Conquistador

Author(s): Maia
Location: LA

"Conquistador"

Produced by Mel Gibson
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
Written by Alfonso Cuaron and Timothy J. Sexton
Edited by Pietro Scalia and Alfonso Cuaron
Cinematography by Dean Semler
Art Direction by John Myhre
Visual Effects by Tim Burke
Original Score by Elliot Goldenthal

Main Cast

Eduardo Noriega as Hernan Cortes
Laura Elena Harring as Mallintzin
Benjamin Bratt as Emperor Moctezuma
Rudy Youngblood as Prince Cuitlahuac

Tagline: "His Mission. Her Treason… Their War"

Synopsis: Commissioned by the New World governors and driven by his own thirst for glory, prestigious conqueror Hernan Cortes has successfully persuaded most of the indigenous tribes on the Mexican territory to rebel against the prevailing control of the Aztec Empire (in order to continue the expansion of the Spanish kingdom to South America). First step on his mission is conquering Tenochtitlan, the majestic capital of the Aztecs, but are they willing to lose their sovereignty so easily?

Between the walls of Emperor Moctezuma’s Palace, the Aztec nobles are whispering… Cortes and his army have been sheltered by their neighbors and they are quickly approaching Tenochtitlan. The weak-willed Moctezuma has struggled to hide his fears but his younger brother and counselor Cuitlahuac has come to a resolution: Moctezuma must welcome Cortes to the city and pursue an alliance to prevent the fall of their empire… Cuitlahuac has reasons to fear, he knows Cortes’ army, along with his local allies, outnumber their own and to make things worst; Mallintzin, a talented and well known interpreter, is now serving Cortes as his main counselor.

Cortes has in fact developed a strong bond with Mallintzin, one that even his men seem unable to understand. He has converted her into Catholicism and it has being implied on many letters sent to the New World that they share the same bed… Despite animosities, Mallintzin has advised the Spanish well: she has taught them the Aztec tactics and modus-operandi; and now Cortes is ready to fulfill his mission…

When the Aztecs cannot contain Cortes and his troops anymore, Moctezuma welcomes him and his men to his sacred city… The Aztecs quickly acknowledge him as their ancient Winged Serpent God, who has reborn to claim his throne on Earth, and in the other hand; they have threatened to murder Mallintzin for what they consider a betrayal to her roots.

Cortes is pleased… It seems peace between both worlds will indeed happen but sadly, not in the way Emperor Moctezuma had hoped and even worst, just like the spanish conqueror wanted from the beginning…

What the Press would say:

It is cruel, it is heartbreaking and it is human… Man’s hunger for world domination is captivatingly portrayed by Alfonso Cuaron’s emotional epic “Conquistador,” one of the best thought and artistically crafted films in recent memory. Based on the acclaimed historical novel “The Eagle and The Serpent,” Cuaron and writing partner Timothy J. Sexton vividly bring the Aztec civilization back to life in a more intellectually challenging way than producer Mel Gibson’s vision of the Mayans in the gory “Apocalypto.” To avoid obvious comparisons, Cuaron stays away from as much graphic violence as he can and instead, the gifted director develops the rudimentary political and diplomatic tactics of both the locals and their colonizers (wisely opting to shoot the film entirely on English to keep it accessible). By contrasting the intrigues emerging around the characters on both sides of the conflict with the realistic battle sequences at the film’s climatic point; Cuaron takes this project to a higher point where it’s hard to tell what type of human violence is worst.

Open Your Eyes’ Spaniard star Eduardo Noriega (comfortably nuanced and engaging as Cortes) willingly accepts the role of the sympathetic villain who won’t stop until he gets what he wants and as metaphorically expressed by the screenwriters; a multilayered character that strikes many resemblances to some of our world leaders. Laura Elena Harring (finally landing a prominent role), makes Mallintzin the perfect match for Cortes: the intelligence and fierce ambition in Harring’s performance makes easy for us to understand how a strategist like Cortes would be willing to place all his trust in a woman and most importantly, see beyond her dark skin and allow himself to love her. Their chemistry and their perseverance against odds are satisfying to watch just as much as Benjamin Bratt’s moving performance as Moctezuma. Bratt provides menacing insecurity to the one man not allowed to have any in a ruthless society; and he is able to bare his soul as the legacy trusted upon him collapses in front of his eyes. An irresistible supporting turn from Rudy Youngblood as the slippery Cuitlahuac reminds us why wars are not always won on the battlefield.

