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Q: Why Did Amelia Earhart disappear in 1937?
A: To avoid being embarrassed by the movie about her 72 years later.Q: Can three horrible fake accents equal one irredeemable movie?
A: You bet ya.Q: What’s the difference between Amelia and two hours of uninterrupted sleep?
A: The latter is uninterrupted.
From David Poland’s skewering of “Amelia” following a screening this evening. I’ll dig into the film in Friday’s Oscar Talk, but the only movie I’ve seen this year that is worse is “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li.”
59 responses so far
1 10-21-2009 at 11:56 pm
Sound Designer Dan said...
Even worse than Transformers 2? Wow. Just wow.
2 10-22-2009 at 12:41 am
Guy Lodge said...
Ouch. That said, the film always looked like a worry to me. I like Mira Nair when she’s in her comfort zone of small-scale, ethnically-focused storytelling, but I don’t think she’s equipped for this kind of larger-budget prestige filmmaking. The calamitous “Vanity Fair” was a huge flashing red light.
3 10-22-2009 at 12:48 am
Gregel said...
Come on Kris, it’s 2 1/2 , 3 star movie. It is nowhere near that bad. It’s like you guys are just hating to hate.
4 10-22-2009 at 12:49 am
Aaron said...
seriously, is it THAT bad?
5 10-22-2009 at 12:51 am
Brian said...
Mira Nair always bad mouths movies like this and Vanity Fair before doing them, and then again when she does smaller (and for her, much better) things.
The crazy quiet release had all kinds of alarm bells going.
6 10-22-2009 at 1:01 am
The Other James D. said...
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
7 10-22-2009 at 1:05 am
Ali E. said...
I don’t think Mira Nair is equipped for any kind of movie. Who did really expect a good film to come out of this when Nair was directing?
8 10-22-2009 at 3:21 am
Glenn said...
Gregel, have you seen it? A LOT of people are saying it is a giant disaster and the fact that the media screenings happened so last minute is always a sign that the studio knows they have trouble.
9 10-22-2009 at 3:39 am
Alex said...
How come THR liked it? Surely it can’t be totally atrocious.
Would you classify it as this year’s Australia (I liked that movie and thought it was quite misunderstood) in terms of its reception?
10 10-22-2009 at 3:51 am
Guy Lodge said...
“I don’t think Mira Nair is equipped for any kind of movie.”
Come now. “Salaam Bombay,” “Monsoon Wedding,” “The Namesake” … you might not like the films, but she has skills.
11 10-22-2009 at 4:04 am
The Other James D. said...
Alex: I’m sure that because you want it to be good, you will feel that way.
12 10-22-2009 at 4:10 am
Alex said...
I’ve been weary of the project ever since Mira Nair got on board. I forget who was initially signed on to direct it but I was more excited for that version.
I’m just wondering how Justin Chang can tear the film to shreds in variety and THR can give it a positive review (since it appears to be objectively bad).
Australia is a different story – it was a postmodern, ironic genre pastiche sold as an Australian ‘Gone With The Wind’. Amelia seems inept.
13 10-22-2009 at 4:13 am
Guy Lodge said...
I’m sorry, but even with the most unanimously panned of films, there is no such thing as “objectively bad.”
14 10-22-2009 at 4:15 am
Alex said...
Guy: You’re right. Manohla Dargis will always find a way to like it.
15 10-22-2009 at 5:54 am
Zac said...
Ebert liked it. 3 stars.
16 10-22-2009 at 5:55 am
The Other James D. said...
Haha. That amuses me, because he used her review of Gran Torino to defend himself when under attacks for liking it. “Well, if Dargis loved it, I must be getting something right.” Unfortunately, he failed to realize every critic is allowed to misinterpret a guilty pleasure as a well-structured film and not the hot mess it is; and that’s why I have a soft spot for BASEketball.
17 10-22-2009 at 5:56 am
The Other James D. said...
Sorry, he = some douche @ GoldDerbyForums.
And Zac, Ebert likes just about everything. Almost everything gets a free pass, no matter how cliche and uninspired it is (see: North Country).
18 10-22-2009 at 5:57 am
Chase K. said...
“It’s better than Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li!”
– Incontention.com
19 10-22-2009 at 6:12 am
Liz said...
Kris, how was Christopher Eccleston as Fred Noonan? Most of the reviews I’ve read said that he’s the only one who gives an even remotely good performance, and I think he’s a rather underappreciated actor.
20 10-22-2009 at 6:14 am
James D. said...
