Thank you

So the nominations were announced and I am deeply honored and appreciated to see The Winter Sun have a good month in August. Honestly this has been one of the craziest months for me, and it just shows that even if the Igloo Festival is a great and unique idea it can be misleading at times. At first I was campaigning for Blackwater Park due to its Igloo recognition and future best actor win, Clive Owen wasn't nominated for anything else. As the days went on Blackwater Park faded and The Winter Sun rised, no pun intended. Very strange month for me but thank you all for yet another good month in the contest and I'm honored to be apart of it.

Congratulations on the nominees this month and good luck to everyone next month.

Daniel's Official Nominations

Sorry for the delay everyone. I've finally tallied the nominations for Daniels "Honoring the Author" segment (thank you so much to the people that voted), and without further ado here we are.

Best Picture

A New Agenda
Ironic Nonfiction
Steamboat Disney
Dali
E.L.

Best Director

Jonathan Demme (Bloodshed)
James L. Brooks (A New Agenda)
Alexander Payne (Ironic Nonfiction)
Tim Burton (Dali)
George Clooney (Steamboat Disney)

Best Actor

Chris Cooper (Bloodshed)
Carl Reiner (A New Agenda)
David Strathairn (Steamboat Disney)
Tim Robbins (Ironic Nonfiction)
John Turturro (Dali)

Best Actress

Betty White (E.L)
Felicitiy Huffman (Ironic Nonfiction)
Lily Tomlin (Steamboat Disney)
Parker Posey (I, Bergman)
Michelle Yeoh (Broken Frames)

Best Supporting Actor

Al Pacino (A New Agenda)
David Bowie (Ironic Nonfiction)
Tim Curry (Ironic Nonfiction)
Kevin Spacey (Blank)
Bill Nighy (E.L.)

Best Supporting Actress

Parker Posey (A New Agenda)
Thora Birch (Bloodshed)
Catherine O'Hara (Blank)
Natalie Portman (I. Bergman)
Julie Andrews (Foils)

Best Screenplay

A New Agenda
Dali
Ironic Nonfiction
Steamboat Disney
E.L.

There you have it, Daniels "All-Stars" so to speak. Now, the next and final step for us authors is to send your winners to me, at stinkyturtles@hotmail.com. The deadline will be next week on the 29th. Make sure to get your votes in, every vote counts. Thanks again to the authors that sent in nominations.

August Reviews

Well, they are finally here, my reviews for the month of August. Lets go..

El Baile Amor - The story didn't really go anywhere that kept my interest. Perez is a nice choice though and she's definitely underused. C-

Bat Out Of Hell - Looked forward to this one. Don't like any of the casting and I didn't see the reason in bringing Machete from Grindhouse in this. As always, your bait is well written and the director choice is nice. B-

Bee-Bee's Funhouse - I like these characters, very creative bait. What would have made this bait better is if you made it into a comedy, I personally could never take a film like this seriously and I don't see how anyone else could. But overall a good bait. B

Cartoon Wars - Got rather bored reading this one. Miller's not really the director for this and the characters/script are far from fresh. C-

Cocker Spanchovy - Another bait about the main character being involved with children, eh. Well, I must say this is your best bait to date Kwame, it's just the story doesn't attract me that much, but you're getting better, keep it up. C-

The Courtroom - There can never be too many courtroom dramas. However, I would have liked more details on the case, maybe some twists and turns. I think it has a great cast and crew but it just needed a spark. C+

Deep Secret - A very good political bait, normally I'm not attracted to political baits, The Justices and now this one being a good exception but this one strikes me as being one that could contend for serious contention. The casting (besides Cox) is the weak spot in this though, but very good. B+

Diary of an Adopted Child - Nothing really new with this one. Love the tagline though. C-

Equality - Well written and good execution in this one. Weaver seems like a typical choice but the bait is solid, but dragged a bit. B-

