Every year, one of my BFFs hosts a very fun Oscars party. It’s just girls and we all show up in our pjamas with tiaras and boas. (And somehow, every year, my hubby forgets this and asks if I’m really going to wear my pjamas outside the house.)
As you can imagine with any gathering of women, the food is plentiful and so is the wine. Plus, the hostess gives us each an old fashioned loot bag — like you would receive if you were a kid going to a party. Awesome, right? I know.
With the exception of one, who works in the research department at a magazine and knows everything about everything, many of us really don’t make it out to the movies much. So we’re basically watching the red-carpet outfits. But, nevertheless, I like to make a rushed attempt to see as many Oscar-nominated films as I can in the last couple of weeks before the show.
So, here’s how I’m doing so far this year when it comes to the 10 films that have been nominated for Best Picture:
This one is up for a ton of awards. Although the acting was fabulous, I can’t say that I fell in love with the movie itself. It was good. And it’s definitely worth a watch … but to win the Oscar for Best Picture? Meh. It just wasn’t unique enough. Or memorable enough.
However, I did mention the acting. Christian Bale is not only unrecognizable, but entirely believeable as a drug addict. He plays the lead’s brother, as both likeable but infuriating. Bale really pulls it off. Plus, any time a good looking person plays ugly (think Nicole Kidman with a nose prothesis in The Hours , or Charleze Theron with bad skin and a few extra pounds in Monster) they get lots of Oscar karma. So he’s got it in the bag I think.
Two of the movie’s supporting actresses are up for nominations as well — and both are extremely well-deserved. Although Melissa Leo plays the controlling matriarch to perfect pitch, I can’t help but root for the fiesty character that Amy Adams pulled off as the girlfriend.
Like The Fighter, this is an excellent, solid movie, but I don’t see it as “the” best picture of the year. But just because it might not seem “best picture”-worthy to me, doesn’t mean I don’t think you should run out and see it right now!
The movie follows how a man in a position of immense power tries to deal with a severe speech stammer. It’s touching AND inspiring. Colin Firth, as the film’s title king, does amazing work on this film. I’d love to see him win for best male lead.
Now this is what I call a best picture! As one of the most unique and riveting films I’ve seen in ages, and I’m kind of at a loss how to even describe it. (It’s quite disturbing, so don’t take your young ballet-loving sons or daughters to see it.) But if you are interested in this film, I’d definitely recommend trying to catch it on the big screen; it’s worth it.
As far as I’m concerned Natalie Portman’s name should already be engraved on the leading lady Oscar. She transformed herself physically for the role and looked every bit the part. But more than that, she was just perfection in this role. I could not have asked for more from her.
So, with the weekend around the corner, I’m hoping to increase my current score of 3 out of 10. Which ones should I try to see first? I’m thinking The Social Network, The Kids Are All Right, and Winter’s Bone.
Have you seen any of the Oscar-nominated films? What were your faves? Who would you love to see win for lead and supporting actors/actresses? Or do you just watch the red-carpet dresses and call it a day!
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