Award season is rapidly approaching and I have finally completed watching all of the Golden Globe nominated films. I will first give a witty summary of the plot then my personal impressions. Like the Hollywood Foreign Press, I will split the films up into Drama and Comedy. Keep in mind I am not a movie critic just a lover of entertaining cinema. I am also going to include two films that made my worst list of 2010 just for fun and a few honorable mentions for acting for those films not nominated as the “best.”
Best Motion Picture, Drama
Black Swan – A ballerina wants the big role in Swan Lake. We see in great detail her dedication, abuse, grace, failing mental capacities, paranoia, competitive nature, and mommy issues. We also see way too much yuck.
This film has a ton of buzz and in my opinion some well deserved and some hype. I will tell you that it was directed beautifully and Natalie Portman does an amazing job in the acting department. It was just a little too grotesque for my taste.
The Fighter – A working class boxer surrounded by a dysfunctional family wants to prove his worth.
Based on a true story this rocky-like picture is inspirational and well acted. The supporting cast is brilliant especially Christian Bale. His transformation into the role of a crack addicted has-been boxer/attention seeker is a revelation.
Inception – A creative and compelling story about literally messing with someone’s head. Our protagonists practice the art of invading people’s dreams in order to gain access to their unconscious thoughts.
Although the plot was complex at times, I truly enjoyed this movie. It was original and visually awesome. The story and acting both were up to par.
The King’s Speech – This is the story of Elizabeth’s father, George VI, struggling with an indiscreet brother and a massive speech impediment.
I was literally dragged to this movie kicking and screaming and will be the first to admit how completely wrong I was. A stellar cast brilliantly acted this film. It also makes you feel as though you are learning something about an important time in history. Colin Firth deserves to win for his demanding and endearing performance.
The Social Network – We all know this story or pieces of it. A genius Geek wants to impress the social clubs at Harvard and ends up owning the world.
For me, this was probably the most anticipated film of the year. Not the overall best but the one I wanted to see the most. Jesse Eisenberg does an amazing job of portraying the slightly Aspergery, Zuckenberg. The film was well written (just like the book) and well acted. Fincher sets the tone with incredible direction from the beginning of the film to its bitter end.
Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Alice in Wonderland – Not the Disney story we know and love but a kinda sequel. Alice goes back to Wonderland, as a young woman to right wrongs and reconnect with loved ones. She also comes to terms with the death of her father and realizes she can do just about anything, even deal with a creepy Johnny Depp.
I am not sure how this movie made the best category. It was visually pleasing and entertaining but nothing that stands out, except Tim Burton’s direction and the Mad Hatter’s lisp.
Burlesque – A lonely girl from small town dreams of making it in Hollywood. She moves to town, meets a merry band of misfits in slutty clothes and finds a surrogate family. She also has a kick-ass voice and falls for the cheesy guy from the OC and Twilight.
I am once again not sure how this movie got nominated except the fact that it’s mostly a musical in a year where there weren’t any others. I was thoroughly entertained by this film. As with any musical, there was a cheese factor but not as much as I imagined. Stanley Tucci has a fun role as Cher’s gay best friend and choreographer of the show. Cher looks very plastic but still sounds good. Christina Aguilera still has that amazing voice and is surprisingly a decent actress.
The Kids Are All Right – The story of an unconventional family realistically dealing with life’s issues. Kids of lesbian parents seek out their “Donor Dad” and both comedy and drama follows brilliantly.
This was one of my favorite films of the year. Superbly written and acted with an interesting and original story. This ensemble cast just radiated chemistry. Although there are indeed comic elements, I wouldn’t call this film a comedy. Another high point of the film was the use of the best phrase ever, “Shut the front door.”
Red – Retired CIA agents become targets by corrupt agents forcing a good ole fashion showdown and lots of explosions.
It’s hard to remember this one because it feels so long ago. I remember the ensemble cast worked well together and that the script had wit. Overall the film was an entertaining popcorn blast.
The Tourist – A case of mistaken identity turns into an entertaining action/spy film. A mysterious sexy woman uses a man on a train as a diversion in order to confuse those chasing her.
This film has gotten terrible reviews and frankly I expected the worst. What I found was a fun and enjoyable movie that was easy to follow with interesting and believable twists.
Honorable Mentions for Acting (films weren’t nominated as “best”)
True Grit – Bravo: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and the young Hailee Steinfeld
Blue Valentine – Well done: Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling
As promised my two WORST movies of 2010:
Salt
The American
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