2013 Oscar Roundup

As a rule, I don't usually review DVDs.  What's a rule without exceptions though?  This week, I watched the final four movies in the list.  Here they are, in the order in which they were watched.

Beasts of the Southern Wild: I really enjoyed this movie.  Maybe it was the father-daughter relationship, maybe it was all Hushpuppy, heck maybe it was the idea of living in a bathtub... I don't know, but there was something magical about the whole thing.  There was this scene, let's call it the "slow dancing" scene (you'll know it when you see it), that really made the movie: it had everything from nostalgic yearning to hard determination.  And then there Miss Quvenzhané Wallis. She was simply divine, perfect mixture of stubborn brat, southern charm, and heartbreaking innocence.  I can see why they had to include her in the Best Actress category - she deserves it.  All in all, a great movie: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Sessions: having no idea what this movie was about before watching it, I was surprised by how quirky it turned out to be.  I knew Helen Hunt was in it (best supporting actress nomination), and she was okay, but nothing super special.  Was a bit surprised that John Hawkes was passed over though!  Given the limited movements that his role demanded, he was able to really carry scenes.  And, as we'll discuss below, there is room in the Best Actor category.  had this not been an Oscar movie, i would never have watched it - and it would have been my loss.  I recommend it.  3.5 out of 5 stars. 

Flight: when I saw Flight in the theatres, I took a pass on it.  To me, it looked like another Training Day.  Turns out, I was bang-on.  This is another Denzel flick, doing what Denzel does: being a complicated anti-hero, who you want to save as much as you want to punish.  So, of course, Denzel gets nominated.  Sigh.  Anyway, the movie as a whole is entertaining enough - it's suspenseful, interesting, and has a nice deep cast: John Goodman?  I LOVE that guy!  Kelly Reilly, I had no idea who she was before but I'm looking out for her now.  and Don Cheadle, whose understated acting style seems to be overlooked for the Denzels of the world, and I find that to be a grand shame.  3.5 out of 5 stars.

The Master: ugh.  This movie is so brutally slow.  Maybe it was the sushi-induced-coma I was in, but I could not keep my attention riveted to this movie at all.  Didn't help that Joaquin Phoenix (Best Actor nomination, who is usually brilliant and whom I actually adore) plays his role as if he, too, is in a walking coma.  And perhaps that's the point.  This seems to be the kind of movie that's making a point, but I didn't get it. (After the movie, I learned it's an "art house" film - that explains much).  Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Supporting Actor nomination) steals every scene; Amy Adams (best Supporting Actress) uses her Disney charm in an almost-malevolent turn, which was fascinating to watch.  too bad they were barely around.  I am disappointed to see John Hawkes passed over for Phoenix this year.  that was a mistake.  It is telling that The Master is not included in either the picture or directing category.  2 out of 5 stars.

***

Tonight, I hope to watch the Oscars with Jadek and the family.  We will place our bets during the red carpet preamble.  (I'll try to upload my ballot before showtime, poppets).  Oh, and if you're interested, there's also Best Original Score and Best Original Song.