Feb 19, 2004

Street Talk by Shari Kaplan

The Academy Awards are right around the corner, but (as usual) not everyone agrees with the nominations for Best Picture. What movie would you nominate as Best Picture and why? (Asked at Redwood Plaza)

"I think ‘Finding Nemo’ was one of the best movies ever. The voice-overs were fantastic. The theme was good for everybody; it was sometimes serious and sometimes funny and something kids and adults can both enjoy. Nemo was a cool character too. And some of the little commentaries and things in the movie were hilarious!"

Robert Maxwell, 22
Almaden Valley
Assistant high school soccer coach

"I'd say ‘Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.’ It's one of the best movies I've ever seen. The third movie was such a great finale to the trilogy! As a total piece, it was very well done, especially considering how difficult it was to take Tolkein's books and make them into movies. The acting and casting were both wonderful."

John Deck, 53
Almaden Valley
Sales manager

"I liked ‘Cold Mountain.’ I like that era. Growing up in Holland during World War II, I can identify with some of the hardships of the Civil War. The acting was great; the actresses all portray very strong women. And the scenery is just beautiful—I can't believe it was filmed in Romania! It was overall a good movie with a good message."

Grada Blom, 63
Almaden Valley
Retired instructional aide

"My two favorites were probably ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Master & Commander.’ ‘Master & Commander’ was pretty accurate. It showed how unsheltered life was for children and adults at sea. ‘The Last Samurai’ was a really challenging role for Tom Cruise. It also interested me because I went to Japan last May to visit a friend and got connected with the people and history."

Brian Sturges, 23
Almaden Valley
High school church ministry

"I haven't seen many movies lately, but I liked ‘Under the Tuscan Sun.’ Diane Lane was darling in it, and she's not one of those teeny-bopper actresses these days who show off so much of their bodies. I loved the photography of the Italian countryside. The movie is like the dream we all have of getting out of the rat race and doing our own thing."

Pam McGuire, 55
Almaden Valley
Middle school teacher

"I loved ‘Finding Nemo!’ It has something from all the levels of film that I studied in college: good cinematography, set direction, cadence, editing, things like that. I think ‘Finding Nemo’ should have been nominated with the live action films. This is the first time I felt that way about a non-live action film. What is art, after all, but form, color, design and personal vision?"

Julia Jones, 49
Blossom Valley
Telecommunications/artist