Inspired by a true story means it’s just as much fiction as fact, and what a lovely combination it makes in “The Last Station”.
“The Last Station” is a period piece inspired by the life of Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace. I cried, I laughed…I loved this film. If the Academy Award was named R.A.N. instead of Oscar, “The Last Station” would be nominated for Best Picture taking the place of “An Education”. "The Last Station" is an art film, no doubt, but what a lovely piece of art it is.
Helen Mirren plays Tolstoy’s wife, Sofia, and she’s nominated for Best Actress by Oscar. Now, this is a nomination Oscar and I agree on. Also, nominated is Christopher Plummer, who plays Tolstoy. Again, Oscar and I agree! Oscar got two out of three right...not bad for a gold guy (NOT “old guy", after all 82 is the new 65, well sort of).
It’s rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity. This was the only piece of the “art” that bugged me. Literally, it’s “a scene”. “A scene” that could have been left out and the film would have been rated PG-13. But, the scene is in the movie and, therefore, the film is appropriately rated R.
“The Last Station” reminded me to be as loving as possible to the ones I love most. Without a doubt it's an amazing film that is Oscar worthy. This equals a RACE to this artsy, lovely period piece…providing you are an artsy, lovely period piece movie type.
If you're questioning your type, count how many times I used a form of the word love in this review. If the the number makes you happy, you'll love this movie. If you think, “Lighten up on the love stuff.”, it’s probably not a movie for you.
P.S. Thanks Oscar, without you I would have missed this gem!
Rating for "The Last Station" = *****RACE To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Serious Man (Nominated for Best Picture)
Bless this serious man’s heart. Larry Gopnik, played by Michael Stuhlbarg has everything going wrong for him and if you’re familiar with the Coen brothers you aren’t surprised. If you’re a fan of these two brothers you’ll probably like “A Serious Man”, but I’m not a fan.
For me dark comedy is such an oxymoron…I don’t ever see the comedy, just the dark. Oscar on the other hand tends to nod in dark comedy’s direction. Especially, when done by the Coen Brothers; think “Fargo”, “Barton Fink” and, now, “A Serious Man”, which is nominated for Best Picture.
“A Serious Man” is appropriately rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence.
Because of the last 6 minutes of the film, I’m going to give “A Serious Man” a little credit. At the end of the film, Larry, who's at a horrible time in his life, has a character defining decision to make while no one is looking. When it comes time for Larry to make the decision, you may start thinking, “Dude, you’re in a tough spot. Just make the compromise, no one will know.” Or will you be pleading with him, “Larry, don’t do it! You’ll know and that’s all that matters.” Unfortunately, to “be” in that moment with him, you'll have to experience the first 99 minutes of the movie. So, I recommend you WALK slowly to “A Serious Man” for a personal character analysis OR save 99 minutes and simply ask yourself, “What am I characterized by when no one is watching?”
Rating for "A Serious Man" = * ½ WALK slowly
This Movie R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
For me dark comedy is such an oxymoron…I don’t ever see the comedy, just the dark. Oscar on the other hand tends to nod in dark comedy’s direction. Especially, when done by the Coen Brothers; think “Fargo”, “Barton Fink” and, now, “A Serious Man”, which is nominated for Best Picture.
“A Serious Man” is appropriately rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence.
Because of the last 6 minutes of the film, I’m going to give “A Serious Man” a little credit. At the end of the film, Larry, who's at a horrible time in his life, has a character defining decision to make while no one is looking. When it comes time for Larry to make the decision, you may start thinking, “Dude, you’re in a tough spot. Just make the compromise, no one will know.” Or will you be pleading with him, “Larry, don’t do it! You’ll know and that’s all that matters.” Unfortunately, to “be” in that moment with him, you'll have to experience the first 99 minutes of the movie. So, I recommend you WALK slowly to “A Serious Man” for a personal character analysis OR save 99 minutes and simply ask yourself, “What am I characterized by when no one is watching?”
Rating for "A Serious Man" = * ½ WALK slowly
This Movie R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
Monday, February 15, 2010
District 9
“District 9” is nominated for Best Picture by Oscar…and the question I keep asking is, “Oscar, is this a joke?”
“District 9” is a sci-fi film that runs 112 minutes. After 50 minutes I was tired of the back and forth between news clips and the storyline of violence. Granted, I’m not a sci-fi kind of gal, and the only reason I even attempted to watch “District 9” is because it got a nod from Oscar. Since I’m a movie reviewer that PAYS to watch movies and not one that GETS PAID to watch movies, I decided enough was enough. I turned off this rental early and thanked God that writing reviews is a hobby and I wasn’t required to endure the last 62 minutes!
