Today The Academy announced 2008's Oscar nominations. There is a lot of bitterness floating around about Johnny Greenwood's score for There Will Be Blood being disqualified due to "roughly 46 minutes of pre-existing work" not being his own. Whatever. Here are the nominations. In bold is where my vote is going to:

Performance by an actor in a leading role
George Clooney in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah" (Warner Independent)
Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises" (Focus Features)
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Saw IV
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Paterson, Arthena Karkanis
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman.
Since Saw III ended with the death of Jigsaw and his protégé Amanda you’re probably wondering why we have to deal with another violent and dumb Saw Film. Well Saw III made a large profit proving that Saw is still a very bankable franchise and like the saying goes, “where there’s a will there’s a way”.
Saw IV begins with FBI profilers Strahm and Perez arrive on the scene of the grisly remains of the last film and soon learn that Jigsaw still has one more game to play Involving Swat Commander Rigg. We also learn Jigsaw’s back-story and what really causes him to do what he does the way he does.
The film is just more of the same boring bloody tricks from the people that have a made career on this stale franchise. Like the previous film Saw IV is Low on tension or real frights. However, if you enjoy squirming in your seat and having to constantly look at the ground as you hear the sound of bone’s crunching and flesh tearing then you will have fun with Saw IV. Otherwise, I suggest you avoid this film.
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This was a tough year for Eddie Murphy, Jessica Simpson, and Lindsey Lohan. But they all suck, so who cares. Here are the nominees for this years Rasberry "Razzie" Awards!

Worst Picture
Bratz - Lionsgate
Daddy Day Camp - Sony/Tri-Star/Revolution
I Know Who Killed Me - Tri-Star
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry - Universal
Norbit - Dreamworks

Worst Actor
Nicolas Cage - Ghost Rider, Next and National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Jim Carrey - The Number 23
Cuba Gooding, Jr. - Daddy Day Camp and Norbit
Eddie Murphy (as Norbit) - Norbit
Adam Sandler - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

Worst Actress
Jessica Alba- Awake, Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer and Good Luck Chuck
Four No-name Actresses - Bratz
Elisha Cuthbert - Captivity
Diane Keaton - Because I Said So
Lindsay Lohan (as Aubrey) - I Know Who Killed Me
Lindsay Lohan (as Dakota) - I Know Who Killed Me, Too

Worst Director
Dennis Dugan - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Roland Joffe - Captivity
Brian Robbins - Norbit
Fred Savage- Daddy Day Camp
Chris Silverston - I Know Who Killed Me

Source- razzies.com

In the next few days, we're going to be giving you lots of coverage of 2008's Sundance Film Festival. I'm going to start with Colin Farell's In Bruges for three reasons. One, We're screening it this week. Two, we're interviewing the director Martin Macdonah next week. He is a first timer, so this will make or break his career (not our interview, his film). And three, Ralph Fiennes is in this, and it's rare for him to make a bad movie. We are all going to pretend he was never in Maid in Manhattan. Here is some press stuff for their new film. Stay tuned for our review of In Bruges and video interview with Martin McDonagh next week.

So, you know 1/3 of our thoughts on Cloverfield, and now we would like yours. Did it meet your expectations? Was the monster better/worse than you thought it would be? Is J.J. Abrams trying to take over the world? And most importantly, how do you feel about the hand held camera effect? Did it bother you at all?

Cloverfield of course came in first with $41 Million That's a bit surprising considering all the hype around it, but after watching this, I can see why it didn't get close to our projected 80. You can read my review HERE.

Chick flick 27 Dresses happily came in second with $22 Million. I have not seen this yet, but I am going to say that I am very proud that this stayed to compete with Cloverfield ever since hearing about all the films that got pushed back because the studios did not want to compete.

The Bucket List made the top 5 cut this weekend, and even though it hasn't surpassed it's budget, it's a big deal with it being a limited release.

Juno is still kicking ass and taking names. It's soooooooo close to the $100 million mark, which will make it the highest grossing independent film of all time. I'm sure you hate us with all the Juno stuff we are shoving down your throat without a spoon, but we don't care.

And last, National Treasure is well on it's way to the one trillion dollar mark. Cool. Read Cameron's review HERE.

