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At the Movies: Oscars Edition February 23rd, 2011 Posted by Hunter Wilson
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A little over three weeks ago the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards. Ten movies were chosen to represent the best motion picture of the year category. Being the movie aficionado that I am, I have seen all ten of these films. Here are a few quick thoughts on each of them:
True Grit: A classic western directed by the Coen brothers (No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski). I am not a big fan of westerns but this movie has a lot going for it. Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon both deliver great performances and the 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld is just awesome. What I was most impressed with however was the scenery and cinematography. The Coens created a perfect world for a western movie. Every single shot is so beautiful and elegant that it really brings the movie to life. Verdict, 8/10.

The King’s Speech: This seems to be every expert’s pick to win best picture this year. This film is about as British as British can be. The story focuses around the Royal family, more specifically King George VI (played by Colin Firth) and his struggles with a speech impediment. I know it sounds boring, but if you appreciate British cinema you’ll probably enjoy this one. Verdict, 8/10.

Inception: By now, most of you have probably seen or at least heard of this film. Christopher Nolan (Memento, Dark Knight) has delivered yet another amazing, mind twisting adventure. Despite the star-studded cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Michael Caine among others, this movie is all about the story. It purposely tries to confuse the viewer (the first scene in the movie is a dream, within a dream, within a dream, within a dream, within limbo, or is it?) but after all it is a movie about dreams right? What is more confusing than dreams? If you haven’t seen this yet, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible. Verdict, 9/10.

Toy Story 3: This was my favorite movie of 2010. When I originally heard that Pixar was making a third installment to the series I didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t think a third sequel was needed. Wow was I wrong. Toy Story 3 is perfect on every level. Pixar has mastered the art of being able to take the viewers on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Verdict, 10/10.

The Kids are Alright: This is a story about a family of two lesbian mothers and their children. The plot focuses around the kids’ desire to meet their sperm donor dad. There are some Oscar-worthy performances, Annette Bening in particular, but overall I found this film a little bland. It is carried by the acting and lacks in the story department. I am also unsure if the director, Lisa Cholodenko, meant for this to be a drama or a dark comedy. Verdict, 7/10.

The Social Network: If you like fast-paced films with a captivating storyline then this one is for you. Director David Fincher has been known to deliver these types of films (Fight Club and Se7en to name two) and he has done it again here. This is the type of film that if you blink at the wrong time you might miss an incredibly witty line (the movie is filled with them). Anyway, if you think a movie about the creation of Facebook sounds boring then I challenge you to see it before making up your mind. Verdict, 9/10.

Winter’s Bone: Slooooooooooooooooooooooooow! By far the most boring movie out of the bunch. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a pretty good performance (Oscar nomination worthy though?) as Ree, a young girl living with her senile mother and two younger siblings in a drug-infected town in the Ozark Mountains. She needs to find her missing father in order to avoid the state from repossessing their house. That is basically all you need to know. Nothing too exciting ever really happens and every person she meets along the way is more boring than the last. Verdict, 6/10.

Black Swan: This film is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Director, Darren Aronofsky along with lead actress, Natalie Portman, created an awesome flick together. It can best be categorized as a psychological thriller but it is so much more than that. The story focuses around an ensemble for the Swan Lake ballet. Natalie Portman’s character, Nina, is part of the new ensemble and struggles with the pressures of delivering the perfect performance. You have to see this. It is nuts! Verdict, 9/10.

127 Hours: In May 2003, Aron Ralston, was mountain climbing in Utah. Then he fell into a deep hole, his arm got stuck between the rock wall and a boulder, and in order to survive he had to amputate his arm with a dull knife. 127 Hours is a movie about that incredible survival story. James Franco is great as Ralston. If you are queasy you probably shouldn’t see this. If you don’t like movies where the entire time is taken up by mostly one character, you probably shouldn’t see this. If you don’t fit under those last two categories then see it. Verdict, 8/10.

The Fighter: I went and saw this at the EpiCentre Theaters with my lady friend a few weeks ago. Boxing movie for a date you ask? It was good! She actually enjoyed it. The cast is incredible (Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams) and the story is uplifting. It is definitely worth seeing. Verdict, 8/10.

Among these ten films, Black Swan, The Fighter, The King’s Speech and True Grit are still playing at theaters around Charlotte. The Oscars are this Sunday, Feb. 28, so there is still time to brush up on the best movies of the year. Whether you choose to go with a British drama, an American western, a boxing film or a psychological thriller, you really can’t go wrong with any of them so enjoy your night out at the movies.
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Hunter Wilson
Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts
Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.