What We Learned Today at the Movies: A.C.O.D

Today's Lesson: Adam Scott is Awesome – For those of who are fans of Parks and Recreation and Party Down you already know this. For those of you love Boy Meets World, you will remember Griffin “Griff” Hawkins, the second leader of the bully trio at John Adams High School. But Adam Scott is on the verge of blowing up huge. At least I hope he is. Scott is a great actor, funny and honest and with A.C.O.D he gets a chance to show off his talents. 

A.C.O.D. is a great, great film with a terrible title. It’s an acronym for Adult Children of Divorce and that’s exactly what this film is about Carter ( Scott) is trying to hold his life together as his younger brother Trey (Clark Duke) is getting married and it’s Scott job to get his divorced parents (Richard Jenkins and Catherine O’Hera) to the coexists for just one day. The film as features Jane Lynch, Jessica Alba, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Amy Poehler. This simple, yet highly satisfying story is a perfect comedy. It’s never roll-on-the-floor, laugh-till-you-cry funny. But it’s heartwarming, honest, and a joy to watch.  

A.C.O.D. is a great debut feature film by director Stu Zicherman and features Oscar worthy performances from Jenkins, Winstead (who plays Carter’s girlfriend) and of course Scott himself. I am very much looking forward to Adam Scott’s next outing in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I was lucky enough to see this film in theater's (even in larger cities it's an extremely limited release) but when it eventually shows up on Netflix, On Demand, or Redbox give this little film a shot as it's a wonderful work film and proof that you don't have to make a complicated, over-dramatic, heavy subjected film to be a great indie film. All it takes is a great story in creative artists who have a clear vision of that story and need to tell it to you. Which perfectly describes A.C.O.D, a great film.

Want to check out more of Adam Scott on film, check these out!

What We Learned Today at the Movies -- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Today’s Lesson: Fired Up – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire succeeds on many more levels then its predecessor, The Hunger Games. Standing as a sequel that is better than the original,

Catching Fire is endlessly entertaining, socially and societally relevant and thought provoking, and an emotionally pitch-perfect film. The second book of the series is easily my favorite and this film nails the adaptation.  Of course it leaves a few things out, but that’s all a part of transferring a book to the screen; you have to make choices. Another thing working in the favor of Catching Fire is the fact that they chose to down play the love triangle between Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), and Gale (Liam Hemsworth), it’s exists but it’s a sub plot.

New director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) understands that a crucial element of this film is the action sequences and we need to understand what’s happening in them to follow the story; unlike the first Hunger Games film which should holds the world record for most inconsequential and confusing use of shaky camera in a single film. Francis Lawrence delivers one of the best blockbusters of the year, blending the worlds of the District 12 and The Capital together seamlessly, getting fantastic performances from the entire cast (minus Hutcherson, who tries really, really hard but can’t find a way to be the least bit interesting), and excels by adding thought and depth to everyone and everything on the screen. This is a major improvement over the first film and a perfect example of how to properly adapt a book to film. Speaking of new people joining the series who go above and beyond, Jenna Malone joins the cast as Joanna and is amazing while on screen and the best new character to the series. Also joining cast members J. Lawrence, Hutcherson, Hemsowrth, and Malone are Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanly Tucci, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Lenny Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Lynn Cohen, Sam Claflin, and Donald Sutherland round out this crazy good cast. 

Jennifer Lawrence again proves why she is one of the greatest young actresses in Hollywood and is destined to be a true screen icon. She lights up the screen, steals every scene she’s in, and finds depth and layers to Katniess that could easily be lost in lesser hands; she plays the part with the same conviction that she would any smaller part and gives an amazing performance. If this year turns out to be a weaker year for Best Actress contenders don’t be surprised to the see Jennifer Lawrence making a run at back to back Best Actress Awards, she’s that good. Bottom line Catching Fire is an engrossing film, which had me completely lost in its well-told story emotionally engaged story from start to finish. Catch this amazing film in theaters if you can and don’t miss it.


Need to watch the first film to catch up? Find out where you can watch it below!

Nerd 5 Presents: TV 101 – Doctor Who

            To every Whovian in the world, November 23^rd 2013 has been a date 50 years in the making. Today is the world premiere of The Day of the Doctor the 50^th Anniversary Special of the longest running and most popular series in all of England (and possibly the world), Doctor Who.