Everyday - The casting and crew is there, however the characters are uninspiring and the script is just rushed and flawed. If it were a different accident then I could see the father looking for answers, but car crashes happen all the time and I doubt Baldins character would turn detective over it. C

Fahrenheit 451 - Truthfully I'm tired of this story. I don't think Speilberg would touch this, just a story that's too well known and a story that has spawned so many other films that is just doesn't intrigue me as a bait. C-

The Final Days - Has been done way, way too many times. However, the writing style definitely shows you have the potential to become a good writer, just a bit more creativity and you'll be set. C

Foggy London Nights - This is a good story, one of your best Josh. I guess I'm in the dark in this one but I just don't like the Radcliffe casting, he hasent proved anything aside from taking on the Harry Potter role to a tee, I'm not giving him that kind of leeway but the bait itself is solid. B

Fallout - Well executed writing, solid story and I dig it. Vintage zgamer here and it definitely doesn't disappoint, quite interesting bait. B+

Grey Gardens - A boring read for me. It's not the length but this story just isn't sexy to me. C+

Hard Candy: The Last Stand - A very interesting idea. Don't think it could compare to the first though, there was just way too many good things in that film for it to be overshadowed by a sequel, but it was a good story. B-

House Of A Shattered Soul - At first I'm reading this and I'm saying I really hope this isn't a typical, new age ghost thriller, but this is a different approach to that. A very interesting view on what seems to be a bland script but you made it waaay more than that. I really digged this bait. B+

In Between - Not too bad, a great casting and the perfect director makes this a fairly good bait that kept me entertained throughout. B

Indigo Prophecy - Hooked me in and never let me go. I really want to play this game though. Though I don't think it touches Ghost Recon it's definitely your second best VG adaptation. B+

The Legend of Zelda: The End of Forever - I don't really dig the style, it's different, very different, but a synopsis is a synopsis, not a poem. I truly do admire your admiration and dedication to this bait considering you probably put a lot of time into this. I'm basically with Pat on this one though, it was a nice effort. C+

My Life in Jokes - Doesn't really tell a story, just a bunch of quotes. Much like Zelda I admire your originality with this, but this one really didn't go anywhere. Don't like having one cast member too, I think if you would have wrote a story it could have been something special. C

Like Beauty - Cuarón? Don't like that choice. An average adaptation. C

The Lonely Life of Martin Ziggle - This has some nice originality and I always dig that. I really didn't mind this bait at all. Title could have been better but it's an intriguing story for sure. B

The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson - Not crazy about this one, story is average and the casting doesn't blow my mind. I truly believe Foggy London Nights is your baby this month and I'm probably in the dark with that as well. This is a well written bait but just doesn't interest me. Singer seems like an odd choice for director as well. C

The Munsters with Yvonne De Carlo - Wow, better then I thought it was going to be. Very original bait and something I could have never thought of. Casting is spot on. B+

No More Smiles - My opinion Crudup is leading canditate for best leading male. The story is remarkable with great characters and the front runner for best comedy. A-

Off to Rome - Funny bait that screams Brooks. I'm not crazy about the casting but I dig the rest. This has been a good month for comedies thus far, this being one of them. B+

The Picture of Dorian Gray - One of the best adaptations of the month. I'd rank Fiennes ahead of McAvoy in the best actor department though. Your writing was truly missed last month and deeply glad to have you back Harry, this is a gem. A-

Quiet Room - Kind of saw the twist coming but that doesn't matter. This is a great bait. In my opinion, Sergio has gone from a writer who started off with mediocore baits and now has turned into a baiter who has consistently gotten into my top 5 baits each month. Well written, perfect storytelling and great character depth makes this one of the best of the month. Very nice job. B+

Rabbit Hole - See "Rabbit Hole Review"

Reset - Just way to many questions that needs to be answered in order for this to be a good bait. Why do the women change? Karen Blacks character has no story or no real purpose. Would be a very repetitive film. I doubt all those acclaimed actresses would take a role in this considering they'd probably get 10 minutes on screen. Just needs more. C-

