SPECIAL REPORT: Who Did Oscar Snub?

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Each year there are dozens of films and individuals that the Academy looks over, and 2010 was no different. Before the nominations were announced on Tuesday morning, anyone who'd done their homework knew that such deserving movies as "Animal Kingdom," "Blue Valentine," "Fish Tank" and "Shutter Island" had virtually no shot of making it into the Best Picture 10, just as stellar performances from Tilda Swinton ("I Am Love"), Kimberly Elise ("For Colored Girls"), Miles Teller ("Rabbit Hole") and Tahar Rahim ("A Prophet") wouldn't come anywhere near the major acting categories.

But there were a number of contenders who did have a plausible shot at landing a nomination, yet still found themselves snubbed on Oscar morning. Here's who lost out in each of the six big races:

BEST PICTURE: "The Town"

Many believed that Ben Affleck's remarkably accomplished sophomore feature would factor into the Best Picture lineup, considering its impressive box-office haul, critical acclaim, solid precursor presence and the luster of Affleck's Hollywood-comeback-kid appeal. But the noms revealed the film was perhaps a little too populist, and Danny Boyle's "127 Hours" likely claimed its spot.


BEST DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan, "Inception"

Astonishingly, the visionary Christopher Nolan, who already lost a nomination in this category for both "Memento" and "The Dark Knight," was once again left in the dust. Though nominated by the Directors Guild of America (as he was for both of his aforementioned efforts), Nolan didn't join the company of David Fincher, David O. Russell, Darren Aronofsky and Tom Hooper. He was instead unseated by Academy faves Joel and Ethan Coen.

BEST ACTRESS: Hailee Steinfeld, "True Grit"

Of course, Hailee Steinfeld wasn't exactly snubbed -- she picked up a supporting actress nomination. But most people who've seen "True Grit" can concur that Steinfeld's character, Mattie Ross, is a leading role and worthy of such recognition. A number of votes were undoubtedly pushing Steinfeld toward lead, but more of them edged her into supporting, a demotion that cost other deserving, truly supporting ladies their chance at the gold.


BEST ACTOR: Ryan Gosling, "Blue Valentine"

Many will argue that Robert Duvall, whose turn in "Get Low" performed well in the precursors, is the true snubbee here, but considering that Ryan Gosling's "Blue Valentine" co-star, Michelle Williams, earned a nomination, there's really no excuse for Gosling's omission. He's just as shatteringly great as Williams, if not better, and like her, he gives a career-best performance. With the abundance of youth in this category (Jesse Eisenberg, James Franco), someone had to suffer. But if we're being honest, it's Jeff Bridges, not Gosling, who doesn't belong here.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Lesley Manville, "Another Year"

Another victim of category confusion (and, most likely, a lack of viewership for her film), gifted Brit Lesely Manville ended up empy handed Tuesday morning, despite being an ongoing part of the awards season discussion, If you ask me, hers is a supporting role -- the self-destructive and socially inept pity case in Mike Leigh's rich and lovely dramedy "Another Year." The film landed a well-deserved screenplay nom for Leigh, but Manville, who often steals the show and whose damaged face is the last haunting image the movie delivers, had to settle for a trophy from the National Board of Review and a BAFTA nomination.


BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Andrew Garfield, "The Social Network"

The most egregious snub this year is by far and away the dismissal of Andrew Garfield's phenomenal work in "The Social Network," the year's best film. As the movie's emotional center, Garfield catapults himself into the realm of an in-high-demand Hollywood performer, delivering a performance that's every bit as effective as that of nominated co-star Jesse Eisenberg. His climactic outburst is among 2010's most arresting emotional turning points, and it's largely due to the rising star's tack-sharp actorly instincts. No supporting actor field this year should be without him, especially the preeminent one.

To read the full list of Oscar nominees, visit http://www.oscar.com/.

STUDIO NEWS: 20th Century Fox announces 2011 release schedule

Major studio 20th Century Fox lines up its 2011 releases. All release dates are subject to change.

Compiled by R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Comedy
Release: Feb. 18
Director: John Whitesell
Producers: David Friendly, Michael Green
Screenplay by: Matthew Fogel, based on characters created by Darryl Quarles
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson

Big Momma is back – and this time he has big backup: his teenage stepson Trent (Brendan T. Jackson). Martin Lawrence returns as FBI agent Malcolm Turner and as Turner’s deep-cover alter-ego Big Momma. Turner is joined by Trent, as they go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder. Posing as Big Momma and as hefty coed Charmaine, they must find the murderer before he finds them.


DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES
Comedy
Release: March 25
Director: David Bowers
Screenplay by: Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah, based upon the book by Jeff Kinney
Producers: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson
Cast: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Devon Bostick, and Steve Zahn

In this sequel to 2010’s surprise hit, Greg Heffley, the kid who made “wimpy” cool is back in an all-new family comedy based on the best-selling follow-up novel by Jeff Kinney. (Kinney’s Wimpy Kid” series has thus far sold 42 million books.) As he begins seventh grade, Greg and his older brother – and chief tormentor – Rodrick must deal with their parents’ misguided attempts to have them bond.

