OSCARS 2012: Wondering whether to catch up on the nominees?
With the full Oscar nominee list just out, you may be glancing over it wondering whether some of the movies you missed are worth checking out on DVD or OnDemand via your cable channel. For instance, if you’re a guy, maybe you’re wondering whether The Help or Bridesmaids (which you ignored in the theaters) has any appeal for you. If you’re an adult without kids, maybe you’re now considering seeing Scorsese’s much-nominated Hugo.
Below, I’ve included a list of links to a few earlier Reel Answers columns which can help you make up your mind whether to see a nominated movie or not. Happy watching!
A Better Life
A moving little film that has garnered a Best Actor nod for Demian Bichir, a huge star in Mexico.
The Help
Some say Octavia Spencer’s Best Supporting Actress performance was too broad, but I thought she managed to convey and evoke a wide range of emotions.
Midnight in Paris
I probably need to watch this one again since (disclosure) I slept through some of its second half.
Bridesmaids
I don’t think Melissa McCarthy was the funniest thing about Bridesmaids, but am nonetheless glad to see her acting get some recognition.
Margin Call
This riveting film earns a well deserved Best Original Screenplay nomination for writer/director J. C. Chandor.
The Artist
This movie is worth seeing on the big screen, for the gorgeous soundtrack alone. Am very glad both the memorable lead actors got acting nods.
The Descendants
Still in the theaters. I’m surprised to hear that The Descendants is considered the leader in the Oscar race, but am happy for Alexander Payne who brought a complex contemporary family story to life in this movie.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Still in the theaters. As my review notes, Gary Oldman is very good as George Smiley. Such a recessive character is not your typical lead role, but the Academy obviously recognizes the acting (and good writing) behind it.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Still in the theaters. Yeah, Rooney Mara’s nominated performance is interesting enough to pay $12 for.
Hugo
Still in theaters (if you can find it). It definitely has a style and tone that sticks with you, long after viewing it.
I also saw these two Oscar nominees way too late to review them, but enjoyed them both (although they are SO different) and recommend them: Moneyball and Beginners. The very quirky Beginners is well worth seeing for Christopher Plummer’s joyous and moving performance as Ewan McGregor’s elderly father. (Those two Brits both play Californians, in case you’re wondering.)
Finally, there are tons of great behind-the-scenes Academy Award stories being posted on the Entertainment Weekly site through Oscar night, Feb. 26.
My Reel Answers column aims to boil down film reviewing to its essence: answering questions (without divulging key plot points) you might have about a popular movie before plunking down your hard-earned money to see it.
Please visit http://reelanswers.net to see past movies and DVDs I’ve reviewed, and let me know what questions you have about upcoming movies that I can answer.
When not watching and reviewing movies, I run a consulting business helping successful creatives ramp up their online presence via websites, ebooks, and social media at http://laura-e-kelly.com. —Laura
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.