Keep Sending in Votes and More...

Hey guys just a few things...

Keep sending in your Top 25 ballots with 10 Honorable Mentions, your vote counts!

If you have a bait in the Top 150 we would LOVE if you would send us "Clips" from your baits featured in the Top 150. We will take those clips and play them in ceremony where we will have authors comment on the baits and why they are so good.

FYI: Whoever rigged the voting on the recent polls Best Actor and Best Actress please don't and if it happens again the poll will not take place anymore. We'll be redoing those two categories.

If you are an author on the I! Magazine, I sent out an email that you should have received and replied back to, please contact me because I want to get the first issue up and running.

On that note, if you would like to subscribe or be a member or our team please email me at moviefreak1964@yahoo.com. We would also love to have coverage on different blogs, but that is completely up to the author of the blog, if you are an author of a blog and would like to be featured in the magazine please email me at the address previously stated.

If you would like the I! Magazine team to write a first look of your bait please visit the Igloo forum for more information.

Once again, if you are on the I! Magazine crew you really need to respond to the email!

Also again, keep on sending in your ballots!

I also want to give a warm welcome to Bryce, he is now a contributing author to both the I! blog and The Zone of Zgamer!

I!'s 100 Posts, 100 Baits! (The Nominees)

Hey guys. This is the big announcment, the I! blog will be assembling a Top 100 Baits of All Time (April '06-July '07) and YOU will be involved!

About a month ago, I contacted Zgamer, Brian (Arizona), Pat and Daniel and said "Hey, I want to do a Top 100 list and I want you to be a part of it. We asked them if we made a Top 100 list what baits they thought would have to be on the list and then Z and I made sure we had about 150 baits and polished the list a bit and then we made the Top 150 baits that YOU will be choosing from to construct your own Top 25 plus Honorable Mentions, so let me explain that.

If you so desire you can assemble your personal Top 25 plus 10 Honorable Mentions of the Top 150 baits that we have and then you can send the list to baitanoscar@yahoo.com and after a couple of weeks then the panel and myself will count the ballots and then we'll release the Top 100 bit by bit.

So without further ado here are the 150 baits that we thought were the best...

The 27th Victim
Abbott and Costello Meet Their Biography
Abroad
After Earth: The Brothers of Destruction
All Alone
The Angel in Hells Alley
The Arabic Cafe
Around the Horn
Available Now
The Awakening
The Awards Ceremony
Balton Productions
The Banality of Evil
The Bang-Bang Club
Batman: Scars of Tomorrow
Beaumont
Behind the Show
Between Elephants and Mice
Blank
Bootleg
Border Man
Brain Damage
The Breadwinner
Bruised Boys
Buster
Cannon
Carter
Cielo Drive
Cigarette Burns
A Child of Shame
Cold Welcome
Contemporary Comedy
The Counterfeit King
Clue
Crime and Punishment
The Curious Case of Phineas Gage
Dali
Dear Andrea
Dear Mr. President
Destiny
Devil in the White City
The Devil's Contract
Dinah Was...
Diary of a Sociopath
Dominion
Doubt
Dragontown
E.L.
Faded Red
A Faith of One
Flashes
Flowers for Algernon
Foreign Affairs
Forward
Fosse
Freakshow
Fred & Ethel
Fresh Heir Vol. I
Fresh Heir Vol. II
Fresh Heir Vol. III
Ghost Recon
Glass
Glitz
The Golden Boys
Gone With A Dream
Gray Daze
The Great Fitzgerald
Green River
The Guy Who Owned the Store
The Hand of Maine
Hitch the Suspense
I Am A Patsy
I Am Man
I, Bergman
I Do Solemnly Swear
iLife
Imagine
The Iniquity Beyond
Inside You Out
Internet Connection
Ironic Nonfiction
The It Girl
Jackrabbit
Jersey Boys
The Job Search
The Jungle
The Justices
Katrina
La Ventana
Listening
Little Miss Murder
Live From New York
Lucky Clover
Madsen Family Matters
Madame Prime Minister
Mail-Order Bliss
Marilyn
Mercury
Mermania
Midnight Mass
MLK (June)
The Moon And The Rain
Mud City
Natural Talent
Negatives
A New Agenda
Nikida and Bull
No Way To Treat A First Lady
Once A Hero
Parvana's Journey
Photograph
Please Stop Laughing At Me
Postality
Pygmalion
Ralph's Food and Drug
The Rainbow Album
Recoil
Record Man
Rehab!: A Contemporary Musical
Rivalry At 6 PM
River City Blue
The Road
Rosie
Rush
Sandstorm
Scarttenow Junction
Semper Fidelis
Sex In The Oval Office
Silence
Sixty Days
Standardized Test
Steamboat Disney
Stonewall
The Sun King
Sweet Black and Blue
Tavistock Place
Terri
Then
The Valley of Ashes
The Vampire Lestat
Wackos
Walden
The Wall
Watts
Wicked (July 06)
Wicked (March 07)
The Wilder Side of Life
Wildflower
The World's Longest Suicide
A Work of Fiction

