As promised, I'm following up last week's Trailer Trash with a closer look at the limited release films which are poised to vie for a coveted Academy Award. That said, it is doubtful any of these flicks will want me to Exercise my Right to Cinematic Celibacy, but here's how they measure up in my mind, from worst to best:
Serious Moonlight (12.04 LA/NY) I will see, and have seen, anything with Kristen Bell, but having to sit through unhappy, neurotic Meg Ryan is seriously dissuading me. The theme of the script by the late Adrienne Shelly draws me in, but the slapsticky elements are a deterrent. While it seems it's an even toss between impressive and disappointing, why do the odds feel more like 30-70?
Verdict: It's Friday, I Don't Want to be Alone.
The Last Station (12.04 LA/NY) This look into the life of Leo Tolstoy has already garnered some award nominations and looking at the acting powerhouses involved, I expect more are on the way. Aside from the yummy James McAvoy, the trailer doesn't really make me tingle...which probably means this'll be the movie to beat come Oscar time.
Verdict: It's Friday, I Don't Want to be Alone.
Crazy Heart (12.16 ltd.) I love Jeff Bridges and not trying to knock him, but how is Kris Kristofferson NOT starring in this?! I suppose he's too old to play Bad Blake, but he could have done the Duvall role. He just seems like a natural choice. But I digress. Buzz says Bridges may get a nod for his role, but the safe bet is on a nod for the song featured in the trailer.
Verdict: Moist With Antici...Pation!
Nine (12.18 ltd., wide 12.25) Let's see... why would the Reel Whore not want to see a movie full of strong and sexy women?! Granted, two of the ladies tend to grate my last damn nerve, but hopefully Daniel Day-Lewis's lead performance will distract my disdain. That, and all the half-naked, gyrating hotties.
Verdict: Moist With Antici...Pation!
The Young Victoria (12.18 ltd.) Stuffy period pieces aren't usally my thing, but there's something about this. Maybe it's because there's something about a women of power. Maybe it's because I find it comforting Rupert Friend looks as cuddly as Elijah Wood. Or maybe it's because I'm tranfixed by the gorgeous Emily Blunt every time I see the trailer. Who can say, really?
Verdict: Moist With Antici...Pation!
A Single Man (12.11 ltd., wide 12.25) From the trailer alone, I haven't the first fucking clue what this is about nor do I care. It's visually stunning and Colin Firth's performance is captivating. This may also be the film that finally lands Julianne Moore her Oscar; that's reason enough to support it.
Verdict: Moist With Antici...Pation!
Up in the Air (12.04 ltd., wide 12.25) I'm sure everyone is stoked to see Clooney turn in another winner. Heck, I'm sure some are psyched "Claire Farmiga" is in it. I'm tingling to see some great bit parts, but most excited for Anna Kendrick's performance. Since her turn as Ginny Ryerson in Rocket Science, I've been waiting to see her be more than that Twilight chick.
Verdict: Moist With Antici...Pation!
There you have it stargazers. With the gifts unwrapped and your bellies full of holiday goodies, the hardest thing you'll have to do this Christmas is decide which of these great movies you should plant your ass in first.
I've heard about some of these films (A Single Man, Nine, Up In The Air), though not all. Sounds interesting, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSad thing is, only those three you mentioned will open here within the next couple of weeks. The rest may release here by February, if they get plenty of buzz.
ReplyDeletegoing back and forth about seeing nine, mainly because i despise nicole kidman and everything she stands for :-(
ReplyDeleteI just have a hard time looking at Kidman. She's just creepy now.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly Fergie's started growing out of her meth-addled frame rather nicely.
I enjoy Judi Dench too much not to see Nine.