Shipwreck'd - There needs to be more Nolan baits. Anyway, not one of your best. I just couldn't keep interest and wasn't feeling any of the characters. A well written adaptation but I just couldn't get into it. This being an average bait and No More Smiles being a brilliant bait definitely equals out to another consistent month for DW. Nice work. C+

Six Days in 67 - A story that is always well received but there just wasn't no real spark that made this different from any other film or bait that has had the same theme. Casting is brilliant but the plot just doesn't stick, needs to be thickened. C

The Truth Lies Within - Renolds would never be able to take on a role like this, which is a shame because his character is great and the story is superb, enjoyed it very much. B+

The Witching Hour - A movie I would definitely go see but I think Thurman is miscasted. I don't know why but I got chills reading this bait, which rarely happens for me, and that is definitely a good thing, nice job James. B

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown - I've never been a fan of the Peanut gang so it really didn't fascinate me much. I do like the writing style and would definitely make a cute little film, don't know if Bird would take it though. Overall it was decent. B-

Friendly Enemies - It's well written but is just way to cliche and bland. Drags on too much, but I have faith that you're going to nail a great bait some day with your well rounded writing skills. C-

That'd be it, hope you enjoyed. Also don't forget to send me your nomination ballods to stinkyturtles@hotmail.com for Daniels "Honoring the Authors" month. Deadline is Sunday.

Honoring the Authors - Daniel (August Edition)

Hello everyone. This is the first month that will have the segment "Honoring the Authors", which will honor the winner of Author of the Month the month before, in this case in July. That author was Daniel, who released his brilliant comedy "A New Agenda", making him the first author on this site to be honored.

The links below are to all of Daniels baits he has released. To participate all you need to do is email me your Big 7 nominations using his baits only. In order to vote you need to include your name and username on the Bait an Oscar site, and remember only email me your nominations because once the votes are counted I'll have the official nomination list where then we will vote for winners. The deadline for voting is this Sunday. Email me your noms at stinkyturtles@hotmail.com The big 7 include:

Best Picture (5)
Best Director (5)
Best Actor (5)
Best Actress (5)
Best Supporting Actor (5)
Best Supporting Actress (5)
Best Screenplay (5)

Articles - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/june/articles.html

Flying Circus - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/june/flyingcircus.html

Helix - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/june/helix.html

Broken Frames -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/july/brokenframes.html

I. Bergman - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/august/ibergman.html

Steamboat Disney -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/august/steamboatdisney.html

Foils - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/september/foils.html

Ironic Nonfiction - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/september/ironicnonfiction.html

Animal Farm -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/octbaits/animalfarm.html

Dali -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/octbaits/dali.html

trois nouvelles - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2006/bait/december06baits/trousnouvelles.html

E.L. - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/january/el.html

Blank - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/february/blank.html

The Dirty Dozen -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/march07/dirtydozen.html

The Mousetrap - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/april/mousetrap.html

Assassins - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/may/assassins.html

Bloodshed -http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/june2007/bloodshed.html

A New Agenda - http://www.theoscarigloo.com/2007/baitoscar/july07/newagenda.html

Please involve yourself in this honoring for a great author, thanks and hope to see your votes.

Shelved Bait - "Predators"

I have had this bait shelved for several months now. I'm just curious to see how the other baiters would take to this bait.

Name: Tony

From: Pittsburgh

"Predators"

Directed by Gus Van Sant

Written by Larry Clark

Principal Cast:
Tim Blake Nelson as Patrick Camps

Owen Kline as Edward Hall

John Robinson as Toby

Ashley Benson as Pam

Sandra Bullock as Marisa Camps

Miranda Cosgrove as Stacy Ferguson

Rob Morrow as Ken Hall

Vera Farmiga as Michelle Hall

Philip Baker Hall as Sam Kessler

Robert Forster as Dr. George Hanssen

Jasmine Jessica Anthony as Christine Camps

Tagline: Ones legacy is fulfilled, the others is about to begin"

Patrick Camps is a loving family man, husband of Marisa, and father of Christine, both of which trust and love him dearly as well. A wealthy man Patrick was, a math teacher at a private school for kids with higher intellect. Camps was looked at as a rolemodel for most, but there's more to Patrick Camps then meets the eye.