So if you want to make a list (WHICH WE WOULD LOVE!!!) just send your Top 25 and 10 honorable mentions. Make sure and send then to baitanoscar@yahoo.com and they HAVE TO BE FROM THE LIST! Also, I don't care if you put your baits in the honorable mentions section, but DO NOT over do it or your ballot will not be counted. Anyone can send if a list as long as they have submitted a bait the to the contest and they must prove it by saying the name of the bait. Discuss in the forums, the comments, and our forum will have a seperate discussion on it. Have fun and congratulations to the authors whose baits are on the list. Any other information on the contest will be added as an addendum section (at the very bottom of the article)!

Stay Tuned to the I!!!!

Hey, keeping coming back to I! because in the next few hours one of the biggest announcments in Bait an Oscar history will be made very soon. Keep coming back, I promise you, its HUGE!!!

Alternate Oscars: March '07 Winners!

So here are the winners you think should have won the Oscars...

Best Picture
Wicked (Original Winner: La Ventana)

Best Director
Darren Aronoflsky, Flashes (Original Winner: David Lynch, Sweet Black and Blue)

Best Actor
Benicio del Toro, La Ventana (Original Winner: Christian Clemenson, Flowers for Algernon)

Best Actress
Idina Menzel, Wicked (Original Winner: Cate Blanchett, To Live With Hope)

Best Supporting Actor
Mark Wahlberg, The Moon and the Rain (Original Winner: Clint Eastwood, The Futility of Law)

Best Supporting Actress
Kristen Chenoweth, Wicked (Original Winner: Kristen Chenoweth, Wicked)

Best Original Screenplay
Candidacy (Original Winner: DragonTown)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Wicked (Original Winner: Wicked)

Alrighty, next up February '07...

My Thoughts: The August Oscars

Well, now that the nominations are to be announced Sunday, I thought I would share just a few of my thoughts on this months Big 8...

***...***- Indicates who I belive will be the winner
*...*- Indicates who I feel is the Possible Upset

Best Picture
Bee Bee's Funhouse
Deep Secret
*Fallout*
***The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson***
Six Days in '67
Possible Upset: The Picture of Dorian Gray

I really feel that this will be the Best Picture lineup this month. I don't think that Quiet Room or Gray will get in the category though if either of them do, I bet it will take the place of '67. I strongly believe that Josh will be rewarded for Rock Hudson which is a terrific biopic, but don't be surprised if Matt gets his first Best Picture win.

Best Director
*Jack Bender, Fallout*
Johnathan Demme, Bee Bee's Funhouse
***Ang Lee, The Winter Sun***
David Lynch, Quiet Room
Anthony Minghella, Deep Secret
Possible Upset: Antoine Fuqua, Six Days in '67

It's a strong lineup that leaves two Best Picture director out. It's a classic lineup that has always worked in the contest and in the real Oscars too. I would expect for Ang Lee to win because he has the most buzz and I think it's a good choice, however, because Fallout was widely love, Zgamer could take his 2nd consecutive Best Director win.

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, Bee Bee's Funhouse
***Brian Cox, Deep Secret***
Michael Imperioli, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
*Tom Hanks, The Winter Sun*
Chiwetel Ejiofer, Six Days in '67
Possible Upset: Will Smith, The Courtroom

I'm going to guess the Oscars will copy the Golden Globes because Will Smith has absolutely no buzz at all. I'm thinking that Cox will win because the role is well written and its baity. I agree with Pat and I think that voters will tire of The Soprano's domination in the acting categories. Tom Hanks could easily be the surprise winner.

Best Actress
***Jennifer Connelly, Quiet Room***
Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens
Diane Lane, Rabbit Hole
*Kerry Washington, Six Days in '67*
Siquorney Weaver, Equality
Possible Upset: Catherine Zeta Jones, The Munsters With Yvonne De Carlo

I think this category is going to be the surprise of the month by leaving out Zeta Jones. I really think this will go normal this month and reward Connelly. Don't be surprised if voters want to reward '67 and vote Washington the winner.