            

             Doctor Who debuted on November 23^rd 1963, for context that’s the day after JFK was shot. It ran from 1963-1989 straight, had a TV film in 1996, and was brought back to life in 2005 by Russell T. Davies and Stephen Moffat Doctor Who has flown in and out of time and right into the hearts of nerds around the world. Lead by The Doctor and his many companions Doctor Who is the story of a time lord and his never-ending quest to save the world from the dangers of the universe.

             

            With this countdown we are looking at the top ten episodes of the modern Doctor Who, everything from 2005 to the present. Featuring episodes from The Ninth (Christopher Eccelston), Tenth (David Tennant), and Eleventh (Matt Smith) doctors, this countdown is focusing on new Who and not classic Who as I am not well versed in classic Who. As usual with our TV 101 articles episodes are ranked from 1-10 in order I would show them to a new watcher, who wants a sample of the series before jumping in, in earnest.  Two quick side notes, British TV shows are separated into series not seasons, which is the terminology I’ll be using here and for this list we are counting two part stories as one episode.

10. A Good Man Goes to War (S6 Ep7) – The best episode of the weakest series of the new Who, A Good Man Goes to War is the midseason finale of series 6. Here we see The Eleventh Doctor fighting to save his friends and going to a much darker place then we’ve seen this doctor ever go. This is the high point of a season that is convoluted at best, confusing at most times, and disappointing as a whole; but A Good Man Goes to War stands a high point to series 6 and the entirety of the River Song story arc. 

9. Midnight (S4 Ep10) – What makes Midnight a great episode? It’s the epitome of a bottle episode. A bottle episode is an episode of a show that takes place almost entirely in one location. For this fantastic episode of Doctor Who The Tenth Doctor find himself on a vacation with Donna touring the planet Midnight. The Doctor goes it alone in this episode as he is caught on a tour bus when a strange knock on the door causes everyone on board to fight for their lives and reevaluate their beliefs. Midnight is a great look at what makes The Doctor tick and easily one of the most emotionally charged episodes of the entire series.

8. Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead (S4 Ep 8&9) – The first episode featuring River Song, a character who, at this point, was full of potential and mystery. Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead stand as the best episodes featuring River Song, to date. Just before visiting the planet Midnight The Tenth Doctor and Donna find themselves in an abandoned 51^st century library. This is an episode that thrives on a very simple premise: count the shadows. At the same time funny, scary, and moving Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead is full of great new characters and moving moments for our regulars. It also represents a turning point for the entire series.

7. The Angels Take Manhattan (S7 Ep 5) – The most recent episode featuring the Weeping Angels, the most iconic new villain introduced to the series, is a brilliant episode for The Ponds (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill). When the Angels invade New York City only The Eleventh Doctor and his companions can stop them; a return appearance of River Song also aids this episode. The Angels Take Manhattan is tension filled from start to finish and is a great mystery to boot. It’s one of the few times in the latter seasons the creator Steven Moffat puts all the puzzle pieces together nicely, it’s clear he understand how to use the Weeping Angles. This is the standout episode of a much improved seventh series and makes the journey getting this point more than worth the trip.

6. The Eleventh Hour (S5 Ep1) – The first Matt Smith episode one of the best Matt Smith episodes. It’s insanely hard to step into this role and make it your own, yet get the fans behind you; Smith does all of that with one simple scene. After regenerating and falling to earth, “the raggedy doctor” starts to figure out who he is and decides there is no better place to start then with food. A clever and brilliant scene where the newly born Eleventh Doctor tries many different foods and spits out everything until he finally settles on Fish Fingers and Custard, ewww.  Also featuring a great story and the introduction of both Amy and Rory The Eleventh Hour is one of the finest hours of Matt Smith.

5. The Impossible Planet/ The Satan Pit (S2 Ep 8&9) – These were the episodes that made me fall in love with David Tennant, it’s where he really comes into his own. Showing that The Tenth Doctor funny, clever and caring but he’s also not to be messed with. This is one of those episodes you don’t see coming, smashed in the middle of the season and having a very simple plot; it delivers some of the most emotional moments of the entire series while dealing with the meaning life, death, and the afterlife. The Doctor and Rose (Billie Piper) stumble upon a planet that is impossibly on the map and have their first dealing with an alien race known as the Ood. The Impossible Planet & The Satan Pit are amazing mortality tales that works on every level, and are among the cream of the crop in all of Doctor Who.

