Episode 25, February 26th 2012

Coming to you recorded from the HBLB Studios, Jesse and Shaun bring you a new episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? As devoted listeners know and new listeners don't, each week we review the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. However, we've come across another movie that has received both acclaims, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (Highbrow and Lowbrow) from the year 2003.

The Lord Of The Ring: The Return Of The King, directed by Peter Jackson, is the third installment of the The Lord Of The Rings franchise, in where Frodo (Elijah Wood) completes the final leg of his journey to destroy the evil ring of power, and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) unites the men of Middle Earth against Sauron. This movie can feel pretty long due to it's arduous running time of 201 minutes ( 3 hours 21 minutes). But that's a part of the magic of the films because it adds to the overall epic feeling, a feeling that really emphasizes the scope and sense of journey Jackson is taking you on. The characters all have their own identities and roles from the comedic and odd couple Gimli, the dwarf, and Legolas, the elf, to the corrupt steward, Denethor. The real breakout star of this film is Sean Astin as Samwise Gangee, the simple hobbit, who goes at great lengths to try and make sure Frodo is taken care of and his quest complete. Another really great aspect of the direction in this film is the way the film illustrates the multiple layers that Tolkien implied in the book; on the surface there is a great battle being waged for a gold ring but also conversely we know that we fight battles against the greed in our own hearts. Technically, this movie is a marvel, from the art direction to the cinematography to the titanic army battles , everything is executed impeccably, each element is a part of the majestic world Peter Jackson created. No doubt you've already seen this movie, but if you're up for the journey again, go ahead and give it another watch and embrace the world of hobbits and brave men.

Hear our full takes on this Highbrow and Lowbrow film by listening to the podcast below or on Itunes. So check it out and let us know what you think.

Bonus Episode: Oscars 2012

Continuing the tradition, Highbrow! Lowbrow? is bringing you a special bonus episode on the 2012 Oscars. Just to reiterate for new listeners, Highrbow! Lowbrow? is a podcast where Jesse and Shaun review the top box office earner and Best Picture Academy Award Winner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. However, since this is Oscar time, we take a look at the nine Oscar nominees for Best Picture to determine who we think should get the Oscar and who will.

The Artist, directed by Michel Hazanavicius, stars Jean Dujardin as a popular silent film star who begins to see his livelihood threatened by the coming of the talkies. This film succeeds on multiple levels using the silent film formula at its best with its fantastic physicality and its heart warming story. This film was a joy to watch and a unique movie going experience that few films have equaled this year.

The Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne, stars George Clooney as Matt King, a land baron whose wife has recently fallen into a coma, trying to keep himself and his daughters together. This movie has a very serene and earthy tone being set in Hawaii and the story is very layered mixing sadness and love in a very touching way. With a strong performance by Clooney and thoughtful direction from Payne, this movie is a frontrunner for the Oscars and deservedly so.

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, directed by Stephen Daldry, tells the story of young Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn, as he goes on a quest through New York trying to find the meaning behind a key his father left. This film really depends on the strength of Thomas Horn and his character, some found him cloying but Shaun thought his mixture of preciousness and autistic sensibility made him relatable and fun to watch. Though this film received fairly poor reviews overall and has a small likelihood of winning the top prize, consider giving it a watch, it's better than it is credited.

The Help, directed by Tate Taylor, stars Emma Stone as a reporter who is trying to get the real story on how the black maids and servants of the south are really treated. This is a heart warming and female empowering movie with strong performances by Emma stone and Viola Davis as the leading black maid. Although this film feels a little bit like filler on the Oscar nominee list, it's a decently strong tale of fighting racism and taking back your dignity.

Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese, is the tale of Hugo Cabret as he tries to find the meaning behind his father's last finding, a robot that harkens a forgotten past. There's a lot of heart and warmth to the story, that Martin Scorsese really tells in a grand cinematic scale. This film has some momentum behind it, but doesn't have that extra something to really make it a Best Picture film.