Best Supporting Actor
***James Gandolfini, The Winter Sun***
Greg Kinnear, Rabbit Hole
Ewan McGregor, Deep Secret
Julian McMahon, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
*Daniel Radcliffe, Foggy London Nights*
Possible Upset: Justin Theroux, Quiet Room

Something tells me this is what the lineup is going to be and I think Gandolfini is a shoe-in. It's a great role and all of The Sopranos love doesn't hurt. Don't be surprised if Radcliffe wins though, seeing as a lot of the ballots were probably made before he got a major dropoff in support.

Best Supporting Actress
***Kathy Bates, Rabbit Hole***
Jill Clayburgh, Grey Gardens
Claire Danes, Grey Gardens
*Edie Falco, Everyday*
Robin Wright Penn, Quiet Room
Possible Upset: Jennifer Hudson, Bat Out of Hell

I'm really going out on a limb and saying Claire Danes will make the cut for Grey Gardens. I certainly hope it happens, and personally I would like her to win. I think Bates will win and Edie will fall short of the statue and the Academy will only reward one former member of the Soprano family, that being the head of it.

Best Original Screenplay
*Bee Bee's Funhouse*
Foggy London Nights
Quiet Room
***Six Days in '67***
The Winter Sun
Possible Upset: The Courtroom

I'm betting on a possible surprise nominee with Funhouse and a surprise win possibly also. I think '67 is the logical choice because it will probably end up around #3 of the BP nominees and that is the highest of the Original Screenplays.

Best Adapted Screenplay
***Deep Secret***
Fallout
Grey Gardens
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
*The Picture of Dorian Gray*
Possible Upset: Charlie Brown, Zelda, or Rabbit Hole

I would argue that this category is the most competitive that it has ever been in this contest and that every bait that ends up in this category should be honored when usually this is a throw away category because many of the adapted baits turn out to be bad. Anyway, I think that is the logical lineup, but don't be surprised if Grey Gardens is subsituted for one of the 3 other baits. I think Secret will win, with Gray a close second.

Here are my guesses for the Top 10 Baits of the Month...

1. The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
2. Deep Secret
3. Six Days in '67
4. Fallout
5. Bee Bee's Funhouse
6. The Picture of Dorian Gray
7. Quiet Room
8. The Winter Sun
9. Bat Out of Hell
10. You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

My Thoughts: The August Golden Globes

I thought I would share my thoughts on the nominees and some predictions...

Best Picture Drama
Bee-Bee's Funhouse
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Fallout
Six Days in '67
Deep Secret


Where is Dorian Gray? I am upset that the voters didn't recognize Harry's best work since March! Anyway, I hate to I told you so, but back in the post where I was talking about who I thought would be the future Best Picture winners, I said that "He usually releases more art kind of baits and I think that will hurt him when trying to win Best Picture." and I think unfortunately that applies to this situation.

Anyway, besides Gray, it's a solid category, and I think this is really a two bait race. Those two baits being The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson and Deep Secret. Both are written by two popular, but never before Best Picture winning authors, Josh P. and Matt. Deep Secret is winning as far as Average Bait Reviews and Nominations go, but Rock Hudson won the Golden Igloo at the festival and definately has the most buzz. I'm putting my money on Deep Secret in a win that most won't be expecting.

Best Actor Drama
Jeff Bridges for Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Brian Cox for Deep Secret
Michael Imperioli for The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
Tom Hanks for The Winter Sun
Chiwetel Ejiofer for Six Days in 67

Usually Best Picture Drama and Actor go hand in hand and I'm expecting to see Brian Cox win. Although don't be surprised if Imperioli takes it.


Best Actress Drama
Julianne Moore for The Witching Hour
Kerry Washington for Six Days in 67
Diane Lane for Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Connelly for Quiet Room
Sigourney Weaver for Equality

I'm betting Connelly becaues of the buzz, but I wouldn't put all your money on it. Lane is poised to take the statue home.


Best Picture Comedy/Musical
Bat Out of Hell
No More Smiles
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
The Munsters with Yvonne De Carlo
Grey Gardens

Let me say that I am very happy that you guys rewarded Charlie Brown with a nomination, that really makes me happy! Anyway, I don't think I'll win, I'm thinking Bat Out of Hell will win because it is the highest average review which history says wins. Also, the fact that it was penned by the always great Pat doesn't hurt.