4. The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (S1 Ep 9&10) – The only Ninth Doctor story on our list, features some of the most iconic moments in the new series and features the debut of Captain Jack Harkness (John Borrowman). Both Jack and Rose are grat in this episode, but it’s Eccleston that shines. If we got more than 13 episodes with Eccelston this list would be filled with him (I could fill a list with just series 1, as I have a HUGE soft spot for Mr. Eccelston, but I digress). Rose and The Doctor land the TARIDS in 1941 London while answering the call of another time traveler, while looking for the signal Rose finds a child in need. This set up gives us the backdrop for The Doctor to finally start dealing with the time war and all of his issues. Although nothing is fleshed out by the end this episode it is the first time we see the heart of The Ninth Doctor. The Doctor Dances is one of the most genius titles of the entire series as it works on a crazy amount levels and by the end of this story if you’re not in tears, then I’m not sure you have a soul.

3. The End of Time (2009) – The End of Time, features the return of The Master (John Simm) and Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) as well as a guest spot by Timothy Dalton. This episode is an action packed thrill ride full of heart, characters, love, loss, and the answer to prophecy “he knocks four times.” Even knowing the story of The End of Time it’s an episode that kills me every time, this one amazing moment after another for Tennant as an actor. It serves as a beautiful transition from series 4 to series 5. I’d gush more, but in this cease less is better. The End of Time is the conclusion to a year without an actual series, but instead 5 specials were aired starting on Christmas Day 2008 with The Next Doctor and ending on New Year’s Day 2010 with The End of Time Part 2.   

2. Vincent and the Doctor (S5 Ep10) – This stunning episode takes The Eleventh Doctor and Amy to 1890 to fight an invisible alien that only Vincent Van Gogh can see. What seems to be a one off episode becomes one of the most crucial ones for Amy, The Eleventh Doctor and the story has whole. Dealing with Vincent and his many, many issues gives the perfect backdrop for Amy to deal with all things in her life. This episode hits its stride when giving us a touching but sad peak into the life of Van Gogh (Tony Curran); it also featuring a cameo appearance from Bill Nighy. Poignantly told, gorgeously shot, and masterfully crafted this episode is not only a great story but is one of the best episodes in terms of filmmaking in the entire series as special effects blend seamlessly with practical ones and Vincent and the Doctor looks like a piece of art that Van Gogh himself would be proud of.

1. Blink (S3 Ep10) – How could Blink not be number one? It has almost universal acclaim as being the best episode of Doctor Who, not just new series but possibly ever. Blink features the first appearance of The Weeping Angels, a special guest staring role by Carey Mulligan, and gives us the one of the most enduring catchphrases of the show: “Don’t blink. Blink and you’re dead.” In this episode we find The Tenth Doctor and Martha (Freema Agyeman) trapped in 1969 and need the help of Sally Sparrow (Mulligan) and the only clue she gets is the cryptic phrase “Don’t blink. Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back, don’t look away. Don’t blink. Good luck.” This is a unique episode that somehow encapsulates everything that new Who represents. It’s unique in the fact that The Doctor is featured very little in the episode, Blink shows the everlasting and endless faith The Doctor has in humanity as a human girl he’s never met, is his only chance for survival.

Enjoy The Day of The Doctor, leave a comment below with your thoughts on the list and all things Doctor Who.

Nerd 5 Presents: The Top 5 Indie Darlings of 2013

            Opening nationwide into theatres this week is Best Man Holiday; yup a semi-sequel to 1999’s The Best Man. I know we’ve all been clamoring for this follow up for years, and it’s finally here! Please note my sarcasm. But even with Best Man Holiday’s shockingly small nationwide release it’s still over performing and, as they only new film in theatres this week, it has happily found a home second place this weekend. This makes this a perfect weekend to focus on the films with limited releases that could easily shape the awards season. This weekend sees the limited release of four films that with successful runs could spread wider and join the awards conversation. Nebraska, the next film from Alexander Payne’s (The Descendants, Sideways, Election) staring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, and Stacey Keech; Dear Mr. Watterson, a documentary examining the impact of Calvin & Hobbes on contemporary culture (Portland and Spokane friends keep your eyes peeled as this film opens in your neighborhoods on November 22^nd, Seattle let’s hope we get a release date soon); Charlie Countryman, a Sundance film starring Shia LaBeouf and Even Rachel Wood; and 12-12-12, a documentary about a benefit concert featuring a Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and The Rolling Stones among a ton of others.

