I did more research throughout the year and tried to anticipate the films better. I don't know if I'm more ahead than last year - but I'm going to (try) to use this blog to report and review the movies we do see.
I do want to say that it may seem weird that I am determined to see movies that some other group said were must-see's. But last year I discovered some great films that I would not have seen otherwise. I definitely recommend "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "La Vie en Rose," and "There Will Be Blood." I'm hoping for some of that same inspiration this year.
Recap!
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - Liked it. I thought Cate Blanchett was PHENOMENAL - too bad the Academy missed out on nominating her. Speaking of redheads, I also really enjoyed Tilda Swinton's performance. Though it's drawn a lot of comparisons to "Forrest Gump," I still liked the manner of storytelling - a long narrative told against/in conjunction with historic events. Amazing effects on Brad Pitt.
"Slumdog Millionaire" - LOVED it. A heart-wrenching and inspiring story with authentic performances. It's up for 10 including Original Score and Original Song(s) which is super because the music was great great. Recommended!!
"The Dark Knight" - Saw it in IMAX - a little intense that way. I do think Heath Ledger was an excellent Joker and unfortunately the franchise will suffer for his loss. It was a little unnerving to watch it knowing that this is his final complete performance - it was too hard to suspend that knowledge. I also thought that Aaron Eckhart was great and of course, the effects were great as well.
"Wall-E" - Again, LOVED it. So cute - I didn't know I could love a robot. Or two robots for that matter. I didn't mind what others are calling the "preachy" second half, I think it was a good wake-up call and reminder of what our duties are as caretakers of our bodies and planet.
"Doubt" - Also great. Since it was adapted from a Tony-winning play I knew it would hinge on great acting - and of course, it did. All 4 actors deserved their nominations, as well as John Patrick Shanley's Adapted Screenplay nomination. I would have to say that Meryl Streep was my fave of the 4.
"Changeling" - I wanted to like it more. I did think Angelina Jolie was very good in it (and I am firmly on Team Jen), but I think the hopelessness of the story kind of sucked the life out of the rest of the film.
"Tropic Thunder" - I would like to state that I preferred Robert Downey, Jr.'s, Jay Baruchel's, and Matthew McConaughey's performances to Tom Cruise's. In particular, I did love Robert Downey, Jr., though - he trod the line between parody and seriousness well. The movie is funny and I thought the second half was much better than the first.
"In Bruges" - Watch it with the captions on, I had a hard time keeping up with the accents. The movie really surprised me - there was much more to it than the trailers let on. I guess that's why it's nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
"Kung Fu Panda" - Super cute! I still think/hope that "Wall-E" will win for Best Animated Feature Film, but this one is of high quality for an animated film. I really recommend it for a fun watch.
So...those are the ones I've seen so far. Tonight we're going to see "Milk" and then only 16 more to go!!!
