12 Angry Men

Author: Pierre Davis
Location: Columbus, OH

"12 Angry Men"

Directed by: Paul Haggis
Written by: Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco
Score by: Hans Zimmer

Principal Cast:

Bruce Greenwood: Juror 1
Richard Dreyfuss: Juror 2
Tom Berenger: Juror 3
Phillip S. Hoffman: Juror 4
David Strathairn: Juror 5
Chris Cooper: Juror 6
Will Ferrell: Juror 7
Tim Robbins: Juror 8
Martin Landau: Juror 9
William Dafoe: Juror 10
Vinnie Jones: Juror 11
William H. Macy: Juror 12

Tagline:
"Are you his executioner?"

Synopsis: Academy Award winner Paul Haggis brings this adaptation of the 1957 classic movie. Starring Tim Robbins as the persuasive Juror 8 who tries to explain to the other 11 jurors that just because someone comes for the slumps doesn’t mean they are guilty of every crime. Tom Berenger stars as the angry Juror 3 who doesn’t want to hear anything about that after experiencing a child like the defendant. Which side will the jurors choose in this adapted classic.

What the Press Would Say:

After accepting a best movie and original screenplay Oscar winner Paul Haggis is sure to have another best director nomination in his already promising career. With his best performance since starring in Mystic River Tim Robbins brings another Oscar nominated performance and possible win to this movie. Tom Berenger gives a performance for the ages and could possibly earn a oscar nomination also. With a great cast and early buzz this movie could is sure to have a nomination for best picture in March along with these nominations:

Nomination:

Best Picture
Best Director: Paul Haggis
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco
Best Actor: Tim Robbins and Tom Berenger
Best Score: Hans Zimmer
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design

The Assassination of the President

Author: Pat
Location: New York

"The Assassination of the President"

Directed By Michael Mann
Written By Paul Haggis & Michael Mann

Principal Cast:

Dustin Hoffman (President Marshall Goldberg)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Chief Of Staff Vick Riley)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Agent John Michaels)
Paul Giamatti (Press Secretary Isaac Karol)
Forrest Whitaker (Vice President Evan Grendler)
Tom Cruise (Secret Service Director Mike Hutchinson)
Peter Sarsgaard (Barry)
Meryl Streep (First Lady Marilyn Goldberg)
Jennifer Connelly (Sara Fischer)
Robert Downey Jr. (Secretary Of Homeland Defense Zachary Mitchell)
Penny Johnson Jerald (Melinda Brown)
Marcia Gay Harden (Felicity Huxley)
Michael Pena (Agent Juan Cortez)
Edward Burns (Richard Smith)
Willem Dafoe (Adolfo Goez)

Tagline:
"Take the shot"

Synopsis: Michael Mann's latest picture describes thelast days of a Jewish President up to his death at thehands of a Neo-Nazi sniper. Racism and politics(especially when the Black Vice President comes intothe picture) collide in this terrifying look into theinner workings of the White House. Dustin Hoffmanstars as the President along with Philip SeymourHoffman, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Tom Cruise, Forrest Whitaker, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

What the Press Would Say:

Dustin Hoffman stars as the first Jewish US Presidentwho is targeted for assassination by a Neo-Naziorganization with members that claim to be the descendants of Hitler. The cast is filled with A-listactors but it is British Jonathan Rhys Meyers whosteals the scene as a Secret Service agent whobefriends the assassin, played by Peter Sarsgaard. Michael Mann directs and co-writes another realistic thriller that has earned numerous Oscar nominations.

Best Picture
Best Director-Michael Mann
Best Actor-Dustin Hoffman
Best Supporting Actor-Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Best Supporting Actor-Peter Sarsgaard
Best Supporting Actor-Forrest Whitaker
Best Supporting Actress-Meryl Streep
Best Original Screenplay-Paul Haggis & Michael Mann
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Mixing

A Star is Born

Author: Stephen
Location: Hartford, CT

"A Star is Born"

Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: Bill Condon (based on the 1954 film "A Star Is Born")
Original Score by: John Williams
Selected Songs by: Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin

Principal Cast:

Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester: Toni Collette
Norman Maine: Clive Owen
Matt Libby: Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Danny Maguire: Jake Gyllenhaal
Oliver Niles: Ben Kingsley

Tagline:
"What would you do for love?"

Synopsis: Based on the classic 1954 film of the same name, Oscar winning director Ang Lee tackles a new medium with this ambitious story of Hollywood and its stars and victims. Set in 1950's Los Angeles, Toni Collette takes the lead as Esther Blodgett, a struggling actress cum singer. Clive Owen plays Norman Maine, the Hollywood star who gives Esther her big break. The relationship is at first one of admiration and friendship but soon grows into romance. Tensions increase as Esther's star grows brighter as Norman's starts to flicker. Written by the Oscar nominated Bill Condon, of Dreamgirls and Chicago fame, this film is destined to walk the same path as it's predecessor, that of becoming a Hollywood classic.

