For the past few years, I have set out to watch all of the Academy Award Best Picture nominations prior to the Oscars. Somehow the awards night snuck up on me and I always seemed to miss a film or two. Not this year!
I have seen all 10 of the movies nominated for Best Picture this year. I agree strongly with some of the nominations and am left wondering what the Academy was smoking for a couple others.
Here are my thoughts on each one of the films, in 15 words or less:
Black Swan – Brilliant. Masterfully acted by Portman. Thought about it for days afterward.
The Fighter – Great acting. Good story. Nothing mind blowing.
Inception – Groundbreaking. Incredible screenplay. Talked about it with friends for hours.
The Kids Are All Right – Great acting. Great characters. I felt an emotional connection to all of the characters.
The King’s Speech – Incredibly acted by Firth and Rush. Charming. Wonderful feel good story. Monarchy nerd approved.
127 Hours – Well acted. Interesting. Weird direction and cinematography.
The Social Network – Interesting (if not mostly fictional) story. Good acting. Nothing to write home about.
Toy Story 3 – Wonderful feel good movie. Great for children and adults alike.
True Grit – Fantastic acting by Steinfeld, Bridges and Damon. Surprisingly funny. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Winter’s Bone – Weird story. Boring. Couldn’t understand the dialogue most times. Good acting by Lawrence.
My pick for Best Picture is:
My pick for Best Actor is: Colin Firth.
My pick for Best Actress is: Natalie Portman.
What are your picks?
R.