Camps is secretly a long time sexual predator. For over decades now he's sexually harassed over 20 prostitutes while maintaining to keep a low profile. A disease that he could never rid of, tormented by living in an orphanage most of his childhood with no guidance, no help. Now, Camps is moving into the final stages of his condition, teenagers. Several girls around the school have noticed that Camps is showing quite a bit of affection towards them, odd hand movements, glaring eyes. It would be apparent when Camps was assigned to home tutor young Stacy with her math. After weeks of tutoring and knowing the family, Patrick was always welcomed at the Ferguson residence, until his real mission would be complete. Weeks go by and several students have reported strange behavior to Principal Kessler about Mr. Camps. Stacy missed days of school. He's losing family trust, student trust, everything is falling apart. With his job and livelihood on the line, the people of the town convinced themselves that the caring and compassionate Patrick Camps that they once knew would never result to that. The last shot of Camps in his bed with his wife as he holds her in his arms. Comfortable is Marisa, knowing in her mind the false and dark times have past, and everything was resolved.

Just 300 miles away lived Edward Hall, quiet boy with a heart on fire. Recently Edward has been experiencing strange urges, a chronic masturbator, takes pleasure in hurting small animals, and more random acts of violence. Ken and Michelle Hall are highly concerned for their only son. He attends his appointments with Dr. George Hanssen twice a week, but his condition would only worsen. His fetish with his next door neighbor Pam increases day after day, spying on her through the windows, glares at school. Pams highly unstable brother Toby takes notice. Edward cries for help, he realizes his obsessions have taken over him. The words freak and retard have never hurt worse. With the love and support from his parents they intend to give him the best treatment possible. Days go by, and everything is going great, until Toby takes actions in his own hands, and captures Edward after school, bringing Ed in his backyard. After begging for his life, Edward receives several beatings from a steel baseball bat to the stomach area. Edward would later die of internal bleeding.

What the press would say:
"Predators", the new film from Gus Van Sant is a mesmorizing, haunting cinematic gem. An unsettling, strange, and beautiful film with the Van Sant symbolism included. A story of what could be a typical day in the household of others, the phrase "that could be anyone", comes into mind many times while sitting down and watching this film. The duo of director Van Sant (Elephant, Good Will Hunting), and writer Larry Clark (Kids) is as powerful as it gets. The combined masterminds of human behavior, reality situations, gives us the frightening truth of the country we live in. The script is remarkable, and dare I say "unfortunate", the films morale is ultimately low, it's very dark, depressing, and has a creepy vibe to it. The film focuses mainly on 2 characters, Patrick and Edward. Tim Blake Nelson has hit home with this naturally disturbing role of a family man with the slicked back hair, glasses, and tie with an evilness that is screaming to be let out. You can see the eagerness in his eyes when the youngens are in his presense, a performance that will never be forgotten. Next to him is son of Kevin Kline, Owen Kline. Owen is developing into a fine young actor and this role will only solidify his place as the top of the food chain with "child actors". Young Owen has the second half of the film on his shoulders, he's the lead role, and it's a big responsibility to take, but he does it to perfection. His cries are real, the pain looks real, the performance is real. The end scene where Edward is pleading, only to get brutally battered (an ending that will be remembered) is Klines road to glory and should land him an Oscar nod. Supporting stars are gold as Sandra Bullock plays surreal house wife with a love for her husband that's so strong, you want her to know the truth because she's so inspiring as a mother, but she never does. Miranda Cosgrove pulls off the realistic performance of a happy school girl turned troubled and mentally paralyzed victim of a sexual assault. Though we never see what goes on, it's evident from Cosgroves role that it wasn't the normal home tutoring.