            All of these films could be great, but most people in America won’t know until they open up nationwide or slowly make their way to the home viewing market. But there are a few films each year that push through the limited release market and make into in the mainstream and of those film there are only a few that push their way through and become awards contenders. Films that go through this process get the tag of an Indie Darling, AKA an independent film that breaks into society and becomes just as well-known as a studio film.

            This week, we are looking at the top indie darlings of 2013, films that will make a difference this awards season. All films on the list are films I’ve seen, so although I think some indie films coming out soon are sure fire contenders, I’ve not seen them yet and will withhold judgment. Also, a few of these films have not yet received full reviews on the website, but keep your eyes peeled they will be here soon.

5. The Spectacular Now – The Spectacular Now is spectacularly underrated, and will continue to be all the way through awards season. This year has been full of coming of age films The Spectacular Now stands above the rest. What sets it apart from the rest is its honesty. Outstandingly directed, acted, and filmed; this film earned a special acting award for both Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley from its showing at Sundance and they are only the tip of the iceberg for this amazing cast featuring Kyle Chandler, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bob Odenkirk. Director James Ponsoldt has a clear vision, makes strong choices, and nothing on screen is an accident; he doesn’t play in teenage stereotypes he creates real characters who happen to be teens and that is just another superb thing about The Spectacular Now. When in theatres Now found a very passionate audience but failed to leave a mark in any sort of long term sense, had it came out later in the year it may have found a spot in the awards conservation but as it stands, much like last year’s Perks of Being A Wallflower, it’s a great film aimed at youth that will fall short of the attention it deserves. My prediction The Spectacular Now will earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay (Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber)

4. Fruitvale Station– A powerfully emotional film that made its way into the mainstream this summer after winning both the Grand Jury Prize (the top award for Sundance) and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance film festival. Fruitvale Station is one of the many films of 2013 exploring race relations and what sets this film aside from the others is that instead of looking back on the past to tell a story that parallel’s today’s issues, Fruitvale looks at story that is not quite 5 years old. Director Ryan Coogler gives a captivatingly raw look at the events surrounding New Year’s Eve 2008 in the Bay Area and impact of 22 year old Oscar Grant on society. Fruitvale Station released nationwide in theatres back in July and become this year’s first true Oscar contender, releasing on DVD before year’s end Fruitvale Station is not to be missed. My Prediction Fruitvale Station will earn Academy Award nominations Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer), Best Original Screenplay (Coogler), Best Picture and is a long shot for Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Jordan more than deserves in my book.

3. Dallas Buyers Club – Making a giant splash into this year’s Oscar race is Matthew McConaughey, who could end up with three realistic possibilities for nominations (for Mud, The Wolf of Wall Street as well as Dallas Buyers Club). But it’s his amazing performance in Dallas Buyers Club that has cemented his career revival and vaulted him into a position to not only be nominated but to win this year’s Best Actor award. McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof a Texas good ol’ boy in the late 1980s. The crux of the film is that Woodroof contracts AIDS which tosses him into the unknown worlds of homosexual culture, corporate corruption, and medical failure; all of which are a shock to Woodroof. The character’s journey to acceptance and self-discovery is easily the most gripping part of the film. On the whole Dallas Buyers Club is amazing because of the insanely strong performances of its cast, of course, led by McConughey but supported by Jennifer Garner, Denis O’Hare, Steve Zahn and Jared Leto, who delivers an equally stunning performance as Rayon, a transvestite living with AIDS. My prediction Dallas Buyers Club will earn Academy Award nominations for Actor (McConaughey), Supporting Actor (Leto), and Original Screenplay (Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack)

