Director(s): Tom Hooper

Screenwriter(s): David Siedler

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambdon

Plot: A story of King George VI struggle to overcome his speech impediment and, therefore, confide in his ability to lead a nation facing wartime.

Mini Review: ‘The King’s Speech’ is yet another film that inspires us to achieve what we deem impossible. King George VI was a man with a speech impediment with whom, in this film, we immediately sympathize despite his social status and pride–two things that he feels that he must hide behind. Screenwriter David Siedler and Colin Firth as King George VI call to attention the wall that he–King George VI–builds up against his speech therapist, Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) immaculately. While the story is predictable, ‘The King’s Speech’ ends on a very fine and fulfilling note and Firth and Rush are an absolute joy to watch onscreen. Jim’s Rating: 8.5/10

***PARDON OUR FRENCH (..err…English) BUT YOU MIGHT AS WELL WATCH THE BLOODY MOVIE BEFORE YOU PROCEED. TO NOT FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS WOULD BE POSITIVELY RIDICULOUS!***

Random Trivia: At one point in the film, King Edward VIII makes fun of Prince Albert’s stammer by saying: “Younger brother trying to push older brother off the throne. P-p-p-p-p-positively medieval!” Minus the stammer, this was an actual line written by the real King Edward to his brother when he was away from Great Britain for a time, having given a few responsibilities to Prince Albert in his absence.

The (Real) King’s Speech

Oscar Winning Factor(s): Screenplay, Acting,

Screenplay:

Bertie (Colin Firth) meets Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) for the first time. Lionel bets Bertie that he can speak flawlessly. Based on past experiences, Bertie is doubtful.

Winston Churchill confirms what Bertie has feared (and what Lionel predicted he could become).

http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2010/dec/17/kings-speech-colin-firth

Acting:

Bertie reminisces about his difficulties as a child with his father and his brother. Lionel suggests singing out the parts that he had a hard time speaking about and we, not only start to see the two men bond, but Colin’s performance brings us heartache and a genuine empathy from the audience (beyond his vocal disability).

Lionel introduces a new exercise that helps tone down his stammering. Ironically, the way in which he speaks is anything but toned down.

Bertie is upset with Lionel for “pretending to be a doctor”. Finding an opportunity in Bertie’s anger, Lionel provokes Bertie emphasizing his right to be king.

Music:

Lionel and Bertie Vocal Exercise Montage – “Concerto for Clarinet in A Major: Allegro”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The King’s Final Speech – “Symphony No. 7 in A Major: Allegretto”, Ludwig van Beethoven

Nominations and Wins:

• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (W) – Colin Firth
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Tom Hooper
• Original Screenplay (W) – David Seidler
• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (N) – Geoffrey Rush
• Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (N) – Helena Bonham Carter
• Achievement in Cinematography (N) – Danny Cohen
• Achievement in Film Editing (N) – Tariq Anwar
• Achievement in Costume Design (N) – Jenny Beavan
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (N) – Alexandre Desplat
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (N) -Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen, John Midgley
• Achievement in Art Direction (N) – Eve Stewart (Production Designer), Judy Farr (Set Decorator)

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars

‘The Hurt Locker’ wins Best Picture at The Oscars in 2010.

Director(s): Kathryn Bigelow

Screenwriter(s): Mark Boal

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Chrisian Camargo, Christopher Sayegh, Nabil Koni, Sam Spruell, Sam Redford, Suhail Aldabbach, Evangeline Lilly

Plot: A story about two soldiers in Iraq who must suffer the physical and psychological toll that comes with deactivating bombs and their newly assigned Sergeant whose volatile actions make them question whether or not they’ll complete their assignment alive.

