Zgamer Gives Credit Where Credit Is Due

It's now my turn to praise Daniel. Seriously man, congrats on being the first author to win BOTM twice. And for comedies none the less. I knew that this bait was going to be special ever since I read it at the Bait Festival. I voted it to win at the official awards in many categories. And I have no regrets or grudges for placing fourth this month behind you. I accept this defeat gracefully for a bait that deserved it more.

This month was definately one of the best since February (not because I won, but because that had the best collection of quality baits of 2007). There were surprises here and there (I am also surprised at Lohan's win), but the winners were mostly well deserved. Good job everyone.

And I really liked Michael's comment on perserverence. It's stuff like that which keeps me baiting. I haven't taken a break baiting since I started and I don't plan to for a while now. It's tough at times to think of good ideas (I've had flops too like Half-Life and The 38th Parallel) but if you keep at it you'll find a gem at some point. So, I encourage everyone to keep up the good work.

As for my baits, I will be unveiling them on the forum and on The Zone of Zgamer tomorrow (or today by my clock since it's past midnight). Bryce will be unveiling our team bait for September on a thread in the forum.

A Preview of My Hopeful August Baits...

My dramatic bait of the month is called Collapse, and just to sum it up here is a brief summary...

Collapse is the story of young gay reporter, Sid Patterson who is trying to be the next big investigative print journalist. The current president goes by the name of William Morris, and has just been re-elected by a landslide. President Morris' approval rating is at an all-time high and the press adores him. So when America is attacked by terrorists, it is only natural that he is the stand up leader. However, Patterson learns that it is not possible that the government building that was attacked to have been taken down by just an airplane.

Casting
President William Morris- Richard Gere
Sid Patterson- James McAvory
Lesley Ann Warren- First Lady Sylvia Morris
(more to be announced with the bait)

My more comedic bait is called Amen? and here is a tentative story line...

Lisa Evansworth is new to a mid-sized Oklahoma town in which Christianity is practically the center of everyones attention. The newly divorced mother of one moves into a small 2 bedroom home in suburbia. Her new neighbors Pat Armstrong and Kate Nelson invite her to the local church that everyone who is everone attends. She also meets the less christian based Barb, who lives directly next to her and Barb and Lisa quickly become pals. However, Lisa and her daughter Julie continue to attend the church and Lisa soon becomes in charge of the children's sunday school. Once she is appointed to her new position, she finds that these "Christian" people are not at all what they seem.

Tentative Cast
Lisa Evansworth- Lauren Graham
Kathy Griffin- Barb Waller
Joan Cusack- Pat Armstrong
Laura Linney- Kate Nelson

Hope you enjoy them!

My View: A Special Congratulations!

I just wanted to give a Special Congratulations to Daniel for being the first author to win Best Picture twice. I have to admit, that ever since you wrote Ironic Nonfiction and Dali back to back, I looked up to you as a peer and you have always been one of my favorite authors in the contest (definately in my top 3) and I have always valued your critiques as a way to make myself a better author. And to all the people who have dubbed me the "King of the Baiting Comedy" you are completely wrong because this is the guy that has one 2 Best Picture Oscars for his comedies, while I have yet to win a Best Picture at the Golden Globes for my work.



Daniel, I am very happy that you are the first repeat winner in the contest and I look forward to all you other projects. I have to say that I doubted that a repeat winner would happen in the year 2007, but A New Agenda is very deserving of the prize. I hope that makes everyone bring their A game in the next few months because I really think this is a huge stepping stone for the contest as a whole. Now that 1 author has won BP twice, it makes the question, "Will the crown the same author twice" a stupid question. I honestly think that August and September will be the best months for the contest (as far as quality goes) since last August, September, and October.



So to all the baiters who feel discouraged, keep trying because everyone has the film, or bait in this case that is what makes them a name. Trust me, we all feel inclined to just stop at some point, but you can't because even if it is a crap month for your bait(s), then you have the chance to view the contest and the buzz from more of a 3rd person view, and in the past, that has helped me grow in the contest and make my work and my releases more quality, even though we all have flops now and then (The Ultimate Oscar, Home For Purim anyone?). Point being, everyone has at least 1 bad credit. Perseverance is the key, and it's a virtue at the same time, it's a win/win/win situation (kudos to whoever gets that reference (the reference being the "win/win/win" thing)).

Sincerely (sp?),
Michael

Cheers & Jeers: The July Oscars

Let Me Start off by saying... Peter O'Toole Finally Won A Competitive Oscar...Well Almost

I have to say that I am overall pleased with the winners of the Oscars this month and I think it capped one of the greatest month's since last fall and the best month of 2007 for baiting and the community as a whole. This being my 12th month in the contest I have to say that I personally have grown a lot as a baiter over the year and as a person I have changed a lot as well. Anyway here is a little bit of my thoughts on the winners...

Cheers To...

• 3 Wins for The Banality of Evil! My personal favorite bait of the month and one of my favorites of the year and of all time and it scoring #2!!!
• Good Morning, Ladies not making the Top 10. Get made at me all you want, but IMO it is one of the most overrated baits of all time. I really liked Megan Mullally and Kristen Chenoweth, but it was too obvious for me.
• The Dark Ages poster being recognized, it seemed like a real movie poster!
• Conquistador getting an honorable mention. I thought it would be completely shut out and I really loved it!
• Roman Polanski winning for The Valley of Ashes, that really made me happy!
• Batman winning Box-Office Hit, even though I was pretty sure it was going to happen, it still made me happy.
• H.P. Lovecraft getting an award along with making the Top 10, I really enjoyed the bait.