2. Blue is the Warmest Color – The winner of this year’s Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or is a beautiful love story. Blue is the Warmest Color is a stunning work of film that never tries to be more than what it is. Blue follows the life Adele (Adele Exarchopoulos) from her last few years of high school through her mid-twenties and focuses on her relationship with the blue haired Emma (Lea Seydoux). It’s story of discovery, of the peaks and valley of life in a time where we don’t really know what we’re doing. I first watched this film about a month ago and the visuals, performances and emotion have stuck with me more than just about any other film this year. Although Blue is rated NC-17 for graphic sexual nature (and while it is graphic there’s no need for this film to be more then rated R) these scene are all a part of the Adele’s journey, discovery, and character arch and an important part of her story. Not every moment of growing up is family friendly, and neither is this film, but Blue is the Warmest Color is a GREAT film, in the end it will not be seen as much as it should be in America due to its rating, which will honestly hurt it’s awards chances. My prediction is that Blue is the Warmest Color will earn Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign Film, Best Adapted Screenplay (Abdellatif Kechiche and Ghalia Lacroix) Best Actress (Exarchopoulos), and Best Supporting Actress (Seydoux).

1. Twelve Years a Slave – 12 Years a Slave is a brutal, rough, extremely graphic look at American slavery. It’s not a fun film to watch. But it’s an amazing film to watch. This is an important film that shines a light on America’s past, present, and future. Director Steve McQueen shows us prejudice in a more harsh light is typically portrayed on film, while at the same time asking the audience to look at its own prejudices. 12 Years a Slave is the front runner in most Academy Award Categories and has a possibility to be one of the most award winning films of all time. A more in depth review of 12 Years a Slave is coming soon, but for now this once in a lifetime film stands as 2013’s number 1 indie darling, and possibly its best film.My prediction is that 12 Years a Slave will earn Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley), Best Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Best Supporting Actor (Michael Fassbender), Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o), Best Director (McQueen) and Best Picture, among a host of other awards. 

Nerd 5 Presents: The Top 5 Reasons Thor: The Dark World is the Most Important Film of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 2

         

  Smashing his way into theaters this weekend is the Asgardian God himself, Thor. Opening nations wide on November 8^th is Thor: The Dark World staring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopikins and Christopher Eccleston. The trailers have been building excitement since the May release of Iron Man 3, the pre-buzz has been strong, it’s releasing in a great box office position, riding the waves and good vibes of both Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the aforementioned Iron Man 3. All of this is adding up to the Thor sequel making bank, but will it be good? Only time will tell.

            

            With this article however I’m not looking at what the film is, but what I hope it will be. In terms of expectations of the film, need of the story, and what this film should be for the universe as a whole. Even with my personal disappointment in first installment of Phase 2 (all the films from Iron Man 3 to Avengers 2: Age of Ulton in 2015) I am very excited for this weekend’s Thor: The Dark World release. Every film that Marvel and Disney release is almost a guarantee to make money (as long they are at least half good), and with Joss Whedon driving the plane I think we are in good hands, however, this film stands as a turning point in the biggest franchise going today. Without any further ado here’s Nerd 5 Top 5 reasons Thor: The Dark World is the most important film of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 2.   

5. The Real Starting Point– Yes, the third Iron Man film is the actual start of Phase 2, but in all reality that film serves as more of a bridge from The Avengers into the rest of phase 2 and the end to that solo franchise, rather than a start of the next chapter of our story. Iron Man 3 director Shane Black has said that he was not concerned with how his film fit with everything else, he made the movie he wanted and no matter the long term effect. That’s the reason Iron Man 3 was able to set up a few very tiny things, but on the whole lacked any real connection with the overall story of the cinematic universe. If we think of these films as episodes of a TV show then Iron Man 3 serves as a series finale more than a season finale and it’s Thor: The Dark World’s job to bring the audience back into the fold.

4. It’s Been Fun, Now It’s Time to Get Real– This first Thor film was good old fashion Hollywood fun and most of all it didn’t take itself too seriously. All Thor had to do was introduce the new characters of Thor, Loki, and Hawkeye to the mainstream audience, develop the complicated relationship between Brothers Thor and Loki, and introduce The Tesseract and the primary villain for The Avengers. Meanwhile in 2013, times have changed for our hero; Thor was able survive on low expectations and being a great origin story but The Dark World must dive deeper into the world and into the characters. If this film really takes it’s time, sets up some extreme hardships for our characters to overcome, and explores the characters, universe and the ramifications of past and future events it will be a huge success, just like it’s predecessor. For two films now Thor has been a nearly unbeatable and unbreakable figure whose only real issue has been his own ego; he’s been an unbeatable god (as he should of have been). Now it’s time to really challenge the character, to bring him down a peg and see how he responds. I hope Thor: The Dark World is up to the challenge because it has a chance to really shine.

