Extraordinary lives rarely make for extraordinary movies, and Justin Chadwick’s “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” — a hefty biopic of South Africa’s first democratically elected president — is no exception. Guy Lodge discusses why.
Review: Idris Elba is a miscast Mandela in steady but stodgy 'Long Walk to Freedom'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 12:25 pm · November 29th, 2013
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: Ken Loach to be honored at Berlinale
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:27 am · November 29th, 2013
In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, veteran British social-realist filmmaker Ken Loach will receive the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at next year’s Berlin Film Festival. Elsewhere, a critic wonders if Disney is at war with its own image.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Tell us what you thought of 'Frozen'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 9:10 am · November 28th, 2013
Disney’s throwback adaptation of “The Snow Queen” opens today, and has largely thawed the hearts of critics — but do you think it’s up to scratch? Share you thoughts, and vote in our poll.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: Is it time for the animated Oscar to grow up?
Posted by Guy Lodge · 5:00 am · November 28th, 2013
In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, a writer wonders if the Best Animated Feature competition between perceived frontrunners “Frozen” and “The Wind Rises” presents the kid-focused category with a chance to come of age. Meanwhile, “The Wolf of Wall Street” gets a running time and dodges the NC-17 bullet.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
The Long Shot: Independents' day
Posted by Guy Lodge · 2:52 pm · November 27th, 2013
Yesterday’s Independent Spirit Award nominations featured a number of films firmly in the hunt for Oscar glory — a crossover that has become standard in recent years. In his weekly awards column, Guy Lodge wonders if other independent cinema is getting short-changed.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
From 'Best Man Holiday' to 'The Butler,' BFCA hails a banner year for black film
Posted by Guy Lodge · 8:47 am · November 27th, 2013
It’s widely acknowledged that 2013 has been an exceptional year for black filmmakers and black-themed films, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association is acknowledging that with a “Celebration of Black Cinema” evening on January 7.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: Golden Globes won't be seduced by Johansson's voice in 'Her'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:27 am · November 27th, 2013
In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, Scarlett Johansson’s awards campaign for her voice work in ‘Her’ hits a bump as she’s ruled ineligible for the Golden Globes. Meanwhile, did you know about the uinmade ‘Mary Poppins’ sequel?
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
PGA surprises with documentary nominees, but Alex Gibney makes the cut
Posted by Guy Lodge · 6:00 pm · November 26th, 2013
Unlike many other guilds, the Producers’ Guild of America doesn’t regularly match the Oscars, and this year’s nominees are a particularly unexpected bunch. Alex Gibney’s WikiLeaks doc “We Steal Secrets” is among the contenders.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
'Spring Breakers,' 'Short Term 12' and 'Mud' lead 2014 Spirit Awards snubs and surprises
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:30 pm · November 26th, 2013
HitFix’s Gregory Ellwood and Guy Lodge run down the snubs and surprises after Film Independent announced the 2014 Independent Spirit Awards this morning.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
James Franco among nominees for Cinema Eye's Heterodox Award
Posted by Guy Lodge · 7:47 am · November 26th, 2013
The Cinema Eye Honors for documentary filmmaking have announced the five nominees for their Heterodox Award for narrative films that incorporate documentary elements. Among the nominees are James Franco and Travis Matthews’ “Interior. Leather Bar.”
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: NYT's short film project, starring Oprah, Cate Blanchett and more
Posted by Guy Lodge · 2:40 am · November 26th, 2013
In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, Oprah Winfrey, Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper are among the stars participating in the New York Times’ short film series directed by Janusz Kaminski. Meanwhile, are animals really being harmed on movie sets?
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Sandra Bullock (who else?) is EW's Entertainer of the Year
Posted by Guy Lodge · 12:55 pm · November 25th, 2013
Off the back of her contrasting performances in hit films “The Heat” and “Gravity,” Sandra Bullock has been named Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainer of the Year — making her the first two-time recipient of the honor. Is a second Oscar also in the offing?
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Oscar hopefuls 'The Grandmaster' and 'Ilo Ilo' rule Asia's Golden Horse Awards
Posted by Guy Lodge · 10:22 am · November 25th, 2013
Ang Lee presided of the jury of this year’s Golden Horse Awards, the Oscars of the Chinese-speaking film industry. And while Wong Kar-wai’s blockbuster “The Grandmaster” took a leading six awards, it was Singapore’s intimate Oscar entry “Ilo Ilo” that beat it to the top prize.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: Is 'Dallas Buyers Club' the film equivalent of Macklemore?
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:12 am · November 25th, 2013
In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, a critic takes issue with “Dallas Buyers Club” for providing a what he describes as a demeaning, straight-oriented view of the AIDS crisis. Meanwhile, what future awaits the two versions of “Nymphomaniac?”
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Tell us what you thought of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:44 pm · November 22nd, 2013
Critical consensus is that the second instalment in the teen fantasy franchise is an improvement on the first — but do you agree? Share your thoughts with us here.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
As Palm Springs honors Julia Roberts, why she's the MVP in 'August: Osage County'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 11:30 am · November 22nd, 2013
The Palm Springs Film Festival is honouring “August: Osage County” star Julia Roberts with their Spotlight Award, traditionally presented to supporting standouts — but here’s why she’s not just a co-lead in the film, but its standout player.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Don't say you weren't warned: 'Nymphomaniac' debuts highly NSFW trailer
Posted by Guy Lodge · 8:45 am · November 22nd, 2013
The new trailer for Lars von Trier’s eagerly awaited sex epic was designed to generate maximum chatter, and it’s doing its job. Check it out here.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Roundup: Jason Statham calls for stunt Oscars
Posted by Guy Lodge · 2:01 am · November 22nd, 2013
In today’s roundup on notable online news and news, British action man Jason Statham thinks it’s a “farce” that there’s no Oscar category for stunt artists. Meanwhile, the Cannes Film Festival wants Lars von Trier back — to the surprise of no one.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
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