0 0 0 C 12B - The Michigan Daily - Weekeld Magazine - Thursday, February 19, 2004 _D F-THER I ~ .- A., By Ryan Lewis Daily Arts Writer Finally, a year has come when the Academy nominated correctly ... or almost. One would be hard pressed to argue against the voters' reasoning for naming a fantasy, a devastated father's story, a high-seas adventure and a Tokyo tale among 2003's elite - though the horse is questionable. As always, there remain some fringe films that unfortunately missed the cut because of their lack of marketing power ("In America," "Big Fish"). And for once, quite amusingly, we won't be seeing Harvey Weinstein or his company's name on the list of winners (but it would have been nice to see "City of God" or "Kill Bill" among the possi- bles). While he'll blow off steani to every reporter in the country that "Cold Mountain" had its nomination hindered by a late release date, there is no avoiding the fact that it just wasn't one of the year's best. Suffice it to say that "Seabiscuit" seems the oddest of all nominees. Having garnered an improbable seven Qi INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY RIGHT ON CAMPUS Interested in building your resume while you're still in school? Want to work during Spring/Summer/Fall Semesters? The Michigan Daily will give you the opportunity to gain the following business experiences: - sell Advertising to Local and National Businesses - Manage your own account Territory - Work in a team-oriented environment - Earn Commission-based pay Please pick up application at Student Publications Building 420 Maynard Street, 2nd Floor or call (734) 764 0662 Application Deadline for positions in Spring/Summer/Fall 2004: March 12th, 2004 noms, the best-looking summer film has ridden the whole way on the money behind its awards push. Top- lined by a superb cast, including the scene-stealing William H. Macy, it certainly received the most critical accfaim of the summer and added an amazing look to an already American audience-oriented story. However, it often dragged, provid- ed the usual sappiness attributed to such a success story, and limped past the climactic match-race in an uncap- tivating comeback plot turn. The act- ing was good, not great; same with the direction; and the film's best quality, it's cinematography, pales in comparison to the other films in that category. This nomination is more a purchased one than an honorable one with a real prospect of winning. "Mystic River," conversely, has probably the best chance to snatch the statuette from New Line's deserving hands. Praised by critics as a cine- matic triumph, yet no better than some of the year's other depressing tear-jerkers (especially the other Sean Penn showcase, "21 Grams"), Clint Eastwood's non-Western opus has the benefit of names: Eastwood and Penn, but virtually all of the all-star cast as well - Robbins, Bacon, Gay Harden, Linney and Fishburne. Yet even though the acting was cer- tainly outstanding and the script superb, too many gimmicks and an uncalled for Lady Macbeth ending leave holes in "Mystic." It certainly has a right to stand alongside the other nominees, but it would be a shame for Eastwood to walk away with Oscar this year. Ah, the swashbuckling epic that is "Master and Commander." Russel Crowe and more so Paul Bettany deserved to be honored in their respective categories, and this high- seas adventure has the action and heart the Academy loves. Peter Weir again showcases his envi- able talents in a superb exploration of character and friendship in the line of fire. To call this achievement praise- worthy would hardly do it jus- tice. Considering all aspects of "Master" places it in a unique posi- tion amongst the contenders. While it has everything "Gladiator" wanted and the outpouring of subtlety Ridley Scott only wished for, it has the unfortunate task to take the eyes off "The Return of the King." It has a miniscule chance to win, but the chance still exists. To Weir's credit, Courtesy of New Line I'll never let go Sam ... he did manage to create probably the best pirate-like film in half a century; however, the prize belongs elsewhere. "Lost in Translation" appears somewhat like the Little Engine That Could in this race. Struggling through an uphill battle, it needs every "I think I can" it can muster. As Sophia Coppola's sophomore effort, "Translation" stunned critics and moviegoers alike with a fantastic story and even better acting. Scarlett Johansson is a welcomed young face to the popular front, and Bill Murray performed his heart out in his best portrayal yet. This train took the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Golden Globe home, and it has the rum- blings of a Cinderella written all over it. Too bad. The youngest member of Hollywood's royal Coppola's has only a smidgen of hope to steal the pot. It's a cute little film, but that's its problem: no mar- keting power. Many voters will surely be enamored with the only indie on the list, but the steamrolling juggernaut of an adaptation that is "Return of the King" looks to crush everything in its path. And deservedly so. Not only is "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" the final chapter in one of the greatest trilogies ever written made into one of the greatest trilogies ever filmed, but it also has the bal- ance that its predecessors lacked. Peter Jackson's masterful filmmaking Courtesy of Sony It's OK. Daddy will get you an Oscar. Who's your daddy? has the best odds for Hollywood's most coveted prize, and the third time should be a charm. Sweeping and inspiring, breath- taking and heartfelt, this one's got the goods. Some say that the Academy has waited three years (and through presenting arguably worse films with the gold) to crown the "King," and New Line certainly made sure everything fell into per- fect order to make it happen. Sound, editing, special effects, acting, directing, writing ... you name it, this one's got the best of it. Thus, when it comes time for the endless ceremony, an adventure in itself, to say goodnight, the right movie for once will be awarded its due. Odds are for the little hobbits, and justifiably so. Congratulations Oscar, you're going home. ° mdkm)WtQ