I suppose Jean Dujardin (for his amazing expressions during a silent film) but to forget about Fassy after all he had to go through to play a sex-addict?  You guys are whacked out of your minds.

I'm sorry if this isn't the greatest, "journalistically" speaking blog post, but seriously, I don't know what the Academy sees.

I suppose they're a more conservative bunch that doesn't really appreciate artsy, r-rated films...but if they could only see how well he played his role...they're crazy.  Fassy was brilliant and he portrayed his pain and suffering so brilliantly.

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Another person I was hoping to get nominated was none other than Ryan Gosling for his roles in The Ides of March or Drive.  I know both films were not heavily favoured around the awards circuit, but given his performance in both, I'd say it should have been nominated for something.

I can see how Drive was not nominated as it is a more "arthouse" style of film but I thought Gosling was amazing in The Ides of March. Though not his best role, I thought he was one of the better actors this year...and I'm not saying this because I find him attractive.

To be honest, I feel that Ryan Gosling is an actor who isn't really recognized for what he has done.  While he definitely has the popularity to make him successful, I really think people overlook his talent for his looks.

Okay, so maybe The Ides of March and Drive didn't really make him an Oscar-worthy contender, but why hasn't he been nominated for something from his earlier films?  I know he was nominated for an Academy Award for Half Nelson, but I didn't really think that was his best role either.

For me, his best roles were in Lars and the Real Girl and in Blue Valentine.  Both characters he played were so heartbreaking for different reasons...I really don't know why The Academy didn't consider him Oscar worthy earlier...

But perhaps, time will tell.

Both Fassy and Gosling are fairly young and have more years ahead of them to snatch a nod and possibly a win.

To next year and better choices!

Things through my mind at the moment.

1.  Decent mark on my broadcast assignment.  We stayed at school until 11:30 pm...because we are boss.  Nonetheless, I honestly and sincerely thought it was horrible.  But my teacher thought the edited version was not the issue despite the piece being flawed.  I would post an example right on this post, but I figured it would be embarrassment to my two other members.  Unless...they think otherwise...

2.  Frustrated with the fact at how immersed in commercialism I have become ever since going to university.  I feel that I will divulge on this topic a little more in a later post but lately, I have found myself lamenting more over clothes than boys. Never homework though. The geek in me will cry if I ever fail.

3.  Currently wondering who I like better.  Ryan Gosling or Patrick Chan. RIGHT? I KNOW RIGHT?  Never have I thought I would have to decide between this because I am equally unqualified for both of them.  Sigh...Awkward Girl Problems...

  I remember last year was all about PChiddy. And while I still love PChiddy, there's something about Ryan Gosling that I makes me love him so!!!  Maybe it's because Ryan dresses so much like what I envision my ideal man to dress like. You see this?! All this shallowness!!!   I dunno. The way he just carries himself! UGH. I really cannot handle myself. But it's not just that!! Ryan is so charming and funny in person and in interviews that I just want to know him!! Be friends. Have tea together. Hang out together. He can even drive me in the Chevy he drives in his new movie Drive!!

LOOK AT THIS! FLAWLESS HUMAN BEING.

Okay, getting carried away.  I promise to update more.

Yay for stupid blog posts. 4evah!!

Movie Review: Drive

And while I spent so much time volunteering and hanging around TIFF, I even wrote a movie review published on andPOP!


CLICKIE...only if you want to...

Rating: 4.5/5

If you’re looking for another heartthrob-worthy performance from Ryan Gosling, you won’t be getting much of that in Drive.

But nevertheless, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off him.

In Drive, Gosling is mysterious and riveting and the only name available for his character is Driver.

A Hollywood stunt driver and mechanic by day, Driver serves as a wheelman for night time heists.

In early scenes of the movie, he’s helped by his boss and mentor Shannon (played by Malcolm in the Middle’s Bryan Cranston) who gives him a Chevy Impala to  drive his clientele around to do their dirty deeds.