Jeers To...

• Border Man snagging the #3 spot. Sorry, just didn't like it that much.
• Dear Mr. President being so close to getting a picture nomination. I really wanted it to make the cut.
• Eleven Weeks to Steal November making the Top 10, sorry once again, I didn't enjoy it.
• Life After Brenda getting no honorable mention.
• Kristen Chenoweth not winning for Good Morning, Ladies.
• Lindsay Lohan winning for Rehab! Sorry, she was the worst part of the bait for me.
• It taking 10 months for another comedy to win Best Picture.

Well, those are my thoughts. Feel free to post below and I would like to say here that I am very pleased with the results, even if they didn't go that way. I intend to release a bait entitled Collapse which I'll release more information in a couple of posts and a bait called Amen? that revolves around a newly divorced wife finding that her "Christian" friends and their church aren't so Christian after all.

From Zgamer and I, we wish all of you the best luck in August!

Zgamer's Return, Predictions and Reactions

Hey all, as I've mentioned a couple times now, I just returned from a long hike that has lasted four days. I guess Michael is still on vacation, so I will comment on the nominations.

First of all, thank you all for the nominations for The Valley of Ashes and Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical. I was really glad to be greeted with this news when I came back from the hike. I also want to congratulate the other nominees (particularly A New Agenda) and wish them all luck. And I also want to thank you all for my author nomination. It's really exciting to actually be back in the main competition rather than sitting in the sidelines for technical awards. I wish everyone extra luck cause this is going to be a close race. Which leads into my predictions (with my baits excluded of course):

Best Plot / Synopsis
Will Win: A New Agenda
Should Win: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Possible Upset: Border Man

Best Awards Campaign

Will Win: Dear Mr. President
Should Win: A New Agenda
Possible Upset: The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft

Best Online Awards Campaign

Will Win: Good Morning, Ladies
Should Win: The Banality of Evil
Possible Upset: Under Fire

Best Title

Will Win: Eleven Weeks To Steal November
Should Win: A Spoonful of Sugar
Possible Upset: Crimes Against A City

Most Likely Bait to Become a Box-Office Hit

Will Win: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Should Win: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Possible Upset: Dark Ages

Most Likely Bait to Become a Cult Film

Will Win: The Urge
Should Win: The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Possible Upset: Dr. Death or Gathering Blue (I thought this award had some great picks)

Most Original Bait

Will Win: After Earth
Should Win: A New Agenda
Possible Upset: Kosmopolis

Most Original Character

Will Win: Border Man
Should Win: A New Agenda or Border Man
Possible Upset: Listen and Hear

Best Cast

Will Win: A New Agenda
Should Win: A New Agenda
Possible Upset: Border Man or Good Morning, Ladies

Best Casting Choice

Will Win: Dr. Death
Should Win: Good Morning, Ladies
Possible Upset: The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft (Very surprised Lohan got a nod here)


Best Crew

Will Win: Under Fire
Should Win: Gathering Blue
Possible Upset: Kosmopolis

Best Tagline

Will Win: Mad Love
Should Win: Mad Love
Possible Upset: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Funniest Bait

Will Win: A New Agenda
Should Win: A New Agenda or Good Morning, Ladies
Possible Upset: Divine Poker

Shameless Oscar Vehicles

No Comment

Best Poster Design

Will Win: The Banality of Evil
Should Win: The Banality of Evil or Kosmopolis
Possible Upset: Dark Ages or Dr. Death (This was a good month for posters)


Best Author of the Month
Special Achievement on Writing and Creativity

Will Win: Daniel
Should Win: Daniel
Possible Upset: Tony

Best Picture

Will Win: A New Agenda
Should Win: A New Agenda
Possible Upset: Border Man

Best Director

Will Win: A New Agenda
Should Win: A New Agenda
Possible Upset: Dear Mr. President

Best Actor

Will Win: Tom Berenger, Border Man
Should Win: Tom Berenger, Border Man
Possible Upset: Peter O'Toole, Dr. Death or Nicolas Cage, The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft

Best Actress

Will Win: Susan Sarandon, Dear Mr. President
Should Win: Juliette Binoche, Audrey's Girls
Possible Upset: Michell Williams, Under Fire

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win: Al Pacino, A New Agenda
Should Win: Al Pacino, A New Agenda
Possible Upset: Gary Oldman, The Banality of Evil

Best Supporting Actress

Will Win: Kristen Chenoweth
Should: " "
Possible Upset: Maribel Verdu

Best Original Screenplay

Will: A New Agenda
Should: " "
Possible Upset: Border Man


Best Adapted Screenplay

Will: The Banality of Evil
Should: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Possible Upset: Gathering Blue

My View: The Tournament

Well, I have to say that I am very thankful for all of you who helped my tournament bait, Newport advance to that next round. I assure you I am working very hard to polish my bait to how you suggested I should make it better. I would love it if anyone would email me further advice to help me in my quest to win the tournament.

Anyway, I really am blogging to talk about how much I really think that this tournament is a great thing for our contest. Because for some of the authors on the site, it is harder to write baits and easier to write blockbusters, and this is really an outlit for those of us who haven't had much success at the Oscars.