Best Actor Comedy/Musical
Jared Leto for Bat Out of Hell
Andrew Simpson for Foggy London Nights
Jerry Stiller for The Munsters with Yvonne De Carlo
Billy Crudup for No More Smiles
Kelsey Grammer for My Life in Jokes

My feeling is that Simpson will take the award. Something just tells me that and I don't really know what it is. I don't think Stiller or Grammer (tear) have a chance and I think Crudup could be an upset, but I don't feel that it will happen. Leto is the closest competition and I don't think he will click with voters. My bet is on Simpson because the bait was highly praised and didn't recieve nominations in any other category.


Best Actress Comedy/Musical
Brittany Murphy for Bat Out of Hell
Christine Ebersole for Grey Gardens
Catherine Zeta Jones for The Munsters with Yvonne De Carlo
Christina Applegate for No More Smiles
Gracie Zabriskie for Cocker Spanchovy

I would LOVE IT if Ebersole takes it home and I'm weary about predicting her because the bait was not highly praised, even though I really enjoyed it. Zabriskie is a long shot along with Zeta Jones and I don't think voters will give Murphy recognition. That leaves Applegate and Ebersole and because I don't think Smiles will be rewarded elsewhere, I think they'll reward it here.


Best Supporting Actor
James Gandolfini for The Winter Sun
Mandy Patinkin for Bee-Bee's Funhouse
Justin Theroux for Quiet Room
Greg Kinnear for Rabbit Hole
Ron Pearlman for Fallout
Ewan McGregor for Deep Secrets

Odd cateogory with the obmission of Daniel Radcliffe (which I am actually kind of happy about), but I think this is between Gandolfini and McGregor who will battle it out for the win. McGregor only has the fact that his bait will likely win Best Picture Drama and the role is semi-baity, while Gandolfini has high casting praise, a solid bait, and Sopranos love. Expect to James to take it.


Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates for Rabbit Hole
Edie Falco for Everyday
Robin Wright Penn for Quiet Room
Jill Clayburgh for Grey Gardens
Renee Zellweger for The Winter Sun
Winona Ryder for Shipwreck'd

I really would love it if Clayburgh won, but I don't think she will because I think a lot of people agree with me that Alex should have stuck with Mary Louise Wilson who starred in the Broadway production. I think this is an open shut category with Bates taking the gold.


Best Director
Johnathan Demme for Bee-Bee's Funhouse
David Lynch for Quiet Room
Anthony Minghella for Deep Secret
Ang Lee for The Winter Sun
Jack Bender for Fallout
Antoine Fuqua for Six Days in 67

One of the harder categories to predict this month seeing as it is a solid lineup. Demme, Fuqua and Bender are long shots for the Globe, but the other 3 could easily take it. Minghella is the upset here and Lee is a possibility. I would put my money on Lynch to win.

Best Screenplay
The Courtroom
Fallout
The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson
The Winter Sun
Deep Secret
Quiet Room

This is once again between Rock Hudson and Deep Secret and I'm thinking that Rock Hudson will prevail over Deep Secret in this category.

The Best of the Best: Casting Choices

I am just sitting here on the computer and pretty much just writing posts that I feel would be good reads because I love reading things like the following post. I just thought I would share some of my favorites casting choices throughout the history of the contest...

(These are all from actual nominees for Best Casting Choice)

Thomas Haden Church as Jimmy Carter- One of the reasons I love this casting is because I never would have come up with it. It is a very believeable choice and I can just see him in the film. A fantastic choice!

Brendan Fraser as Christopher Reeve- Same as Jimmy, I completly believe this casting. They casted a well-know actor, but one that needs a vehicle to showcase his talents and I believe this would be it.

Emma Thompson as Terri Schiavo- Though I don't think it would ever be made, this is a great choice to play Terri and Emma's talents are perfect for the role.

Terrence Howard as Martin Luther King Jr.- Although used twice, I still love the casting. He would win an Oscar if he ever played this role, which I'm sure he will.

Jane Fonda as Nancy Regan- One again it's believeable.

Naomi Watts as Marilyn Monroe- Fantastic. I've heard rumors that Gwen Stefani and other actress' I can't remember are up to play the part in an upcoming film, but I strongly believe that Watts is the best choice.

David Straitharn as Walt Disney- When I first entered the contest I wanted to do a biopic of one of my biggest heroes, but I could never find the right guy to play the king of animation. David was a great choice and I envy that you did it before me.

Stockard Channing as Ethel Merman- I love it because I would have never thought of it. She can sing she can dance and she would dance away with the Oscar if it were made into a film.

Debra Messing as Lucille Ball- I've actually written a biopic starring her as Ball and while she has been in my mind for over 2 years to play one of my favorite comedians, the fact that you used her made me happy.

Cillian Murphy as John Mark Karr- A great choice because he can be creepy and be good at the same time.