RIO
3-D Digital Animation – Comedy
Release: April 15
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Producer: Bruce Anderson
Voice cast: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, will.i.am, Rodrigo Santoro, Jane Lynch, and Jamie Foxx

From the makers of the hit ICE AGE series comes RIO, a comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side. Blu is a domesticated Macaw who never learned to fly, living a comfortable life with his owner and best friend Linda in the small town of Moose Lake, Minnesota. Blu and Linda think he’s the last of his kind, but when they learn about another Macaw who lives in Rio de Janeiro, they head to the faraway and exotic land to find Jewel, Blu’s female counterpart. Not long after they arrive, Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by a group of bungling animal smugglers. With the help of street smart Jewel, and a group of wise-cracking and smooth-talking city birds, Blu escapes. Now, with his new friends by his side, Blu will have to find the courage to learn to fly, thwart the kidnappers who are hot on their trail, and return to Linda, the best friend a bird ever had.


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Drama
Release: April 22
Director: Francis Lawrence
Screenplay by: Richard LaGravenese, based on the novel “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen
Producers: Erwin Stoff, Gil Netter, Andrew Tennenbaum
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz

Based on the acclaimed bestseller, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS presents an unexpected romance in a uniquely compelling setting. Veterinary school student Jacob meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds -- including the wrath of Marlena's charismatic but dangerous husband, August -- Jacob and Marlena find lifelong love.

X-MEN FIRST CLASS
Action-adventure
Release: June 3
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Written by: TBD, based on a story by Bryan Singer
Produced by: Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Oliver Platt, and Kevin Bacon

X-MEN FIRST CLASS charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Not archenemies, they were instead at first the closest of friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to prevent nuclear Armageddon. In the process, a grave rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.


MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS
Family comedy
Release: June 17
Director: Mark Waters
Screenplay by: TBD, based upon the book by Richard & Florence Atwater
Producer: John Davis
Cast: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, and Angela Lansbury

In this family comedy, Jim Carrey is Mr. Popper, a driven businessman who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life – until he inherits six penguins. Popper’s penguins turn his swank New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland – and the rest of his life upside-down. Filmed on a refrigerated soundstage with real Emperor Penguins, MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS is a contemporary adaptation of the classic book.

THE SITTER
Comedy
Release: Aug. 5
Director: David Gordon Green
Written by: TBD
Producer: Michael De Luca
Cast: Jonah Hill, and Sam Rockwell

Jonah Hill is the world's worst baby sitter. But this time, THE SITTER has met his match in three manipulative brats. When a shady endeavor he finds himself in goes bad, The Sitter and the malevolent youngsters embark on a wild chase through Manhattan.


MONTE CARLO
Comedy-Romance
Release: Aug. 12
Director: Tom Bezucha
Screenplay by: Thomas Bezucha & April Blair & Maria Maggenti; Screen story by: Kelly Bowe, based on the novel “Headhunters” by Jules Bass
Producers: Nicole Kidman, Rick Schwartz, Denise DiNovi, Alison Greenspan, Arnon Milchan
Cast: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy, Cory Monteith, Andie MacDowell

Three graduates (Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy) fulfill their dreams of vacationing in Paris. They accidentally find themselves in a lavish world, where they live like royalty and experience romance. But at the end of their journey, they discover the true magic of friendship.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?
Sexy Comedy
Release: Sept. 30
Director- Mark Mylod
Screenplay by: Gabrielle Allan and Jennifer Crittenden, based on the novel “20 Times a Lady” by Karyn Bosnak
Producers: Tripp Vinson, Beau Flynn
Cast: Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Zachary Quinto, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Martin Freeman

Ally Darling (Anna Faris) panics after reading a magazine article that insists if you’ve slept with 20 people, you’ve missed Mr. Right. Her hunky new neighbor (Chris Evans) helps Ally track down her exes, while she helps him escape his!


THE BIG YEAR
Comedy
Release: Oct. 14
Director: David Frankel
Screenplay by Howard Franklin, inspired by the book by Mark Obmascik
Producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Ben Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld, Curtis Hanson, Carol Fenelon
Cast: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson

In this comedy for grown-ups, Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson portray three men who couldn’t be more different. The one thing they share is an uncommon passion for and competitiveness about …bird watching. In the biggest competition of their biggest year, they undertake an unforgettable trek through North America. Directed by David Frankel (“Marley and Me,” “The Devil Wears Prada”).

NOW
Thriller
Release: Oct. 28
Written and directed by: Andrew Niccol
Producers: Eric Newman, Marc Abraham
Cast: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Galecki

Welcome to a world where time has become the ultimate currency. You stop aging at 25, but there’s a catch: you’re genetically-engineered to live only one more year, unless you can buy your way out of it. The rich “earn” decades at a time (remaining at age 25), becoming essentially immortal, while the rest beg, borrow or steal enough hours to make it through the day. When a man from the wrong side of the tracks is falsely accused of murder, he is forced to go on the run with a beautiful hostage. Living minute to minute, the duo’s love becomes a powerful tool in their war against the system.


