The First Annual Baum Awards

With the Academy Awards this weekend, I’ve decided to give my own awards.  Reader warning:  this will have nothing to do with the criteria that the Academy uses to determine its award winners.  My awards will be given out based on nothing more than my own personal preferences.  And since these are my awards, I will do them a little differently.  Eligibility is determined by whether or not I saw the film in theaters since the last Academy Awards.  Glad that’s all out of the way…on with the show!

Best Animated Movie

Disney Pixar’s Up

This film showed a new side of Pixar. Up is a heartfelt tale of a boy growing up and a man remembering how to be a kid. Pixar greatly redeems itself after the flop that was WALL-E and turns out another animation great. While some of the plot is heavier than a normal Disney family film, it gives the depth to the storyline that resonates with audiences. Adventure, imagination, comedy, and even a little romance all find there way into the latest masterpiece from Disney Pixar.

Best Actor

Christoph Waltz as Col. Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds

I know that this was a supporting role, but since I decided not to differentiate this year, Waltz wins the Baum.  His character is fundamental in developing a disgust and hate for the Nazis in the film.  The scene where he eats the strudel burns contempt into the viewers heart, and his monologue at the film’s onset stunningly gives insight into the psyche of the man they call the “Jew Hunter.”

Best Actress

Vera Farmiga as Alex Goran in Up In the Air

To be honest, this category was extremely slim pickings.  But, Vera did do a very good job.  Her character was portrayed as the modern woman, the independent woman.  The woman that got what she wanted when she wanted it, but in the end there was also a softer side.  Without giving away the ending, I’ll just say she wins because she fooled me (ok that may give away the ending).

Worst Picture

Public Enemies

This is the second gangster film with two stud actors that has severely disappointed me (see American Gangster). Bale and Depp are both average at best, and the story is extremely weak. While I realize that it is based upon true events, much of the dialogue between Dillenger and his girl had to be created for this film anyways. The plot takes you nowhere and leaves you with a film that has a couple hours of nothing between the few clips that were shown on the trailers.  To be honest, Wolfman was probably worse (read my review!) but this one was much more disappointing and therefore wins the Baum.

And the Baum for Best Picture goes to…

The Book of Eli

Denzel Washington is truly at his finest (a close runner-up for best actor). The post-apocalyptic plot is not like most, in that it does not have any holes and there aren’t any zombies. While some discard the film as religious drivel, it actually does a great job of addressing the interesting theme of what role religion plays in society. The intense action and subsequent gore will deter some, but in no way is it overdone. I was afraid that this would be a Boondock Saints type movie where the Bible is misquoted in order to justify murder and vigilantism. That is not the case at all. Denzel is simply on a mission from God, following a faith that he does not always understand. The colors and music add to a great story that is executed well.  I could go on for a while about different themes throughout this film, but will save your weary reading eyes.  Just know that it wins my approval and the first annual Baum for Best Picture.

I would love to hear your comments on my choices and even your own award winners.  Please send an e-mail to clawandnussreviews@gmail.com and I will post my favorites in an upcoming blog.

Word Life.

-Nuss