p w v _.__ - 10B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend M azine - Thursday, March 21, 2002 The Michigan Daily - Weekeid Magi 'Shrek' w'i victoriou By Ryan Blay Daily TV/New Media Editor Let's get one thing straight right away, there is no way in hell that Nickelodeon's "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" will take home this Oscar. In fact, even if it did actually merit some consideration (which it doesn't), it should be disqualified simply due to screenplay author Steve Oedekerk's involvement with "Patch Adams" and "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist," arguably the year's poorest film. So what this category really comes down to is "Shrek" vs. "Monster's Inc.," DreamWorks vs. Pixar. These two films were both outstanding, with "Shrek" opening in May while "Monsters, Inc." entered the race in November. Both took home over $250 million in the U.S. Critics and moviegoers alike reacted well to each film. Ilemerge s Sunday Here's a quick recap for those who have forgotten Shrek (it has been 10 months, after all) or don't have the spectacular DVD. Shrek (the voice of Mike Myers, the best casting decision this year) is an ugly green ogre. With the help of a don- key voiced by Eddie Murphy, he risks his life to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon and the evil Lord Farquaad. The film contains numerous jokes about fairy tale characters (including a classic scene with the Gingerbread Man) and Farquaad's "compensating" for something with his huge castle (a joke which young kids would never get, but a clever line for the adults and psychology majors in the audi- ence). As the audience gets a typical cartoon lesson (beauty is on the inside), the constant comedy of Murphy and company keeps the film from degenerating into a stale Disney retread. One of the only things holding this film back is its use of the Baha Men and Smash Mouth's "All Star" (this isn't "Mys- tery Men," guys, pick a fresh song). By Jeff Dickerson Daily Arts Editor Connelly favorite among supporting actresses uuriesyo Sulley and Watemoose planning to beat up Jimmy Neutron after the show. As for Monsters Inc., James P. "Sul- ley" Sullivan (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) work at the titular company, which produces power by the shrieks of terrified little boys and girls. Sulley is the No. 1 pro- ducer of power, and Mike is his friend and assistant. But a little girl acci- dentally wanders into the mon- ster [ - 4 pk U R Enjoy an oboe recital of 20th century music withr electronic accompaniment on Saturday March 23rd featuring: Kate Eakin Show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5, $3for students, with proceeds benefiting the Ann Arbor Hunger Coalition D NV Sunday evening Jazz Mass at 5p.m. Alternative worshio featurina live music by Stephen Rush and Quartex world, scaring Sulley and Mike (chil- dren are considered a contaminant). As they try to nudge the adorable Boo back into the human world, they grow attached to her, and slowly discover that all is not well at the power plant. Pixar managed to create another blockbuster, following the "Toy Story" series and "A Bug's Life." Although the film did scare a few young children in theaters, there is nothing objectionable in the film to kids or adults. And if you really need another reason to give "Monster's, Inc." the award, then here's two words; Steve Buscemi. Shamelessly overlooked for his capti- vating role in "Ghost World," Buscemi (along with Frank Oz and John Ratzenberger) voices a character in this fine film. This battle between two heavy- weights mirrors that of "A Beautiful Mind" vs. "Lord of the Rings," two films which could easily take home the Oscar with few strong objections. In a tough decision, "Shrek" should win. It had more laughs, and the sup- porting characters were fleshed out slightly better. But if the Academy dif- fers, I won't object. However, because of the Pixar name, the later release date, and the presence of former Oscars host Crystal, "Monsters, Inc." will most likely snare the prize. Supporting Actor and Actress cat- egories often provide some of the more surprising winners in the rather mundane and pompous exhi- bition that is the Academy Awards. Last year's winner Marcia Gay Harden ("Pollock") was an Oscar shocker, as most analysts predicted either Frances McDormand or Goldie Hawn wannabe Kate Hudson to win for their work in "Almost Famous." All of the candidates this year have been previously nominated for an Academy Award, aside from Jen- nifer Connelly of "A Beautiful Mind". The contest this year may seem competitive, but in compari- son to other categories, the race for Best Supporting Actress is rather lopsided. Connelly is without ques- tion the leading candidate in this category, having picked up the Golden