Toni Collette as Liza Minelli- Once again fantastic because I never would have thought of it and it is perfect.

Annette Benning as Bette Davis- Has Oscar written all over it.

The Entire Cast of Live From New York- The best cast of all-time hands down. The cast was one of the reasons I still love it today.

Kate Beckinsale as Vivian Leigh- She's is also an actress who just needs to find the role that will make her a star. I believe this would be the role.

Thats the end of '06, next up '07...

Clues About the Big Surprise...

1. There are nominees involved.
2. Lists will be made.
3. It could potentially become a yearly thing.

Discuss!

Poll Problems

If you are having a problem with voting in the polls, try refreshing the page because a lot of the time it will say "Oops... Polls are currently not available, please come back later", but just refresh the page a couple of times. I'll try and get ahold of the blogger people to see if they can fix it. Keep Voting!

Alternate Oscars: August '06 Winners!

Best Picture
Wackos (Original Winner: Photograph)

Best Director
Mike Nichols, The Arabic Cafe (Original Winner: Mike Nichols, The Arabic Cafe)

Best Actor
Jeff Daniels, Wackos (Original Winner: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Photograph)

Best Actress
Naomi Watts, Marilyn (Original Winner: Natalie Portman, Fresh Heir: Volume III)

Best Supporting Actor
Ben Kingsley, The Arabic Cafe (Original Winner: Ben Kingsley, The Arabic Cafe)

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams, Wackos (Original Winner: Amy Adams, Wackos

Best Original Screenplay
Photograph (Original Winner: Photograph)

Best Adapted Screenpaly
Columbine (Original Winner: A Doll's House)

Next Up...March '07!

My Thoughts: This Month's Contest vs. The Same Month A Year Ago...

Is it just me or has this month really been a throw back to August and September of 2006? While, not to many baits this month are going to go down in history as the best of all time, I still feel that the candidates for Best Picture are pretty cut and dry. That said, let's take a walk down memory lane and look at the leading candidates for Best Picture of August 2006 and what bait it could be compared to this month...

Photograph- Little did everyone know that this would go on to win Best Picture. Written by Pat, Photograph is probably the most sucessful ensemble drama that the contest has ever had. It tied Internet Connection for Best Picture Drama at the first ever Golden Globes, but up until then, it had about an average place of # 6 or #7 on peoples Top 10 lists.

What Bait Is This Most Like- The Picture of Dorian Gray

Why?- I think it compares simply because both baits are written by prominent authors and are very well written. Even though Dorian Gray isn't the same cast size, something about it just works. It's got the buzz, but not a tremendous amount, the Golden Globes will show if this is the bait to watch (or read in this case)...

Internet Connection- Once again this is a wide ensemble, but it was about the relationships more than the drama. Before the Golden Globes came about this was one of the most talked about baits and was a favorite to win Best Picture. Surprisingly when the Oscars rolled around the bait didn't even make the Top 10 and became one of the first ever "Forum Favorites".

What Bait Is This Most Like- The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson

Why?- While I completely agree that this is the front-runner for Best Picture at this point in time, it could easily be lost in the shuffle and forgotten, because while it is a solid bait, in my opinion there was nothing that really made it stand out to me, which is why it make be lost on the Top 10 lists come Oscar nomiantion time.

Wackos- One of the first huge comedies in the contest, I would argue that this bait was the reason the Golden Globes were invented. It came at a time when the Comedy genre wasn't explored much in the contest and this really showed that a comedy could be baited. A fantastic cast and crew really popped and the always great Amy Adams in a role she was born to play. All around this is a fantastic bait and there is no doubting that this changed the contest forever.

What Bait Is This Most Like- None

Why?- Because only two comedies dare challenge Wackos for the Best Comedy of All-Time award and neither are in this month.

The Arabic Cafe- The bait that put Maia on the map, and really showed how to put emotion into a bait. A fantastic cast a crew really made this pop in peoples minds and got this bait the #2 spot of the month.

What Bait Is This Most Like- Six Days in '67

Why?- It has the perfect amount of buzz, because its not a ton that people will say "It didn't deserve that much praise", but it's to little enough for people to say "It should have more buzz" therefore giving it their vote. Still, the lack of Amazing Buzz could make this bait fade away.

Discuss, I kind of wrote this in a hurry so if this doesn't make sense please let me know!

Alternate Oscars September 2006 Winners!

Here are the winners...

