Rambling About the 2014 Oscars

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!