MUNICH -- first reviews of Speilberg's new Oscarbait... — Page 2

I'm usually a Spielberg fan, but I was sorely disappointed in AI and War of the World, and finding The Terminal only slightly better. But I cannot develop an interest in Munich, especially after seeing the riveting documentary One Day in September. After watching all that actual footage of the actual event, a dramatization of the aftermath just seems somewhat trite and anticlimactic, especially if its viewpoint is indecisive. It sounds like something of a politically correct textbook version of events.

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It's far too early to comment on a front-runner for the Oscars. It's barely legal to mention nominees at this point (although, I think Munich, Brokeback, and Crash are locks at this point).

I can't watch any scene from Brokeback without crying. Literally.

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It's not really too early, seeing as how members of the AMPAS are already being screened all the contenders.

I agree that CRASH is going to be the dark horse nominee. People in the industry can't stop talking about it.

I bet it will be MUNICH, CRASH, BROKEBACK, GEISHA and maybe KONG.

I think Kong doesn't have the legs to hold out for Oscar nods. I'm betting on either Syriana (given the political tone to it) or Mrs. Henderson Presents (the lighter tonse and Dench's performance may make it appeal to an Academy who need to save face by remembering a comedy).

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Let's nominate a Canadian film: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE or WATER!

**holds up Canadian flag, belts "O Canada!" on Parliament Hill**

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David Poland of The Hot Button reviews KING KONG and MUNICH, and the Oscar potential of both:

http://www.thehotbutton.com/today/hot.button/index.html

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Updated On: 12/6/05 at 06:21 PM

That's what I mean by not knowing what foot to stand on.

Okay... I'll give you The Terminal and Catch Me If You Can. But, War of the Worlds was a great sci-fi thriller, and I'm fully convinced that A.I. will become a classic.

I hated AI with a passion. Just...hated..it.

What? In what way? Kubrick certainly didn't see a need for them.

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Updated On: 12/6/05 at 08:35 PM

Bluewizard, Kubrick gave AI to Spielberg for a reason. As he said, Spielberg's sentimentality was more in keeping with the story, and adaptation or no, it is Spielberg's story and he felt it needed the last 20 minutes. I'll take his word over yours ;P

It's a beautiful movie filled with depth and I really don't understand why it is so unpopular. It just kills me. The movie, that is... not its unpopularity... Spielberg still made a ton of money off of it, and I also think it will be considered an overlooked classic years from now.

Crash is a good movie but it bothers me how you can feel the hand of God moving the story the whole time. I'm excited for Munich, still haven't seen Brokeback (it's not even officially out yet, is it?). The Constant Gardener was a critic favorite, but did anybody actually see it? I didn't. But I never go to the movies.

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As an Israeli citizen i am very interested in seeing how this is received in Israel...even by the left-wingers there. Israel is a politically charged and aware country, unlike the apathetic North Americans. They know their historical facts, and won't do well with bending them for dramatic purposes.

And Bluewizard, as for a Canadian film, I think Crash is the closest we'll get around Oscar time. Writer and Director Haggis is a Canadian.

Akiva

Roninjoey-

I agree with EVERYTHING you said about AI. It was, indeed, Kubrick's idea to have the happy ending. I think it's a beautiful movie.

I also think it will be considered an overlooked classic years from now.

Couldn't agree more. To me, it's what cinema is all about: wonder, vision, and ideas.