I really hope that everyone turns out to read all of the tournament baits and comments on them so that there are more than a select few reading them. I know it means a lot to the writers and I think all in all I think it will help advance the contest as a whole, than just the plain old equation that is writing a bait.

On a side note, I really hope that you vote in the poll that is up, and I'll see if I can get another one going.

Oh, and please comment on this article if you wish to subscribe to the I! magazine that is going to be issued. I just announced the crew yesterday and it is shaping up to be something that could really get people talking about a lot of baits and future projects. Also, we will be running FYC ads instead of regular commercial ads that you usually see in magazines. More details will be announced in early August, but I hope that people enjoy our product.

My View: The Best Picture Race

Here is my analysis of the candidates I think are in the running for Best Picture this month...

The Banality of Evil- While I would LOVE for this to get a Best Picture nomination, I think it will probably be left out in the cold.

Possible Nominations: Best Picture/Best Supporting Actor, Gary Oldman/Best Supporting Actress, Helena Bonham Carter/Best Adapted Screenplay

Batman: Scars of Tomorrow- A likely candidate, but could easily be left out seeing as it scored a wimpy 1 nomination at the Globes. Still I think it has fairly good chances.

Possible Nominations: Best Supporting Actor, Ralph Fiennes/Best Adapted Screenplay

Border Man- A safe bet for a nomination, probably won't earn Pat his second Best Picture win though.

Possible Nominations: Best Picture/Best Director/Best Actor, Tom Berenger/Best Supporting Actress, Maribel Verdu/Best Original Screenplay

Dear, Mr. President- A risky bet, but is a strong contender.

Possible Nominations: Best Director/Best Actress, Susan Sarandon/Best Original Screenplay

Dr. Death- Probably won't land Tony a BP nomination, but in the Top 10.

Possible Nominations: Best Actor, Peter O'Toole

Good Morning, Ladies- A really strong contender, but expect to get 1 place away from a nomination.

Possible Nominations: Best Actress, Megan Mullally/Best Supporting Actress, Kristen Chenoweth & Bette Midler/Best Original Screenplay

The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft- Not a very solid conteder, but could snag a place in the Top 10.

Possible Nominations: Best Actor, Nicolas Cage

A New Agenda- The safest bet for a Best Picture nomination.

Possible Nominations: Best Picture/Best Director/Best Actor, Carl Reiner/Best Supporting Actor, Al Pacino/Best Original Screenplay

Rehab! A Contemporary Musical- I don't think it will land a Best Picture nomination, but other nominations are extremely likely.

Possible Nominations: Best Actress, Lindsay Lohan/Best Supporting Actress, Stephanie D'Abbrozzo/Best Original Screenplay

Under Fire- The little bait that could. I can easily see it getting a nomination, but I can easily see it not getting a nomination.

Possible Nominations: Best Picture/Best Director/Best Actress, Michelle Williams/Best Supporting Actor, Chris Bridges & Patrick Wilson/Best Original Screenplay

The Valley of Ashes- I think it will easily score a nomination, but there is still a chance it will be shut out.

Possible Nominations: Best Picture/Best Director/Best Actor, Barry Pepper/Best Original Screenplay

Feel free to discuss..

My View: SAG Predictions

Ok so let's dive right in...

Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Motion Picture
Good Morning, Ladies
Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical
Border Man
Under Fire
A New Agenda

I'm putting my money on Good Morning, Ladies because it has had the widest acting reception of any of the five baits nominated. Don't be surprised if Rehab! takes it or even A New Agenda.

Prediction: Good Monring, Ladies

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Peter O'Toole in Dr. Death
Barry Pepper in The Valley of Ashes
Tom Berenger in Border Man
Nicolas Cage in The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Carl Reiner in A New Agenda

I'm thinking this is like the Actor Drama race at the Globes, it is between O'Toole, Pepper, and Cage to take it. Go with Pepper to win the gold, but don't be surprised if O'Toole wins.

Prediction: Barry Pepper in The Valley of Ashes

Oustanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Megan Mullally in Good Morning, Ladies
Ellen Page in Go Ask Alice
Ivana Baquero in Gathering Blue
Juliette Binoche in Audrey's Girls
Susan Sarandon in Dear Mr. President

This is really a two woman race between Megan Muallally and Susan Sarandon. It could go either way, but I'm going to say that Megan Mullally takes it by 1 vote. Regardless, whoever wins this race will win the Oscar.

Prediction: Megan Mullally in Good Morning, Ladies

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Al Pacino in A New Agenda
Ralph Fiennes in Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Patrick Wilson in Under Fire
Gary Oldman in The Banality of Evil
Maximillian Shell in Mad Love

I'm going to say that Gary Oldman will win because he has the baitest role, but don't be surprised if Fiennes or Pacino is the one accepting the award.

Prediction: Gary Oldman in The Banality of Evil

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Kristin Chenoweth in Good Morning, Ladies
Bette Midler in Good Morning, Ladies
Maribel Verdu in Border Man
Claire Hope Ashitey in Audrey's Girls
Helena Bonham Carter in The Banality of Evil

Unlinke the other categories I think this is pretty open and shut race, Chenoweth wins.

