Saturday, February 7, 2009

Next Round of Films

Well, apparently I'm going to be doing these reviews in batches. Although I was out-of-town last weekend, we still made a lot of progress on movies. Let's get started!

"Milk" - This may be my favorite of the last few we saw. I didn't know much about Harvey Milk or the political climate of San Francisco/the country (give me a break - I was born in the 80's), so it was fascinating to learn about. I know a movie isn't fact, but in reading more about it after the viewing, it stayed pretty close. I was really impressed with the cooperative-ness of Harvey Milk's contemporaries in the production of the film. Anyways, the acting all around was great - Sean Penn in particular, and Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch were great as well. I have to say this is probably my runner-up to "Slumdog Millionaire."

"The Duchess" - Blah. I don't typically seek out period films when I'm selecting movies on my own, and I have figured out why. While the costumes were insane (that's what it's nominated for), the plot was terrible. I know that women didn't have many choices or rights or anything back then, but I certainly don't want to watch a glorified story about how she became a great wife by condoning the very thing her husband wouldn't let her have. Blah blah blah. I wouldn't recommend it.

"The Visitor" - Really good, undiscovered gem. Probably would have never stumbled upon it had it not been nominated. Richard Jenkins (best known to me as the dad from "Six Feet Under") is nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of a widowed, aimless professor. He comes upon some illegal immigrants living in his city apartment and embarks on their life with them. I really liked it. See it any time you can - it is a great commentary on immigration in our country.

"Iron Man" - I really wish we would have seen this in the theatre. I know we meant to, and heard we should, but somehow it didn't happen. So we borrowed it from my brother this week and watched it on our regular tv. It was cool and all, but I think it would have been a lot better on a big screen with loud sound. I read that Jon Favreau was looking for someone who could portray a "likable a-hole" and Robert Downey, Jr. really did the job. Plus Gwyneth Paltrow looked so young and fabulous! 'The Dude' (who I thought was John Malkovich for a while until my husband pointed it out) was unexpected and a good villain. This movie is nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing. Good shot at Visual Effects unless the Academy decides they like old Brad Pitt better. I will probably see the second one, but surely in the theater.

"The Reader" - We saw this last night and my husband and I discussed it for a while this morning. Kate Winslet is up for Best Actress for this one, and it's also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography. This movie is very complex and they all pull it off. It's uncomfortable, but not in an off-putting way. The subject matter is tough (I mean Kate Winslet plays a former Nazi guard who was stationed at Auschwitz), but don't let that deter you. Kate Winslet and David Kross give powerful performances. I thought Ralph Fiennes was holding back, but maybe that was the point.

This upcoming week holds "Frost/Nixon" at the theatre and since we have the advantage of living in the wonderful Austin we may catch all of the nominated Live Action Shorts or Animated Shorts at the Alamo Drafthouse. Renting will probably entail "Vicky Christina Barcelona" and then probably either "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" or "Wanted" - seriously.

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