Ultimately, Cuaron’s deep sensibility and Gibson’s adequate practicality blend to perfection in “Conquistador,” a film that just like the renowned Hernan Cortes, wanted to be larger than life from the beginning, and actually succeeded…

Expect AMPAS to honor this grand epic with the following nominations:

Best Picture (Drama)
Best Director – Cuaron
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor – Eduardo Noriega
Best Supporting Actress – Laura Elena Harring
Best Supporting Actor – Benjamin Bratt
Best Supporting Actor – Rudy Youngblood
Technical Categories
Creativity Awards

Crimes against a City

Author(s): Ryne
Location: Portland

"Crimes against a City"

Directed by Jonathan Demme
Written by Brian Helgeland

Main Cast

Mark Ruffalo as Lt. Evan Fuller
Terrence Howard as Damien Lambert
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Jake White
Omar Gooding as Demetrius Young
Dustin Hoffman as Lt. Eric Cayton

Tagline: "In a city doomed by crime, deceit is the only way to stay on top"

Synopsis: Detroit- Present

In a city riveted by drug use and crime, Lt. Eric Cayton (Hoffman) and Lt. Evan Fuller (Ruffalo) are the driving force to clean up the city once and for all. Together, they have seized more than one million dollars worth of illicit drugs and contraband. Most of this success is due to a mole the police bureau has inside the inner workings of the city’s most prominent drug ring. Only Cayton knows the true identity of the informant and he refuses to utter his identity for fear that the city’s major drug lord, Damien Lambert (Howard), has a spy inside the agency. Cayton meets his informant once a week for orders and inside information, but this time something is different. After Cayton returns from the meeting, Fuller recognizes something is unusual with him…

Damien Lambert is without doubt the city’s dominant drug lord. A former high school narc, Labbert knows the in’s and out’s of the drug trafficking. He has the entire city under his control and nothing seems to be capable of bring him down except one Lt. Eric Cayton. Jake White (Ejiofor) and Demetrius Young (Gooding) are constantly by his side. Both have aspirations of succeeding Lambert whenever he decides to leave the business, but lately Lambert has been favoring the young Demetrius when it comes to decision-making. The newly formed bond between Demetrius and Lambert has Jake jealous and vengeful. He understands he must do something drastic if he wishes to take over for Lambert. While Jake plots his retaliation, Demetrius enjoys the perks of being Lambert’s right hand man. Women, money, drugs follow his every move. His life could not get any better and only one thing stands between him and glory: Jake. Lambert, however, has recently come across some troubling information. He has suspicions that he has a mole inside his inner circle and it is believed to be either Jake or Demetrius. Jake could potentially want revenge on him because of his new relationship with Demetrius and Demetrius could be faking his friendship towards Lambert to unexpectedly turn against him. Lambert decides that to weed out the mole, he should make his move on Lt. Cayton. He sends both Jake and Demetrius to follow Cayton to his house and kill him…

The next day Cayton is found dead in his apartment with two bullet wounds: One in his forehead and one in his back. Fuller inspects the scene and finds a note inside Cayton’s pocket. The note reads, “It had to happen” in messy handwriting and continues on to list both an address and a date. Fuller decides to investigate the case’s only lead. He goes to the address on the date listed and finds a package for Cayton. The package is full of enough evidence to bring Lambert down and a letter, which states the location and time of Lambert’s next big drop. Fuller sees this as maybe the last opportunity to bring Lambert to justice. A few days later, Fuller and his team emerge from the darkness of the shadows to discover a surprised Lambert and his team of stooges. In the movie’s climatic battle, many of the audience’s questions are answered. Will good triumph over evil? Will Cayton’s death be avenged? And the most important question…who is the mole?