Best Picture
Ironic Nonfiction (Original Winner: Ironic Nonfiction)

Best Director
Curtis Hanson, Cielo Drive (Original Winner: Milos Forman, The Breadwinner)

Best Actor
Tim Robbins, Ironic Nonfiction (Original Winner: Robin Williams, Midnight Mass)

Best Actress
Stockard Channing, Mermaina (Original Winner: Stockard Channing, Mermaina)

Best Supporting Actor
David Bowie, Ironic Nonfiction (Original Winner: David Bowie, Ironic Nonfiction)

Best Supporting Actress
Halle Berry, Mail-Order Bliss (Original Winner: Joan Plowright, Jewels in the Crown)

Best Original Screenplay
Ironic Nonfiction (Original Winner: Outlive)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Little Miss Murder (Original Winner: The Breadwinner)

Next up is August 2006!

My Thoughts: On All of the Baity vs. Unbaity Stuff

Ok, I'm talking the middle ground here and saying this is suppose to be a simulation of a real Oscar season. You're going to have films (or baits in this case) that are going to be baity and (like Letters From Iwa Jima) and some films (or baits) that are less baity (like The Departed). Let's face it, it we were all doing Biopics and Drama's all the time it would be a really boring contest. We wouldn't be able to have a lot of the things that have revolutionized the contest like the Golden Globes (it would be boring without a comedy category) or the SAG's (once again, not much variety if you only have Biopics or Dramas) and if it were just plain baity stories, we wouldn't have much stuff to talk about on the blogs. Sure we could predict stuff, but it would be kind of boring to say "Ok which is the better bait The Biopic of Michael Jordan or the Paul Haggis Ensemble Drama?"

So basically what I'm trying to say is that I think every month we get pretty close to what the feel of an Oscar season is like and thats why we have more and more authors each month, the original authors have stayed, and why we have our own little community.

Also, to all those who have been pointing out grammatical errors, I would say be as harsh as you want with the veteran authors, but for the ones who maybe don't speak English that well, just say nicely, "You may want to work on your grammer issues, and some of us can help," that way we're not turning away anyone by saying their not good enough.

Done with my semi-rant now, discuss the baits, this article in the comments section. Also, I should have reviews soon!

Unearthed: Baits of the Past Part 2

Well, I've just been doing some more digging and found these memorable baits among the oldies. Enjoy.

I Am A Patsy- This was D.W.'s very first foray to the baiting world and it is still quite good. Though it hasn't aged as well as some baits (some of its grammatical errors are more prominent and its cast would be overall laughable by our standards), it still is nicely written, has a good crew and is a baity idea. Funny to that this bait won best plot for a synopsis that's only three sentences long. A recommend for oldie baits.

Legends- Probably the first bait that really made people think "who in their right minds would make this". It lures you in with a vague title, you start reading it a little and guess what you find out? The story is about Pokemon! If that isn't the worst idea for an Oscar movie we've ever had, I don't know what is (except That's So Hot)? I guess the author wasn't trying to take things seriously, but this kind of bait gives the contest a bad name. When you cast Ziyi Zhang as the voice of Pikachu and try to have Zhang Zimou direct it, you know you've gone too far. And trying to get Ralph Fiennes nominated for playing a Pokemon is just insulting. Simple memorable for being one of the worst baits in baiting history.

Alternate Oscars Update

Wow, ok so we once again have a tie (our 3rd so far) in the Best Actor category, whoever voted for Tom Cruise please step forward and break the tie. Otherwise, it looks like you guys agree with the Academy crowning Stockard Channing for her performance in Mermania. Also, I am keeping the tie in the Best Director category, unless you would like me to break it. Up next, Best Supporting Actor and Actress and then the Screenplay categories...

Alternate Oscars: The Poll Series

Well, since Ironic Nonfiction and Cielo Drive tied, whoever the 3 that voted differently are, please comment on this article with your vote either Cielo or Ironic. I'm thinking our next poll will be on Best Director for September and we'll stick to September for a while. Sorry if you were mislead by the 6 days left to vote thing, I meant to keep it one day each so I can officially announce the Alternate Oscars at like the end of the week.



Keep Voting!

Zgamer Unearths Relics of the Baiting Past

With all the recent stuff that has been going on with the Igloo as of late, it seems easy to forget the roots of the Bait an Oscar contest. Well, I happen to remember these classic baits and many are still as good today as they were back then. With that, I have decided that, if it's popular enough and if I have the time, to do a consistent update that highlights some of the best of the contest's oldest but greatest baits. This update, I will two from the very first month of the contest. So without further ado, here are some of the best of the golden oldies of Bait and Oscar:

Carter (Written by Jordan)- No one has heard from the writer of this classic bait ever since it won the very first bait of the month, but that doesn't mean the impact this bait had on the contest isn't still intact. Detailing the life of an oft-forgotten president, Carter was truly the first great biopic on he site. Now, keep in mind that the opinion on star power back then was different, so it's understandable that it would have an overstuffed cast since this was when the contest was formed. However, the bait has many great qualities to still make it a classic, among them being an interesting plot, great casting choices, a good director and just a sense of quality. Still one of the few baits to accurately bait Thomas Hayden Church. This is one for the ages.

