Live, Laugh, Laura!: True Fighter Animal Inception

My movie watching has slowed down a bit since my last Oscar Snob 2011 update. But I have managed to get four more movies checked off my list. Also, since the official Oscar Nominations have been announced, I thought it was really time for an update. If you would like to read more about my Oscar Snob 2011 mission…read my original post. To keep track of my progress…click on the link at the top of the page!

The other weekend I buckled down and went to see True Grit. I didn’t think I would enjoy this movie at all and was dreading it being on my list. Based on the trailers I had seen I just imagined this crazy action western flick which just isn’t my type of movie. To my surprise, I liked it a lot more than I expected. It had less action and was more focused on the story of a girl who chased after the man who killed her father. I think Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld were GREAT and so was Matt Damon. The acting was great. And while I did like this movie more than I thought I would, I don’t think I like it enough for it to win Best Picture. Personally I don’t the story was strong/unique enough for it to win that sort of award. But I have to say I’m glad I gave it a chance. Its appeal surprised me…but that also sort of makes me wonder who designed the trailers…I don’t think they were that accurate of a portrayal of what the movie as a whole is like.

That next week Inception came in the mail from Netflix. This summer I purposefully avoided this action flick, as my friend Sam and my family can attest to. But when it was put on the EW list I figured I had to break down and watch it. The concept behind this film was interesting…but the movie as a whole didn’t sit that well with me. Some of the “rules” surrounding the dreams felt like they were made on the fly for convenience. I also thought all the action in the movie was a bit unnecessary. I think it probably got some people to the theaters….but I feel like there could have been a compelling story without ALL of the gunfire. It just seemed a bit overkill to me. All in all it was an interesting concept and film…it was alright…but I’m not sure I agree with everyone who raves about it.

My next Netflix movie was the Australian film Animal Kingdom. I hadn’t heard much about this film or seen any trailers so all I had to go on was the Netflix description. I thought it sounded interesting: A 17 year old’s mother dies and he gets caught up in a crime family while a detective attempts to help him get out. I actually thought it sounded interesting but I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I had a hard time staying interested…it seemed like the whole movie was whispered in pretty thick Aussie accents and the kid was just so….quiet/meh….you just wanted to shake him (not acting wise…character wise). I think the story had potential to be more interesting and keep my attention more than it did. Sometimes I felt a bit lost as to what some of them were really talking about or thinking. Maybe I just wish there was a little more “umph” in the film…and maybe less frustration….and maybe that doesn’t make sense…but if you watch you might see what I mean.

Today I went out to see a matinee of The Fighter. This was another movie that I wasn’t super excited to see because I don’t tend to enjoy boxing movies (or the sport really…sort of bores me…and also seems really REALLY painful). Anyway I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The main part of the story I think started a bit slow and I didn’t really see how it was going to be different than the same old: underdog fighter starts overcoming obstacles and comes from behind to accomplish his dreams. But without spoiling a surprise of the movie…the twist I think does make it interesting. And it takes a little bit to sort of understand why the story is so special. Its one of those movies I sort of want to go back and watch again from an “all knowing” perspective. I think the actors did a wonderful job and I really enjoyed the way the movie was shot. I don’t know what its called but it wasn’t glamorous and perfect….on purpose….felt more genuine for this movie. Overall it’s a pretty good movie that I enjoyed more than I thought. (I have to admit that I really enjoy Amy Adams’ acting so that might have swayed me a bit haha).

Oscar Nominations!

So this past Tuesday the official Oscar Nominations were announced. You can see the complete list here. I am very excited to say that I have now seen 7 of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture! As of now I’m rooting for The King’s Speech to win Best Picture. But keep in mind…I haven’t seen The Social Network yet…and I hear that it is really good. I also still am rooting for Colin Firth and Natalie Portman for Best Actor/Actress. So far with those two I have been correct in that they won both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards! Also, I think for the first time ever…while watching the SAG Awards tonight I had seen every movie for which the Best Supporting Actresses were nominated….I was really excited! Soooo I think my Oscar Snob 2011 Mission is succeeding…even if I don’t wind up being able to see them all!

I recently made plans to be home in NJ for a family party over the weekend of the Oscars so I will be watching the big show with my family…maybe we can have a Movie Themed Charades Party like my favorite Modern Family!