Oscar Predictions, A New 007, and Rocky Returns
November 2005 Movie News
Academy Award Thoughts: There is no time like the present, and since we're starting with a clean slate I think I'm safe enough to throw out some ideas. 
While The Interpreter and Batman Begins were pretty good, I don't think they have much of a chance. I think Steven Spielberg's Munich (about terrorism at the 1972 Olympics in Germany) and Peter Jackson's King Kong have very good shots at the title, if Spielberg can get his movie out in time and the Academy voters don't see Kong as a summer-popcorn flick. A few other contenders are: All The King's Men with Sean Penn; The Producers with Nathan Lane, Uma Thurman, and Matthew Broderick; and the Edward R. Murrow flick Good Night. And, Good Luck. Much like the first two films I mentioned that don't have a chance, I place Elizabethtown, Tristram Shandy, and Memoirs of a Geisha into that list. They may, however, pull down other awards (Best Supporting..., Cinematography, etc.), thereby rounding out the whole.
My Name Is Bond (Like The Previous Guys): Calling all SPECTRE agents! A new Bond has been named, a young English actor named Daniel Craig. Known mostly in England for his TV and films roles, the new blond spy was introduced in a fittingly dramatic way: roaring into his press conference on a speedboat. Not all agree with the choice, however. Some compare him more to an accountant than hero, and he certainly did not win any Bond points for admitting that he was scared after the speedboat ride. He even wore a life-jacket! He may wish to gain a bit more confidence before going out to defeat the bad guys, or this Bond may lose the world after all.
Eye of the Slightly Arthritic Tiger: While a fresh new Bond is hitting the scene, an icon from the past is coming back for another round. Sylvester Stallone is returning as Rocky in the sixth movie of the series. Titled Rocky Balboa (for the moment), Sly is writing, starring, and directing this story. Retired and lonely in Philadelphia, Rocky steps back into the ring for a few small, local matches. But a challenge from the current heavyweight champion proves too hard to resist. Does the older guy still have it in him? Considering who is running the show, my bet is yes, but we'll have to wait and see the movie for the final answer.
And Lastly, Chewie Is A Texan!: Or at least the actor who plays him. Peter Mayhew, the man inside the Chewbacca costume, recently gained his U.S. citizenship, having married an American wife. He lives quietly outside of Dallas and still appears in conventions and events as the beloved Wookie.