Results (Jan. 18-20):

Source- boxofficemojo.com

Here is the interview we shared with Eva for her new film, Over Her Dead Body. She's so cute and little! I just wanted to put her in my pocket and carry her everywhere!

BLAIR WITCH PROJECT +JURASSIC PARK + GODZILLA + guy loses girl x serious J.J. Abrams special effects= CLOVERFIELD

Rating: 8/10
Motion Sickness rating: 47/10

Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Drew Goddard
Cast: Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, Odette Yustman
Studio:Paramount Pictures

The Good:
I tried going into this movie knowing as little as possible, but considering it is the most hyped up movie of the year, I always seemed to stumble on spoilers and such. I'll tell you this, the less you know about CLOVERFIELD, the better. All you really need to know is that CLOVERFIELD is a new kind of monster film. Shot on a handheld camera, it follows four friends throughout downtown New York while the city is attacked by some kind of Godzilla-like creature. When we see the head of the Statue of Liberty tossed through the city like a rag doll, we know whatever it is isn't here for tea time.

The story starts off with a going away party for our hero, Rob (Michael Stahl-David), who is moving to Japan. We know early that he had a brief romance with the girl of his dreams, Beth (Odette Yustman), whom he has an argument with and she leaves the party. In what would be a story we've all seen before, suddenly a monster comes and destroys everything in its path. But what's different about this film is that it's more focused on the love story than the monster. Rather than take an easy evacuation, Rob sets out to find Beth in the mess of a city, rescue her, and take her to safety. Sound familiar?
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I come from a background of skateboarding, and I would like you to know that the only Hollywood movie I liked that focused around the skateboarding industry was Larry Clark's Kids. Maybe because it didn't pay much attention to actual skateboarding itself. Let the pros handle that.

Here is the trailer for Gus Van Sant's probably future sad attempt at becoming the next Larry Clark. Isn't this the same guy that directed Good Will Hunting?

Click HERE to view the trailer.

2007 has been a great year for movies. This cinematically remarkable year is due largely to the fact that this has been such a great year for directors. Many of the most talented and respected directors in Hollywood have turned in superb entries this year, including Tim Burton’s Sweeny Todd, David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises, and Sidney Lumet’s Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. I could go on, trust me. Given the success many great directors have had this year, it is only fitting to conclude the year with P.T Anderson’s oil epic There Will Be Blood.

P.T Anderson is a director’s director. Carefully working on his scripts and productions no matter how long it takes. Always willing to go with the bizarre, brutal, or depressing to complete his vision. No tool is ever neglected. The shots are always perfect and introspective; the music moving and intricate. Critically, P.T. Anderson has never made a bad movie with four critical darlings to his name. Is There Will Be Blood at the same quality level as the rest of P.T’s films? Does P.T keep pace with his fellow directors in this fantastic year? The answer is a bold and resounding yes.

There Will Be Blood takes place in the early 1900s. Daniel Day Lewis is Daniel Plainview, a man whose greed and necessity to succeed drives him to make oil his life. The film follows Daniel from his ambitious beginnings to his hollow success, having sacrificed his humanity for his oil dreams.
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Let me first start off saying to all you Eva Longoria haters out there, you are completely wrong and/or misinformed. She was one of the kindest celebrities I've ever met, and trust me, she doesn't have to be. I went into this interview with the impression "lyke, OMG, she's such a betch!" because of the people I've spoken to about her, further increasing my anxiety, but within 10 seconds of meeting her, it dissolved. She smiles! She's beautiful! She's got fantastic energy! She has tattoos! She cooks! She iChats! She does Tony's laundry! And the most important, she actually cares about politics and the terrible things going on in this world. When it comes to her being a bitch, Public Enemy says it best. Don't believe the hype. Here is a shout out she kindly gave us. Her interview will soon follow.