The film is rated “R” for bloody violence and pervasive language, which both contributed to my decision to not finish the movie. “District 9” is a critically acclaimed film and several critics discuss symbolism of racism and prejudice in the film. I can see where someone could make this connection. However, my tolerance for gore, constant use of the “F-Bomb”, choppy scenes and distracting aliens is pretty low. “District 9” manages to combine all four and leads me to recommend you SKIP PAST it.
Rating for "District 9" = * SKIP PAST
This Movie R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
“District 9” is a sci-fi film that runs 112 minutes. After 50 minutes I was tired of the back and forth between news clips and the storyline of violence. Granted, I’m not a sci-fi kind of gal, and the only reason I even attempted to watch “District 9” is because it got a nod from Oscar. Since I’m a movie reviewer that PAYS to watch movies and not one that GETS PAID to watch movies, I decided enough was enough. I turned off this rental early and thanked God that writing reviews is a hobby and I wasn’t required to endure the last 62 minutes!
The film is rated “R” for bloody violence and pervasive language, which both contributed to my decision to not finish the movie. “District 9” is a critically acclaimed film and several critics discuss symbolism of racism and prejudice in the film. I can see where someone could make this connection. However, my tolerance for gore, constant use of the “F-Bomb”, choppy scenes and distracting aliens is pretty low. “District 9” manages to combine all four and leads me to recommend you SKIP PAST it.
Rating for "District 9" = * SKIP PAST
This Movie R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
Thursday, February 11, 2010
An Education
Oscar wouldn’t be Oscar without a movie like “An Education” being nominated for Best Picture. "An Education" would make an excellent critical analysis of a sixteen year old girl in the 60’s living in London with dreams of attending Oxford. The analysis would center around the creepy relationship between Jenny and David, which in 2010 we call statutory rape and illegal. Unfortunately, in the ‘60’s often times people chose to turn a blind eye to this type of predatory behavior.
Carey Mulligan, who plays 16 year old Jenny, is also nominated by Oscar for Best Actress. "An Education" isn't for the typical movie-goer. It’s an artsy, fartsy film that is the polar opposite of Best Picture nominations like "The Blind Side", "UP" and "Avatar".
The film is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content and for smoking. There’s no way I would take a 13 year old to see this film…or 14, or 15… Actually, I think a better rating would be PG-16, and even that's a stretch.
If, and only if, you are a “film” lover (definition of a film lover is someone who loves the art of film, the directing, filming, lighting, analysis of film, etc.) do I recommend you see this Oscar nominated film. Oscar gave this a nod simply for “that” crowd, which I consider myself part of “that” crowd. But, even I didn’t really dig it. The rest of the world can SKIP PAST this education.
Rating for "An Education" = * SKIP PAST This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
Carey Mulligan, who plays 16 year old Jenny, is also nominated by Oscar for Best Actress. "An Education" isn't for the typical movie-goer. It’s an artsy, fartsy film that is the polar opposite of Best Picture nominations like "The Blind Side", "UP" and "Avatar".
The film is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content and for smoking. There’s no way I would take a 13 year old to see this film…or 14, or 15… Actually, I think a better rating would be PG-16, and even that's a stretch.
If, and only if, you are a “film” lover (definition of a film lover is someone who loves the art of film, the directing, filming, lighting, analysis of film, etc.) do I recommend you see this Oscar nominated film. Oscar gave this a nod simply for “that” crowd, which I consider myself part of “that” crowd. But, even I didn’t really dig it. The rest of the world can SKIP PAST this education.
Rating for "An Education" = * SKIP PAST This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad
Monday, February 8, 2010
UP
Grab some tissue, because you’re going to need it.
"UP" is an animated film by Pixar that may appear lighthearted, but elicited plenty of tears from me throughout the entire movie. Love, life, disappointments and adventure are all touched on during the time you’ll spend with the lead characters, Carl and Russell.
Prior to "UP", the only animated film to be nominated by Oscar for Best Picture was “Beauty and the Beast”in 1991. A little Oscar history lesson: the Best Animated category was added in 2001. "UP" is also nominated for Best Animated Film. I believe "UP" will take Oscar home for this category on March 7th.
