Update: The last two movies have been watched, over a week ago, so yes, I'm behind on my blogging. I'm adding my reviews to this post so everything is in one spot. Less than a week until the big show - better figure out my other catagories!
I loved this movie when I saw it - smart, confusing, action-packed and filmed partially in Alberta. What's not for Oscar to love? Oh yeah, it came out months and months ago so it's wave of popularity peaked long ago. Plus the Academy seems to have some sort of grudge against Christopher Nolan. Sorry Mr. Nolan, sadly the best picture is typically the one with the best marketing push come January and Inception just wasn't played right.
I saw this two weeks ago and it was lovely and mesmerizing. I'm a sucker for "stuffy English movies" anyway but this one had such humour and heart that it really deserves this chance on the podium. Some are saying this is riding the perfect wave to Oscar glory. Colin Firth carries the film beautifully and although some disagree with me I think Helena Bonham Carter gives an incredible performance.
I really wanted to hate this movie, there was so much hype and hoopla that really had me judging this before I'd even seen it. But that is why we see all the contenders so we can judge for ourselves what is worthy of the hype. I did find problems with this film, Justin Timberlake thinking he can act for one and the fact that the film seemed to drag at parts. For example, the regatta in England with the Winklevoss twins seemed a tad lengthy. I know it was necessary to reveal the twins final push into a lawsuit but really... and can I complain about the lack of strong female characters, aside from his ex-girlfriend, all the women were assistants or sluts or both... Overall though I enjoyed the story and characters and even the catchy music overlaying the scenes.
I did go into this movie with an open mind, after all Danny Boyle is a wonderfully unique director and Nic has so much faith in James Franco but... all I can say is that it was a good performance but I don't think he really captured the essence of Aron Rolston, no vocal changes, no mannerisms - that's always my biggest pet peeve about actors playing a real person - to me it was just James Franco with his hand crushed under a rock. And the beginning really seemed like he was trying too hard to get across how much the character LOVED the outdoors - it was a serious case of over-acting. I also found some of the hallucinations/flashbacks distracting but I also understand their purpose to keep the one man show interesting. Overall, a solid effort but not my favorite.
Wow - a fascinating snapshot of a totally different way of life... it was confusing at times to figure out who was related to who and what was really going on but the acting was amazing. Jennifer Lawrence gave an effortless performance but I was actually more taken with the guy who played Teardrop, John Hawkes. I thought he was overlooked by Oscar but I just checked again and he's on there, phew! Only he's up against Christian Bale... I also thought the movie was interesting in it's use of female characters - where the Social Network has almost no relevant, strong female characters, Winter's Bone shows us some tough chicks who carry the movie through some of it's heaviest scenes. This movie will stay with you...
I really loved this movie - it grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until the credits rolled. I do love stories about the underdog and triumph against all odds (hmm, a lot of the best pic noms seem to have these similar themes) but the film adds this family element that is so complex and layered and, oh yeah, true! PS, James Franco you may want to ask Christian Bale for tips on how to embody a real life person because he nails it. And although Mark Wahlberg was pretty status quo he did make a nice balance to Christian Bale's larger than life antics. And the fight scenes (in and out of the ring) had me on the edge of my seat. I wish this had a bit more hype for the final show but it just doesn't seem to be a contender.
Oh boy, another strong entry for best picture. And Natalie Portman - wow! I honestly don't know what else to say... what was real, what wasn't real? There is really no way of knowing - we were in the character's head. Ms. Portman has the best actress award all but locked and yes, it is obvious now that she is completely deserving. The timid, reserved, perfectionist dancer that unravels into madness is pitch perfect. The finale performance was captivating although I really wanted to see what happened the day after...
I love the Coen brothers - they have a style that is completely recognizable yet completely unexplainable. I enjoyed this movie but it isn't at the top of my list. One of my friends opined that Hailee Steinfeld's performance was one note and she was too unflinching for a 14 year old witnessing gruesome happenings. I somewhat agree but I think there were moments of softness and apprehension. I was actually most taken with Josh Brolin's performance - he was unrecognizable... and Barry Pepper too was stellar. I'm still working on the Coen Brothers symbolism in this one but there is are definitely noticeable images and references to corpses and coffins. Watch for it.
I was probably the least excited for this one - maybe not as extreme as Precious last year but still, I felt forced into watching this one. I kinda feel like since the animated movies have been given their own category they should not be considered for the Best Picture but I know, that's not fair. Since foreign films can be cosidered for Best Picture, these should be too. Anyway, I digress, it was a cute movie, Pixar has a pretty good formula here, although I can't believe that some of the characters and situations weren't traumatizing for the kiddies... go ahead, google the image for the Big Baby character and tell me you think it's fine for kids... or is it just me? Another question, if the movie made it to Best Picture list, does this make it a guaranteed win for Best Animated feature?
I had heard from a few sources that this movie was a little slow moving but I didn't find a problem with the pacing. The acting from the whole cast was pitch perfect but oh, Annette Bening stole this show. I found myself suddenly torn for the Best Actress catagory. While I love Natalie Portman's performance I would argue that the very realistic acting style of this movie, portraying a "slice of life" if you will, is much more difficult to act than the showy style of Black Swan. Agree/disagree? I dare you to watch the dinner scene where Annette Bening's character does a 180 degree swing as she realizes she has been betrayed, and not feel every single emotion with her. Annette Bening teaches a master class, and although I don't think she'll be able to break Natalie Portman's streak, she is long overdue for her Oscar. How come they don't have ties anymore?
So I am currently about halfway through this one, written by the same author as The Other Boleyn Girl and I must say this isn't as captivating. I know once I open it again it will draw me in but it doesn't burn in my brain the way other historical novels have. 
