Waltz with Bashir

I knew I wanted to see Waltz With Bashir, mostly because I'd loved last year's Persepolis so much. Like Persepolis, Waltz With Bashir is an animated film exploring explicitly adult themes of war, guilt, regret and healing. Also like Persepolis, Waltz with Bashir is deeply autobiographical for Director Ari Forman, who deserves his Golden Globe nod. I sure do hope it makes the Oscar cut.

My rating: Worth $10. You have to see it on the big screen.

Doubt

There is no doubt that Doubt, starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis (who not only cries on screen, but gets her nose to run--how did she do that?), will garner lots and lots of award nominations. All the actors, in fact, received nominations for Golden Globe acting awards.

But I found the play-turned-movie to be too small for the big screen. On a stage, you're limited by the available space; in films, there are no such limitations. Unfortunately, the playwright, John Patrick Shanley, also wrote the screen play and directed the film. I think he forgot that film is expansive.


My review: Worth Renting or Worth a Matinee to see extraordinary acting skill from all the main actors, but especially Viola Davis. And the added bonus, if you're Catholic, you'll laugh throughout this heavy drama as a few women did during the screening Wednesday night. Definitely don't pay full-price for Doubt.

Last Chance Harvey

If you live in one of the lucky places that gets to see Last Chance Harvey when it opens for you on Christmas day, and if you like to see movies on Christmas like we do, don't dampen your spirit with some of the deeper, intense and morbid films that'll sweep the Oscars in three months. See Last Chance Harvey on Christmas. The rest of you will have to wait until late January, when it opens for those of us who live in less desirable markets.

Last Chance Harvey is an atypical romantic comedy that satisfyingly skirts some of the common Hollywood cliches. It stars Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman, but instead of the director relying on their star power, such as it is, the actors pull off compelling and likable characters without manipulative music or splashy special effects. They've earned their Golden Globe nominations for their performances.

I don't recommend this movie to you lightly. I go to romantic comedies mostly because if I want to do something I love (go to movies) with the one I love (Liz), I'm most likely going to see a romantic comedy. I wouldn't typically go to such a chick flick without her prompting.

My rating: Worth a Matinee. You don't need to see this on the big screen, but you'll want to see it in an audience.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I won't waste any of my time on this review, and I'll give you the best advice I can give.

If you liked Forrest Gump, you'll also like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. My favorite reviewer liked it to, so you probably won't be disappointed. Button and Gump had the same screenwriter.

I, for one, hated Forrest Gump. I used to think that my feelings, bordering on resentment, for that film had to do with circumstances, but now I know it's because Gump isn't written for me. I didn't know Button was written by the same guy, and still saw the resemblance between the two films throughout.

And once again, I wanted those two hours of my life back.