And here are The Independent Spirit Nominations

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

The Gotham Awards aren’t the only awards regularly given to films that the majority of filmgoers will never get to see. The Independent Spirit Nominations are also dedicated to recognizing the best of independent film and they tend to get a bit more attention than the Gothams. With the early Oscar talk being dominated by mainstream studio films like Argo, Lincoln and Les Miserables, indie films like Bernie and Moonrise Kingdom are going to need all of the help that they can get.

BEST PICTURE

Bernie

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Keep The Lights On

Moonrise Kingdom

Silver Linings Playbook

BEST DIRECTOR

Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom

Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet

David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook

Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On

Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild

BEST SCREENPLAY

Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola, Moonrise Kingdom

Zoe Kazan, Ruby Sparks

Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths

David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook

Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On

BEST FIRST FEATURE

Fill the Void

Gimme the Loot

Safety Not Guaranteed

Sound of My Voice

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

Rama Burshtein, Fill the Void

Derek Connolly, Safety Not Guaranteed

Christopher Ford, Robot & Frank

Rashida Jones & Will McCormack, Celeste and Jesse Forever

Jonathan Lisecki, Gayby

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – (for features under $500,000)

Breakfast with Curtis

Middle of Nowhere

Mosquita y Mari

Starlet

The Color Wheel

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Linda Cardellini, Return

Emayatzy Corinealdi, Middle of Nowhere

Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

Quvenzhané Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Smashed

BEST MALE LEAD

Jack Black, Bernie

Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook

John Hawkes, The Sessions

Thure Lindhardt, Keep the Lights On

Matthew McConaughey, Killer Joe

Wendell Pierce, Four

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Rosemarie DeWitt, Your Sister’s Sister

Ann Dowd, Compliance

Helen Hunt, The Sessions

Brit Marling, Sound of My Voice

Lorraine Toussaint, Middle of Nowhere

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike

David Oyelowo, Middle of Nowhere

Michael Péna, End of Watch

Sam Rockwell, Seven Psychopaths

Bruce Willis, Moonrise Kingdom

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Yoni Brook, Valley of Saints

Lol Crawley, Here

Ben Richardson, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Roman Vasyanov, End of Watch

Robert Yeoman, Moonrise Kingdom

BEST DOCUMENTARY

How to Survive a Plague

Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present

The Central Park Five

The Invisible War

The Waiting Room

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM

Amour (France)

Once Upon A Time in Anatolia (Turkey)

Rust And Bone (France/Belgium)

Sister (Switzerland)

War Witch (Democratic Republic of Congo)

PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD

Nobody Walks, Alicia Van Couvering

Prince Avalanche, Derrick Tseng

Stones in the Sun, Mynette Louie

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD

Pincus, director David Fenster

Gimme the Loot, director Adam Leon

Electrick Children, director Rebecca Thomas

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD (given to emerging documentary filmmaker)

Leviathan, directors Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel

The Waiting Room, director Peter Nicks

Only the Young, directors Jason Tippet & Elizabeth Mims

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD (for ensemble cast)

Starlet Director: Sean Baker Casting Director: Julia Kim Cast: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Karren Karagulian, Stella Maeve, James Ransone

Moonrise Kingdom Wins At The Gotham Awards

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Well, it’s Oscar season and that means that, over the upcoming month, a bunch of otherwise obscure organizations are going to be handing out a lot of awards to a small group of films. Last night, the Gotham Awards were awarded to the “best” in independent films. The Gothams aren’t exactly known for being a reliable Oscar precursor but they do signal start the awards season and I, of course, am an awards junkie.

Here are the winners:

Best Feature: Moonrise Kingdom
Gotham Independent Film Audience Award: Artifact
Best Ensemble Performance: Emily Blunt, Rosemarie Dewitt and Mark Duplass, Your Sister’s Sister
Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You: An Oversimplification of Her Beauty
Breakthrough Actor: Emayatzy Corinealdi, Middle of Nowhere
Breakthrough Director: Behn Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Best Documentary: How to Survive a Plague

Of course, the “best” is in the eye of the beholder. I, for one, greatly enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom. However, I also thought (and continue to think) that Beasts of the Southern Wild is one of the most overrated films of all time. Seriously, didn’t Voltaire end the myth of the noble savage with Candide? It’s also interesting to note that, despite racking up a lot of nominations and being two of the best films of 2012, neither The Master nor Bernie won any awards.

12 Random Things That I Am Thankful For In 2012

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

So many things to be thankful for!