What the Press would say:

Move over “The French Connection” there is a new contender for title of best drug trafficking movie. That would be Jonathan Demme’s Crimes against a City. He directs this crafty tale of drug trafficking in Detroit to absolute perfection. He plays with audience’s head by not revealing crucial information until the final scene of the movie and WOW is that an intense scene. Sure, some may draw comparisons to “The Departed”. In the new world of Oscar material, it’s easy to understand how some may draw these comparisons, but Demme honestly makes it his own. The scene I mentioned earlier maybe the best scene in cinematic history. The credit for that scene and for that, the entire film, must go to the perfectly assembled cast. Each member of this small cast give amazing performances and this is truly the definition of a great ensemble. Mark Ruffalo and Terrence Howard are superb as the film’s lead characters. Both Ruffalo and Howard give potentially the best performances of their careers. Mark Ruffalo masterfully depicts Lt. Evan Fuller. He is able to stay strong and courageous in the tough, emotional world of crime fighting. Ruffalo portrays Fuller as the everyday man that the audience will be able to relate with. Terrence Howard is magnificent as the film’s main antagonist. His ability to make Damien Lambert the man everyone hates to love is just stunning. Never in my wildest dreams did I think at the end of the movie, I would be yelling at Lambert to run away as the police emerge from the shadows. I suppose if I had to choose just one, it would be Howard, but both are so good, it could go either way. The two leads are perfectly complimented by the supporting cast of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Omar Gooding, and Dustin Hoffman. Ejiofor proves again, why he is one of Hollywood’s most underrated actors. He superbly conveys Jake’s jealous, yet subdued nature. Omar Gooding, the brother of Cuba Gooding, give a flawless performance as Demetrius Young. Gooding depicts Demetrius’ cocky and arrogant personality as if he was, in fact, Demetrius. I truly believe that this will be his breakout performance and is a sign of things to come from him. Dustin Hoffman gives a sufficient performance as Lt. Eric Cayton. He takes a back seat to allow the younger actors to control the screen. Overall, Crimes against a City is a masterpiece and can be mentioned in the same breath as “Traffic” and “The French Connection”.

FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director (Jonathan Demme)
Best Actor (Mark Ruffalo)
Best Actor (Terrence Howard)
Best Supporting Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor)
Best Supporting Actor (Omar Gooding)
Best Original Screenplay

Dark Ages

Author(s): Iñaki
Location: Spain

"Dark Ages"

Directed by Peter Jackson
Written by Fran Walsh
Music by John Williams
Costumes by Richard Taylor
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art direction by Grant Major
Make-up by Richard Taylor

Drama / Adventure

Main Cast

Cate Blanchett (Aphrodite)
Christian Bale (Apollo)
Meryl Streep (Hera)
Michael Gambon (Zeus)
Ralph Fiennes (Poseidon)
Vince Vaughn (Dionysus)
Abbie Cornish (Artemis)
Natasha Whightman (Athena)
Eddie Jemison (Hermes)
Casey Affleck (Ares)
Marton Csokas (Hades)
Bruce Willis (Titan's voice)

Tagline: "What you thought was correct might be the worst choice you have ever made"

Synopsis: 897 B.C.- Greece was suffering from the wrath of Hades, the god of hell, who had sent the titans to mount Olympus. What Hades desires most is the great power of Zeus, but he needs the help of some other gods to fulfill his wish. He believes that if he get the power of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, she could fool Ares, the god of war, with her beauty and make him help achieve Hades’ goals. While Hades was pondering about it, the war in Mount Olympus was becoming worse. The titans had already entered in the sacred area and some lesser gods had perished. Hermes, the messenger, was captured and Athena, the wisdom goddess, was fighting with the ice titan who had taken her capture. Everyone in the Mount Olympus was fighting with the titans except Aphrodite and Ares. They had a hidden relationship because Aphrodite’s mother, Hera, didn't want her to fall in love because of the impact it could have on her. When the titans ate the principal door of the mount Olympus, all gods realize that they only could kill them with the strength of the earth so they began to summon their powers to put an end to the Titans. The power of the sea, the strength of plants, the confusing power of love came together and beat the titans. But the problem didn't finish there.

Hades still preferred to continue with his plan so one night he met Aphrodite in Athens' temple. He tried to convince her about his plan so he made a cursed speech that changed her point of view about the Olympians. She accepted to help him and she returned to Mount Olympus to persuade Ares to kill Zeus. Ares was confuse about the plan but Aphrodite's grace swayed him easily. While they where talking, Hera was listening. When they finish, she surprised Aphrodite. They discussed about the betrayal and Hera realized Aphrodite was cursed so she decided to imprison her to stop the plan, but it was too late. Ares, with his army, and Hades with hell's devils were going to attack Mount Olympus. All gods, who were not recovered, had many difficulties to fight with that great army. Then, Athena decided to ask the Greek for help in exchange of wisdom and prosperity. They helped her to fight against the enemy. While that took place, Hera was making a brew to put and end to the curse upon Aphrodite. When she recover her, Hera explained the situation and realized that she was the only one who could convince Ares to finish the attack to the mount Olympus. When she appeared in the sacred area, Ares look at her, and she decided to kiss him because it was the only solution to the problem. Finally, Ares army attack Hades with the support of the Olympians and the fear ended with the defeat of Hades. After the war, Aphrodite realized that she couldn't fall in love with anybody because it could provoke serious problems to the stability of the world. Finally she decided to turn into a mortal woman because it was the only way to prevent future wars.

