What do Joan Rivers, the red carpet and excellent films have in common? It must mean it’s time for the Oscars, of course! Check out this list of movies I predicted would get the nod to see how I fared.
X “Win Win”: “Win Win” is a poignant, quiet film with a lot of truths about family and how to get by in everyday life. Strong, grounded performances make it rise to the top. Paul Giamatti delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as an excellent financially-stressed father trying to provide for his family.
** “Moneyball”: “Moneyball” is a solid movie. It is a familiar tale of dreams dashed and taking risks. Brad Pitt is good as a baseball team manager, and Jonah Hill takes a surprising turn as his assistant in this drama. Both characters have a strong chance of being nominated for an Oscar with their strong performances.
** “Midnight in Paris”: Woody Allen makes his best movie in years with “Midnight in Paris.” There are several references to past artists in a film where the past merges seamlessly with the present. Owen Wilson brings a touching innocence to this film. “Midnight in Paris” may become a Best Picture nominee.
X “Martha Marcy May Marlene”: “Martha Marcy May Marlene” is one of the most interesting, different, new films of the year. Elizabeth Olsen is brilliantly haunting in her breakout performance as a young woman running away from the clutches of a frightening cult. The movie keeps you guessing (think “Black Swan” but not as crazy). Olsen should definitely be nominated for best actress (like Jennifer Lawrence was last year for her breakout performance in “Winter’s Bone”).
** “Tree of Life”: Be warned: you may be left wondering what exactly this film was about? Terrence Malick is ambitious as he covers Earth’s creation and the classic contest between nature versus grace. Even if the themes are a bit far-reaching, the images are strikingly beautiful and Jessica Chastain is memorable as the mother or tree of life. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chastain nominated in addition to the film.
** “The Help”: “The Help” was possibly the most all-around good movie of the summer. Viola Davis especially gets notice with a performance so heartfelt and raw. Jessica Chastain is also strangely wonderful as well.
** “The Ides of March”: Although corruption in politics is hardly new, Ryan Gosling brings a breath of fresh air with his performance and transformation from a naïve, idealistic young staffer to a disillusioned, jaded player in the game at the end. His performance is piercing. All of the actors in the movie, in fact, are very good, from George Clooney to Evan Rachel Wood to Philip Seymour Hoffman to Paul Giamatti.
** “Drive”: Ryan Gosling (an actor to definitely watch out for) has a second wonderful performance in “Drive” as a doomed getaway car driver for crooks by night and a stunt driver by day. “Drive” is highly stylized and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Carey Mulligan and Albert Brooks are also fantastic (Brooks especially is terrifying as a gangster). I believe Gosling should be nominated as well as the movie, but it looks like only Brooks will get notice for this one.
X “50/50”: “50/50” is a movie that needed to get all the emotions just right. Joseph Gordon-Levitt proves he is a fantastic actor in a touching, striking performance as a young man who has been diagnosed with cancer. “50/50” captures the continuity of life and human strength. Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick are also sweet in the film. Gordon-Levitt should get a nod as well as the film.
** “The Descendants”: Made by the same people as the same film, “Sideways,” “The Descendants” is equally heartbreaking as well as funny. George Clooney is solid as a father who has to take care of his two daughters (that he does not really know too well) when his wife has an accident and lands in a coma. Shailene Woodley is great as his older daughter.
X “Like Crazy”: “Like Crazy” is a beautiful tale of young love in all its glory and heartbreak. Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones are simply amazing. “Like Crazy” can remind anyone of their all of the triumphs and failings of a first love. While I doubt this film will get any Oscar nods, look out for Jones as a breakout actress.
** “Beginners”: Along the same vein of love and all the questions that go with it, “Beginners” is quirky and sweet. A man wonders whether the newfound love he has discovered will last, even though he has everything in his power to make it succeed, unlike his parents before him.
X “Melancholia”: “Melancholia” is fascinating and dark (as its name would suggest). The direction is beautiful and the film leaves you wondering what would happen if we knew the world was ending. Kirsten Dunst hits the core with a performance as a woman who is severely depressed.
Be on the lookout for these upcoming films that are already garnering a lot of attention!
“Young Adult” (with Charlize Theron)
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (directed by David Fincher of last year’s “The Social Network” and the one to look out for Rooney Mara)
“My Week with Marilyn” (with Michelle Williams)
“The Iron Lady” (with Meryl Streep)
“Carnage” (with Kate Winslet)
“The Artist” (a silent film)
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (with Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock)
“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (with Gary Oldman)