Today is the day that I (and perhaps a few others) look over the past year and ask myself, “What am I thankful for?” I am happy to say that I have a lot to be thankful for right now. I’m thankful for my family, for my friends, for my readers, and for my love.

Believe it or not, I’m even thankful that I’m now 27 years old! When my family gathered together earlier today, I actually got to hang out with the grown ups! Seriously, being an adult was a lot more fun than I was expecting.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is also the day when I do a post entitled “10 Things That I Am Thankful For.” So, here we go. As I stated previously, I’m thankful for a lot of things in 2012. Here, in no specific order, is twelve of them:

1) I’m thankful that The Cabin In The Woods and Sinister reminded me of why I love horror films in the first place.

2) I’m thankful for the Snarkalecs on twitter, the best group of people that a girl could hope to watch a SyFy movie with.

3) I’m thankful that this current season of Survivor is one of the best yet.

4) I’m thankful that someday, when I do have a daughter, I’ll be able to watch films like Brave and The Hunger Games with her.

5) I’m thankful that Richard Linklater directed Bernie and let the true citizens of Texas speak for themselves.

6) I’m thankful that Sarah Polley wrote and directed Take This Waltz.

7) I’m thankful for the TCMParty on twitter, the best group of people that a girl could hope to watch a classic film on TCM with.

8) I’m thankful that the final season of The Office is turning out to be a good one.

9) I’m thankful that Skyfall reminded us of why we all love James Bond in the first place.

10) I’m thankful that Branded eventually ended. Seriously, I was worried that film was never going to come to a close.

11) I’m thankful that The Avengers turned out to be a lot more fun than even I was expecting.

12) I’m thankful that even a generally disappointing film year can still see the release of films like Life of Pi and The Master.

What do you think, Trailer Kitties?

Don’t worry, kitties! Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation Film Trailers will return next week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Before I Abandon America For Canada, Here’s 6 Trailers To Remember Me By.

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Hi everyone! Yesterday was election day here in the United States and what can I say other than that I’m taking my cute ass to Canada! That may sound extreme but earlier this month, I promised that if Hello Kitty and Tuxedo Sam did not win this election, I was heading up north.

And in honor of my future life in the land of Degrassi and Ryan Gosling, here’s another edition of Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation Film trailers. And guess what? This edition is dedicated to Canadian films!

1) Abraxas: Guardian of the Universe (1990)

This is less of a trailer and more of an advertisement designed to entice retailers to keep Abraxas in stock. But, what’s really important here is that it’s Canadian.

2) Expect No Mercy (1996)

With a title like Expect No Mercy, it has to be good! Plus, it was made in Canada.

3) Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)

Who needs Abraham Lincoln?

4) The Playgirl Killer (1966)

“The Playgirl Killer … in color!” I think the Playgirl Killer looks like he might be distantly related to Steve Buscemi.

5) Starship Invasions (1977)

I think this film might involved starships invading something. It’s hard to tell from the trailer.

6) Rolling Vengeance (1987)

It’s out for revenge! And it’s … rolling, apparently.

What do you think, Trailer Kitty?

Don’t Blame Doc! (Photogapher: Erin Nicole. Model: Doc Bowman)

Poll: Which Films Are You Most Looking Forward To Seeing in December?

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Last month’s results can be seen here.

As always, you can vote for up to 4 films and write-ins are allowed.

Happy voting!

6 Trailers For The Day Before Halloween

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Hi there! Well, it’s the day before Halloween and that can only mean that it’s time for another edition of Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation Film trailers!

1) How To Make A Monster (1958)

This movie, which involves the danger of angering a Hollywood makeup artist, seems especially appropriate for Halloween.

2) Halloween 3: Season of the Witch (1982)

This is a movie that generated some debate on this site just a few weeks ago. I happen to like it but I’m in a minority. What can I say? I’m a sucker for any film that features an Irishman destroying the world.

3) Hatchet For The Honeymoon (1970)

This film is from the great Italian director, Mario Bava.

4) The Toolbox Murders (1978)

This film is proof that you should never trust a man with a toolbox.

5) The Initiation (1984)

“They pledged themselves to be young, stay young … and die young.” Well, I guess that’s one way to stay forever young.

6) Night of the Zombies (1980)

Finally, how can you do a Halloween trailer post and not include at least one zombie film?

What do you think, Trailer Kitties?

6 More Terrorific Trailers

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Hi there! It’s time for yet another edition of Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation film trailers! Today, we’ve got six trailers that are terrorific!

Now, I know what you’re saying.