What the Press would say:

"Not just another adventures film". The press loves this film because it recreates to perfection what the greek population thought Mount Olympus was, with its problems and the environment. The casting in this tremendous film is great. Each actor achieves a great performance with the characteristics of their god/goddess. Cate Blanchett's leading performance is memorable, her beauty and sensuality make her the best option to be Aphrodite, the love goddess who desires to win the heart of Ares. Casey Affleck delivers a great leading performance as Ares perfectly depicting his strength and wrath, but also with his great heart when he is in the presence of Aphrodite. The change of humor makes his character mysterious and interesting because you don't really know what is he going to do. Also, we have to complement the great supporting performances which make the story more intriguing and without them we couldn't understand the plot. They are the other gods of Mount Olympus: Athena, Hera, Zeus, Poseidon, and Dionysus. Meryl Streep's performance is one of the most fascinating performances. She marvelously portrays the strength of a goddess along with the weakness of a mother. Her elegant movement through Aphrodite and Ares relationship has to be emphasized.

We can’t forget Natasha Whigthman's supporting performance as Athena. She is a sensational new actress who fills the role of Athena perfectly with her youth and her strong attitude. Her call to arms to the Greek population is her most memorable intervention in the film. Furthermore, the angry Ralph Fiennes fill the Poseidon character with an iron fist for the funny Vince Vaughn make us laugh with her performance as Dionysus, the drunk god. Furthermore, the environment, the buildings, costumes, make-up and visual effects are great and they make the film more real and fascinating.

Categories

Best Picture
Best Director: Peter Jackson
Best Original Screenplay: Fran Walsh
Best Original Score: john Williams
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best actor: Casey Affleck
Best Supporting Actress: Natasha Whightman
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best Make-up
Best Costumes
Best Art Direction
Best Visual Effects
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Film-Editing
Best Score

Dear Mr. President

Author(s): James Somerton
Location: NS, Canada

"Dear Mr. President"

Directed By: Oliver Stone
Written By: Oliver Stone
Produced By: Oliver Stone
Edited By: Robert Richardson
Score By: John Williams

Main Cast

Susan Sarandon as Margy Hamilton
Nicholas Cage as Greg Hamilton
Jared Leto as Mark Hamilton

Tagline: "We Are The People!"

Synopsis: "Dear, Mr. President...

Six months ago, my family and I were devastated by the news that our oldest son, Private Robert Hamilton, had been killed serving his country in Iraq. His death still haunts me to this day. But now, what is on my mind, is the fact that my other son, Mark, is missing in Iraq and the military will give us no word other than that. Apparently he had been on a private mission that we are not allowed to know about.

My husband and I are greatly worried. We have avoided becoming active in the campaigns to remove American soldiers from Iraq because of our son's military involvement, but lately it is nearly impossible to keep this up. You refuse to give us any word on when the troops will be coming home. In fact, it seems you refuse to even entertain the notion of this happening.

I do not wish for you to give me an answer to this question, as I sincerely doubt I would get one anyway. I only wish to speak with you on this matter, either in person or over the telephone, which ever way suits you best. I would greatly appreciate a response.

Yours truly, Marge Hamilton"

This was the letter sent to president George W. Bush by Margie Hamilton two years ago. She has yet to receive an answer. Her son, Mark, is home but is severely traumatized by his mission in Iraq and his therapist bills are not being covered by the government. With no answer in sight as to when young men and women like her son's will be coming home, Margie Hamilton is going to Washington to get one...