  

3. In Eccleston We Trust – The man who brought back Doctor Who from the dead is coming back to the limelight, this time as Malekith the Accursed, the leader of the dark elves (that’s his role in the comics). First appearing in 1984, in Thor issue #344, Malekith instantly formed a partnership with Loki, which seems to the where this story is heading as well. Malekith will be played by Christopher Eccleston, the ninth doctor, an amazing actor who continues the trend of outstanding British actors playing major villains in blockbuster superhero films. Eccleston is picky about the parts that he takes and that bodes well for the fact that he’s involved with this film. Whether it be he liked the script, was excited to work director Alan Taylor (The Sopranos, Mad Men, Game of Thrones) and this very talented cast or he simply wanted the paycheck that comes with being a part of one of the biggest film franchise of all time, it’s good to have him here. His work should be more than good enough to give us a very memorable one-off villain.  

2. Loki Should Die – Those words are painful for me write as I love what Tom Hiddleston has done with the character, he’s made the character layered, fascinating and big enough to take on an entire team of superheroes; while endearing himself to the audience and becoming one of the most manipulative, calculating and cunning villains in all of film history. Simply put, he’s a villain beloved on the highest level. So much so, that he could easily play the part of a hero in The Dark World. It would be a very Whedon thing to kill off a beloved character for story purposes. In terms of story Loki has served his purpose, in terms of pop culture he’s never been more adored, but in terms of The Dark World it couldn’t be more appropriate for him to make the ultimate sacrifice. The bond between brothers Thor and Loki has been portrayed as amazingly strong, although fractured, broken and messed up as it may be; the death of a brother could be the extreme hardship that pushes Thor over the edge and into even more greatness.

1. Move Over Iron Man, It’s Thor Time – It’s time to pass the torch. Iron Man broke on to the scene in 2006 and started this crazy trip into the Marvel Universe, he made it main stream, he made it hip and cool, and now it’s time for a new hero to claim the thrown. With the third Iron Man film behind us and Robert Downey Jr’s pay grade going higher and higher with each film, it’s unlikely that we will see another standalone Iron Man film. However, we will be getting at least one more Thor film and the sequel to The Avengers and someone needs to take the reigns as the face of the Marvel universe. Who better than a rising movie star, who is playing a likable character that is poised for many more great adventures, and Hemsworth who is willing to play the character from here to eternity? No one is better. That not enough reasons? Think of it this way: it’s been proven that Hulk can’t carry a film alone, Captain America is working well as an interesting side man who can take the lead when needed, but overall leads a quite and conflicted life, that works in both terms of story and reality; because the USA is not behind a true blue red-blooded American hero anymore. Also, none of the other Avengers are developed enough to step instantly into a lead; that just leaves one Thor. It’s go time everyone. I have a lot of hopes, aspirations, and dare I say expectations for this upcoming film. It’s going to take more than a simple good time at the movies for Thor: The Dark World to be what is needed to keep this train rolling. That being said, I have faith in the franchise that has made very few major mistakes. Marvel could take this film in many different ways for it to be great, above are only a few of my thoughts. There are very few true cinematic events worth going to see in theaters these days. I’m hoping Thor: The Dark World will be one of them. It’s time to get psyched for the next Thor film and I will see you all this weekend at the movies! 

Can't get to Thor this weekend? Want to Catch up before seeing the next chapter? Enjoy these films!

Nerd 5 Presents: The Top 5 Child Actors

            Opening this week in theatres is Ender’s Game. A book released in January of 1985 and has had a nearly 30 year journey to the big screen including several false starts; finally it arrives at your local theatre this weekend. The book’s author, Orson Scott Card, is very passionate about his biggest success and actually says, “My works are better when listened to and performed rather than just read.” Card had a big hand in getting this project to the screen. One of the reasons this landmark sci-fi book has many issues getting to the big screen is it’s predominantly child cast. In the book lead character, Ender, starts as a 6 years old boy and is only 12 at its end; it’s clear based on trailers that Ender will be slightly older than that, but a young boy nonetheless. Along with Ender almost the entire cast is kids and this project had to come along when there is enough talented, and famous, child actors to fill the parts.