I am so happy to hear that, Kris. I try to see all serious award movies, but I think I will be skipping this one.
21 10-22-2009 at 6:25 am
red_wine said...
Mira Nair is a more than capable director. She was offered Harry Potter 5 but passed. And on Amelia, she was a replacement, a director for hire. The project wasn’t her brainchild like Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake. I hope this doesn’t wreck her career. There’s only so many chances a niche woman director will get to direct mainstream Hollywood movies. But regardless, I love Nair. She should revive her shelved Shantaram project with Depp.
22 10-22-2009 at 6:59 am
Alex said...
Ebert gave Knowing 4/4. Enough said.
I don’t think Shantaram will get off the ground with Nair. Peter Weir was a perfect fit but he’s off it. The only directors who could a studio’s confidence to film it properly would be Danny Boyle, Alfonso Cuaron or Fernando Meirelles (maybe), or perhaps Katherine Bigelow.
23 10-22-2009 at 7:10 am
Ryan said...
“Ebert gave Knowing 4/4. Enough said.”
Haven’t seen the movie so I can’t comment on that, but this comment is a bit unfair (and lazy). I bet if you look at EVERY critic’s list of reviews you will find an anomaly (or a bunch).
24 10-22-2009 at 7:12 am
Baxter said...
I had no interest in seeing this movie before all these reviews, but now I have to see it. Maybe this is all just a marketing ploy?
Also, remember when Amelia was all over this site’s predictions a couple months ago? Even then, it seemed like a bad call…
25 10-22-2009 at 7:23 am
Alex said...
I recommend you see Knowing. I, Robot is certainly a few notches above it if that’s any indication of its caliber. Or how the mighty have fallen.
Emanuel Levy’s review is up: http://emanuellevy.com/reviews/details.cfm?id=14686 . He’s normally spot-on.
26 10-22-2009 at 8:05 am
Kristopher Tapley said...
Gregel: I wanted to like the film. Please don’t make unnecessary generalizations. I thought it was dreadful.
27 10-22-2009 at 8:44 am
Eric said...
Yeah, that is obvious, Kris.
As Baxter already pointed out, your faith in this film as a contender for various major categories was very premature, a tad strange, and lacked professional eye.
Amelia as a subject has been done too many times already, and seemed like a leaden proposition fromt he start. Yet another high-profile biopic (haven’t we had enough of them by now), yet another iconic character there’s nothing left to say about. Were they at least going to explore her sexuality from a more daring perspective?
Not likely, since this was an expensive mainstream vehicle. Anyone could see that.
On top of that, pairing Richard Gere with Hilary Swank is as promising and exciting as casting Richard Gere with Jodie Foster.
I love Foster & Swank, but neither Gere nor those two ladies have the chops nor the sense to make it work.
The only chance a film of this proportion would have had was with a more perceptive director, say Jane Campion. Mair delivered us Vanity Fair – equally big, equally messy.
Anyway. glad to see Swank is finally off that list.
Oh, and Marion C will get nominated for Nine – best actress. It’s as obvious as Amelia’s fate was predictable.
28 10-22-2009 at 9:24 am
Kevin said...
Yikes, so Kris even liked Transformers 2, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Terminator Salvation more than Amelia. This thing must be a complete and total disaster to warrant that kind of statement.
29 10-22-2009 at 9:56 am
Ben M. said...
I agree with you that Street Fighter is the worst film of the year (when I saw that I was pretty certain right away that it would be the worst film I would see all year) and aside from Hollywood Reporter, there seems to be some much bad word on the film I wonder if it isn’t even a razzie contender.
30 10-22-2009 at 10:17 am
Matt T said...
…Why did you see Street Fighter?
31 10-22-2009 at 10:34 am
Robert Hamer said...
I had a feeling this was going to be a stinker, but I seriously doubt it’s as retarded as Terminator Salvation.
32 10-22-2009 at 10:50 am
Loyal said...
It’s nowhere near the worst film of 2009, I don’t think anyone can say that with a straight face.
But it is boring and lazy, which is still pretty bad.
33 10-22-2009 at 11:11 am
"Julianstark" said...
Not looking forward to this one anymore
34 10-22-2009 at 11:18 am
Joel said...
Was never looking forward to this. But now I am. lol. Also seeing it for extra credit points for my class.
35 10-22-2009 at 12:09 pm
AmericanRequiem said...
casualty number 1, everyone saw this coming, lets be honest
36 10-22-2009 at 12:12 pm
Michael said...
this movie looked FAIL from the first preview
37 10-22-2009 at 1:06 pm
head_wizard said...