What the Press would say:

"Dear, Mr. President" is the moving and heart-wrenching story of Margie Hamilton, a woman to whom the war in Iraq has been excessively harsh. One son was killed by a land mine and the other has returned with shell shock and is now being denied treatment because of a dishonorary discharge. She had watched her family be crippled by the war in Iraq and now wants answers. Susan Sarandon gives a show-stopping performance as the lead character. We, unfortunately, never get to see her smile in this film. The role takes her to such emotional places that it is almost impossible for the character to smile near the end of the movie. Sarandon is supported by Nicholas Cage, a father so fed up with the United States that it is only his wife that keeps him from moving to a different country. Although his role is limited to supporting, Cage gives a magnificent performance. The audience follows him just as much as Sarandon but we abandon him, or at least I did, when he leaves his wife because he can't handle it anymore; all the time and energy spent on seeing a man who won't even write ten words to them. Margie ends up losing everything in the end. After one son dying, and another being lost to a mental disorder, and finally her husband leaving her. Margie is left with nothing but her ambition. This isn't you typical story though. Margie never does get to see the president and she never does get the answer she so longs for. After countless protests, several TV appearances, and endless amounts of letters, Margie is left broke and without her family. The saddest part of this story is that it is based on real events.

Oliver Stone directs the film with an odd amount of subtly. Much of the film is played without a score, allowing us to hear the pain that Margie is going through. Stone tells about 30% of the story through news stories and television interviews. Anytime we feel like we may be lost, he cuts to a CNN news broadcast that brings us back to the front of the story. This is a brilliant way of keeping the audience informed as the film jumps forward in time. He is careful not to let us get too lost. Something that I found odd with this film was it's lack of political agenda. Margie Hamilton is not against the war in Iraq, or any other policies of the Bush administration as far as I can see. She is, however, against how the administration treats the war. This is not an anti-war film. This is the true story of one woman trying to get answers to questions that should have been answered immediately. What is the real reason he son lost his life? If it's over oil, or a vendetta, fine! She just wants an answer. An answer. And she never gets one. And neither do we.

Possible Nominations...

Best Picture
Best Director - Oliver Stone
Best Actress - Susan Sarandon
Best Supporting Actor - Nicholas Cage
Best Original Screenplay

Devil on my Heels

Author(s): Michael
Location: Oklahoma

"Devil On My Heels"

Directed by Taylor Hackford
Adapted by Akiva Goldsman
Produced by Reese Witherspoon and Denzel Washington
Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Main Cast

Evan Rachel Wood- Dove Alderman
Hunter Parrish- Chase
Loretta Devine- Delia
Larenz Tate- Gator
Ed Harris- Dad
John Glover- Travis
Harry J. Lennix- Gus

Tagline: "N/A"

Synopsis: Dove Alderman has a very privileged life. She wakes up every morning to the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls and bacon sizzling on the stove made by her loving house maid Delia. Her dad has his own orange grove in which she grew up in, playing with her now boyfriend Chase. Working in her Dad’s orange grove are migrant workers who include one of Dove’s best friends Gator and Delia’s deceased husband Gus. One of her Dad’s closest friends is Travis who is in charge of the migrant workers and runs their store.

All of the sudden fires start popping up all over of Dove’s hometown of Benevolence, Florida including the family barn. The town is convinced that it is the migrant workers who are starting the fires and this prompts the appearance of the KKK in Dove’s town.

While Dove is starting to expose the KKK drift that is going through the town she discovers that her father, Travis, and Chase are all attending the KKK meetings.

Along the way of exposing the group she will come across the truth to the murder of Delia’s husband Gus, and that everyone thinks that Gator has kidnapped her.

What the Press would say:

Devil On My Heels is based upon the novel written by Joyce MacDonald and the film is just as good if not better than the already classic young adult book. It tells the story of Dove Alderman, played by the always brilliant Evan Rachel Wood, who is trying to expose the racism going on in her hometown. The story while complete Oscar bait is absolutely compelling and perfectly directed, written, acted, and produced as well. Taylor Hackford directs his actors and the story to perfection and you can tell he was the perfect director to aim this film in the right direction. He crafts the film so well that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and sobbing by the end. Evan Rachel Wood is absolutely superb in the role of Dove Alderman and brings depth to the role that wasn’t written in the already fantastic script. If there is any justice in this world, Wood’s performance will earn her an Academy Award. The supporting cast is incredible and I don’t have time to mention them all, but I’ll mention a few. Loretta Devine is first-rate as Delia the house-maid. She really brings the mother quality that is missing in Dove’s life and is really on key when she needs to be emotional. John Glover, who is mainly known from his television role on Smallville, is superior as the villain of the film Travis who is in charge of the migrant workers. He was made for the role and is unbelievably great in his role. Ed Harris who is one of the bigger names in the cast is just great in the role of Dove’s two-faced Dad and really deserves recognition that I’m afraid may not occur. The script is faultlessness and brings out the best in each of the actors. Overall the film is one of the best of the decade, full of great performances, direction, and written, it is way beyond deserving of the Best Picture Oscar. A+

