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Post by My Name is Matthew on Nov 24, 2014 0:35:26 GMT -8
Add your November reviews here please
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Post by My Name is Matthew on Nov 24, 2014 2:56:03 GMT -8
GODLESS by Evan
Atheism is a very interesting subject, and something I am fascinated in. This is a very different bait for you Evan - it still keeps in the parameters you are comfortable with, but it goes in daring new directions. It is very captivating, and certainly very interesting. My only complaint is I wish you had elaborated more on Jason's atheism, and how he came to creating the religion. You touch upon the cult themes very nicely, and if anything, your bait has inspired me to go forward with a certain bait I was planning but lost faith in (haha, no pun intended). Great job
B+
LETTING GO! by Bobby
I began reading this and honestly did not see this as a Harmony Korine type film. Korine seems to be quite a buzzed director in the contest, as this is third consecutive month there is a bait directed by him. I thought there was a lot of passion in this bait, but it took a bit too long to get to the ending. However, I thought the ending was powerful and brilliant. It is definitely a great bait.
B+
THE MATTRESS REVOLUTION by Evan
This is a very important bait. I love it when people tell important true stories in such a manner. Rape is a subject of imperative importance, and you told it in a way that addresses the issues but never becomes too preachy. Brie Larson is very well-cast as Emma, and your supporting cast of Song, Slattery and especially Sumpter are great. I wish Annette Bening was given a little more to do, but otherwise it was a great bait. Your best this month
A
THE WINDY CITY SLAYER
Wow. This is my type of bait exactly. You create a paranoid, dark and twisted noir. It is absolutely mesmerizing. I adored Jackie Earle Haley and Lorraine Toussaint in this. Your cast was brilliantly selected, and this may just be your best bait yet. It is atmospheric, interesting and filled with twists and turns. An amazing bait
A+
TENERIFE SEA by Evan
Beautiful title, beautiful poster, beautiful bait. Michelle Dockery is very underrated, and you finally give her the vehicle she needs to be a viable Best Actress contender. I thought your whole cast was masterfully constructed, and between this and Bobby's bait, I have no doubt Jeremy Renner is going to get nominated and maybe even win. This is a very melancholic bait, and I will admit that I have felt a lot of the feelings you describe here. It is a wonderfully emotional bait, and one where your passion really shone through
A
FREEDOM FIGHTER
I was such a fervent lover of Death Rat last month, and I was looking forward to your next bait. In this one, you went the complete opposite direction, and created a very different, but still excellent bait. You cast the very underrated Evan Peters in a great role, and your cast is small but effective (the opposite of many real YA films, which have muddled casts). I definitely think Evan Peters is a huge contender for Best Actor. A great bait overall
B+
HATCHET: BRIAN'S WINTER
Thank God I read your awards campaign when I did, because I was about to get very angry that you ended the series with such a cliffhanger. I thought this was by far the best film in the Hatchet series so far, but I can't help but notice how weak the main character of Brian is. He is difficult to become attached to, and I found myself enjoying Affleck, Robbie and even Garber more. I have enjoyed the journey of Hatchet, and I am really looking forward to the final chapter. But for now, this was the best of the series so far, and will be difficult to top for sure. I really enjoyed it, and thank you so much for all your baits this month!
B-
ALARMED STATE
I loved Alarmed Zone, and I thought it was so unfairly overlooked by us, but it was overshadowed by Waves and Remember Us. I love that you put Susan Sullivan in lead, and she is easily the best in show. You created a wonderful and intense thriller that is both terrifying and a rollercoaster of fun. It is definitely a great achievement, and it just continues your streak of brilliant baits
A
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Post by Marci on Nov 24, 2014 6:48:49 GMT -8
I'm seriously freaking out by the fact that I'm posting all-nice reviews. It's such an excellent and strong month. Well done all!
The Windy City Slayer
written by Bobby Henry
I really love detective stories. This one is amazing and it’s clear to me that you put so much work in it. The characters are interesting and well-written, the performances are extremely strong and the atmosphere you created is wonderful! Hello another Oscar nomination for Bobby Henry!
Strange Creatures
written by Matthew Joseph Jenner
I can’t deal with this bait. It’s seriously among the best I’ve ever read in the contest and easily your best ever written. You have my vote. That’s all I’m saying.