This better than expected I really didn’t want to see this it looked terrible and now I am free of it!
38 10-22-2009 at 1:12 pm
Gregel said...
http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/amelia?tag=topslot;title;1
That is not the worst movie of the year. Or worst than “Street Fighter” (and obviously you missed “New in Town”).
Kris, my point is that it is easy to rip on a movie when there are high expectations and blood is in the water because they haven’t shown it. Perhaps it was the subject matter? My still going strong Great Aunt was a military pilot in WWII and Amelia inspired her. There were numerous elements in this movie I had no idea about. Maybe that appealed to me? I dunno, but to throw the entire movie away is just ridiculous. And to rip Swank’s performance of having no value or shading is even worse. I’m not saying it’s above the quality of an HBO movie, but come on.
39 10-22-2009 at 1:14 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Eric: What are you talking about? Lacked professional eye? That makes no sense. It wasn’t faith. It was, truth be told, a lack of real faith in anything else (which changed the moment some other things started to show up).
It’s ignorant comments like yours that make running a site like this such a chore. I’d love to see you go on the record as early as people like me and slug it out of the park every time.
By the way, for those paying attention, Amelia was nixed from the Best Picture list a few weeks ago, while it hasn’t “been all over this site’s predictions” in a number of months. For at least two weeks, it has only found a place in the cinematography field, because I heard early that aerial footage was impressive. Even now, I expect to toss that one out too, though Gabriel Yared’s score is still a longshot possibility.
I’ve been tracking reaction to this forever. Word from the studio that it wasn’t an awards film, thoughts from colleagues who saw it early to get an idea of what Searchlight was working with, etc. It’s a process. It’s not divine knowledge. This is my job. If you can do it better, do it. I doubt you’ll last a week.
40 10-22-2009 at 1:15 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Gregel: Agree with me or disagree. I don’t really care, that’s your right. But don’t tell me how I feel (or should feel) about a movie. If nothing else, I’m always honest with my opinions. This thing was poorly conceived on every level. And just because there might have been some story particulars that were interesting or new to you doesn’t mean they were handled in a skillful fashion.
41 10-22-2009 at 1:21 pm
Chase K. said...
I support you, Kris… (pat on back)…(shoulder rub)…
42 10-22-2009 at 1:31 pm
Lance said...
Lots of angry postings on this site.
43 10-22-2009 at 1:35 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Lots? Ugh. You’re right, Lance. All emotion will be removed from here on out. Anyone with an uneducated or pointlessly antagonistic thing to say, have at it. This is a sandbox or it is a forum for discussion. Your choice.
44 10-22-2009 at 1:41 pm
Gregel said...
Kris,
I’m not telling you not telling you how to feel. Where did that come from? I’m just saying step back and gain some perspective. Shoot, I think Million Dollar Baby is one of the worst Best Picture winners of the decade, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see quality in it compared to some of Eastwood’s other films.
45 10-22-2009 at 1:41 pm
Loyal said...
Damn you Amelia, you’re tearing us apart.
I hope you funnel this anger into Oscar Talk Kristopher.
46 10-22-2009 at 2:44 pm
Patryk said...
Glad to wipe this one off my slate. I look to this site for a heads up on films I ought not miss, and for ones I would like to avoid. Thanks Kris and Guy.
47 10-22-2009 at 2:54 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Gregel: Telling me to step back and gain perspective is telling me, essentially, that I don’t believe what I believe. I’ve been doing this long enough to know how to gain perspective, thank you.
48 10-22-2009 at 3:07 pm
Frank Lee said...
My prediction: “The Lovely Bones” will be a complete turkey as well. Kris, have you or has anyone seen the new Sandra Bullock movie (the one about the football player foster child)? The trailer looks pretty good for such a manipulative story. No one is talking about Bullock for an Oscar nomination, but if the film is a hit, maybe. Then again, if no one has seen the movie, maybe there’s a reason for that.
49 10-22-2009 at 3:10 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
I haven’t been following that actually. I should find out what’s what.
50 10-22-2009 at 3:46 pm
Alex said...
Amy Adams for best supporting actress for Night at the Museum 2!
51 10-22-2009 at 3:50 pm
Baxter said...
I didn’t mean to start anything up with my comment earlier. I wasn’t trying to take a jab at the site; I just always like seeing every year how the season changes, and how our expectations and opinions of certain films so quickly shift.