Mini Review: Director Kathryn Bigelow and Screenwriter Mark Boal have tackled an issue not easily (or commonly) dealt with amongst our soldiers in Iraq. ‘The Hurt Locker’ is a unique storyline and we’re drawn into its complexities with Renner, Mackie, and Geraghty at its forefront giving us performances that properly display the emotional and mental demand that not only working under these conditions produce, but also under authority that is as unpredictable as the very weapons they have to neutralize. ‘The Hurt Locker’ is an original must-see film without any political agendas and carries a story that must be told.  Jim’s Rating: 8.8/10

***MAYDAY! MAYDAY! DO NOT GO BEYOND THIS POINT WITHOUT WATCHING ‘THE HURT LOCKER’! I REPEAT…DO NOT GO BEYOND THIS POINT WITHOUT WATCHING ‘THE HURT LOCKER’!***

Random Trivia: Part of the shooting took place during the Muslim month of Ramadan, which is observed by fasting from sunrise to sundown. Non-Muslim crew members hid out and ate in tents and specialty hotels with windows covered by carpets (out of respect, and per the Jordanian law). Smoking, eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is banned in many Middle Eastern countries during Ramadan, including Jordan, and is punishable with jail time.

An Interview with the boys of ‘The Hurt Locker’

Oscar-Winning Factors: Acting, Screenplay

Screenplay:

It’s just another day at the office with the boys until we (the audience) get our incident that kick-starts us off into this dark journey.

James (Jeremy Renner) bonds a little with Beckham (Christopher Sayegh) over soccer.

James helps both Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) and Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) deal with snipers. It’s in this scene that we start to see a shift in attitudes towards James from the two soldiers.

The soldiers celebrate after a job well done with a little rough housing. Tensions run high after Sanborne and James go a bit too far.

Acting:

Eldridge goes into shock after a bomb goes off and kills Cambridge (Christian Camargo).

James races against time on the watch attached to a bomb to remove a bomb from a civilian’s torso.

Nominations & Wins:

• Achievement in Directing (W) – Kathryn Bigelow
• Original Screenplay (W) – Mark Boal
• Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Bob Murawski, Chris Innis
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (W) – Paul N.J. Ottosson, Ray Beckett
• Achievement in Sound Editing (W) – Paul N.J. Ottosson
• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (N) – Jeremy Renner
• Achievement in Cinematography (N) – Barry Ackroyd
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (N) – Marco Beltrami, Buck Sanders

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars,

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ wins Best Picture at The Oscars in 2009

Director(s): Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan

Screenwriter(s): Simon Beaufoy

Based on:  The novel, “Q & A”, written by Vikas Swarup

Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Rajendranath Zutshi, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Rubina Ali, Ankur Vikal, Madhur Mittal, Tanay Chheda, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala, Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar

Plot: A young man born in the slums of India wins a spot on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and, in an interrogation where he’s suspected of cheating, we learn his life story through the answers to each question.

Mini Review: What does it take to find a lost love? Director Danny Boyle, Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, and Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle combine their talents to brilliantly construct the answer to this question in an inspiring story about a young man’s quest to get what he’s always wanted. Featuring songs that are youthful and jovial in nature and talented young actors, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ almost immediately tugs at our heartstrings as we root for our young protagonists. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ easily carries with it a feeling of hope and an underdog story not easily forgotten. It is easily very deserving of all of its accolades. Jim’s Rating: 9.65/10

HOW DOES ONE REMAIN UNSPOILED?

A) WATCHING THE MOVIE BEFORE YOU PROCEED.

B) RENTING/BUYING SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE AND THEN READNG THE REVIEW BEYOND THIS POINT.

C) EXPOSING YOURSELF TO THE AWESOMENESS THAT IS ‘SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE’ BEFORE MOVING ON.

D) ALL OF THE ABOVE.

(However cheesy that was, you should heed those words. Just saying.)

Random Trivia: Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup wrote his debut novel ‘Q and A’ after he was inspired by Professor Sugata Mitra’s “Hole in the Wall” experiment, which set up computer kiosks in Indian slums so that anyone could use them and have access to the Internet. The novel was then adapted into the screenplay of Slumdog Millionaire. The Hole in the Wall experiment has gone on to become Hole in the Wall Education Limited (HiWEL), which has 300 kiosks available to over 300,000 children in India and several African countries.