The movie is rated PG for peril (danger) and action. A “G” rating would have been completely appropriate, which stands for general audiences. Whether you are older and have discovered how quickly life goes by or younger and still think you are invincible, everyone will enjoy "UP".
"UP" is now available for rental. I recommend you RUN pick up the DVD, curl up on the couch with some popcorn and experience the adventures of "UP" in the comfort of your own home.
Rating for "UP" = ****RUN To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
"UP" is an animated film by Pixar that may appear lighthearted, but elicited plenty of tears from me throughout the entire movie. Love, life, disappointments and adventure are all touched on during the time you’ll spend with the lead characters, Carl and Russell.
Prior to "UP", the only animated film to be nominated by Oscar for Best Picture was “Beauty and the Beast”in 1991. A little Oscar history lesson: the Best Animated category was added in 2001. "UP" is also nominated for Best Animated Film. I believe "UP" will take Oscar home for this category on March 7th.
The movie is rated PG for peril (danger) and action. A “G” rating would have been completely appropriate, which stands for general audiences. Whether you are older and have discovered how quickly life goes by or younger and still think you are invincible, everyone will enjoy "UP".
"UP" is now available for rental. I recommend you RUN pick up the DVD, curl up on the couch with some popcorn and experience the adventures of "UP" in the comfort of your own home.
Rating for "UP" = ****RUN To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Avatar
Holy Moley! Simply Amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it!
Why on earth haven’t I already seen "Avatar"? I mean, good grief...I’m a critic…well more like the mom next door movie reviewer. And the truth is I’d been subconsciously boycotting "Avatar" because I didn’t want to support James Cameron. I thought Jimmy seemed a little too big for his britches. So, mentally, I was avoiding it….and boy has James missed my $15 dollars contribution. "Avatar" has made over $2 billion since it was released, now surpassing "The Titanic", the highest grossing movie of all time. What's the common link between these two films? Cameron, he directed both. Maybe, his pants fit just fine, he truly is a movie genius!
I’ve heard people say they thought the film was anti-American. I didn’t see it in this light at all. The movie clearly shows how everyone loses in war, which most people agree, but I saw no indication of anti-American. The tone set by "Avatar" is pro-peace.
"Avatar" is rated PG-13, for intense epic battle sequences and for warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking. Personally, I thought it could have done without the smoking. There's a significant amount of cussing and my guess is in a real war there is a fair amount that goes on. So, while I wish there was less language, I think it depicts a dose of reality for men and women who are in battle.
The last 12 years “Good Will Hunting” has been my favorite movie, followed closely by “The Prince of Tides”. “Avatar”, has now slid into first place…it’s a narrow margin between the three films, but none the less “Avatar” has taken the lead.
For the handful of people who haven’t already seen "Avatar" I recommend you RACE to a 3-D IMAX and watch it. If you’ve already seen it, and saw it on a regular screen, I don’t think you could have had the same experience. I recommend you RACE again and watch it at a 3-D IMAX! Chances are you’ll sit there with your cool 3-D shades on and your mouth open in awe, I know I did!
Rating for "Avatar" = ***** RACE To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Why on earth haven’t I already seen "Avatar"? I mean, good grief...I’m a critic…well more like the mom next door movie reviewer. And the truth is I’d been subconsciously boycotting "Avatar" because I didn’t want to support James Cameron. I thought Jimmy seemed a little too big for his britches. So, mentally, I was avoiding it….and boy has James missed my $15 dollars contribution. "Avatar" has made over $2 billion since it was released, now surpassing "The Titanic", the highest grossing movie of all time. What's the common link between these two films? Cameron, he directed both. Maybe, his pants fit just fine, he truly is a movie genius!
I’ve heard people say they thought the film was anti-American. I didn’t see it in this light at all. The movie clearly shows how everyone loses in war, which most people agree, but I saw no indication of anti-American. The tone set by "Avatar" is pro-peace.
"Avatar" is rated PG-13, for intense epic battle sequences and for warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking. Personally, I thought it could have done without the smoking. There's a significant amount of cussing and my guess is in a real war there is a fair amount that goes on. So, while I wish there was less language, I think it depicts a dose of reality for men and women who are in battle.
The last 12 years “Good Will Hunting” has been my favorite movie, followed closely by “The Prince of Tides”. “Avatar”, has now slid into first place…it’s a narrow margin between the three films, but none the less “Avatar” has taken the lead.
