On this lovely post-Globes/pre-noms Wednesday evening, I thought I would provide a brief account of the films we have seen lately. As is the norm for me at this time, I am solely focused on catching those movies that are likely to at least be nominated...skipping the "Alpha Dogs" and "Night at the Museums" (not that I would EVER see either) and focusing on "The Queens" and the "Dreamgirls" that are currently at your local theater, video store (do they exist anymore?) and Netflix.
So without further adieu, and in alphabetical order....
"Babel" - well done, though not exactly the most novel film of the year. To be quite honest, I'm going to be a little pissed if a movie with interweaving story lines that intersect in "surprising" ways wins in the same year that the master of that genre, Robert Altman, died. The performances are good, the story is ok (I found the story of the lonely, deaf Japanese mute the most interesting, though now that I have actually written "lonely, deaf Japanese mute" I am realizing just how over the top that is), and it's worth at least a rental. Regardless, the lonely deaf Japanese mute has an outside shot at a supporting nom.
"Blood Diamond" - ladies, Italian Men and gays - you will DEFINITELY think more about that diamond on your ring finger, pinky finger and right ear after seeing this one. Sure, DiCaprio's accent is literally all over the place. So what. The real story here is Djimon Honsou. His portrayal, of a father who loses his son to warlords and will do anything to get him back, had me on the edge of my seat for every minute of this one. I hope he is nominated.
"Children of Men" - Ok, so I'm not going to pretend that either James or I understood this film. At the same time, I was engrossed with the story and the idea of the infertile, war-torn future world that it presents. Clive Owen is predictably excellent, Julianne Moore is not in the film long enough for me to praise her as much as I would like to, and the other mostly unknown cast turned in effective performances. Made me wish I was smarter without making me feel dumb. Will probably get some writing and cinematography noms.
"The Departed" - whattup with everyone's obsession with Scorsese? The movie is ok, though beyond violent. The most amazing aspect of this film is not the direction or story, but rather that Mark Wahlberg's performance outshines Nicholson, DiCaprio, Damon et al. Overall, just an Ok film. Oh well - I'm sure Nicholson will get his 98th nomination and 32nd consecutive front row seat at the big show; DiCaprio may get a nomination for his good performance and Mary Mark will probably be ignored.
"Dreamgirls" - LOVED IT! Not sure why this hasn't taken off the way that "Chicago" did - it's WAY better, as most of the actors in this one are musicians first, actors second. Interestingly, the worst performance was Jamie Foxx's - his acting was Ok but his singing was bland. Beyonce was ok, Eddie Murphy was better, Anika Noni Rose (from CT!) was even better, and Jennifer Hudson was amazing. Loved, loved, loved her - I expect noms for Hudson and Murphy.
"History Boys" - how in the hell did this story win the Tony for best play?!? It was horrendously pretentious - imagine 90 minutes of 1980's be-decked middle class Brits quoting poetry, film, and literature to show just how damn smart they are. Barf. Hated it. No noms.
"Little Children" - TOTALLY not what I was expecting, still loved it. Kate Winslet, like my other favorite actresses (Toni Collete, Julianne Moore, Laura Linney) turns in amazing work yet again in this character study of adulterers. Raises some interesting and controversial points. See it, watch Kate Winslet get nominated for it in a week.
"Little Miss Sunshine" - is this the best film of the year? No. Is it one of the most fun? Absolutely. Look - the film isn't deep and the story isn't exactly a revelation. And yet, I left with a hige smile on my face. PLUS, Toni Collete is in it. Why isn't she more famous? I don't predict acting noms., I do expect possible Best Picture consideration.
"Notes on a Scandal" - definitely the best acted film of the year, which one would expect from a film starring Dame Dench and Cate Blanchett. Both are likely to get noms. Aside from the performances, the story is interesting but probably better suited for Lifetime Television for Women and Gay Men than for the big screen. A rental.
"The Queen" - I personally enjoyed this one, though I'm slightly baffled by the myriad of awards that Dame Mirren continues to collect. I'm just not a fan mimicry. Regardless, the acting is good. As for the story, there is a direct correlation to your interest in Princess Di's death and your interest in this film. I, for one, was fascinated by what happened 9 and a half years ago and wound up enthralled with this movie. James fell asleep.
"Volver" - WOW! I forgot that Penelope Cruz could clearly annunciate (let's just say I understand her Spanish better than her Spanglish). Anywho, not my favorite Almodovar film (it was no "All About my Mother," "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," or "Bad Education"), but still worth a viewing. Cruz is excellent (and - GASP! - award worthy) and the story is interesting.
Coming soon, based more on availability in New Haven than actual desire to see them..."The Last King of Scotland," "The Painted Veil," and "Pan's Labyrinth."
That's all for now!
Jack
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