Actor Brad Renfro, who became a child star at 14 in The Client but in recent years was plagued by numerous drug problems and arrests, was found dead at his Los Angeles home Tuesday morning; he was 25. While the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed to Access Hollywood that Renfro had died, a cause of death was not named. The Tennessee-born actor snagged an amazingly high-profile part for his first role, that of a young boy sought by the mafia in the 1994 adaptation of the John Grisham novel The Client, opposite established stars Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones. His impressive performance in the box office hit made him a high-profile young actor, and roles in such films as Tom and Huck, Sleepers and Telling Lies in America followed; he also appeared opposite Ian McKellen in Bryan Singer's controversial Apt Pupil, about a young student who blackmails his elderly neighbor, whom he believes is a Nazi war criminal. Despite a string of successful roles, including solid performances in Bully and Ghost World, Renfro reportedly found adapting to Hollywood difficult, and was arrested on a number of drug and theft charges. In 2000, he was arrested in Florida on grand theft charges for allegedly trying to steal a 45-foot yacht, and while on probation for the crime was jailed for underage drinking. Other arrests followed, and last year he was found in violation of his probation for failing to enroll in a drug treatment program. Most recently, Renfro had appeared in The Jacket as well as an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He had just wrapped filming on The Informers opposite Winona Ryder, Mickey Rourke, Billy Bob Thornton and Kim Basinger.

Source- IMDB.com

YES! is the only word I can think of to describe the promotional photo for Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's upcoming comedy Step Brothers. The plot for this is somewhat simple (two brothers competing for their parents love), but with Adam McKay behind the wheel and these two guys leading, it's sure to be a hit. I mean, take a look at the photo below. Can this duo be any cooler?

Source- CHUD.com

Unfortunately, this is not the best week for DVD release. The two major studio films coming out are a combined 17 percent fresh on rottentomatoes.com. You should just rent Poltergeist again instead of a renting a new release.

1. Mr. Woodcock
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Susan Sarandon, Sean William Scott, Amy Poehler
Directed by Craig Gillespie

Plot: John Farley (Scott) was tortured in school by a psychotic gym teacher Mr. Woodcock (Thornton). Years later John is a successful self-help guru, but is terrified when he learns that his Mom (Sarandon) is dating Mr. Woodcock. John returns home with the mission to put an end to his Mom’s relationship.
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OK, so the whole point of me wearing the brown bag over my head was to somewhat look like the little boy wearing the sock mask in the movie.

Rusty butchers the Spanish language, and I look nothing like the movie monster. I'm not gonna lie and say we're trying to look raw. We're just humans being human. Don't tell me you're not impressed.

Hailing from Austin, four musicians known as Ryan Figg, Toto Miranda, Josh Lambert, and Yvonne Lambert formed The Octopus Project while all living together.  Hello, Avalanche is the group's third full length album released on Peek-A-Boo records, and it sheds new light on their all instrumental aesthetic.  Taking a different approach musically to each track, the album tells a compelling story despite not using lyrics.  While the music is still classic instrumental indie rock, the use of different instruments changes the color of the album through each track.  The mixture of synths, guitar, bass, and drums alongside samples and drum machine programming further establishes a different statement for each track.  
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Last night was the first awkward.com Golden Globe Awards. Yay for Atonement! Yay for Kate Blanchett! I'm a bit upset that JUNO lost out to No Country for Old Men with best screenplay. I am, however, glad that Javier Bardemn won for Best Supporting Actor.

Here are the winners:
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I apologize for the overwhelming JUNO stuff, but I can't stress how good this film is. JUNO is on fire. We just found out today HERE there was a fluke with the box office records, and JUNO did in fact beat out I Am Legend for the weekend totals by a landslide.

Fox Searchlight has been kind enough to give JUNO fans the opportunity to download the screenplay for free Diablo to get that Oscar for best original screenplay. I have no doubt she will not have trouble getting to that podium. Well, if the strike is over, of course.

Fun Fact!: Diablo Cody wrote JUNO sitting in a Target Starbucks.

2/3s of
"Un cuento de amor. Una historia de terror."

Here is the Dallas locations where you can see this M. Night Shyamalan mirrored film:

Firewheel 18
Grand 24
Grapevine Mills 30
Irving 14
Mesquite 30
Parks @ Arlington 18
Stonebriar 24
Valley View 16
Cinemark 17
Legacy 24
Movies 8
Angelika Film Center & Cafe 8
Hickory Creek 16
Grand Prarie 10
Cinema Latino De Ft. Worth 8

Fun fact!: I grew up in Irving, and I know that on Tuesdays you can get in for four bucks and get free popcorn. Do it!