What the Press Would Say:

In what was perceived for months to be a likely flop, with multiple directors and several cast changes, Ang Lee has proven himself a true auteur and chameleon taking on an ambitious movie musical that takes place in 1950's Hollywood. Based on the 1954 film with Judy Garland, Lee had some large shoes to fill and once again comes out shining. Toni Collette and Clive Owen star and their chances of Oscar gold seem definite as Collette proves herself an actress who can headline. Her voice is also pleasantly melodic. Clive Owen matches as a former movie idol who turns to the bottle. Can this movie come home with more Oscars than the original? That remains to be seen, but one thing stands clear. This film will stand as one of the great Hollywood love stories.

Oscar Prospects:
Best Picture
Best Director: Ang Lee
Best Actor: Clive Owen
Best Actress: Toni Collette
Best Supporting Actor: Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Adapted Screenplay: Bill Condon
As well as many technical awards.

Backseat

Author: Pat
Location: New York

"Backseat"

Directed By Alfonso Cuaron
Written By Stephen Gaghan
Music By James Newton Howard

Principal Cast:

Nicole Kidman (Julia Richards)
Ralph Fiennes (Walter)
Jason Statham (Gerry)
Christian Bale (John Patrick Anderson)
Paul Bettany (Keegan McFay)
Ian McKellan (Franklin Peters)
Radha Mitchell (Melissa Anderson)
George Clooney (Aaron Shumsky)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Nick Smith)
Emily Watson (Erica Nelson)
Sophie Okonedo (Kelly Ziegler)
Charlie Hunnam (David)
Hayden Christensen (Lionel)

Tagline:
"Don't trust anybody"

Synopsis: Alfonso Cuaron directs this ensemble thriller using anenvironmental summit in London as a backdrop for a worldwide conspiracy. Nicole Kidman star as a single mother who is brought into the conspiracy by a man who hijacks her car, played by Ralph Fiennes, and claims to be on the run from assassins because he threatens to reveal devastating information. She is quicklypulled into a scheme which involves a multi-billion dollar mining company that wants to deforest thousands of acres of African rain forest to find diamond mines.

The CEO of the company (Christian Bale) hires an assassin (Jason Statham) to silence the disgruntled employee while dealing with his wife's (Radha Mitchell) increasing mental issues. Paul Bettany stars as a Scotland Yard agent who tries to uncover the plot but discovers that it reaches far into the British government and even the Prime Minister (Ian McKellan). George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman star as American businessmen who are trying to buy the Africa land but may be in on the conspiracy also. Emily Watson stars as the Prime Minister's secretary and Sophie Okonedo plays the British ambassador to the Congo. Charlie Hunnam and Hayden Christensen play a gay couple who are more involved in the situation than
they think.

What the Press Would Say:

This latest conspiracy thriller from "Syriana" scribe Stephen Gaghan is his best yet, especially with Alfonso Cuaron at the helm. Nicole Kidman and Ralph Fiennes lead an ensemble cast in a story that exposes a plot within a British mining company that could mean the end of the African rain forest. Excellent dialogue, shocking twists, and stunning action sequences make this one of the best movies of the year. Kidman and Fiennes are great as usual, but Jason Statham and Radha Mitchell steal the screen as a hitman and a psycho wife, respectively. Emily Watson also gives a good performance as the Prime Minister's secretary who thinks her boss might committing crimesthat could involve her.

Best Picture
Best Director-Alfonso Cuaron
Best Actor-Ralph Fiennes
Best Supporting Actor-Jason Statham
Best Supporting Actress-Radha Mitchell
Best Supporting Actress-Emily Watson
Best Original Screenplay-Stephen Gaghan
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Sound

Believe

Author: Molly
Location: Unknown

"Believe"

Directed by David Burton Morris
Written by Alan Ball
Music by John Williams

Principal Cast:

Renee Faia (Cher)
Jay Underwood (Sonny Bono)
Christian Slater (Phil Spector)
Luke Wilson (Gregg Allman)

Tagline:
"Do you believe in life after love?"

Synopsis: The amazing story of an American icon, told from her meager beginnings to her rise to success in the 60's with her husband Sonny, to solo fame in the 70's, her movie career stardom in the 80's, her music reinvention in the 90's, and her farewell tour in the 2000's.

What the Press Would Say:

With a mix of famous and newcomer actors, "Believe" shows the ups and downs of the pop icon. Renee Faia gives a strong performance as Cher. Jay Underwood plays Cher's first husban Sonny Bono, Christian Slater plays Phil Spector, and Owen Wilson plays Cher's second husband Gregg Allman. A great movie with strong performances throughout.