You’re saying, “Dammit, Bowman, terrorific is not a word.”

Well you know what?

It so totally is a word.

And with that settled, here’s this week’s collection of trailers!

1) Strange Behavior (1981)

This is one of my favorite films of all time! This is a horror film that includes zombies, knife-wielding maniacs, and an elaborate dance number for no particular reason. What more could you want?

2) The Beast Within (1982)

Agck! This film is so scary that its trailer starts out with a warning!

3) Holy Terror (1976)

This trailer features a truly terrorific mask.

4) Sisters (1973)

Someday, me and the Dazzling Erin are going to star in a remake of this film.

5) Rawhead Rex (1986)

I’m tempted to make a really tasteless comment about the title of this film…

6) The Lift (1983)

Agck! This trailer makes me glad that I always take the stairs at work. Cardio for the win!

What do you think, Trailer Kitty?

And like that, Oscar season begins: The Gotham Independent Film Awards Nominations

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

As I’ve said many times in the past, I am an Oscar fanatic and Oscar season is my favorite time of the year. Well, I’m happy to say that the 2012 Oscar season has now officially began. The Gotham Independent Film Spirit Awards have been announced.

“The what?” you my be asking.

Well, okay, it’s true that the Gothams aren’t as influential as the Golden Globes or the National Board of Review. But, still, for independent filmmakers who are hoping not to be forgotten in the rush to embrace mainstream films like Lincoln, ~~The Great Gatsby~~, and Zero Dark Thirty, every little bit of publicity helps.

The nominations appear to be dominated by Bernie, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Master. That’s not a bad thing because I consider each one of those films to be one of the best of the year.

Here’s the nominations. I’m going to hold off on offering up any commentary, beyond saying that I’m glad to see that Bernie is being remembered.

Best Feature:

Bernie

The Loneliest Planet

The Master

Middle of Nowhere

Moonrise Kingdom

Best Documentary:

Detropia

How To Survie a Plague

Marina Abramowtiz: The Artist Is Present

Room 327

The Waiting Room

Best Ensemble Performance:

Bernie

Moonrise Kingdom

Safety Not Guaranteed

Silver Linings Playbook

Your Sister’s Sister

Breakthrough Director

Zal Batmanglij for “Sound of My Voice”
Brian M. Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky for “Francine”

Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin for “Now, Forager”
Antonio Mendez Esparza for “Aqui y Alli¡ (Here and There)”
Benh Zeitlin for “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

Breakthrough Actor
Mike Birbiglia in “Sleepwalk with Me”
Emayatzy Corinealdi in “Middle of Nowhere”
Thure Lindhardt in “Keep the Lights On”
Melanie Lynskey in “Hello, I Must Be Going”
Quvenzhane Wallis in “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You
“Kid-Thing”
“An Oversimplification of Her Beauty”
“Red Flag”
“Sun Don’t Shine”
“Tiger Tail in Blue”

6 Horror-Filled Trailers!

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Continuing with our horror theme this month, this latest edition of Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation Film Trailers is dedicated to films that are perfect for Halloween.

Some of you may have noticed that there was no Trailer Kitty at the end of last week’s post. Well, I’m happy to say that, after intensive negotiations with the Mascot Union, the strike is over and the trailer kitties have returned! Yay!

1) Beyond the Door (1974)

I think I may have included this trailer before but oh well. I’ll include it again because the movie that it’s advertising is just so amazingly bad.

2) Sand Sharks (2011)

Stay away from the beach! Seriously..agck!

3) The House On Haunted Hill (1959)

This trailer is a classic.

4) The Tingler (1959)

As always, a Vincent Price trailer should be followed up another Vincent Price trailer.

5) Hillside Cannibals (2006)

I haven’t actually seen this film but, judging from the trailer, it could have used a little Vincent Price.

6) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Much like Beyond the Door, this is a trailer that I’ve featured in the past but I think that, with it being the October season, I’m justified in featuring it again. I consider this to be one of the most effective trailers of all time.

What do you think, Trailer Kitty?

In this case, I agree with trailer kitty! Those trailers were way too scary!

6 Trailers From The Girl Who Has Returned Home

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Lisa Marie Bowman

Now that I’m back home from my vacation, it’s time for me to post yet another installment in my raison d’être, Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation Film Trailers! In keeping with this month’s theme, all of today’s trailers are horror-related.

Enjoy!

1) Virus (1980)

Let’s start things out with the end of the world. From 1980, it’s the story of what happens when the world gets hit by the “Italian flu.”