Oscar Red Carpet Interview with the Kid Actors

Oscar Winning Factors: Acting, Screenplay, Editing, Music

Acting:

Jamal (Dev Patel) meets with Salim (Madhur Mittal) after not seeing him for several years and vows to never forgive him after all of the trouble he’s caused.

After the game show host makes a comment about the room temperature, Jamal–as a result of his shock–asks him if he’s nervous.

Acting/Cinematography/Editing:

Jamal, stuck on the last question, decides to phone a friend.

Music:

Finale, Dance Scene (“Jai Ho”)

The boys from the slums of India in their natural habitat…(“O Saya”)

Cinematography/Editing:

Jamal, promising to wait at a local train station for Latika until 5 pm every day, sees Latika (Freida Pinto) look for him at the train station briefly before she’s taken away by Salim and his gang.

Jamal (Ayush Mahesh Khedekar) feels bad for leaving Latika behind. Salim (Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail) tries to give him some brotherly advice and cheer him up.

Nominations and Wins:

• Achievement in Directing (W) – Danny Boyle
• Adapted Screenplay (W) – Simon Beaufoy
• Achievement in Cinematography (W) – Anthony Dod Mantle
• Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Chris Dickens
• Achevement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (W) – A.R. Rahman
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song (W) – “Jai Ho”, Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyrics by Gulzar
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (W)  – Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song (N) – “O Saya”, Music and Lyrics by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam
• Achievement in Sound Editing (N) – Tom Sayers, Glenn Freemantle

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars

Paul Haggis, Matt Dillon, and Loretta Divine with Oscars for Original Screenplay and Best Picture

Director: Paul Haggis

Screenwriter(s): Paul Haggis

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate, Michael Pena

Plot: Several people in the Los Angeles area connected through various encounters are faced with troubling circumstances, most of which are driven by racial tension.

Mini Review:  ‘Crash’ attempts to bring attention to the racial prejudices and to criticize those that heed them. In a few characters’ cases (Officer John Ryan/Christine, Officer John Ryan/Officer Tom Hansen, and Daniel) this is wonderfully executed in either using their prejudices against them or by going against them altogether. However, the tone in many of these stories seem to be a little over the top focusing more on trying to get a point across with these citizens that act more like caricatures rather than relay this with authentic characters. Its attempts, however, at deconstructing political correctness and racism, doesn’t take away from the performances, especially in Matt Dillon, whose character is the most evolved by the end of the film based on his experiences. It’s an ambitious film that heartily tries to bring light to a sensitive subject matter. Jim’s Rating: 7.8/10

Random Trivia: Annie Proulx, author of ‘Brokeback Mountain’, wrote a strong polemic against this one in the British newspaper “The Guardian”, venting her disgust and disappointment that her film was beaten by Paul Haggis’ at the Oscars, one of the Academy’s more controversial decisions in years.

Let’s lighten the tone a bit, shall we?

Interview with Don Cheadle and Jennifer Esposito

Acting

A heartwarming scene that not only serves as a testament to Pena’s acting, but it’s also one of the rare occasions in the film where the stereotype isn’t justified.

Screenplay

Det. Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) eases us into the film by explaining the meaning of the title by referencing car crashes as he’s just experienced one.

It’s the first time we see Officer John Ryan’s motivation behind his deep seated prejudices. His good intentions are overshadowed by his prejudice, especially through the eyes of this insurance representative.

The effects of a recent (and disturbing) encounter between these two characters melt away in this scene in which both people are trying to escape danger. It’s a shift in character for both Officer John Ryan (Matt Dillon) and Christine (Thandie Newton).