Prediction: Kristen Chenoweth in Good Morning, Ladies

My View: Golden Globe Predictions

Best Picture (Drama)
The Banality of Evil
Border Man
Dear, Mr. President
Into Thin Air
The Valley of Ashes

Surprised to see Into Thin Air here and I will be completely surprised if it wins because it is definately the darkest horse in the race. While Border Man was the best reviewed bait, I doubt that it will take this award because of the lack of buzz. Banality is at #11 on the list, and I think it is a bait that is widely loved in the "Academy of Igloo Voters", but not of the majority of population. I think the same applies to Dear, Mr. President, but more widely loved. I think that The Valley of Ashes will take the award, but don't be surprised if Dear, Mr. President steals it.

My Prediction: Valley of Ashes

Best Actor (Drama)
Tom Berenger (Border Man)
Nicolas Cage (The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft)
Billy Crudup (Into Thin Air)
Barry Pepper (The Valley of Ashes)
Peter O'Toole (Dr. Death)

Solid lineup and I'm pretty sure that Crudup and Berenger will be left in the cold. This is really a toss up and I would have say that Cage or O'Toole could easily take it, but since of the 3 Valley is the only nominated for Picture and I believe that Pepper will win.

Prediction: Barry Pepper (The Valley of Ashes)

Best Actress (Drama)
Susan Sarandon (Dear Mr. President)
Ellen Page (Go Ask Alice)
Juliette Binoche (Audrey's Girls)
Michelle Williams (Under Fire)
Ivana Baquero (Gathering Blue)
Evan Rachel Wood (Devil on my Heels)

Wow, I'm really happy that I got a nomination, but I doubt that I will win. I think that Sarandon will win because she has the baitest role and the bait she came from is widely loved and it got Best Picture Drama nomination.

Prediction: Susan Sarandon (Dear, Mr. President)

Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
A New Agenda
Good Morning, Ladies
Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical
Divine Poker
Eleven Weeks to Steal November

Wow this is really a tough competition and I'm going to bet that A New Agenda takes the award because between Good Morning, Ladies and Rehab! there are 4 authors who can't vote for their own bait in the category and they will probably defer to Agenda for their vote.

Prediction: A New Agenda

Best Actor (Musical/Comedy)
George Clooney (Eleven Weeks to steal November)
Carl Reiner (A New Agenda)
Drake Bell (Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical)
Jeff Goldblum (Divine Poker)
Justin Long (Listen and Hear)

This one is between Bell and Reiner and I'm going to bet that this is going to go to Reiner because Bell wasn't the best part of the bait.

Prediction: Carl Reiner (A New Agenda)

Best Actress (Musical/Comedy)
Blythe Danner (Good Morning, Ladies)
Megan Mullally (Good Morning, Ladies)
Thandie Newton (Eleven Weeks to steal November)
Michelle Pfeiffer (Divine Poker)
Lindsay Lohan (Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical)

Even though they can't vote for their own bait, still bet on Mullally to take the award.

Prediction: Megan Mullally (Good Morning, Ladies)

Best Supporting Actor
Al Pacino (A New Agenda)
Jay Hernandaz (Our Father)
Chris Bridges (Under Fire)
Ralph Fiennes (Batman: Scars of Tommorow)
Gary Oldman (Banilty of Evil)
Daniel Day Lewis (Night)

I disagree with the Oldman nomination in Supporting, but oh well. I think Ralph will take it with Oldman a close second.

Prediction: Ralph Fiennes (Batman: Scars of Tomorrow)

Best Supporting Actress
Claire-Hope Ashitey (Audrey's Girls)
Stephanie D'Abbrozzo (Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical)
Kristen Chenoweth (Good Morning, Ladies)
Maribel Verdu (Border Man)
Helana Bonham Carter (The Banilty of Evil)
Bette Midler (Good Morning, Ladies)

Don't be surprised if D'Abbrozzo takes it because people will want to recognize the bait somewhere (my personal thought was she was one of the best parts of the bait), but expect Chenoweth to snag yet another award.

Prediction: Kristen Chenoweth (Good Morning, Ladies)

Best Director
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (Border Man)
James L. Brooks (A New Agenda)
Ridley Scott (Under Fire)
Roman Polanski (The Valley of Ashes)
Oliver Stone (Dear Mr. President)
Robert Zemicks (Into Thin Air)

Tough category this month, I would have to say go with Polanski, but don't be surprised if Brooks or Stone take home the gold.

Prediction: Roman Polanski (The Valley of Ashes)

Best Screenplay
Ronald Harwood (The Valley of Ashes)
Guillermo Arriaga (Border Man)
Mark Andrus (A New Agenda)
Tony Kushner & Billy Ray (Banilty of Evil)
Eric Roth (Into Thin Air)
Oliver Stone (Dear Mr. President)

Once again, I believe it is between Ashes and Agenda, but expect Mark Andrus to win for the Agenda script which Daniel has been promoting. Still don't be shocked if The Valley of Ashes wins.

Prediction: Mark Andrus (A New Agenda)

SAG predictions to come soon...