            

            Welcome to 2013 where we have more “celebrates” than ever before, including lots of very talented young actors. Ender’s Game features Asa Butterfield (Hugo, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas), Abigail Breslin Academy Award nominee for Little Miss Sunshine, Hailey Steinfeld Academy Award nominee for True Grit, and Moises Arias a stand out in this summer’s Last Kings of Summer. These actors lead the large cast in a war against the buggers and along for the ride is Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and Viola Davis.  

            What makes a good child actor? The same thing that makes a great adult actor, honestly, layers, depth, emotion, and an understanding of every aspect of the character; and all of that to come from a kid is just amazing. On top of that, the performance needs to be iconic. Performances that will be remembered no matter old or famous or off the radar an actor becomes these performances will stand the test of time.

            

            Left off the list this time are former child stars now icons of the entertainment industry (Christian Bale, Scarlet Johansson, Jodie Foster, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Leonardo DiCaprio), some of the most enormously famous kids of all time (Shirley Temple, Haley Joel Osment, and Macaulay Culkin), a few one-hit wonder standouts (Henry Thomas, Danny Lloyd and Linda Blair) and a few young Oscar winners (Patty Duke and Tatum O’Neal). However, all these categories are represented in the list below which features a one-hit wonder, an Oscar nominee, a child icon, a young actor who now a huge star, 2 hard working 90s starlets, and some iconic characters. Let’s jump right in!

5. Jonathan Ke Quan: Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom (1984) – What used to be considered the worst Indiana Jones film (thank you Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for saving this classic of my childhood). As an adult I’ve revisited Temple of Doom several times and I will fully admit to it being a very, very fun film, nevertheless it’s not a terriblely good film. Sill my favorite of the series and yes, that’s childhood bias. Deal with it. What I have always loved about Temple of Doom is Short Round (yes, that the name of a character in major motion picture) played by Jonathan Ke Quan. This character kick butt, hangs with Indian Jones, and does it with style. Quan is also known for his role in The Goonies but its Temple of Doom where he shines. And honestly who else could pull off the line “No time for love Dr. Jones!”

4. Justin Henry: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – A heart wrenching, gut punch of a film; this 1979 Academy Award winner for best picture focuses on the relationship of a newly divorced father and his son, during an UGLY custody battle. A film that I wish I had seen much earlier in my life Kramer vs. Kramer is simply amazing and deserved each and every of its five Oscar wins (best picture, actor Dustin Hoffman, actress Meryl Streep, director Robert Benton and Adapted Screenplay). One of the few categories that Kramer didn’t win was best supporting actor, in which 8 year old Justin Henry was nominated. From the moment Henry comes on screen you fall in love with this small child going through an endlessly difficult situation and he is the emotional heart and soul of the film, it’s because we care about him that any of the film works. Kramer depends on single child actor of the film and he nails it.     

3. Mara Wilson: Matilda (1996) & Christina Ricci: Addams Family Values (1993) – These hard working ladies took the 90s by storm and I couldn’t leave either of them off the list, thus a tie at #3. Mara Wilson’s first ever film was Mrs. Doubtfire and she is beyond adorable as Robin Williams’ youngest daughter, after that she remade Miracle on 34^th Street, would later star in A Simple Wish and her best work came in 1996 with Matilda. A very underrated film in which Wilson plays the title character and co-stars with Danny DeVito (also the director of the film) Rhea Perlman, and Paul Reubens among others. Wilson had a short peak but each of her films are pure 90s magic. 

The opposite of a short peak is Christina Ricci; getting her start in the 1990 film Mermaids (staring Cher and Bob Hoskins) but really breaking through in 1993 landing the role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, but in the rare case of a sequel equaling first film Addams Family Values is where Ricci really shines. In the first Addams Family film Ricci was such a scene stealer that director Barry Sonnenfeld saw what he had dedicated the entire midsection of the film to her, which was perfectly okay for little Josh, who may have had a tiny giant crush on Ricci. Ricci continues to work and deliver quality but under the radar performances in such films as Black Snake Moan, Penelope and Monster; I am looking forward to the comeback and rebirth of Christina Ricci, which I hope happens any day now.