Nominations & Wins:

• Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Hughes Winborne
• Original Screenplay (W) – Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco
• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (N) – Matt Dillon
• Achievement in Directing (N) – Paul Haggis
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song (N) – “In the Deep” (Music and Lyrics by Kathleen York and Michael Becker, Performed by Kathleen York)

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars,

Scott Rudin (Producer) and The Coen Brothers with Oscars for Best Picture

Director(s): Joel and Ethan Coen

Screenwriter(s): Joel and Ethan Coen

Based on: The novel, “No Country for Old Men”, written by Cormac McCarthy

Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Jarvier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, Stephen Root, Beth Grant, Rodger Boyce

Plot: After a hunter, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), walks into the aftermath of a gunfight as a result of a drug deal, he finds a huge fortune and takes measures to avoid the deranged hitman, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), after him hired to retrieve the money.

Mini Review: In a setting that should leave audiences anything but interested, The Coen Brothers keep us entertained in this crime thriller about a man who’s too old to deal with the class of criminal that’s out there and a man trying to avoid what’s coming for him. Javier Bardem plays a psychopath and his very errie and maniacal presence stays with you long after viewing. The Coens brilliantly etch a tremendous plot using all of the classic storytelling elements (foreshadowing, irony, characterization, plot points, powerful themes) to slowly and strategically unravel it’s purpose. ‘No Country for Old Men’ is truly a masterpiece (and for that, Coen Brothers, we thank you). Jim’s Rating: 9.8/10

Random Trivia: While on location in Marfa, Texas, ‘There Will Be Blood’ was shooting nearby. One day, while filming a wide shot of the landscape, directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen had to halt shooting for the day when a gigantic cloud of dark smoke floated conspicuously into view. ‘Paul Thomas Anderson’ was testing the pyrotechnics of an oil derrick set ablaze on the set of his film. The Coens resumed filming the next day, when the smoke finally dissipated. A year and a half later, both films were the leading contenders at the Academy Awards.

***WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS OVER YONDER. WATCH THE MOVIE FIRST AND THEN READ AHEAD. OTHERWISE, PROCEED WITH CAUTION!*** (Also, read that entire warning message in a Texas accent.)

Javier Bardem talks about the character…and that…very interesting haircut.

Oscar-Winning Factors: Acting, Screenplay

Acting

Carson tries to talk Anton out of killing him.

Ed Tom Bell’s monologue at the end of the film where he explains a dream that involves his late father.

Acting/Screenplay

Ellis, a retired police officer, gives Ed Tom a lesson about this “new” generation of criminals.

Screenplay

Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) tries to determine how police officers from the past would match up against the criminals that he has to deal with these days.

Anton (Javier Bardem) leaves an elderly gas station owner’s life to chance in a coin toss.

Carson Wells (Woody Harrelson), another man hired to find the money, finds Llewelyn and warns him about Anton and his nature.

Llewelyn, suspecting that Anton has determined where he is after he finds a tracking device in the briefcase full of money, prepares to defend himself against the hitman.

Nominations & Wins:

• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (W) – Javier Bardem
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Joel and Ethan Coen
• Adapted Screenplay (W) – Joel and Ethan Coen
• Achievement in Cinematography (N) – Roger Deakins
• Achievement in Film Editing (N) – Joel and Ethan Coen
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (N) – Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff, Peter F. Kurland
• Achievement in Sound Editing (N) – Skip Lievsay

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars,

Clint Eastwood accepting Best Director for ‘Million Dollar Baby’

Director: Clint Eastwood

Screenwriter(s): Paul Haggis

Based on: Short Stories from “Rope Burns”, Written by F.X. Toole

Cast: Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Margo Martindale, Jay Baruchel, Anthony Mackie, Michael Pena, Mike Colter, Brian F. O’Byrne, Riki Lindhome, Bruce MacVittie, Lucia Rijker

Plot: An elderly trainer (Clint Eastwood), albeit reluctantly, gives an aspiring boxer (Hilary Swank) her chance at the title.