FYC

Best Picture
Best Director- Taylor Hackford
Best Actress- Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actor- Ed Harris
Best Supporting Actor- John Glover
Best Supporting Actress- Loretta Devine
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Art Direction

Divine Poker

Author(s): Alex
Location: Washington State

"Divine Poker"

Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Alexander Payne

Main Cast

Jeff Goldblum (Daniel Ellis)
Michelle Pfeiffer (Kylie Ellis)
Whoopi Goldberg (God)
Sean Connery (The Devil)
Joel Grey (Steve the Angel)
Kathy Griffin (Joanne the Demon)

Tagline: "The term "Celebrity Poker" has just been completely redefined"

Synopsis: Kylie and Daniel Ellis are stars in the professional poker world. This couple has won more poker championships than anyone in the world. They usually never play against each other to avoid the idea that they might be helping each other. They are where they've always wanted to be in life; making a living by playing poker. But their lives are about to get turned totally upside down.

The Devil, with the help of his assistant and head Demon Joanne, has decided that he's tired of living down in hell. He wants to take another shot at ruling the world, so he challenges God to an all-out winner takes all poker match for control of the world. The only problem is that he hasn't played poker since losing a match to Michael the Archangel a long time ago that first banished him to Hell, so he's a little shabby. But then again, so is God. God hasn't played since he lost to the Devil in who got to chat with Eve first. So as we can see, they're going to need some help.

God sends Steve, her head Angel, to ask Daniel if he would help her brush up on her skills. Steve is very good at this sort of thing, having had to break some big news to a carpenter's wife in Bethlehem awhile ago. When he asks Daniel if he would do this, Daniel of course can't believe what he's hearing, but Steve offers to take him to heaven and meet God to show that he's telling the truth.

While Daniel is in Heaven (literally), Joanne has gone to earth to see if Kylie would help out her employer. Like her husband, she can't believe what's going on, but Joanne takes her down to Hell to see what it's like and meet the big guy himself.

After weeks of training, the power couple still has no idea that they the other is working for their latest boss' archenemy…and they don't find out until the day of the big match. Although they've both been working hard, it all boils down to one question…who will rule the world?

What the Press would say:

Mike Nichols' latest comedy, "Divine Poker", is set around a couple who has to teach God and the Devil how to play poker. When I first read this one thing popped into my mind…"WHAT?!?". I couldn't believe that this was the subject of his latest film. I went into the theatre not expecting much, but I came out completely proven wrong. Not many directors could handle this subject matter, and Nichols pulls it off beautifully. What you would expect to be completely outrageous turns out to be simply perfect. Not only does this film display perfection behind the camera, but there's plenty of it onscreen as well. This fabulous ensemble is one of the best I've seen in a comedy for years. No, actually, it's one of the best ensembles I've seen in any film in years. Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer play Daniel and Kylie Ellis, the Warren Beatty and Annette Bening of the poker world. Goldblum is finally back in a leading role on the big screen. He is absolutely perfect as the poker player recruited by God to teach her how to play. This performance is his best since "The Fly". Pfeiffer is solidifying this year as her official comeback with "Hairspray" and now "Divine Poker". This is definitely the best performance she's ever given, surpassing many great roles she has played in the past.

This brilliant kick of comedy is just what the doctor ordered, as Pfeiffer is at the absolute top of her game. If you thought Goldblum and Pfeiffer gave excellent performances, Whoopi Goldberg and Sean Connery are simply a master class. These fabulous Academy-Award winning performers give even better performances than the ones given in "Ghost" and "The Untouchables". Whoopi Goldberg as God and Sean Connery as the poker laying supernatural beings is the best casting I've seen in years. They come off perfectly, beating anyone who has ever played God or the Devil ever before. These two are locks for a nomination, if not a win. Joel Grey and Kathy Griffin are also great as their assistants but the performances just aren't as good as Whoopi's or Connery's performance to get them a nomination. I wouldn't be surprised if my favorite comedy of the year gets nominations in the following categories.