Hatchet: Brian’s Winter
written by Evan Peck Dunbar
I’m pleased that someone managed this monthly structured plot; it’s rare and makes the storyline even more grand and complex. I think the Hatchet movies are underrated in this game and I can’t really tell why. Ben Affleck is one hell of a director and great supporting presence in films. He can barely do wrong, so I trust him in this project as well. His direction is damn Oscar-worthy and Josh Wiggins’ performance is spot on. Well done, Evan! It’s among my beloved ones this month.
Crazy Train
written by Matthew Joseph Jenner
For me, Paul Dano as a leading performer is not so interesting. Then I’ve read the story and you made me care about him and the plot itself. That’s show how frenetic you are as a writer and artist. It’s not your best this month, but a hell of a good one.
Freedom Fighter
written by Kevin Klawitter
It’s really a different type of bait, Kevin and I give you a standing ovation for that. I adored Evan Peter in this and he’s lock for an Oscar nomination in my book. The plot is awesomely written and your braveness and the ballsyness are evident. Good job!
Godless
written by Evan Peck Dunbar
I’m usually scared to death by religious baits, because they are mostly surreal and always about the 5% (out of 100%) bad in religion. But this is different. This is not really about trying to make a statement. It’s about a kid who’s trying to find the way to believe. I think it’s quite beautiful and inspiring (even if the story goes wrong for the lead character in the end). Although I’m not sure about Weisz and Damon as the parents, the kids are extremely well-chosen. Nick Robinson is splendid! Great and realistic bait for sure!
The Crying of Lot 49
written by Matthew Joseph Jenner
I really love the unique title. Well, you know my personal opinion on casting a billion people – I do think it’s not necessary, but somehow you played it out goodly. They weren’t annoying or irritating and the story itself made them look like important no matter how little their screen time were. Such a worthy ensemble peace, leading by the always marvelous and underrated Anna Gunn. Nice one!
Letting Go!
written by Bobby Henry
The basic idea (the genre) is not my cup of tea, but you managed to impress me anyways. There are some weird elements in the plot, but overall it is definitely a decent bait. The performances particularly from Melissa Benoist and Katie Chang are really impressive. I do believe that we need our “slaps” in life to achieve our dreams and goals. You showed us a great aspect on the topic with your emotionally intriguing story and obviously big heart.
The Mattress Revolution
written by Evan Peck Dunbar
I’m familiar with the original story and I feel that you captured it perfectly. It’s really important to talk about issues like this and share stories about them, so the world will know about how dangerous people are living next to us. In Hungary, the story is even more relevant than ever as a freshman girl was raped in the summer camp this August. I was shocked and incredibly disgusted, so I can relate the story of Emma Sulkowicz. Evan, I’m amazed and thank you for sharing!
The Way Up to Heaven
written by Matthew Joseph Jenner
What a cute little story. I really loved it. The performances by Routledge and Sutherland are stellar! It’s among my absolutely favorites this month.
Tenerife Sea
written by Evan Peck Dunbar
It’s moody and your characters are really complex. I do think that for example The Mattress Revolution can be more like your player this month, but I’m sure this masterpiece will get some mentions as well. You clearly did all the best you could this month, Evan. I’m proud of you!
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Post by Bobby on Nov 24, 2014 12:54:05 GMT -8
*Alarmed State by Marci:
This was so entertaining. Your writing style which is almost poetic fits with every genre because it engages its audience. I think Tom Shankland will do a great job with this piece. although I think Kendrick and Sullivan the stars two vehicles would be simply magnificent my real attention was focused on the nuanced Julia Ling. Your baits are always interesting, and extremely different. Bravo!
*
Crazy Train by Matt
I admire you Matt because you bait actors so well! Paul Dano one if the most underrated Hollywood actors and commonly supporting vehicle, was well cast here in lead. Like Marci I was skeptical about that choice and I think his character is multi layered which made learn to love him. Great bait.
*The Crying of Lot 49 by Matt
When I first read this back I was almost taken aback by how many people were in the cast. However I thought the were all used very well and I thorough enjoyed Anna Gunns role. Alan Cumming was a standout for me as well bravo
Freedom Fighter by Kevin
Kevin I always like reading your work because it is so well crafted and brave. You are an inspired writer who we could all learn a lot from! I thought this bait was unique, interesting, and brilliantly written. Evan Peters for sure will be on my ballot. Thank you so much for this!