Oscar Potential:

Best Picture
Best Original Score: John Williams
Best Actress: Renee Faia
Best Supporting Actor: Jay Underwood
Best Supporting Actor: Luke Wilson

Blue Eyes

Author: Corey
Location: USA

"Blue Eyes"

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh and Corey Wackel (Myself/Secondary Director)
Written By: Paul Haggis and Corey Wackel
Produced By: George Clooney and Corey Wackel
Music By: John Williams

Principal Cast:

Woody Harrelson: Frank Sinatra
Catharine Zeta-Jones: Ava Gardner
Julia Roberts: Mia Farrow
Kate Beckinsale: Tina Sinatra
George Clooney: Frank Sinatra Jr.
Gwen Stefani: Nancy Sinatra
Gene Hackman: Dean Martin
Eddie Murphy: Sammy Davis Jr.
Richard Gere: Gene Kelly

Sandra Bullock: Donna Reed
Keira Knightly: Deborah Kerr
Matt Damon: Montgomery Clift
Brad Pitt: Burt Lancaster
David Strathairn: Fred Zinnemann
Russell Crowe: Marlon Brando
Charlize Theron: Kim Novak/Grace Kelly

Tagline:
"A story of incomparable brilliance and of life’s second chances"

Synopsis: The story of Frank Sinatra is brought to the screen with an all star cast. Spanning most of “Ol’ Blue Eyes’” brilliant career, the film examines Frank’s personal life as well as his relationships in the bright light of Hollywood, and his personal demons.

What the Press Would Say:

A searing portrayal of one of the greatest figures the world will ever know. Woody Harrelson gives one of his best performances as Frank and Gene Hackman and Eddie Murphy are perfect as the major part of the “Rat Pack.” Perfectly directed musical numbers from Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh as well as a solid script help make it a sure lock come awards season.

Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor: Woody Harrelson
Best Actress: Catharine Zeta-Jones
Best Supporting Actress: Gwen Stafani
Best Supporting Actress: Sandra Bullock
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney
Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy
Best Supporting Actor: Richard Gere
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Art/Set Direction

Buster

Author: Tom
Location: New Jersey

"Buster"

Directed by Milos Forman
Screenplay by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
Based on the book “My Wonderful World of Slapstick” by Buster Keaton
Music by Thomas Newman
Featuring the song “Slapstick” by Michael Stipe

Principal Cast:

Jim Carrey- Buster Keaton
Chris Cooper- Joseph Keaton
Kevin Kline- Harry Houdini
John Goodman- Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle
Rachel McAdams- Myra Keaton
Robert Deniro- Joseph Schenk
Charlize Theron- Natalie Talmadge
Renee Zelwegger- Mae Scriven
Reese Witherspoon- Eleanor Norris
Jude Law- Charlie Chaplin
Paul Giammati- Harold Lloyd

Tagline:
"Get hit with a pie, fall off a car, get chased down a street, fall in the water. Break your back if you have to. Do whatever it takes to get that laugh... but whatever you do, don’t smile."

Synopsis: Who would have thought that the precocious three year-old Joe Keaton,
nicknamed Buster by Harry Houdini, would go on to become one of the greatest
film comedians of all time. Buster examines Keaton’s early years, growing up in
the world of Vaudeville with his family and his alcoholic father, and then goes
to follow his life in the world of film. Starting with his friendship with Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and the hilarious trials he went through making his early silent films, and going on to his enormous success and his relationship with producer Joseph Schenk and MGM studios. There were dark times in Keaton’s life, as we see in his failed marriages and the many he films he made that were poorly received by the public. As Keaton starts to fall apart, he needs somebody to save him, and that someone is Eleanor Norris, who falls in love with him and turns his life around. Keaton’s life was sometimes wonderful, and
sometimes heartbreaking, but it was always fascinating.

What the Press Would Say:

Milos Forman is back at work, and this is his best film since his Oscar winning Amadeus. He teams up once again with writers Scott Alexander and Scott Karaszewski, who put together a fantastic look at Keaton’s young and early life. Jim Carrey is given his juiciest role ever, and does it credit. Buster himself would be impressed by the slapstick Carrey pulls off. Chris Cooper is superb as Keaton’s gruff but kind father, and Goodman gives his
best performance to date as Fatty Arbuckle. The women more than hold their own against the men in this movie, as Charlize Theron is thrilling as Keaton’s first wife, and Reese Witherspoon is powerful as the inspiring Eleanor Norris. This movie is the perfect mix of comedy and drama, the kind of movie that everyone will love.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director- Milos Forman
Best Actor- Jim Carrey
Best Supporting Actor- John Goodman
Best Supporting Actor- Chris Cooper
Best Supporting Actress- Charlize Theron
Best Supporting Actress- Reese Witherspoon
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Original Score- Thomas Newman
Best Original Song- Michael Stipe