The reason I don’t even think about predictions early on is because usually until this point of the year, all one can do is point out which already-known-about-and-hyped movies they think won’t end up making the cut. But if you have to make predictions in the summer, you don’t have much else to put down other than something like Amelia. Like I said, even then it didn’t seem like a great call, but what else are you going to predict? This was before we knew much about A Serious Man, Up in the Air, or An Education (or had even heard of A Single Man, if I remember correctly), and Amelia was a baity biopic to be regarded with a wary eye.
52 10-22-2009 at 3:51 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Baxter: FWIW, I have no problem with what you wrote.
53 10-22-2009 at 10:03 pm
Georgie said...
Someone mentioned Marion Cotillard, and after hearing the songs from the musical (and knowing that they wrote another song for her character) I definitely think she’ll get a nomination, even for Best Actress instead of Supporting.
But wow, I didn’t think it would be that bad.
54 10-23-2009 at 12:44 am
Glenn said...
Gregel, bringing up other critics (or a site like Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes) as evidence for a point is the weakest and the silliest thing to do. So other critics like it more? What does that prove to Kris? If everybody had the exact same opinion (and, let’s be honest, many have very similar feelings about this film as Kris does) then what would be the point?
Kris thought it was one the worst movies of the year, you didn’t. He’s not going to give you a lecture on why your favourite movie of the year is the wrong choice, is he? How about you step back from it and realise just because your great aunt was inspired by the woman doesn’t make it a good MOVIE.
gah! Who cares if he didn’t see “New in Town”?
Some people…
55 10-23-2009 at 4:13 am
Eric said...
‘It’s ignorant comments like yours that make running a site like this such a chore.’
Kris: that’s a bit rich, don’t you think? Have you ever considered that your comments might be a chore to read, to get to the good stuff (i.e. Guy Lodge). And I don’t mean your articles, but your general attitude in the comment section, where you are lecturing people left and right.
As long as I’ve been reading this site (I started commenting just very recently), you have been smug and patronising to comments you didn’t like.
‘This is my job. If you can do it better, do it. I doubt you’ll last a week.’
With regard to that aggressive statement: I might not do a better job (although I just may – funny that you haven’t addressed any of the points I was making. Anyone could see that Amelia was not what you hoped it would be, *from the very beginning*, for the reasons named above).
Regardless of the quality of my predictions, I would certainly run my site with less smugness.
56 10-23-2009 at 8:13 am
Kristopher Tapley said...
Then please, go do so. I think my work and my capacity to properly track the awards season has spoken for itself this decade, Eric.
Regarding your “points,” it’s not that “anyone could have seen” anything. You think I had a blindspot to the troubles? As I mentioned in my response, there was word FROM THE STUDIO that this wasn’t an Oscar film. The film has been slowly falling off my charts for weeks. I’m not sure what else I could have done and, frankly, it certainly hasn’t been totally absent from other prognosticators’ guesses.
Please, make an actual point, but don’t stand on the sidelines and go nah-nah-nah-boo-boo when you had no knowledge base on the film or what was going on behind the scenes other than a trailer that was actually pretty good and made a few people (myself not included, mind you) think the film could turn the corner.
You also seem to think that I “hoped” the film would be something it isn’t. I never felt one way or the other about “Amelia.” It only ever seemed like an Oscar prestige pic that might miss but could make it if handled well enough. That’s hardly a “lack of professional eye” (talk about smug).
And sorry if my comments rub you the wrong way. Infantile silliness rubs ME the wrong way and I’m not shy about confronting people on it. Never have been.
Onward…
57 10-23-2009 at 8:45 am
Hans said...
Alex: YES! Despite NATM:BOTS being a dreadful movie, I said months ago that Hillary Swank better knock her performance of Amelia out of the ballpark to merit a nomination over Amy Adams’. Yes, it’s campy to the nth degree, but it sure kept me entertained and shone vigorously among the crap that was the rest of the movie.
58 10-23-2009 at 9:57 am
JFK said...
Sorry to hear about Amelia, I was looking forward to it.
I’ve had the opportunity to see “A Single Man” while in Chicago this week and loved it–Firth should get a nomination, if the film can pick-up steam.
On the contrary, I really did not enjoy “A Serious Man,” I am curious to go back and read all that was said about it, but to me, it was an unfinished piece and I found myself irritated with nearly every facet of the film.
59 10-23-2009 at 2:17 pm
Matthew said...
Wow. People are angry on here. Anyways, the movie looked like shit from the trailers. Oh and please don’t go looking into that Sandra Bullock movie. I’m suggesting this because, frankly, it looks like one of the most racist pieces of filmmaking since… Well, since “Transformers 2″ I suppose.