Alexander Payne and Bob Nelson get the whole Midwestern thing. The people, the mannerisms, the look and the feel. Much like the movie, it is simple and comfortable.
After receiving a letter stating he has recently won $1,000,000, Bruce Dern travels with his son to claim his prize. From Montana to Lincoln, the two work their way toward an obviously non-existent prize. As others find out Dern's character is a "millionaire," everybody tries to work an angle to get part of the riches.
Payne's use of black-and-white adds to the bleakness of the heartland. It is a nice touch that adds depth to the story and makes the film look great.
The acting is excellent with June Squibb's character stealing the film. It is a hilarious performance and certainly Oscar worthy (sadly, it won't win). Her unexpected quips and actions are extremely funny.
Family plays a large role in this movie. It explores the importance of relationships between sons and fathers and taking the opportunity to spend time together before it is no longer possible.
The movie has been highly praised and deservedly so. Make time to see this - you won't be disappointed.
Payne's use of black-and-white adds to the bleakness of the heartland. It is a nice touch that adds depth to the story and makes the film look great.
The acting is excellent with June Squibb's character stealing the film. It is a hilarious performance and certainly Oscar worthy (sadly, it won't win). Her unexpected quips and actions are extremely funny.
Family plays a large role in this movie. It explores the importance of relationships between sons and fathers and taking the opportunity to spend time together before it is no longer possible.
The movie has been highly praised and deservedly so. Make time to see this - you won't be disappointed.
2) Philomena
Based on a true story, "Philomena" follows Judy Dench and Steve Coogan as they search for Dench's grown son who was taken and put up for adoption by the Catholic church in the 1950s.
While subject matter is heavy, there are some really funny moments in this film. Coogan and Dench are perfect foils and the roles are perfectly cast. As the two get closer to solving the mystery of Dench's lost son, they form a genuine bond.
It is hard to believe that this actually happened just a half-century ago. When the movie takes an unexpected turn, its theme turns to reconciliation, forgiveness and friendship. While the church continues its deceitfulness, Dench's character practices the principles of Jesus the Catholic church claims to live by. It is an interesting reflection.
This movie is very close to being the best of the 2013 bunch. The casting, the story and Stephen Frears' direction are nearly perfect. While it may not be possible, I hope director Stephen Frears, Dench and Coogan get the right story and the opportunity to work together again.
While subject matter is heavy, there are some really funny moments in this film. Coogan and Dench are perfect foils and the roles are perfectly cast. As the two get closer to solving the mystery of Dench's lost son, they form a genuine bond.
It is hard to believe that this actually happened just a half-century ago. When the movie takes an unexpected turn, its theme turns to reconciliation, forgiveness and friendship. While the church continues its deceitfulness, Dench's character practices the principles of Jesus the Catholic church claims to live by. It is an interesting reflection.
This movie is very close to being the best of the 2013 bunch. The casting, the story and Stephen Frears' direction are nearly perfect. While it may not be possible, I hope director Stephen Frears, Dench and Coogan get the right story and the opportunity to work together again.
I have never been to a movie where people were so offended. At least seven people walked out of the theater - one couple voiced their displeasure and left just minutes into the film.
Excess. Money, power, sex, drugs, alcohol. It is all there. Despite taking place in the 1980s, it is a perfect reflection of modern society. It seems we don't learn our lessons.
The big name of the film is Leonardo DiCaprio, and his performance is fine, however, the real star is Jonah Hill. There is a scene that takes place at a party that made me laugh loudly. It is a great and completely inappropriate moment steeped in drugs and offensiveness. Hill's acting is among the best of the year - he has become a really good actor. While this may not win an Oscar this year, it won't be long before he does.
The movie is loud, brash and rowdy - Martin Scorsese guides the story to unbelievable and often hilarious places - I don't know how factual his interpretation is and I'm sure there was some creative license by screenwriter Terence Winter (who has shined as a writer for "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire"). This is white-collar "Goodfellas" and is excellent.
In my opinion, Scorsese hits another home run with "The Wolf of Wall Street." It is not a movie for everyone (I know a number of people who didn't care for it - mostly older viewers). For the most part, those who do watch will be rewarded with a funny and poignant film.
Excess. Money, power, sex, drugs, alcohol. It is all there. Despite taking place in the 1980s, it is a perfect reflection of modern society. It seems we don't learn our lessons.
The big name of the film is Leonardo DiCaprio, and his performance is fine, however, the real star is Jonah Hill. There is a scene that takes place at a party that made me laugh loudly. It is a great and completely inappropriate moment steeped in drugs and offensiveness. Hill's acting is among the best of the year - he has become a really good actor. While this may not win an Oscar this year, it won't be long before he does.
The movie is loud, brash and rowdy - Martin Scorsese guides the story to unbelievable and often hilarious places - I don't know how factual his interpretation is and I'm sure there was some creative license by screenwriter Terence Winter (who has shined as a writer for "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire"). This is white-collar "Goodfellas" and is excellent.
In my opinion, Scorsese hits another home run with "The Wolf of Wall Street." It is not a movie for everyone (I know a number of people who didn't care for it - mostly older viewers). For the most part, those who do watch will be rewarded with a funny and poignant film.