I!'s Big 8 Nominees

Best Picture
The Banality of Evil
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
Dear, Mr. President
A New Agenda

Best Director
James L. Brooks, A New Agenda
Guillermo Del Toro, Gathering Blue
Billy Ray, The Banality of Evil
Ridley Scott, Under Fire
Oliver Stone, Dear Mr. President

Best Actor
Tom Berenger, Border Man
Nicolas Cage for The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Owen Kline, Night
Gary Oldman, The Banality of Evil
Peter O'Toole, Dr. Death

Best Actress
Ivana Baquero, Gathering Blue
Juliette Binoche, Audrey's Girls
Megan Mullally for Good Morning Ladies
Susan Sarandon, Dear Mr. President
Michelle Williams, Under Fire

Best Supporting Actor
Benico Del Toro, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Ralph Fiennes, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Dustin Hoffman, Night
Christopher Lloyd, A New Agenda
Al Pacino, A New Agenda

Best Supporting Actress
Helena Bonham Carter, The Banality of Evil
Kate Burton, Border Man
Kristen Chenoweth for Good Morning, Ladies
Bette Midler for Good Morning, Ladies
Kate Walsh, Life After Brenda

Best Original Screenplay
Border Man
Dear, Mr. President
Dr. Death
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Banality of Evil
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Gathering Blue
Go Ask Alice
Night

My View: The Reviews N-Z

A New Agenda- Not as great as everyone is saying. It's ok, but nothing spectacular. B

Night- It's a bait that will be better in memory, but in this month it will probably be lost in the shuffle. I enjoyed it though and thought it was well adapted. B+

Other World- Not really interesting and I didn't care. I don't know why M. Night continues to be baited and I think it should have been a tournament bait. C+

Our Father- Way too long and there was way to much set up and it lost me. I understand this is probably your first bait, but still not that great. C-

Paul Revere- Wow, umm I'm speechless. Let me guess one of his favorite movies is Pirates... Not good at all, but I'm sure that this will go down in history as one of the funniest baits ever and you'll laugh at it later. F

Pressure- Dosen't seem like Oscar bait to me, more like a Teen Choice bait to me. Not good and tv-movie esc. D

Rehab! A Contemporary Musical: Really great! I'm not down will all the casting, but still it was an enjoyable satire and it poked fun at the whole idea of rehab. If this were on Broadway it will be one of the greatest shows ever. I'm glad you used the Avenue Q crew and after I got parts of the casting I loved it! A-

A Spoonful of Sugar- Umm too long and I didn't care. D

Sunray: Story of a Superhero- I really liked the story, but the cast was off. It was way to long, but should have been a tournament bait. B-

Under Fire- Ugg, everything was wrong with their lives. It's baity and I enjoyed the Colin Hanks and Michelle Williams casting and I'll probably nominate them, but I would have liked it tweaked a bit more to seem a fitting ensemble. B

The Urge- Douglas, your baits could be a lot better for me if they weren't so graphic. I don't know why you feel the urge (pardon the pun) to be so graphic. It had a good story, but I didn't like the Hoffman casting, but it had a good base just didn't like the direction it went. C

The Valley of Ashes- It makes a great trailer, but I wanted a story not a set up. I would love to see where it goes and I love the Barry Pepper casting, but I still want a story. B+

Our Big 8 to come soon...

My View: The Reviews E-M

Eleven Weeks to Steal November- Not that great. I wanted to be a fun comedy that would be released in the month of July. I kept getting the characters mixed up and it didn't have a Clooney feel to me. C

Final Fantasy X- Seems crazy to me. I've never played a Final Fantasy game so I'm not really an expierenced reviewer, but seemed just crazy to me. D

Gathering Blue- I liked it, but it was kind of uneventful. Baquero is perfectly cast and it seems baity, but just didn't have the it factor for me. B

Go Ask Alice- Seemed to blunt to me it could have been more mysterious and thought-provoking, but just blah. C+

Good Morning, Ladies- Ugg, the most overrated bait of the month. It's ok, but I would have liked it a lot more if it were loosley based on The View, but it was the exact same thing just different names. I can't see this movie made because it is too much like The View and it could have been a lot better. Still, it is full of great casting, and it had a good base, just went the wrong direction IMO. B-

In the Dead of Night- Patrick you are one of the greatest authors on this site and definately one of my favorites. It is a great bait, but I worry about it being a 90-120 minute film. Still, I enjoyed reading it, but Ellen Page is overused this month. A-

Into Thin Air- I was disappointed. You're one of my favorite authors and I thought your return would be fantastic and it wasn't. Can't wait for your next bait though. C

Kosomopolis- I was bored and didn't care. I was disappointed, but the poster saves it. C-

The Last Woman Standing- I was bored and didn't care just like Kosomo. It's baity and if it is your debut bait you did a good job for your first time. C

Life After Brenda- I enjoyed this bait a lot and Kyle Chandler gets a nomination from me. This is a really great bait. I can see myself seeing and loving this movie. A-

Listen and Hear- Not that great. It started out interesting, but I felt it was too LMS esc. Kurt gets a vote for Supporting Actor from me. C-

Mad Love- I was bored. And I didn't get the point of the "This is a Love Story..." thing. Not sure about the Spader casting either. C-

The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft- I loved it. It lived up to my expectations and Nic Cage gets a nomination from me. This makes up for Mad Love. B+

Masden Family Matters- Miller seems out of place, but I liked it. It wasn't spectacular, but it was semi-enjoyable. B

My View: The Reviews A-D

After Earth 3- Not as good as the others. Interesting, but dissappointing. C+

Audrey's Girls- Umm, not as good as I thought it would be a lot better. B-

The Banality of Evil- Really great. I can easily see this getting a Best Picture nomination. A-

Batman- Really fantastic. I see this being a Batman film in the future and it definately had the Batman feel. A

The Bluxomi Sisters- Confusing and I don't think Jennifer Tilly is a leading actress in the film. D