Once A Hero (Written by Matthew LaRusso)- If Carter was the first great biopic on one person the site had, this was the first best biopic on a couple. Though short on words (like most baits were back then), the depth of this bait, highlighting the life of the late Christopher and Dana Reeves, speaks volumes. It's crew was spot on, the synopsis was very specific and the topic was pure Oscar bait. However, that is not what the bait will be remembered for. This bait will be remembered for having some of the best casting choices/pairings in a bait. To accurately portray the late couple, Matthew casted Brendan Fraiser and Maria Bello as the couple. It was such an inspired casting decision that it's no wonder that they won the awards they did. This was my personal favorite of that month and will continue to remain one of the best biopics on the site.

Feel free to comment here if you wish for me to continue or just have an opinion on the post.

A New Poll Series

We'll be having a new poll series on the site called Alternate Oscars. Basically I'll list the nominees in a category at a previous Oscars and you'll vote on who you would have crowned the winner. I hope it will be fun and give a little insight on how different the "Academy" is from the Fourms.

Also, in the coming weeks I plan to make a couple HUGE announcements on the blog so keep visiting!

My Thoughts: Predicting Who Will Win Best Picture

So now that Daniel has won his 2nd Best Picture title, pretty much anyone is eligible to win Best Picture. That said I thought I would share my thoughts on some of the authors poised to win Best Picture before the year comes to a close...

Tony- I think everyone agrees he is the most overdue for a Best Picture win and I'm betting it will come in the next 5 months.

Josh P.- One of the most underrated authors on the site, but don't be surprised if he wins it by the end of the year.

Harry- He usually has more art kind of baits and I think that will hurt him when trying to win Best Picture. Still, if he releases more mainstream baits, I think he'll win soon.

Pat- As far as repeat winners go he is the most likely to win again according to our poll. I agree with the poll because, correct me if I'm wrong, but he has the most Best Picture nominations of any author.

Brian (Arizona)- Lately he has had baits that have gone under the radar and I don't think he'll win his second until '08.

Zgamer- I wouldn't doubt if he wins by the end of the year, but I don't think any of his video game adaptations will be crowned.

Bryce- He has had solid baits the last couple of months, he just needs that bait that will propel him to his win.

Matt- He's had popular baits in the past, but look if Deep Secret starts getting good buzz, I bet he'll win soon.

James Somerton- If he goes through with leaving the contest, expect him to win in the next couple of months.

D.W.- He has a huge following and he releases solid baits. In a weak month he could easily win.


So here are the 5 I think will win before the end of '07...

1. Tony- It absolutely has to happen (October)
2. Pat- Look for him to win either November or December
3. James Somerton- I bet he'll win September
4. Matt- I think he'll win August because Deep Secrets seems to already have really good buzz
5. Harry- It make have taken awhile, but expect him to write a powerhouse bait that will win everyone over.

A Special First Look at Grey Gardens!

How do I describe my excitement when I saw Grey Gardens sitting in the inbox of my email. I am so excited that Alex decided to keep Christine Ebersole in both of the roles she played in the Broadway production of Grey Gardens. Alex chose Alan Parker to direct, whom you may know from the film Evita. I found the choice a bit off when I first looked at it, but after thinking about it, I don't really know who else would have been a better choice.

Alex chose not to keep Mary Louise Wilson from the acclaimed New York production and I have to say that I don't agree with replacing Wilson with Jill Clayburgh, but none the less she is a bigger name, but I still would have gone with Wilson.

It has a strong synopsis, which may be critiqued for being long, but it still is an easy read. The press section is short, but gets straight to the point, which to me didn't make it seem like a review, but it is well written.

While, I don't agree with all the casting (Hugh Jackman in High School?) there are still some positives (Clarie Danes as "Little" Edie Beale) and it has a strong baity story. I don't think this is going to be the bait that wins Alex his second Best Picture Oscar, but I think it will have a lot of Big 8 nominations. A solid bait, but could have been better. A lock for a Best Picture nominee at the Globes (in the Musical/Comedy category) and Ebersole is a slam dunk for the win. B+

FYC
Best Actress (Christine Ebersole)
Best Supporting Actress (Claire Danes and Jill Clayburgh)
Best Adapted Screenplay

Future Bait Plans

Sorry if when I talk about my baits it annoys you, but I thought I would shed some light on my future projects that will be released in the coming months...