2. Natalie Portman: Leon: The Professional (1994) – Representing the “have-grown-up-to-be-huge-star” category Natalie Portman makes the list. Portman has gone on to win an Oscar for Black Swan, star in two giant franchises (Star Wars Episodes I-III & Thor) and become one of the hardest working and most respected actors in all of Hollywood. At 18 she became a household name while playing Queen Amidala in the Star Wars prequels but before that she was gaining a small following with roles in Mars Attacks! and Heat. But it was her very films that stunned audiences and holds up as one her greatest and most layered performances. In Leon: The Professional (or Leon as it’s known outside the USA) Portman plays Mathilda, a 12 year old New York girl who’s taken in by a professional assassin after a tragic accident involving her parents. The film also features off-the-wall crazy amazing performances by Jean Reno and Gary Oldman and is one of the better films by Luc Besson. If you’ve not seen Leon: The Professional you are missing a fascinating film that has gained a large cult following and sits at #31 all time on IMBD’s top 250 films. Seek out and enjoy!

1. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint: The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011) – How could they not be on the list? These three actors carried one of the biggest film franchises off all time. For a decade Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively, and have burned themselves into the collective brain of pop culture. Going back to 2001 and watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is like looking back at time capsule of these three talented actors who have only gotten better with age, it’s much like everything else, the more you do something the better you get. What faces these three is the challenge that faces all child actors, finding a way to remain relevant, working and not typecast beyond there star making iconic role. Although they will always be seen as Harry, Ron and Hermione each has started to try to break that image and become a working actor. Radcliffe is working hard in films such as The Women in Black and Kill Your Darlings, while also staring on Broadway in Equus and How To Success in Business Without Really Trying. Watson is becoming a well-respected actress and is working the most out of the three with recent roles in The Bling Ring, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and My Week with Marilyn, she is also in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky epic Noah. Grint, who has probably worked the least since the Potter series may be the one who falls prey to the curse of never working much, but he’s certainly trying; having been in CBGB and Super Clyde, both failed, however having seen both, Grint’s work is solid it’s the elements around him that have caused failure. Being a child star can be a difficult road to maintain stardom and work, which brings up the age old question of is it good to shine brightest early and then fade away or to never shine at all.

Below is chart that shows the all of the actors under 18 years old who have been nominated for an Academy Award for either best or supporting actor or actress. Sorted by age, and put together based on an article that can be found at http://www.newser.com/story/162776/25-youngest-oscar-nominees-and-winners.html.

Youngest Oscar Winners & Nominees
Last Name	First Name	Age	Film	Part	Award
Henry	Justin	8	Kramer vs Kramer	Billy Kramer	Nominee Best Supporting Actor
Wallis	Quvenzhane	9	Beasts of the Southern Wild	Hushpuppy	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
Cooper	Jackie	9	Skippy	Skippy	Nominee Best Actor
Breslin	Abigail	10	Little Miss Sunshine	Olive Hoover	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
Badham	Mary	10	To Kill a Mockingbird	Scout Finch	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
O'Neal	Tatum	10	Paper Moon	Addie Loggins	Winner Best Supporting Actress
Paquin	Anna	11	The Piano	Flora McGrath	Winner Best Supporting Actress
Osment	Haley Joel	11	The Sixth Sense	Cole Sear	Nominee Best Supporting Actor
De Wilde	Brandon	11	Shane	Joey Starrett	Nominee Best Supporting Actor
Castle-Hughes	Keisha	13	Whale Rider	Paikea	Nominee Best Actress
Ronan	Saorise	13	Atonement	Young Briony Tallis	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
Foster	Jodie	14	Taxi Driver	Iris	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
Steinfeld	Hailee	14	True Grit	Mattie Ross	Nominee Best Supporting Actress
Duke	Patty	16	The Miricle Worker	Helen Keller	Winner Best Supporting Actress
Wild	Jack	16	Oliver!	The Artful Dodger	Nominee Best Supporting Actor