2014 Oscars
I am cutting it down to the wire. Here are my Top 10 movies of the year along
with my thoughts on some of the nominees.
Note: I did not see Wolf of Wall
Street and Blue Jasmine.
Top 10 Plus (not
in any order)
1.
Philomena
2. Nebraska
3. 42
4.
The Way Way
Back
5.
Fruitvale Station
6.
Enough Said
7.
About Time
8.
Frozen
9.
12 Years A Slave
10.
Saving Mr. Banks
11.
Gavity/Her/Inside Llewyn Davis/August Osage
County/Captain Phillips
I really enjoyed
the 5 I have at 11. I think Her is one of the most original films in a long
time. I don’t think it gets enough
credit for that.
You will
notice I do not have American Hustle on my list. I have to say, I think that is one of the most OVER RATED
films in a long time. Was I
entertained? Yes. Were the performances
very good? Yes. However, the story was not great. In fact, it dragged for quite a bit. Particularly, after the first 30 minutes
until about the last hour. Personally,
I know many who enjoyed, but I don’t know anyone who thought it was great. I don’t get the hype. If it wins for anything tonight, I will be
disappointed. Well, of course if JLAW
wins, her speech will be entertaining. There are far too many GREAT performances
for an award to go to this movie. Honestly,
this is how I feel about American Hustle:
If Will Farrell played the Christian Bale’s character AND gave the same
exact performance—people would look at this movie differently. It was a bit of a sill story about a true
incident.
Personally,
the movie I am pulling for the win doesn’t have a chance. I think my favorite movie was Philomena. It was a great story and the director told
the story in a compelling way. I think
in the end, I like a story with people/characters that you can respect and root
for.
I think the
performances in Enough Said were fantastic. For me, I am drawn to acting when
there are no costumes, wigs, accents or gimmicks involved. Julia Louis Dreyfuss and James Gandolfino
played people we know. Perhaps, people we
are sometimes. I think that is the
hardest role to play and make it believable.
She made me forget she was Elaine, The New Christine or The Veep and of
course he made me forget he was Tony
Soprano.
I think it
is a shame 42 came out so early. A
fantastic movie with great performances.
Parents, have your children see 42.
Overall, a very good year for movies and better year for acting
performances. But for me, not a lot of standouts. My picks for tonight:
Best Picture: Philomena (I think 12 Years a Slave will win—I
am happy with any win except Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle.)
Best Actor: Bruce Dern (I think it will go to Matthew or
Chiewetel—all three deserve it. I also
believe Joaquin should be in this category instead of Bale. For that matter, so should Hanks for Captain Phillips)
Best Actress: A tie for me with
Sandra, Judi and Meryl. All great.
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Lehto.
I will be surprised if he doesn’t win.
However, if Barkhad took it—what a cool win that would be!
Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’, although would be very happy
if June Squibb won.
Original Screenplay: Her—if Her does not win this—it is a crime.
Enjoy the Oscars!