September (2 baits?)
If so I plan on revising Newport (a LOT!) and releasing it as a drama.
I also plan on releasing either You're A Good Man Charlie Brown or Until We Meet Again or All About Steve. These are all 3 completely different baits and here is a little bit about all of them...

Charlie Brown- Animated, Directed by Brad Bird and based on the Broadway Musical of the same name. Tentatively (sp?) features the voice talents of Anthony Rapp, Kristen Chenoweth, Megan Mullally, and David Hyde Pierce.

Until We Meet Again- A holocaust drama about two young loves who are seperated during the holocaust. I am in the middle of reading the book and no casting has been made. Steven Spielberg is in talks to direct and produce.

All About Steve- A comedy starring Sean Hayes. Steve Adams is the biggest thing in modern Hollywood, but when his former acting teacher dies, Steve comes back to his hometown to go to the funeral, take over a part that was once his teacher's, and in turn gets a taste of reality.

In October I plan on releasing a bait called Hex House which is a dramatic acting piece about an old woman, played by Frances McDormand, who kidnaps two young women and puts a "hex" on them and makes them her slaves. Based on a true story.

In November I hope to release an adapatation of Green Grow the Lilacs, which was turned into "Oklahoma" back in the 40's. I plan on releasing it in November because that will be when the state Oklahoma turns 100!

In December I think I am going to release a musical adapatation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, using some of the songs from the Disney version. It will star, Norbert Leo Butz, Patrick Wilson, and Jeremy Irons. Slated to direct is Joel Schumacher.

I know I have a lot of plans, but in January I will release one of the following projects...

Spring Awakening- I haven't seen the musical, but I hope I can adapt it into a film well.

Eden's Kin- A comedy about Adam and Eve's offspring. Directed by Judd Apatow.

The Matchmaker- The play that was adapted into Hello Dolly!

Projects That Will Serve As A Plug In If Those Baits Don't Work Out

• Amen?- A dramedy about life at a local church.
• Untitled Charles Dickens Biopic
• Untitled Project About My Grandma- I hope to chronicle the events of my grandma's life in a comedic way.
• The Sweet Escape- A Musical about escaping the real world.
• Rodgers and Hammerstien Biopic- Worked on it for a while, but nothing has ever been written down.
• Inside/Out- Dramatic Piece about Teen Life
• Untitle White House Chef Bait- Comedic bait about the chef in the White House
• Will Rogers Follies- Baiting the Musical of the Same Name
• The Queen of Air and Darkness- Sequel to The Sword and the Stone
• I Love Beth Cooper- Based on the book by John Doyle Comedy
• Down the Rabbit Hole- A Lewis Carroll biopic
• Who Wrote It?- Comedy about a publishing company
• My Life in Jokes- Chronicles Bob Hope's life, based on the book and starring Kelsey Grammer
• Untitled SNL Presidents Bait- A comedy featuring all the presidents ever made fun of on SNL

I love comments!

My Thoughts: Grey Gardens!

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! I really hope that Alex is still going to release this bait, because the soundtrack is soo fantastic! I'm a big musical person and the soundtrack is really great and gives me chills and has extremely baity plot and performances. Alex, if you need any help I am totally here for you and if you aren't doing the project anymore please let me know because I'll do anything I can to get it to be released. So excited and you have to listen to the following songs from the soundtrack (these are my favorites)...

1. Revolutionary Costume For Today- Absolutely great, you can listen to it for free at the official site for the Broadway show.
2. Peas in a Pod- The lyrics really sell this one and it just has a homely kind of feel to me.
3. Grey Gardens- Something about it is so simple it's moving.
4. Will You?- The most emotional and heartfelt song in the show and it gives me chills just thinking about it.
5. Hominy Grits- Just a fun song.
6. Tomorrow's Woman (The Off-Broadway Album)- One of my favorite songs on the cd, disappointed it didn't make it to the Broadway show.

It is filled with emotion and I hope that it will be released. Check out the album, it is really really good.

Zgamer's August and September Baits (September Bait w/Bryce and Sergio)

The new trailers are here. Here are the links to The Zone of Zgamer and our thread for the September thread.

Thread for Septmeber Bait
http://www.network54.com/Forum/523328/thread/1185990023/last-1186003032/A+Bait+from+a+galaxy+far+far+away...

The Zone of Zgamer
http://thezoneofzgamer.blogspot.com/