“Parasite,” Bong Joon-ho Make Oscar History

“Parasite,” the South Korean thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho, made Oscar history tonight when it became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards.  In doing so, it took down more heavily favored films like “1917” and “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.” 

Director Bong Joon-ho became the first person to take home four awards in one ceremony, winning Oscars as the director, co-producer and co-writer of the film.  He also received the award as the director of the year’s Best International Feature Film.   

Joaquin Phoenix was named Best Actor for his work in “Joker” while Renee’ Zellwegger took home the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Hollywood legend Judy Garland in “Judy.” 

Supporting Oscars went to Brad Pitt for “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and Laura Dern for “Marriage Story.”  Dern paid tribute to her parents, former Oscar nominees Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, in her acceptance speech.  

“Toy Story 4” was named the years Best Animated Feature.   Here is a complete list of tonight’s winners:  

BEST PICTURE  

“Parasite”  

BEST DIRECTOR

Bong Joon-ho – “Parasite”

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Joaquin Phoenix – “Joker”

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Renée Zellweger – “Judy”  

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Brad Pitt –  “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”  

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Laura Dern – “Marriage Story”  

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“Parasite” – screenplay by Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won  

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“Jojo Rabbit” – screenplay by Taika Waititi

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

“Toy Story 4”  

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

“Parasite” – South Korea

DOCUMENTARY – FEATURE

“American Factory”  

DOCUMENTARY – SHORT SUBJECT

“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)”  

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

“The Neighbors’ Window”  

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

“Hair Love”  

ORIGINAL SCORE

“Joker” – Hildur Guðnadóttir  

ORIGINAL SONG

“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” from “Rocketman” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin  

SOUND EDITING

“Ford v Ferrari”

SOUND MIXING

“Ford v Ferrari”

PRODUCTION DESIGN

“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”  

CINEMATOGRAPHY

“1917”

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

“Bombshell”

COSTUME DESIGN

“Little Women”  

FILM EDITING

“Ford v Ferrari”

VISUAL EFFECTS

“1917”

DVD Review “Gingerdead Man vs. Evil Bong”

Actors: Victoria De Mare, John Patrick Jordan, Robin Sydney, Sonny Carl Davis, Amy Paffrath
Director: Charles Band
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Full Moon Features
DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 80 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Full Moon Features, then you are probably just as excited as I was for this crossover horror/comedy film. “Gingerdead Man vs. Evil Bong” brings together two of Full Moon’s successful characters into one crazy-ass film. I have to admit, I was really expecting a little more from this crossover. The main problem I had with it was that it spent a good portion of time rehashing each of the battling characters’ prior films in a flashback sequences. So it felt like a bit of a cop out and just burning through time. I am still a fan of both franchises, so it was fun to see them come together. If you enjoy Full Moon films, then this is worth checking out though I am sure that this would work much better under the influence of the “evil” bong.

Official Premise: It’s a War of the Colossal Freaks when serial killing cookie, Gingerdead Man, tracks down the lone survivor of his murderous rampage, Sarah Leigh (Robin Sydney), to take care of unfinished business. But his devious plans go up in smoke when Sarah meets Larnell (John Patrick Jordan), who has a pint-sized problem of his own. The Evil Bong, Eebee, has been unleashed once again. Bodies begin to pile up as Gingerdead Man carves a path for them. Their only salvation is to turn to help from the dastardly Bong. It’s one tough cookie versus one bad trip mother when the two Titans of Terror hash out a war in the Bong World. The stakes have never been higher.

The presentation of the release is much worth mentioning. It comes in a very cool “Nookie Crisp”/”Weedies” Double-Sided Cereal Box and yes, there is actually an 11.5 oz bag of cookie cereal included!  I had a bit of a hard time opening the box as it was super glue sealed shut. So I had to do a bit of surgery to open the bottom of the box, so that was a little annoying. Still it is a great display piece and is down right funny as well. There is also a a surprise collector’s item gift in every box. I got a “Evil Bong” magnet, which features the poster art from the first film. There is also some special features included as well for the film including some trailers and a VideoZone episode.