Border Man- Kate Burton is a fantastic casting choice, but I don't think it is really all that great. B-

Can't Stop the Press- Don't like the title because it's misleading. I thought this was going to be a funny paparazzi comedy and it wasn't. Not very good, too short and too serious C-

Conquistador- Loved it! I can see myself loving this movie and it being extremely sucessful. A

Crimes Against A City- Howard seems miscast. Not very good. D+

Dark Ages- I couldn't get into it. Jackson seemed out of place and just not my cup of tea. D+

Dear, Mr. President- I loved the letter part, but I still wanted more of a story. Still, Sarandon is fantastic casting and I can see it being a film. B+

Divine Poker- Interesting idea and I love the Kathy Griffin casting! It will probably be better in memory, but actually reading it it isn't that great if you know what I mean. Like movies that are great in memory are usually extremely quoteable. B

Dr. Death- I can't see O'Toole not getting a nomination for his role in the bait if not the Oscar. It is a great baity film and role and is ok, but I can see it losing steam fast. B

Dwight-Wuthering Heights- I can see this a movie that would be hated by critics. Not very good and too long. C-

Zgamer's Bait An Oscar 1st Half of the Year Awards

Inspired by Pat's awards, I decided to do my own. Here are my choices:

Top 10

1. La Ventana
2. E.L.
3. Dragontown
4. Destiny
5. Sweet Black and Blue
6. Balton Prodcutions
7. Bootleg
8. Pygmalion
9. Recoil
10. River City Blue

Honorable Mentions
Sandstorm, Then, Grand Wizard, Rush, The Vampire Lestat, Tavistock Place, Rivalry At 6 P.M., Mom is 80, Glass, Negatives

Best Plot/Synopsis
Rush
Destiny*
Sweet Black and Blue
The Vampire Lestat
River City Blue

Best Awards Section
Recoil*
Balton Productions
Wicked
Faded Red
Bootleg

Best Online Awards Campaign
Gray Daze
Pygmalion*
Clue
Dragontown
Diary of a Sociopath

Best Title
Captain Fantastic*
Then
The Human Hole
Destiny
Bootleg

Most Likely to Become a Box-Office Hit
Wicked*
Balton Productions
The Giver
Gypsy
Assassins

Most Likely To Become a Cult Film
Dragontown*
The Vampire Lestat
Sixty Days
Diary of a Sociopath
The Guy Who Owned the Store

Most Original Bait
Dragontown
Dominion
Balton Productions*
Sweeden Day
Bootleg

Most Original Character
Edward Cutrone, played by Clive Owen, in Midnight
Dan Travis, played by Harry Connick Jr, in Balton Productions
Grant Rosella, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, in Louisa
Henry Gray, played by Paul Giamatti, in Diary of a Sociopath*
Alvin Stevens, played by Topher Grace, in Gray Daze

Best Cast
The Informer
Tavistock Place
Then*
Bootleg
Rivalry at 6 PM

Best Casting Choice
James Denton as Lance Armstrong in Livestrong
Vera Farmiga as Sheryl Crowe in Livestrong*
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Sir Elton John in Captain Fantastic
Sanaa Lathan as Wilma Rudolph in Running Mile
Anika Noni Rose as Dinah Washington in Dinah Was...

Best Crew
Grand Wizard
Sandstorm
Tavistock Place
La Ventana
Rush*

Best Tagline
Mom Is 80*
Louisa
Glass
Sweden Day
Sixty Days

Funniest Bait
Mom Is 80
Postality
Around the Horn*
Beeville, TX
Clue

Shameless Oscar Vehicle
Then
Dinah Was...
Running Miles
Livestrong
The 7000 Mile Screwdriver

Best Poster Design
Lucky Clover*
Diary of a Sociopath
Captian Scott
Imagine
Oil

Best Author
Brian (AZ)
Tony
Ross
D.W. Dillon*
Pat

Best Picture
La Ventana*
E.L.
Dragontown
Destiny
Sweet Black and Blue

Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron for La Ventana
John Singleton for Glass
Stephen Gaghan for River City Blue*
David Lynch for Sweet Black and Blue
Pedro Almodóvar for Destiny

Best Actor
George Clooney for River City Blue
Ray Winstone for Rivalry at 6 P.M.
Geoffery Rush for Faded Red*
Harry Connick Jr. for Balton Productions
Benico Del Toro for La Ventana

Best Actress
Berry White for E.L.*
Emily Blunt, Pygmalion
Catherine Keener, A Child of Shame
Anika Noni Rose, Dinah Was...
Alexis Bledel for Sixty Days

Best Supporting Actor
Forrest Whitaker for River City Blue
Ethan Hawke for Rivalry at 6 P.M.*
Bill Nighly, E.L.
Mark Wahlberg, The Moon and The Rain
Edward James Olmos for The Informer

Best Supporting Actress
Vanessa Redgrave for Oil
Drea de Matteo for Bootleg
Penelope Cruz for La Ventana*
Kristin Chenoweth for Wicked
Maggie Cheung for Imagine

Best Original Screenplay
La Ventana
River City Blue*
Lucky Clover
Sandstorm
Destiny

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Vampire Lestat*
The Informer
The End of the Alphabet
Gypsy
Wicked

1st Half of the Year Nominees

Here are the twenty baits that will be on the 1st Half of the Year list. Which will make it to the top? Comment here. Oh, and congrats to the nominees.