Mini Review:  Clint Eastwood gives us a “father-daughter relationship” between a boxer and her trainer (*cue chants of mo cuishle*), both of whom, although unrelated, compliment each other like family in their own stubborn ways. Screenwriter Paul Haggis uses boxing to tackle themes of perseverance, the true meaning of living, and hope. ‘Million Dollar Baby’ serves up its objective early on and doesn’t let up for a second. Like its protagonist, this film fulfills its purpose and leaves us enlightened. Jim’s Rating: 9/10

Random Trivia: Hilary Swank contracted a bacterial infection from a blister she developed on her foot during training for her role. The infection was so serious that she almost had to be hospitalized for three weeks. Catching the infection in the nick of time, she instead chose to take a week off for medicated rest and didn’t tell Clint Eastwood or the producers of the film about the injury, because she didn’t believe it was in character.

In all seriousness…

…it’s some of the best advice and feedback you’ll hear which should come as no surprise when hearing from three extremely talented artists.

For those with a short attention span, however, here’s another interesting interview. (Seriously, is there anyone on this planet that doesn’t experience sincere comfort when hearing Morgan Freeman’s voice?)

Oscar-Winning Factors: Characterization (Script), Acting

Maggie reveals to Frank her motivation behind learning how to box. Here, we not only see her dramatic need, but it’s a plot point in the script that gets the story going.

Scrap caters to Frank’s struggle with his morality as a voice of reason as Frank contemplates whether or not he should let Maggie continue in her state. It’s brilliantly juxtaposed with a scene in which Frank seeks council from a priest. Additionally, it’s a great performance by both Eastwood and Freeman.

As there are many exchanges between Frank and Scrap, this is a moment that truly captures their friendship.

Our inside man takes on ignorance and stupidity in a scene that reveals a bit more about Scrap’s true character in his continuous fight for the underdog.

Nominations & Wins:

• Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (W) – Hilary Swank
• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (W) – Morgan Freeman
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Clint Eastwood
• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (N) – Clint Eastwood
• Adapted Screenplay (N) – Paul Haggis
• Achievement in Film Editing (N) – Joel Cox

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars,

Martin Scorsese wins Best Director for ‘The Departed’

Director: Martin Scorsese

Screenwriter(s): William Monahan

Based on: “Internal Affairs”, a 2002 film from Hong Kong directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone

Plot: A corrupt Massachusetts State Detective (Matt Damon) and an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) both suspect that there’s a rat in each other’s party and try to investigate his identity.

Mini Review: Martin Scorsese presents us with yet another crime drama that best exemplifies his storytelling talents. Using an ensemble cast to illustrate the blur between hero/villain or protagonist and antagonist given certain circumstances that so many have tried to stress, but not quite so fluidly. It’s a concept introduced early on in film and strongly emphasized throughout the film in two characters: Billy Costigan, an undercover cop who infiltrates an Irish gang and Colin Sullivan, a Massachusetts State Detective. ‘The Departed’ encompasses clever editing, hard-hitting acting performances, and a solid story that stays true to its objective. Jim’s Rating: 9.5/10

Random Trivia: Martin Scorsese wanted to shoot the film in Boston, where the story is set. But due to concerns on setting up production and politics, the producers chose New York City to double for Boston because of the state’s 15% tax credit. The bulk of the movie was shot in New York City while a six-week shooting schedule was split in two for Boston, shooting the first half in June and the second half in August. After the success of this film, Massachusetts created a 25% tax credit for filmmaking.

***SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! WATCH THE MOVIE FIRST AND THEN READ!***

Seeing as how their characters are two sides of the same coin, it’s appropriate that we should see these two in an interview, right?

Oscar-Winning Factors: Acting, Screenplay, Editing

Acting

Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) briefs the detectives on a new case.

Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), a mob boss, tells Billy (Leonardo DiCaprio) that he suspects that there’s a rat among his crew. Billy tries to convince Costello that it’s not him.

Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) and Queenan (Martin Sheen) meet with Billy (Leonardo DiCaprio) to discuss how fed up he is as an undercover cop.