Globe forA Best Dramatic Actress in a votes between the two. Arguably Smith is the more memorable char- acter as the snotty Constance, Countess of Trentham. Her role is primarily for laughter and general mirth, while Mirren as Mrs. Jane Wilson is one of the few non- comedic characters in "Gosford Park." Smith is nominated for the sixth time; the veteran English actress has won twice, for 1969's "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and 1978's "California Suite." This is Mirren's second nomination, hav- ing been previously nominated for her role as Queen Charlotte in 1994's "The Madness of King George." In one of the most surprising upsets in Oscar history, Marisa Tomei won Best Supporting Actress for the 1992 Joe Pesci vehicle "My Cousin Vinny," ousting favorites Vanessa Redgrave and Judy Davis. Having already won a gold trophy, Tomei is unlikely to lose another Best Supporting Actress statue (she misplaced her Oscar last Septem- ber). "In the Bedroom" was lauded for the command- ing lead performances of Best Actor and Best Actress nominees Tom Wilkinson and Sissy UK thriller "Enigma." Traditionally, one of the support- ing awards is the first handed out at the ceremonies. More than likely, Jennifer Connelly will take the first award of the night for her role as Ali- cia Nash, and the first of many Academy Awards for the odds-on- favorite "A Beautiful Mind." While her acting was certainly noteworthy, the overlooking of Maggie Smith for the Robert Altman period piece "Gosford Park," based on a few snide remarks, would be a poor move by Oscar voters in their continual poli- tiking of the nominees and winners. LIVE AN Courtesy of Dreamworks Shrek knows he has it in the bag. Do you have PMS? Women with severe PMS can earn up to $360 for a Clinical Trial at U of M Hospital " Ages 21-43 " regular menstrual cycles * non-smoker Connelly explains her childhood nightn CALL: (734) 936-3590 EMAIL: jlc@umich.edu I I Supporting Role. Her role as Spacek, and the nomina- John Nash's wife Alicia in "A tion of Tomei for Best Beautiful Mind" garnered Supporting Actress critical acclaim at the came as a surprise to film's release in December, many. Her role as and has grown since. In Nick Stahl's love recent years, Connelly interest is not as has drifted away from challenging or mem- her early wholesome orable as her com- roles (1986's petiors, making it "Labyrinth," 1991's highly unlikely for "The Rocketeer") to her to give another establish herself as gleeful acceptance more than just a speech. pretty face, and a Oscar voters like to serious actress in give credit to both Holly- movies such as Dar- Courtesy of USA Films wood hits and limited ren Aronofsky's Helen Mirren in "Gosford Park." release independent controversial 2000 films, but "Iris" might film "Requiem for a Dream" and be too small to earn any Academy Alex Proyas' 1998 sci-fi-noir- Awards. Kate Winslet was nomi- thriller "Dark City." The only thing nated for Best Actress in 1997 for hindering her chances of winning is "Titanic," rightfully losing to Helen her coworker Russell Crowe, as his Hunt from "As Good As It Gets." performance overshadows her The 26-year-old Brit has since equally skilled effort. avoided the blockbuster mentality, "Gosford Park" cast members opting to choose Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren more artistic have publicly decreed their angst films like the toward the Academy Awards, all but M a r q u i s killing any chance they may have D e S a d e had at taking home the award. Both d r a m a actresses have similar screen time in "Quills" . Altman's latest, and Oscar voters a n d would be splitting the 1 The Waseda Oregon Programs take b the prestigious Waseda University, Tol language and comparative US-Japan S . Waseda Oregon Sumrne July 10 - August 20, 20( - Waseda Oregon Transna January 15 - June 27, 2( Scholarships of up to $1000 are For more information, contact: Waseda Portland (800) 823-7938 email:info@ From Noh drama to scJ investigate the ea STUDENTS WITH CROH N'S PISEASE OR ULCER ATIVE COLITIS Please join Dr. Ellen Zimmermann Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, U of M for an informal discussion of topics including: *Nutrition *New Therapies *Latest Research Next meeting will be: Thursday, Mar. 21, 2002 7:00 pm - 8:30pm Room 3406 Mason Hall Central Campus U of M Monthly meetings planned (734) 763-7278 E/Motion: The The Media Ur North Cc March 22- Gallery I M-F 12 Sat & S This multi-media exhib Rackham Summer Inte and the Horace H. R Graduate Studies v+ the Media comparativeemot Who's the best? Liberty Street Video. Ann Arbor's alternative video store 6 movies / 6 days / $6.66 119 East Liberty 663-3121 Sun-Thurs 10am-mid. Fri-Sat 10am-1am Courtesy ossMiramax Marisa Tomei prays that the presenter will read her name - one way or the other.