Godless by Evan
This one is great. I like religious baits because they are always controversial. I agree with Marci on how I enjoyed on how this one was completely negative, and I thought the ending was very well done because it wasn't something that anyone so coming. I think Weiz would be great as the mom. And Nick Robinson for sure would own this role. So lending job even!
Hatchet: Brian's Winter by Evan
So I love all your Hatchet baits and I think Josh Wiggins once again is superb. Ben Affleck is a fabulous director although he bugs me as a performer. However the structure and detail in this bait is spot on for me and I commend you for this bait very entertaining.
The Mattress Revolution by Evan.
Wow Evan this is fabulous! My favorite of the month for sure. I think the story is brilliant and the title is totally creative. Brie Larson would nail this role as she is such an underrated performer. Besides Larson my standout was Sumpter who dazzled me. Stories like this really inspire and need to be headlined more. So impressed.
Paint It Black
Guys this is fabulous and hearing your experiences with the supernatural totally made this bait even more Erie for me. I think River and Waltz are excellent choices and the bait itself truly proves that horror can be Oscar worthy, so good job for creating a work of art.
Strange Creatures by Matt
Oh Matt! I can't say anything about this one. It's flawless, a masterpiece in you will. It's almost too perfect which shows your progression as an author and Swinton would give a career performance her. I loved it!
Tenerife Sea by Evan
Loved this one. Michelle Dockery is a perfect choice along with the brilliant Renner. This bait has a ton of hear and emotions and I enjoyed it so much I read it twice lol. Fabulous work Evan
The Way Up to Heaven by Matt
This was so great Matt. It's like the little story that could and by that I mean. It has the potential to sweep the best picture award. There were so many elements about it that I loved including Sutherland. Good work
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Evan
Member 
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Post by Evan on Nov 24, 2014 20:10:59 GMT -8
"The Windy City Slayer"
What an entertaining ride! this bait was clearly well thought out and your execution is some of the best it's ever been. I think your cast is a little bit too prestige heavy and honestly so large it was hard to keep who was playing who straight and having to go back and look again and again kind of broke up the flow. Still, while I didn't quite buy Paige, I really likes Jackie Earl Haley and Jeremy Renner, both seem like serious contenders to me. This reminds me a bit of George's winning bait "IA" in that while being incredibly fun, it also has a weight to it that gives it legitimacy as a true awards contender. Very nice work. A
"The Way Up Tp Heaven"
GOD DAMN IT MATTHEW. This bait was similar for me to "Bixby" in that it started out being one thing but at the end turned into something totally different. However, unlike Bixby, this left me with a sour taste in my mouth. It was such a sweet story at first and I could see the relationship between Eugene and Maggie so clearly, but the ending was totally unneeded. In my personal taste, that kind of shock just annoys me when the world you had created was so different in the beginning. C+
"Strange Creatures"
Wow. This is one incredible bait. Easily my favorite of yours and certainly one of the best this month. This is the perfect David Lynch bait and is something I would love to see. I think your whole cast is just about perfect but both Taylor and Swinton have already punched their tickets to a nomination. I don't really know what else to say... this is truly a baiting masterpiece. A+
"Paint It Black"
Hmmmm this is a weird one for me. I didn't find it very scary, but the plot involving Simone and Violet was very interesting and I can see Christoph being fantastic. I liked Naya Rivera a lot and her story was very good until the end where it seemed like everything leading up to that final scene for her was just for the gimmick. It's such a well thought out bait though and one of the most completely seamless co-baits I've ever read and think it will do well in the creative categories. Good work, very solid. B/B+
"Letting Go!"