Screenplay/Editing

As Queenan, at this point, was the only link to Billy, Colin Sullivan takes it upon himself to call him using Queenan’s phone. Billy, who was there to witness Queenan’s death, understandably is all too reluctant to answer the phone. When curiosity finally gets the best of him, Billy answers and, as a result, neither person knows exactly what to say.

Silent Phone Call

Billy agrees to meet with Colin to collect his paycheck before he quits the police force. Recognizing an envelope on Colin’s desk that came from a member of Frank’s gang, he immediately flees realizing that Colin is the rat. After Colin comes back to his desk and notices Billy gone and the envelope moved, he deletes Billy’s file.

Deleting the File

Madolyn (Vera Farmiga) listens to a tape that Billy told her to keep in case anything should happen to him. In the tape, it reveals Colin Sullivan as the rat.

Madolyn Hears the Tape

Nominations & Wins:

• Achievement in Directing (W) – Martin Scorsese
• Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Thelma Schoonmaker
• Adapted Screenplay (W) – William Monahan
• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (N) – Mark Wahlberg

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” wins Best Picture at The Oscars

Director: Peter Jackson

Screenwriter(s): Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Peter Jackson

Based on: “The Return of the King” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Cast: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Sean Bean, David Wenham, Miranda Otto, Karl Urban, John Noble, Bernard Hill

Plot: Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) must travel to Mordor to destroy the evil ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), and the rest of the Fellowship help ensure Middle Earth’s freedom by fighting against Sauron and his army.

Mini Review: While the title suggests that the focus lies with Aragorn and his rightful place on the throne of Gondor, our eyes (unlike Sauron’s) remain fixed on the relationship between Frodo and Sam while it faces its greatest test with throwing the ring “into the fiery chasm from whence it came.” Having strategically balanced the focus on each character in our fellowship throughout the franchise, Screenwriters Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Peter Jackson have prepared us for a proper final chapter in “Return of the King”. It is a heartwarming, fantastical epic centered around fighting against internal struggles and evil as well as fighting for love and for friendship. Jim’s Rating: 9.5/10

Random Trivia: Dominic Monaghan (Merry) was allergic to the elven cloaks the Fellowship wore. Before scenes were shot, Peter Jackson used to joke around and say, “Are we ready to go? Does Dom have his cape on?”

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men…

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) breaks his toes during filming and this turns into an emotional and excellent performance. Orlando Bloom (Legolas) breaks his ribs on set and, naturally, his castmates are eager to show their support.

Oscar-Winning Factors: Set Design, Cinematography, Acting, Music 

Set Design

Minas Tirith

Gandalf in Minas Tirith

Cinematography

Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Pippin, and Merry in Rohan

Frodo and Gollum off to Mordor

Smeagol’s (Gollum) first act of villainy

Acting

Elrond (Hugo Weaving) instructs a reluctant Aragorn on how to summon more men against Sauron’s army and reminds him where his identity lies with a weapon from his ancestors.

Gollum convinces Smeagol to try to lead Frodo and Sam to their death so that he (they) can keep the ring.

Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn discuss how to distract Sauron and his army of orcs to help Frodo and Sam successfully drop the ring into Mount Doom.

Sam fights off a giant spider in an effort to save his friend, Frodo, from being her prey. (At this moment, Sam may not be of many words but it is one that makes us root for him…possibly more than we do Frodo.)

Music

“Into the West”, Performed by Annie Lennox

“Edge of Night”, Performed by Billy Boyd

“The Battle of the Pelennor Fields”, Composed by Howard Shore

Nominations & Wins:

• Achievement in Production Design (W) – Grant Major, Dan Hennah, and Alan Lee
• Achievement in Costume Design (W) – Ngila Dickson and Richard Taylor
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Peter Jackson
• Achievement in Film Editing (W) – Jamie Selkirk
• Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling (W) – Richard Taylor and Peter King
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (W) – Howard Shore
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song (W) – “Into the West” (Music and Lyrics by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore, Performed by Annie Lennox)
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (W)
• Achievement in Visual Effects (W)
• Adapted Screenplay (W)

Sources: IMDb, The Oscars,