Gordonandthewhale.com are on top of things. We are not hosting this, and don't know who is, but we did find out how to get you there. Here is the information on the secret Cloverfield screening:

Screening date:
Tuesday, January 15
7:30PM
Cinemark Tinsleltown (972.665.2222 for directions)

Info. on how/where to get the tickets:
Hooters of Addison
5005 Belt Line Rd.
Addison, TX 75240
Saturday, January 12
Noon-2PM

Same goes for all screenings, limit one pass (2 seats) per person, and first come first serve basis, so get there super duper early if you wanna see Cloverfield before it comes out. See you there (hopefully)!

1. 3:10 to Yuma

Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Gretchen Mol, and Ben Foster, with a cameo by Luke Wilson.
Directed by: James Mangold.
Written by: Halsted Welles and Michael Brandt.
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Seems like there is a top secret FREE screening of CLOVERFIELD next week, three days before it's initial release. All you have to do is go to THIS page on 1/15 and it will tell you the secret location of the tickets. You will need these passes to get into the movie, and it's first come, first serve basis, so I would advise getting there super early.

Let us know if you hear of any changes!

JUNO is kicking some serious ass since going mainstream and opening city wide everywhere. The "little indie film that could" took the number three weekend slot going against big dogs like I Am Legend and National Treasure 2 and beating out Alvin and the Chipmunks is a really big deal. We fully support this film and are enjoying the ridiculous success it deserves. Go JUNO!

One Missed Call (think The Ring but not as stupid of a concept. I mean seriously, who would of thought a movie about a dead girl prank calling people would sell millions?) took the fifth spot, but I can pretty much guarantee it will not be there come next weekend.

Results (Dec. 28-30):

Source- boxofficemojo.com

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"Sometimes I ride my bike around town... it's a good way to get a tan."
BILLY

A sensitive and humorous vérité portrait Of Billy, a 15-year-old outsider growing up in small-town Maine. Billy appears, in many ways, like other teenage boys. He’s into heavy metal and martial arts, is desperate to find a girlfriend, and aspires to a career as an actor and rock star. Yet in other ways Billy is unique. A troubled past and ongoing behavioral issues have left him marked. But he is unapologetic about his personality and refuses to be victimized, creating his own techniques to help him survive in an environment of pain, conformity, and prejudice. Billy is funny, sharp, strangely wise for his age, and remarkably candid. We witness life from his perspective—from intimate conversations with his mother, to being bullied at school, to his fantasies of becoming a superhero. We also experience the exhilarating pangs of first love as Billy pursues Heather, a shy 16-year-old waitress. Will Billy get the girl? Will his community accept him on his own terms? BILLY THE KID challenges viewers to imagine themselves beyond labels.

I have not seen this yet, but it's already won over SXSW, L.A., Melbourne, and Edinburgh film festivals. A young boy that wants to be a superhero, rock star, and walks around at night in a karate uniform? I'm in.

View official website and trailer HERE.

When Rainn Wilson's Rollo tells Ellen Page's Juno to stop shaking the pregnancy test after she's obviously trying to get it to change shape, we all got a good laugh out of it, but artist Elliot Sharron took it to a whole other level. Here below is his latest etch-a-sketch of Michael Cera and Ellen Page!

Visual God Michel Gondry's new film BE KIND REWIND has be pushed back from January 25th to February 22nd. Normally when a film gets pushed back, it's not a good sign, but I'm certain there is good reasoning for pushing this one back due to all the positive feedback it's been getting. The staff here at Gordon and the Whale Dot Com is very excited about the release of this tape.

Here is the exclusive trailer that Ryan Seacrest introduced after the ball dropped. I'm sure everyone from the ages of 16-25 did not see this. Watch at the very end when they are pulling a lady from behind the sheet. It looks like she is well on her way to exploding.

Fun Fact!: This is the first and last time Ryan Seacrest will ever be on our site.

Jason Reitman is on fire. You gotta love him and his witty humor. Thank You For Smoking was a hit, and now his Cinderella piece JUNO is getting all the attention it deserves.

In one of his latest blog entries, he discusses his thoughts on three of the biggest leaked celebrity pornos. Enjoy!
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