BOOTLEG, written by Maia
DESTINY, written by Harry
DINAH WAS, written by Brian from Minneapolis
DOMINION, written by Tony
DRAGONTOWN, written by James Somerton
E. L., written by Daniel Crooke
FADED RED, written by Brian from Arizona
GLASS, written by Marcus Dennis
IMAGINE, written by Harry
INSIDE YOU OUT, written by James Somerton
JACKRABBIT, written by Zgamer
LUCKY CLOVER, written by Sergio Requejo
SANDSTORM, written by Al
SWEET BLACK AND BLUE, written by D. W. Dillon
RIVER CITY BLUE, written by Ross
RUSH, written by Ross
TAVISTOCK PLACE, written by Pat
THE VAMPIRE LESTAT, written by James Somerton
LA VENTANA, written by Brett
WICKED, written by Al

Thinking About: The Month of July

Based on the what we have seen so far this month, it is shaping up to be one of the best month's this year and possibly in the whole Bait An Oscar contest. Many authors have gone about different ways of writing their baits (myself included) and so far it seems to have paid off. So here are some things to look out for in July...

Batma: Scars of Tomorrow- Probably the most widely anticipated bait of July and everyone seems to be talking about it. From the amazing posters to it's festival wins it must be a fantastic bait.

The Valley of Ashes- Everyone is buzzing about this "Cast Away" look at Vietnam and it won the Golden Igloo.

A New Agenda- The biggest winner at the festival (taking home 4 awards) seems to be the kind of comedy that may be needed in the "summer" type month in the contest.

Could this be the month for the first repeat winner?- I don't know, but if it is anytime soon, I would bet this month seeing as most former winners seem to be coming out with the most hyped baits.

Golden Globes Musical/Comedy category- This category should be jammed pack full of possible nominees if you look at all of the musicals and comedies in store for July. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if we have the winner of this category go on to win Best Picture, for the first time since Ironic Nonfiction would only be the 2nd time.

The Golden Globes in general- I wouldn't doubt it if the Globes agree with the Oscars this month, because it seems like the stuff everyone will like, will be the stuff the "Academy" likes too.

The Tournament- Not much has been said yet about what kind of baits are going to be in the tournament, but don't be surprised if there aren't any dramas after the 2nd round, or even the 1st. I have a feeling it will be a strong month for the Musicals and Comedies.

Doesn't Seem to be an overused actor/actress this month- Creepy, it seems the first time ever that there isn't an actor or actress that isn't in like everything.

The Oscars- I'm thinking it will be jam packed and the hardest ever to predict. Not to say that the winners won't please.

Feel free to discuss here and on the fourm...

Bait Festival Winners/A note about Pat's article on Ashes

Here are the winners of the Bait Festival. Congrats to the winners and thank you for my wins.

Golden Igloo (Best Picture)
***The Valley of Ashes***

Grand Special Igloo Prize (Next Forum Favortie)
***Batman: Scars of Tomorrow***

Future Best Director
***Roman Polanski, The Valley of Ashes***

Future Best Actor
***Barry Pepper, The Valley of Ashes***

Future Best Actress
***Megan Mullally, Good Morning, Ladies***

Future Best Supporting Actor
***Al Pacino, A New Agenda***

Future Best Supporting Actress
***Kristen Chenoweth, Good Morning, Ladies***

Future Best Screenplay
***A New Agenda***

Future Best Ensemble
***A New Agenda***

Future Best Picture Drama
***Border Man***

Future Best Picture Musical/Comedy
***A New Agenda***

Now as for that post Pat made on his blog, I left a comment on the article. And don't expect me to make any nasty remarks or slam him back here, cause I don't have anything bad to say about Border Man.

Zgamer's Predictions/Analysis

Ok, my turn to give my view. Now I agree there were a couple surprises but I disagree with some of Michael's. I supported Border Man from the beginning and I'm glad it got as many nods as it did. I see it as being both Pat's comeback bait and a great vehicle for Tom Berenger. I was shocked by Rehab!'s snub too, but I hope it will sweep at the Golden Globes and maybe get a better reception at the Oscars. I was surprised Dr. Death got snubbed of Golden Igloo, but Batman's love more than makes up for it. I was surprised Rob Reiner was snubbed for A New Agenda, but it is likely to win something else. And I am very grateful for The Valley of Ashes six nominations. Ok, excluding my baits, here are my predictions:

Golden Igloo (Best Picture)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Predicted: A New Agenda
Runner-Up: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Grand Special Igloo Prize (Next Forum Favortie)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Prediction: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Runner-Up: Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Director
James L. Brooks, A New Agenda
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Border Man
Roman Polanski, The Valley of Ashes
Ridley Scott, Under Fire

Prediction: James L. Brooks for A New Agenda
Runner-Up: Ridley Scott for Under Fire

Future Best Actor
Tom Berenger, Border Man
Nicolas Cage, The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Peter O' Toole, Dr. Death
Barry Pepper, The Valley of Ashes

Predicted: Peter O'Toole for Dr. Death
Runner-Up: Tom Berenger for Border Man

Future Best Actress
Juliette Binoche, Audrey's Girls
Blythe Danner, Good Morning, Ladies
Megan Mullally, Good Morning, Ladies
Ellen Page, Go Ask Alice