RISE OF THE APES
Science-Fiction / Science-Fact
Release: Nov. 23
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Written by: Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver
Producers: Peter Chernin, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Andy Serkis, Tom Felton

An origin story in the true sense of the word, RISE OF THE APES is set in present day San Francisco. The film is a reality-based cautionary tale -- a science fiction/science-fact blend where mankind’s hubris leads to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. Oscar®-winning visual effects house WETA Digital – employing certain of the groundbreaking technologies developed for “Avatar” – will render, for the first time ever in the film series, photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED
Animated comedy-adventure
Release: Dec. 16
Director: Mike Mitchell
Written by: Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger, based on the characters Alvin and The Chipmunks created by Ross Bagdasarian and The Chipettes created by Janice Karman
Producers: Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian
Cast: Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate

On vacation aboard a luxury cruise ship, Alvin, Simon, Theodore and the Chipettes are up to their usual antics, turning the ship into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a desert island. As Dave Seville frantically searches for his AWOL charges, the ‘Munks and Chipettes do what they do best – sing, dance and wreak havoc. But they’re in for the biggest surprises and lessons of their lives when they embark on an island adventure with their new friend – a castaway who’s more than a match for Alvin and the Chipmunks.


WE BOUGHT A ZOO
Drama
Release: Dec. 23
Director: Cameron Crowe
Screenplay by: TBD, based on the book “We Bought a Zoo” by Benjamin Mee
Cast: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson

Acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (“Jerry Maguire”) directs a story about finding joy, the power of family, and the triumph of hope. A widowed father buys a dilapidated zoo in hopes of making a fresh start. While facing enormous odds to keep the zoo open, he must find the courage to recommit to his children and to their new life together. Based on a true story.

HOME VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: 'Mother and Child,' 'Catfish' and 'The Social Network'

The dish on recently released films worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic


CATFISH

You heard about this one. It's the documentary that might not be a documentary at all, and the thriller you shouldn't say anything about lest you spoil the twists. Well, I can say that its shielded plot should be a lesson for all films, as the lack of prior knowledge doesn't make the movie any more than a minimal stunner, but it does, naturally, make the narrative more engaging. Wouldn't all movies be better if we saw none of the details or revelations coming? "Catfish" is more proud of itself than it should be, and its ambiguous authenticity puts a damper on its desired effect. But is it worth checking out? Absolutely. It feels like both a son of "Blair Witch" and a progenitor of a potential new genre.






MOTHER AND CHILD

Consider this an addition to both your must-see list and mine. One of my most regrettable missed-its of 2010, this maternal drama features the combined acting talents of Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington, with sideline support from Jimmy Smits and Samuel L. Jackson. Best of all, it's written and directed by deeply intuitive female-friendly filmmaker Rodrigo Garcia. He's the gifted man behind "Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her" and "Nine Lives," an extraordinary assemblage of single-take vignettes that I'm constantly recommending to friends and colleagues. I will rent his latest; you should, too.







THE SOCIAL NETWORK

What more do I need to say about this movie that I haven't already said? It's the best picture of the year and, quite possibly, one of the best pictures of the next 10.

See it. Right now. Go.

TRAILER PARK: The Lincoln Lawyer, Water for Elephants and Paul

Behold! The latest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming flicks.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

A colleague brought this movie to my attention, so excited was he over the abundance of starry names in the cast. Funny, isn't it, how we always get a tinge of excitement when the names of known actors fire at the screen like rubber stamps? This very procedural-looking legal/crime thriller has: Matthew McConaughey! Ryan Phillippe! John Leguizamo! Josh Lucas! Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei! Academy Award nominee William H. Macy! and Michael Pena! I love the Oscar citations, as if they make any difference in this case. At most, I'm intrigued by the McConaughey-Phillippe match-up -- it's always fun to see popular actors square off.




WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

This looks like a truly beautiful movie, and one in which the "Academy Award" cast labels do indeed hold water, if you'll forgive the pun. Christoph "Inglourious" Waltz returns from winning 1,000 trophies last year to play a circus ring leader, and whether that's brilliant casting or type-casting, I'm sold. Reese Witherspoon continues her comeback as perhaps the most gorgeous circus performer to be caught on celluloid. Hal Holbrook is back for more reminiscing, Oscar shaftee Paul Schneider ("Bright Star") has a bit part, and thtn there's RPattz as Holbrook's younger self. Doesn't Pattinson seem infinitely more appealing in this film? What a difference some color in the cheeks makes.




PAUL

Unlike the general public, I'm not cuckoo for the cinematic collabos of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost ("Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz"). But, then, the general public and I have never really seen eye to eye. This flick, about a he's-just-like-us alien (Seth Rogen) who hooks up with the Brit duo at Area 51, looks kinda charming, and at least rainy-Sunday-afternoon funny. It helps big-time that the cast features Kristen Wiig, who proved invaluable in last year's "MacGruber." This is HIGH concept stuff. Will it be highly entertaining?