Take a deep breath before you watch Predators, although the film is slow paced, your heart is racing, it's a vision-altering experience that pushes the boundaries of the medium and takes us to a place, emotionally, that we have never been before.

FYC:
Best Picture

Best Director - Gus Van Sant

Best Leading Actor - Tim Blake Nelson

Best Leading Actor - Owen Cline

Best Supporting Actress - Sandra Bullock

Best Supporting Actress - Miranda Cosgrove

Best Original Screenplay - Larry Clark

Best Film Editing

FYC: My August Baits

Just thought I'd advertise my award compaign on my blog since the baits are going to be posted shortly I assume. Good luck to everyone this month.

My review on "Rabbit Hole", by Alex

Here we go. My first shot on doing a review. I just want to give out a fair warning my writing and reviewing skills can't even match such great reviewers such as DW, Pat, Zgamer, and Douglas, but I'll give it a shot.

My first review will be on Alex's bait "Rabbit Hole", an adapted screenplay from David Lindsay-Abaire. A tragic story on a family struggling to cope with the loss of their 5 year old child. Diane Lane (Becca) plays the broken down mother who refuses to move on with her life, a performance and casting that is probably golden for a Best Actress nomination. Greg Kinnear (Howie) plays the father who tries different methods to move on. By all means Kinnear is definitely not miscasted in this, his role in The Matador and Godsend he plays a father who has lost his child, can't recall any others, regardless it's a good role for him. Kathy Bates (Nat) is also casted well as the mother of Diane Lane who has also lost a child, she tries to comfort Becca by telling her the feelings never go away, but there's no sense in having it ruin your life. Her comic relief would definitely ensure her of a best supporting actress nomination.

All together, this bait is filled with emotions. You have a typical black and white angle in this bait, two different ways of trying to cope with the loss of a child. The metaphor at the end of this bait is what really seals it as a contender for best adapted screenplay. There are no flaws in the writing, however I would have liked to know more of Osments character to give him a bit more depth. Overall this is a solid bait, I could definitely see it ranking in the top 10 of the month for it's great writing and casting alone, very nice job.

Grade: B+

Possible Awards:
Best Cast
Best Awards Campaign
Best Casting Choice - Diane Lane as Becca
Best Director - John Madden
Best Actress - Diane Lane
Best Supporting Actress - Kathy Bates
Best Adapted Screenplay

Thoughts on July Winners

Hey all. Just thought I'd get my 2 cents on Julys winners and the month of July overall. This was easily the best month for baiting I've been apart of. I thought nothing would beat September or even November for that matter but this month has definitely made it's way to the best. From baits to "A New Agenda", "The Valley of Ashes", "Border Man", "Into Thin Air", "Rehab!", "The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft", "Kosmopolis", "Good Morning, Ladies", "Dear Mr. President", The last After Earth film, "Mad Love", "The Banality of Evil", "Under Fire", "Our Father", "In the Dead of Night", "Gathering Blue", "Dear Mr. President" and a laundry list of others has made this an amazing month. I congratulate every single person who entered a bait this month, you were part of this great month.

As for the winners, I must say I did pretty damn good with my predictions, mwaha. I figured A New Agenda would win, and though I thought Valley should have but there is no snub here. A New Agenda is a brilliant bait that will probably go down as the best of 2007 so far in the eyes of many. I would also like to thank everyone who supported both of my baits "Dr. Death", and "Batman: Scars of Tomorrow", the fact Batman was the 7th best bait of all the great baits that were out truly means something since I put a lot of time and effort into that one. I would also like to say I'm deeply grateful that Peter O'Toole got the Best Actor nod, it's only my second Big 8 award since being in the contest and my first Best Actor award. Thank you guys once again for the support.