All goes well until he gets involved with his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son Benicio. When her  husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) is released from prison, Irene and Benicio’s safety is at risk.

Gosling’s ‘Driver’ tries to save the situation by helping Standard steal money from a pawn shop.  But when the heist goes awry, it’s up to ‘Driver’ to take things in his own hands.

Fresh from Nicolas Winding Refn’s Best Director win at the Cannes Film Festival, Drive is an excellent action-drama thriller packed with violence and exciting car chases. Much like the style of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Pulp Fiction, the film is filled with blood and gore.  Though the movie lacks dialogue,  Refn somehow makes it work through the film’s characters’ actions and expressions.

While Gosling is supported by a talented cast that includes the likes of Christina Hendricks, Albert Brooks, Mulligan and Cranston, he holds his own playing the violent and badass Driver. And while there isn’t much that can be learned about the Driver, you’ll somehow still be swooning over him as he tries to save the day in order to protect the girl he’s fallen for.

Drive may not be for everyone due to its violence and gore, but it’s definitely a film worth watching. With a retro ’80s-inspired score and beautiful shots of the Los Angeles streets and skylines, it will keep the audience  jumping in their seats from all the adrenaline and tension that arises from the film.


(Photo courtesy of andPOP) 

TIFF 2011: Waiting in Line for Drive.

As you all know, the Toronto International Film Festival is in town...and I get to be part of it!

I am of course, a volunteer this year. As a result, I get to see a ton of movies and also some celebrities!!

While I was off duty on Saturday, I lined up for Drive, which of course stars the gorgeous and immaculate Ryan Gosling. I was at Roy Thomson Hall the day before to try and catch a glimpse of him and George Clooney...which failed quite miserably. People kept pushing...and to make things even better, a 6 foot dude decided to stand in front of me...blocking my view.

I did however, catch Clooney's face and Ryan Gosling's hair that day. Since I was disappointed about not seeing Ryan Gosling, I felt the need to rush Drive the next day. Apart from that, I really wanted to see the film  anyways.

So, after my early morning shift, my cousin and I headed down to the Ryerson Theatre to line up extra early. You would think we were crazy (okay, maybe a little) but we ended up getting free tix! (I'll get to that later)

The first red carpet gala I caught was for Melancholia starring Kiefer Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst and Alex Skarsgard. I heard the film was quite amazing, and now I am determined to watch it!!

Here are some shots I caught while stuck in the scrum of madness (AKA the people asking for autographs just so they could sell them on eBay.)

Not super amazing, but close enough. Kiefer Sutherland walks the red carpet.

Alex Skarsgard signing autographs for fans

Striking a pose on the red carpet.

Kirsten Dunst signing for some fans. 

I LOVE HER OUTFIT!!!!!

So after than fun, it was time for some more waiting!! These girls tried asking to get in front of me which I immediately declined. I was already in the front of the line. There was NO WAY I was letting them butt in. I was there waiting for three hours already!! Honestly, I really don't know how or what compelled these people to ask such a ridiculous question.

And of course, when 5:30 rolled by, the cast of Drive was starting to arrive!! I really could not contain my excitement to finally see Ryan Gosling! I'm so sorry Patrick Chan. I still love you but Ryan Gosling has captured my heart as well...(wow that sounds really creepy).

Seriously, would you look at that face?! 

It was hard to take pictures, but I was soon delighted to find out some really good news! Me, along with my cousin and two other friends, won reserved seats courtesy of Diet Coke because we were in the front of the rush line!! 

See, sometimes it pays to line up for six hours!! 

HAHA.  And while I thoroughly enjoyed Drive, nothing beat seeing Ryan Gosling in the flesh and on stage being all sexy and such. (Okay, I really have to stop...)

As for a more detailed review of Drive, that will come later!!

So now, I will just leave you with two pictures of Ryan Gosling.

Sorry if it's dark!!!!