2019 Oscars Predictions

BY: GURU JAY

2019 Oscars Predictions

The Oscars are upon us. The 2019 nominees are in. And there isn’t a host for the show. But I expect a fun atmosphere and some surprises. There are a lot of questions and I have the answers. Who will win? Who will lose? I answer these questions and more in this article.

If you watched the Golden Globes, you have a good idea about the potential winners and losers of the Oscars also known as the Academy Awards. The Golden Globes are a placeholder for the movie award season. Earning one is a big deal. Still, having earned one isn’t a necessary requirement for winning an Oscar.

In fact, A Star Is Born was snubbed at the Golden Globes. However, I predict the film will win an Academy Award. I feel Bradley Cooper deserves an Oscar. Plus, Lady Gaga is dominating headlines right now.

Let’s start the discussion with Best Picture. 2018 was a great year in movies. How do you go about selecting only one for the grand prize? Black Panther made the most money at the box office. Shouldn’t the number 1 film win the Best Picture?

Some say the box office numbers are just one component of the Oscars. I say numbers aren’t everything, but there is power in numbers. Sometimes movies are ahead of their time like Scarface. Bohemian Rhapsody is a worthy contender.

Vice doesn’t impress me at all. And I think The Favourite is a classic script. With the popularity of Netflix on the rise, I boldly predict Roma will win an award, but not Best Picture. Best Picture belongs to Black Panther.

Next, I believe Spike Lee should win Best Director for BlackkKlansman. It is a controversial film based on a true story. The movie is about a black man joining the KKK. This is Spike Lee’s time. Moreover, Jordan Peele’s involvement as a producer should help the cause.

Best Actor should go either to Bradley Cooper or Rami Malek in my opinion. I’m ready to say Bradley Cooper wins outright. Right now, he has the upper hand at this point in the award season.

I believe Best Actress goes to Olivia Colman. Hollywood has a habit of following trends, and Olivia Colman is trending for better or worst. Best Supporting Actor should go to Mahershala Ali. He is a fantastic actor and Green Book is an outstanding movie. It would shock me if he doesn’t win.

The word on the street is that Regina King will win Best Supporting Actress for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. After many years of being absent from “film”, she rightfully earned her onscreen nomination.

Here’s where Netflix comes into play. I feel Best Original Screenplay should go to the brilliant Alfonso Cuaron. Roma is too good to ignore. Roma may also win Best Foreign-Language Film as well.

Moreover, Bradley Cooper and Eric Roth will likely win for Best Adapted Screenplay. A Star Is Born is beautifully written. It should earn multiple awards.

Finally, RBG just might win Best Documentary and Best Cinematography goes to Never Look Away.

In 33 days, you’ll know if my Oscars Predictions were on target. Maybe, you have your own predictions that you want to share. Chime in comments.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

What Are the Best Samuel L. Jackson Movies?

BY: GURU JAY

How do I rank the best Samuel L. Jackson movies? Do we solely look at the numbers? Or do we look at something more intangible such as: the critical acclaim and artistic value? This article analyzes the best Samuel L. Jackson movies from a holistic perspective. While I take numbers in account, I also look at the quality of his film performances.

I begin with Unbreakable. Unbreakable is arguably the second-best Samuel L. Jackson movie for its broad reach and fanfare. The movie generated $248 million at the box office. Samuel L. Jackson plays Elijah Price perfectly. Plus, this character is one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most challenging roles because of the dynamic range.

Released 19 years ago, Jackson will star in a sequel called Glass. Glass is next on my list. I feel this film has the potential to be number 1 at the box office. Jackson works well with Bruce Willis. Also, James McAvoy was phenomenal in Split.

A Time to Kill starring Matthew McConaughey ranks high on my list because the film is thought-provoking. Moreover, the plot falls apart without Samuel L. Jackson. The Hollywood star is integral to the movie’s success.

Next, let’s look at The Negotiator. In this film, Jackson plays a hostage negotiator, who is the best in the business. Ironically, Samuel L. Jackson is an actor, who is the best in show business. I highly recommend watching the Negotiator because the movie showcases Samuel’s versatility.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is fifth on my list.

Samuel L. Jackson is a major reason the movie made $414.4 million at the box office. Watch Kingsman, if you want a thrilling action-packed suspenseful film. It was Samuel L. Jackson’s idea for his character to talk with a lisp. From an artistic standpoint, Kingsman is perhaps his best movie.

The Samaritan makes my list because it is all about Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is told from his vantage point. Therefore, you can see the full range and essence of the great movie star.

Although it was produced 22 years ago in 1997, One Eight Seven is like The Samaritan. It makes my list for the same reasons. You really get all of Samuel L. Jackson. Plus, you can’t deny the importance of his presence and his dynamic acting abilities.

Hollywood is a numbers game. So, it makes sense that The Hateful Eight is next on my list. This film grossed approximately $155 million in theaters. The blockbuster showcases Samuel L. Jackson’s amazing talent. Set in 1877, Jackson’s character is central to the motion picture. There is a reason why this Hollywood star is handpicked for roles in Quentin Tarantino movies.

Rules of Engagement starring Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson features both actors’ best work. The movie is about ethical dilemmas; and it answers critical questions concerning war and peace. Rules of Engagement was a box office success, domestically and globally. The worldwide film is translated in English, Arabic, and Vietnamese.

Changing Lanes is another great movie. It defines high quality. Ben Affleck and Jackson are a dynamic duo. Additionally, I highly recommend watching this film for its compelling script and exceptional acting. I believe the celebrity was at his peak while filming Changing Lanes.

I end with Pulp Fiction. Pulp Fiction is perhaps the number 1 movie of all time. Critically, it is a top ten movie on the average critic’s best movie list. Thus, Pulp Fiction is the best Samuel L. Jackson movie. Without question, Jackson gives an unforgettable performance. 

You’ll notice that Marvel movies are omitted from my list because Samuel L. Jackson isn’t the focal point of those movies. Still, I must give those movies an honorable mention because they are a significant portion of his career. Let me know in the comment section, what you feel are the best Samuel L. Jackson movies. These 11 movies are the best from my holistic perspective.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!