Predicted: Megan Mullally for Good Morning, Ladies
Runner-Up: Blythe Danner for Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Supporting Actor
Daniel Day Lewis, Night
Benicio Del Toro, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Ralph Fiennes, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Al Pacino, A New Agenda

Predicted: Al Pacino for A New Agenda
Runner-Up: Ralph Fiennes for Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Future Best Supporting Actress
Kate Burton, Border Man
Kristen Chenoweth, Good Morning, Ladies
Claire Hope Ashitey, Audrey's Girls
Sigourney Weaver, Other World

Predicted: Kristen Chenoweth for Good Morning, Ladies
Runner-Up: Kate Burton for Border Man

Future Best Screenplay
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Predicted: A New Agenda
Runner-Up: Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Ensemble
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Predicted: Good Morning, Ladies
Runner-Up: A New Agenda

Future Best Picture Drama
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Audrey’s Girls

Predicted: Border Man
Runner-Up: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Future Best Picture Musical/Comedy
Divine Poker
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Ultimate Oscar

Predicted: A New Agenda
Runner-Up: Good Morning, Ladies

Can't wait for the final results.

My View: The Festival Predictions

Alright, so after a LOT of surprises at the festival it is time for me to pick the winner of the festival. For the past 2 month's we have correctly predicted the #1 bait (I am considering Gray Daze the #1 bait because Lucky Clover wasn't submitted to the festival) so maybe the winner of the festival will go on to win Best Picture, and if that is true we may have a repeat winner...

Golden Igloo (Best Picture)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Predicted Winner: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Grand Special Igloo Prize (Next Forum Favortie)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Predicted Winner: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Future Best Director
James L. Brooks, A New Agenda
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Border Man
Roman Polanski, The Valley of Ashes
Ridley Scott, Under Fire

Predicted Winner: Roman Polanski, The Valley of Ashes

Future Best Actor
Tom Berenger, Border Man
Nicolas Cage, The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Peter O' Toole, Dr. Death
Barry Pepper, The Valley of Ashes

Predicted Winner: Barry Pepper, The Valley of Ashes

Future Best Actress
Juliette Binoche, Audrey's Girls
Blythe Danner, Good Morning, Ladies
Megan Mullally, Good Morning, Ladies
Ellen Page, Go Ask Alice

Predicted Winner: Megan Mullally, Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Supporting Actor
Daniel Day Lewis, Night
Benicio Del Toro, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Ralph Fiennes, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Al Pacino, A New Agenda

Predicted Winner: Ralph Fiennes, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Future Best Supporting Actress
Kate Burton, Border Man
Kristen Chenoweth, Good Morning, Ladies
Claire Hope Ashitey, Audrey's Girls
Sigourney Weaver, Other World

Predicted Winner: Kristen Chenoweth, Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Screenplay
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Predicted Winner: A New Agenda

Future Best Ensemble
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Predicted Winner: Good Morning, Ladies

Future Best Picture Drama
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Audrey’s Girls

Predicted Winner: Batman: Scars of Tomorrow

Future Best Picture Musical/Comedy
Divine Poker
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Ultimate Oscar

Predicted Winner: Good Morning, Ladies

Feel free to discuss your predictions...

July Festival Nominations!

Here are the Bait Festival Nominations...

Golden Igloo (Best Picture)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Grand Special Igloo Prize (Next Forum Favortie)
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Valley of Ashes

Future Best Director
James L. Brooks, A New Agenda
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Border Man
Roman Polanski, The Valley of Ashes
Ridley Scott, Under Fire

Future Best Actor
Tom Berenger, Border Man
Nicolas Cage, The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft
Peter O' Toole, Dr. Death
Barry Pepper, The Valley of Ashes

Future Best Actress
Juliette Binoche, Audrey's Girls
Blythe Danner, Good Morning, Ladies
Megan Mullally, Good Morning, Ladies
Ellen Page, Go Ask Alice

Future Best Supporting Actor
Daniel Day Lewis, Night
Benicio Del Toro, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Ralph Fiennes, Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Al Pacino, A New Agenda

Future Best Supporting Actress
Kate Burton, Border Man
Kristen Chenoweth, Good Morning, Ladies
Claire Hope Ashitey, Audrey's Girls
Sigourney Weaver, Other World

Future Best Screenplay
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Future Best Ensemble
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Border Man
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda

Future Best Picture Drama
Border Man
The Valley of Ashes
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Audrey’s Girls

Future Best Picture Musical/Comedy
Divine Poker
Good Morning, Ladies
A New Agenda
The Ultimate Oscar

Golden Polar Bear (Lifetime Achievement Award)


I have to say I was a big surprised at a few nominations, but here are my thoughts...

Surprises
Rehab! not being nominated for Best Musical/Comedy or ANY awards after semi postive reviews
A New Agenda getting a Golden Igloo Nomination
Good Morning, Ladies getting 7 nominations and no Golden Igloo nomination (tying with Border Man for most nominations of any bait)
Border Man's 7 nominations
Under Fire only getting 1 nomination after glowing reviews


I Expeced This...
Batman's 6 nominations
The Valley of the Ashes getting 6 nominations

Predictions to Come In a Few Mintues...

Feel Free to Discuss the festival and predictions in our forum and in the comments section...

Dinah Was... vs. Balton Productions

Ok, time to get some more life into the blog. This time, we will pit two musicals together from different sources. It will be one adapted musical (Dinah Was...) and an original musical (Balton Productions). Vote now, especially if you're waiting for the next competition to start like I am.