Let me get this out of the way: I don't think Melissa Benoist is a strong enough actress to carry a film, especially one with Oscar hopes. It was also a bit distracting to see Chang and Broussard together again in a film that shares some thematic elements with "The Bling Ring" and directed by the director of "Spring Breakers." If I'm being honest I don't see this as a film Korine would do and the ending was basically a piano version of "Black Swan." This is not your strongest bait by a mile, but if I was going to give you a positive note I would say it is incredibly well paced and beautifully written. D+
"Freedom Fighter"
This bait is really the definition of an actor vehicle. I LOVED Evan Peters and he's a lock to take home the Best Actor statue. Otherwise, as usual, your writing is fantastic. However it was hard to get past how kind of short and thrown-together the plot seemed. I feel this is an actor vehicle and could do well in awards, but as a Best Picture contender I'm not so sure. It incorporates a lot of elements from everything from "The Hunger Games" to "Unbroken." Good work, but not your best, as I tent to hold your work to a very high standard. Also, Viola is LIFE! B+
"The Crying Of Lot 49"
Okay that cast list has got to be a joke. I honestly think having a cast that big is just unfair to the reader, it's just too much. While I didn't have an issue with the length of any of your other baits this month, this was just way, way, way too long. I was interested so I did a word count: 3,800 words. "Tenerife Sea," "Hatchet: Brian's Winter," and "The Mattress Revolution" combined are 3,644. Honestly, you need to start writing baits more concisely when they can be (which is the case here for sure) because they get tiresome to read and are harder to enjoy at that insane length. I know this probably makes me sound like a lazy asshole but honestly, I think it will help you as an author. This bait was long and ponderous and I didn't really every feel invested in anyone outside Anna Gunn's wonderfully real Oedipa. Everyone else faded quickly and was replaced by someone new in this TWENTY NINE person cast. I really just didn't get this. Not your best, Matt. C-
"Crazy Train"
This bait is also long but it was incredibly intriguing. I really enjoyed your story and casting of Tomei (although Dano was painfully miscast for me) and Harrelson. I see this one being a contender for sure. It's strangely cathartic, which i feel weird for saying. Good job, just wish your lead was more charismatic! Otherwise, I really, really enjoyed it! A-
"Alarmed State"
I really enjoyed "Alarmed Zone" and this sequel of sorts really expands the world and some of the characters that you set up in the first film. I still love Anna Kendrick, she's clearly the star and would do an incredible job. I also like Sullivan a lot and can see her doing great work here. The similarities to "28 Days Later" are still very apparent but honestly pretty much every modern zombie film is held to that comparison. I think this bait isn't quite as baity as it's more human elements get drowned out by the forward momentum and action. The fact that despite your intentions maybe, it feels like a blockbuster in the vein of "District 9" or something ore than a piece of genre art. It's a really entertaining bait and that's something I always praise because while some baits are excellent but someone boring, this bait manages to walk that tightrope and make it look easy. Good work! B+
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Post by Kevin Klawitter on Nov 25, 2014 0:05:00 GMT -8
Alarmed State I like how you alternate two clear parallel stories in this bait... it gives your narrative a focus that the first one lacked. You have powerful emotions with your characters, and their actions all generate organically from the story. It's interesting to see actors like Beau Bridges in this kind of genre, too. The ending is just a bit too neat, though.
Letting Go! Eeeesh... I don't know what to think of this one. I'd probably like it a lot more if it had, say, Damean Chazelle directing rather than Harmony Korine... this movie does seem very similar to "Spring Breakers" in a dramatic sense, but that's not necessarily a good thing. I'm not familiar with most of your cast, but they seem to fit their parts well. This is definitely my own biases getting in the way, though, so take my review with a grain of salt.
Paint It Black This is wonderful; horror baits are risky in and of themselves, but this one is so unique and original that it stands apart on its own. You obviously dug deep to find stories for these characters, and they're incredibly fresh and well executed. My only complaint would be that there are some plot elements that I didn't quite understand, but that sort of ambiguity almost helps the story overall. Fantastic work!
Tenerife Sea Your press section does a terrific job of describing why this story works so well in spite of its simplicity, and Sofia Coppola is a perfect choice to direct. Jeremy Renner is always fantastic in parts that showcase his natural warmth and charm (even though I didn't like American Hustle, he was still great in it) and the ever-reliable Steinfeld and Sheridan are well-used. But Dockery is the showcase star here, and I love the character you've given her. Part of me wishes you had stayed with the sweet coming-of-age romance plot, but the bait is very good as it stands.
The Crying of Lot 49 Well, I pretty much have no idea what was going on in this bait, though that may well be the point. I love most of your cast, and Charlie Kaufman is probably just about the only guy who could make sense of this material. I don't quite agree that Thomas Pynchon is the greatest living author (Cormac McCarthy says "Hi!"), but the story as you've adapted it sound very entertaining, and I'd be interested in reading the novel now.
The Windy City Slayer Your cast in fantastic, and I love how almost all of the characters have multiple layers and complicated personalities. Your director is perfect, too. The violence almost reaches the point of exploitation, though, which made some of the sequences of Owen's cruelty difficult to read. Aside from that though, this bait was fabulous.