For the handful of people who haven’t already seen "Avatar" I recommend you RACE to a 3-D IMAX and watch it. If you’ve already seen it, and saw it on a regular screen, I don’t think you could have had the same experience. I recommend you RACE again and watch it at a 3-D IMAX! Chances are you’ll sit there with your cool 3-D shades on and your mouth open in awe, I know I did!
Rating for "Avatar" = ***** RACE To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Let the Race Begin!
Oscar started the race today when he announced his nods for the 2010 Academy Awards.
The five areas I will be voting and predicting are; 1. Best Picture, 2. Best Actor, 3. Best Actress, 4. Best Supporting Actor and 5. Best Supporting Actress. All films in red I've seen and listed the date of my review and my rating.
The five areas I will be voting and predicting are; 1. Best Picture, 2. Best Actor, 3. Best Actress, 4. Best Supporting Actor and 5. Best Supporting Actress. All films in red I've seen and listed the date of my review and my rating.
My vote means: If R.A.N. was sent a ballet this is who I would vote for.
My prediction means: Who I think will actually win (sometimes Oscar doesn't agree with me!).
BEST PICTURE
Oscar couldn’t decide this year, so he added 5 additional films for Best Picture, making it a total of 10 nominations. I have seen 5 of the films nominated and of those 5 my vote today, 2/2/10 is for “The Hurt Locker”. However, by March 7th I'll have seen all of the below nominations and will update my final vote and prediction of who will win.
Movies I haven't R.A.N. to:
“Avatar”
"District 9"
"An Education"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
Movies I have R.A.N. to:
"The Blind Side" Nov. 23, 09 Rating: ****RUN
"Hurt Locker" July 21, 09 Rating: ****RUN
"Inglourioius Basterds" Aug. 23, ’09 Rating: *** 1/2 JOG quickly
" Precious" Dec. 23, ’09 Rating: *****RACE PAST (due to the extremely dark content of "Precious", while it's brilliant I don't recommned you see it.)
"Up in the Air" Dec. 28, ’09 Rating: **1/2 JOG slowly
BEST ACTOR
I've seen three of the five nominated roles, today, 2/2/10 my vote is for Morgan Freeman in "Invictus". Again look for updates after I've R.A.N. to all of the below.
Films I haven't R.A.N. to are in white and those I have R.A.N. To are in RED
Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart”
Colin Firth in “A Single Man”
George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
R.A.N. To "Up in the Air" Dec. 28 ’09 Rating:**1/2 JOG slowly
Morgan Freeman in “Invictus” R.A.N. To "Invictus" Dec. 23, ’09 Rating: *****RACE
Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker” R.A.N. To "Hurt Locker": July 21, 09 Rating: ****RUN
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
I’ve R.A.N. To the two RED films below and based on those two my vote would be for Matt Damon in "Invictus". This may change once I see the other 3 nominees.
Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds” R.A.N. To "Inglourious Basterds": Aug. 23, ’09 Rating: *** 1/2 JOG quickly
Matt Damon in “Invictus” R.A.N. To "Invictus": Dec. 23, ’09 Rating: *****RACE
BEST ACTRESS
I's a difficult pick between Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock. I think we have another Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) in our midst this year! I'm voting for Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side" and predicting she wins. I loved Meryl in "Julie & Julia", but its Sandra's turn!
Helen Mirren in “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan in “An Education”
Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side” R.A.N. To "The Blind Side" Nov. 23, ’09 Rating: ****RUN
Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious R.A.N. To "Precious" Dec. 23, ’09 Rating: *****RACE PAST(due to the severe darkness of this film I DO NOT recommend you see it)
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia” R.A.N. To "Julie & Julia" Aug 30, ’09 Rating: *****RACE
BEST SUPPORTING ACTESS
I’ve seen three of the nominated roles and while I recommended you RACE PAST "Precious" at this point Mo’Nique gets my vote.
Penélope Cruz in “Nine”
Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air” R.A.N. To “Up in the Air” Dec. 28, ’09 Rating: **1/2 JOG Slowly
Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air” R.A.N. To “Up in the Air” Dec. 28, ’09 Rating: **1/2 JOG Slowly
Mo’Nique in “Precious” R.A.N. To “Precious” Dec. 23, ’09 Rating: *****RACE PAST (while this is a brilliant film, due to the extremely dark content of this movie I don’t recommend you see it.)
The next month will be fun to run to the movies I haven't seen and watch who emerges as the leader and ultimately takes Oscar home on March 7th.
LET THE RACE BEGIN!
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