Midnight In Paris, directed by Woody Allen, stars Owen Wilson as a screenwriter trying to find inspiration in Paris but ends up finding magic and more. This film was a really magical experience that introduced some fantastic characters that were brought to life by Woody Allen's direction. This film may not be the Best Picture, but it's a magnificent piece that showcases Woody Allen direction in a fresh yet familiar way.

Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller, is the story of Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, as he tries to make reinvigorate the Oakland A's team despite it's fledgling budget. For fans of the game, the wheeling and dealing of Billy and Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill) does show an exciting bit of underdog spirit, but some could argue that the film lacked an emotional core. The first of two Brad Pitt films in the nominees, this film has a lot of fans, but it remains to be seen how this will fair with the other contenders.

The Tree Of Life, directed by Terence Malick, is a spiritual and ambigious film that examines life through the eyes of a 1950's midwestern family and the roles of father and mother in one's life. This film is expansive and sprawling maybe almost to a fault, addressing issues of existence and morality in a uniquely artistic manner and with strong religious overtones. This is the indie/artsy hit that fills a role in the Oscar nominees, but with winning the Palm d'Or at Cannes, this could take home the top prize.

War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg, is the story of a boy and his horse as they endure the tumultuous landscape of England in the First World War. Though this film is shot beautifully and the story is heartwarming, it tends to try one's disbelief as to the length of what people will do to help the horse. It may not seem like this is a frontrunner in the Oscar race, this could be a treat for someone looking for a sincere and hopeful story.

So what Oscar nominee did Jesse and Shaun ultimately pick as their favorite and what movie do they think will win? Check out the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 24 February 2nd, 2012

Highbrow! Lowbrow? is back with a fresh new episode. Every two weeks or so, Jesse and Shaun review the top box office earner and Best Picture Academy Award Winner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. For this episode, we take a look at two fairly similar films from the year 1964: My Fair Lady (Highbrow) and Mary Poppins (Lowbrow).

My Fair Lady, directed by George Cukor, stars Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, a common peasant girl, who is taken on by Henry Higgins, a linguistic professor, to be taught correct english and proper manners. Both Jesse and Shaun found this movie disappointing due to its dull atmosphere and unyielding length. Although Hepburn is a strong actress in most rights, this movie doesn't suit her because of her lack of singing ability and her grating cockney accent. While her singing is remedied by the dubbed vocals of Marnie Nixon, the cockney accent which may reflect the intentions of the filmmakers is trying to get through. The general stuffiness and drudgery that surrounds the story (high English society) while being poked at is hard to relate to. The songs lack a certain magic or excitement that really brings someone into the musical atmosphere, maybe too much stage performance and not enough movie magic. The final message of the film isn't really tolerance or growth but rather a begrudging acceptance of each other. This film was too far from our spectrum to really enjoy and the musical elements weren't strong enough to bring us in.

Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson, stars Julie Andrews as the titular Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who takes care of two impish kids who are being ignored by their workaholic father. They go on a variety of adventures learning about love, life and music with good ole Burt, played by Dick Van Dyke. There is magic abound in this movie from the way Mary Poppins floats in and out of life, to the cartoon lands they visit with penguins and horse races. The songs are certainly catchy although they can be a little overlong and many of the tunes stick with you a while after the film is done. Every character is memorable, even the minor characters from the Naval Captain neighbor to the laughing and giggling Uncle Albert who can't stop floating. Similar to the mixing of live action and animation in Song Of The South, the effect is carried through in Mary Poppins and comes off exceedingly well along with half a dozen other special effects that really create the magic of this movie. Mary Poppins is a childhood classic that stands the test of time, and although not a perfect movie, it still remains fun to watch.

So which film did the Highbrow! Lowbrow? duo end up choosing? The "greatest musical of all time" My Fair Lady or the Disney classic Mary Poppins? Be sure and check out the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.