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Post by Leeman on Nov 25, 2014 2:42:09 GMT -8
‘Alarmed State still entices audiences familiar with the series first instalment, but lacks adventurous engagement and excitement it was hoped to have. However, Sullivan gives one of the months strongest performances’ 61%
‘Crazy Train defiantly classifies itself as baity, however it’s potential quality is overshadowed the melodramatic and lagging story. But, Paul Danno continues his long streak of outstanding and emotional performances’ 57%
‘The Crying Lot of 49 signifies a new journey for Oscar-winning author Matthew Jenner. He adapts difficult and quirky source material into a perfect gem of a bait. The length is a small detriment, however quality always over quality.’ 72.5%
‘Freedom Fighters is a stereotypical ‘David vs. Goliath’ story, however with an interesting and engaging twist. Evan Peters gives a tour-de-force performance like no other in the history of Bait an Oscar.’ 77.5%
‘Godless attempts to convey an important subject matter effective and it defiantly does, but on some levels it unfortunately doesn’t. However, veteran writer Evan Peck Dunbar’s writing has never been better’ 69%
‘Hatchet: Brian’s Winter signifies a persistent and hard-woking effort of Evan Peck Dunbar, particularly with an interesting and inventive structure. Josh Wiggins continues his utter acting brilliant in the central role, however the once outstanding Ben Affleck stagily dwindles’ 72%
‘Letting Go is the perfect depiction of life invested in dreams and sacrifice written by none other than the utterly talented Bobby Henry. However, the story does seem dated and done, making feel like something anyone has seen before’ 73%
‘The Mattress Revolution is the best bait this month. It is inspired, emotional and the quality is touch notch. Sweeping the Oscars is just an understandment for what this bait could do’ 89%
‘Paint it Black brings the forces of the darlingly talented Marci Kelemen and ultra amazing Matthew Jenner to great new heights. Through the story may pose to be confusing sometimes, performances by Christoph Watlz and Naya Rivera are nothing short of Oscar-worthy.’ 74%
‘Strange Creatures is one of the most creative and inventive stories Bait an Oscar has received. People may vote for their hearts, but if they want to vote for spectacle, this will be where they tick their box’ 81%
‘Tenerife Sea shows a slightly slow story, however the performances of Dockery and Stenfeld are nothing short of spectacular.’ 60%
‘The Way Up To Heaven is filled with intelligent implications of emotion and sanity, but at it’s core is a story that is both shocking and cute’. 70%
‘The Windy City Sleepers is a great departure for writer Bobby Henry and transitions into a new genre on the whole successfully.’ 75%
Final Rankings
1. The Mattress Revolution
2. Strange Creatures
3. Freedom Fighters
4. The Windy City Sleepers
5. Paint it Black
6. Letting Go
7. The Crying Lot of 49
8. Hatchet: Brian’s Winter
9. The Way Up To Heaven
10. Godless
11. Alarmed State
12. Tenerife Sea
13. Crazy Train
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Post by Kevin Klawitter on Nov 25, 2014 13:26:34 GMT -8
The Mattress Revolution This is a powerful bait.... a story I had heard about, but didn't know the details of. The details and characterizations are spot-on, even if the structure is a bit conventional. Larson, Slattery, and Bening are all strong contenders.
Strange Creatures "Strange" is right. This is a twisted, bizarre, and really engaging bait that seems right at home with David Lynch as a director. Obviously I don't quite understand it, but the whole thing is written with such imagination and verve that I can't help but like it a lot. Not Oscar material, but that doesn't matter, because it's so well written.
Crazy Train Another dark, twisted tale... it'd almost be Coen-esque in its parade of insanity if not for the fact that the story is played mostly straight. With "Nightcrawler" released lately, the idea of sociopaths manipulating the news for fame is a fresh one, but this story is a bit too overcomplicated for its own good.
Hatchet: Brian's Winter This is almost certainly the best film of the franchise. By combining the narratives of two of the books, the story has become more personal and original in a way that fits the nature of the character better than a straight adaptation would have. The actors may be the same, but the characters and performances got deeper and better, which is exactly what you want from a movie like this.
The Way Up to Heaven I had a little bit of trouble understanding the ending at first, but then it clicked, and I was delighted by how you were able to make a likeable character out of a woman who prefers satisfying her neuroses to saving the life of her husband. It may be a little straightforward and short story-ish for its own good (maybe rearranging the timeline or using an investigation as a framing device could have expanded it), but you have a wonderful cast and a strong writing style. |
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