Best Picture
Best Director (Mike Nichols)
Best Actor (Jeff Goldblum)
Best Actress (Michelle Pfeiffer)
Best Supporting Actor (Sean Connery)
Best Supporting Actress (Whoopi Goldberg)
Best Original Screenplay (Alexander Payne)

Dr. Death

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"Dr. Death"

Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Written by Brian Helgeland

Main Cast

Peter O'Toole as Dr. Jack Kevorkian
James McAvoy as Mark Quinn
Peter Sarsgaard as Rodney Moldonado
Richard Schiff as Thomas Youk
Stephen Rea as Geoffrey Fieger
James Cromwell as D.A. Arthur Stanton
Martin Donovan as Richard Thompson

Tagline: "Dying is not a crime"

Synopsis: Is dying a crime? According to the words of Jack Kevorkian, it isn't. Director Gregory Hoblit brings you the true story on Americas controversial pathologist. Kevorkian held strong to his beliefs, mainly on death and the right to die. The film begins in 1999, the opening trial to the Kevorkian case. In the hands of lawyer Geoffrey Fieger was Kevorkians livelihood and prosecuting was Richard Thompson. With hollow eyes, Kevorkian flashed back to where it began.

The film back tracks to the late 1980's, the start of his reign. It was then Jack started his campaign to people of illness that he would provide them "assisted suicide", to be their savior. At the start Kevorkian was laid to dry, his medical license was revoked. However, throughout the decade of the 90's Kevorkian was involved with over 100 deaths of people claiming to be ill. Most of them weren't ill, but suffered from depression. Kevorkian was clean due to his device where the push of a button would inject chemicals through an IV into his patient, the patient would push the button themselves.

The date, November 23rd, 1998. The show, 60 Minutes. Kevorkian decided to abuse his power by allowing the show to air one of his patients to their death. The patient, Thomas Youk, victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On this tape Youk gave his consent to Kevorkian to allow the procedure to go on, and since Youk wasn't psychically able to push the button, Kevorkian did it for him. He looked into the camera and dared the authorities to try to stop him. This was enough for D.A. Arthur Stanton to put Kevorkian on trial for murder charges. Throughout the trial Kevorkian gained public support and protesters that wanted to free him. Mark Quinn, a human right activist, led this cult. Rodney Moldonado was on the opposing side mostly because of his late uncle who was a patient of the doctors. Moldonado found the doctor responsible for his uncles death.

The scene before the last consist of Kevorkian talking to himself in his cell early 2007, knowing he'll die in a short period of time (victim of Hepatitis C), realizing his ironic position in this stage of his life. The last scene is the real footage of Jack Kevorkian on Larry King Live on June 4th, 2007, three days after his release. Kevorkian stated his beliefs stay the same, but he'll never do it again.

What the Press would say:

"Dr. Death" is the years new leading candidate for many different categories, but to shorten it, controversy and brilliancy. The film bounces back and forth from the trial to Kevorkians early stages, to his last stages, and along with the side story of the 2 fresh characters representing one side to the devestating case. You'll find yourself in a theater with half the audience against and for our leading character. That's the beautiful nature of this film, that our mind and our belief choose the films protagonist and antagonist. Gregory Hoblit puts all his talent in a blender, mixes it up and out comes Dr. Death, the brilliant dialogue of Primal Fear, the haunting vibe of Fallen, the intellect of Fracture, it's all there. Peter O'Toole takes on one of his most challenging roles to date, the charismatic and controversial Jack Kevorkian. O'Toole warms your heart then rips it out with this mind blowing performance of a devoted doctor believing what he feels is right. No matter what side you're on there is evilness in this role. James McAvoy and Peter Sarsgaard put the cherry on top to complete this lively film. McAvoy is the well spoken, smooth activist whose dialogue and pitch cannot be replaced, while Saarsgard plays the part of the emotionally distraught, mourning the death of his uncle, a "victim" or "patient" of Dr. Kevorkians. Together the two create an incredible charge. A good amount of the film focuses on these 2 characters and their devotions. Their rivalry and battle towards each other. In closing, it's without a doubt a film that one can debate on for days, a film thats power, drive, acting, and well roundness can push it for Oscar contention, an instant classic.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Director - Gregory Hoblit
Best Actor - Peter O'Toole
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Quinn
Best Supporting Actor - Peter Sarsgaard
Best Original Screenplay - Brian Heldgeland
Best Editing