It’s that time again for The Academy Awards! There has been a lot of Oscar buzz and many award-worthy screenplays and films and released this year. I always find it fun to see at least a few of the nominees and watch the events unfold on Oscar night. The grand prelude to the award show, without a doubt, always matches the amount of talent and hard work that goes into creating a masterpiece. From costuming, to art direction, to cinematography, to acting, Sunday, Feb. 26 is one of the most noteworthy nights in Hollywood. So before it comes, make sure you check out these nominated films!
The Descendents
Directed by Alexander Payne, George Clooney stars in a powerful performance about fatherhood and reconnecting with loved ones after life-changing revelations and events. When his wife, played by Patricia Hastie, is put on life support after a boating accident, Matt King (Clooney) learns about a man who Elisabeth was having an affair with before her accident. Set in Hawaii, he takes his daughters with him to confront this mystery man. What is so special about this film? It’s multi-dimensional. Possibly up for a nomination for Best Screenplay, it’s said that Clooney gives an emotionally charged performance. How would one handle deceit and tragedy at the same time? Definitely at the very top of my to see movie list…
War Horse
Originating as a children’s’ novel, then turned play, Warhorse is now a motion picture directed by Stephen Spielberg. Rumored to make grown men cry, the story follows Albert (Jeremy Irvine) and his horse Joey through the tangles and tests of bravery in World War I.
The Help
As the New York Times states: The Help “cracks open the early-’60s world of strained smiles and gentility.” The movie is creating a lot of Oscar buzz, as it is nominated for Best Picture. Leading lady Viola Davis is also nominated for Best Actress and Jessica Chastain for Best Supporting Actress. In the movie, Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns to her Mississippi town to be a writer. Her life dramatically changes when she decides to interview black women who have cared for Southern families all of their lives. Unlikely relationships of sisterhood emerge as more and more women tell their stories and the times start to change.
Midnight in Paris
This film is unique in the way in operates in two very different times. The City of Light is the backdrop for this creative Woody Allen film, starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. Nostalgic of Paris in the 1920’s Gil (Wilson) is thrown back into the 1920’s and befriends the likes of Ernst Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. His fiance (Adams) doesn’t seem to understand his enchantment with the marvelous and mysterious city. The movie is a work of art worthy nominated for Best Picture. Oh, and did we mention it’s a MUST SEE for English majors?
My Week with Marilyn
Michelle Williams plays Marilyn Monroe in this charming film and snatched a nomination for Best Actress. Other than looking strangely like Monroe with a touch of red lipstick, Williams captures Monroe’s sexual and iconic energy. The film follows the star through her various personal troubles while grappling with fame. Williams is stunning, and worthy of an Oscar.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
In this endearing film about loss, stars such as Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and young Thomas Horn capture the tragedy and panic associated with Sept. 11. More than that, the film incorporates a very special father/son narrative. Oskar (Horn) finds a key in his father’s closet and soon becomes obsessed with finding the lock it opens. He views the world in a very unique way and is convinced that this secret will help him grieve for his father and understand the bond that they will forever share.
Moneyball
Based off the book of the same name, Moneyball is a must-see for any sports fan (or Brad Pitt fan…). With an impressive list of nominations, such as: Best Picture, Best Actor (Brad Pitt), and Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill), this film follows the story of Billy Beane, the General Manager for the Oakland A’s in the early 2000’s. When Beane meets Peter Brand (Hill) the two forever change the game of baseball through advanced statistical data that has since been adopted throughout the entire baseball industry.
So there it is, BC. A list of flicks to see before the big 2/26 rolls around! Many are out on DVD, so what are you waiting for? Rainy-day movie marathon, here we come!