I saw “Modern Family” this week. In one story segment, the writers went fairly serious. The brainy Alex had a meltdown. At her therapy session, she explored the internal forces that drive her to excel more so than external forces. I get that.
Although I’m not sports-minded, I do have a competitive nature. I like to win. Sometimes, I make up games and play them out for a win. Sometimes, they are sensible like eating vegetables every day for a month… I win. Or drinking 80 ounces of water on Monday… I win. Or finishing a book before the commute ends… I win. And sometimes, it’s just frivolous. I am in it to win it for the fun of it.
The Oscar race is on! Once nominations are announced, I like to see as many Oscar movies as possible. It’s usually a 6 week movie obsession. The good news is these are the best films made. So, my game is quality AND quantity. So far, I’ve been delighted by the flicks I’ve seen.
DALLAS BUYER’S CLUB: In 1985, a straight man is dying of AIDS. He takes on the new medical trials. Matthew McConaughey and Jerod Leto are sensational. The story is appalling and riveting. It really gives a sense of the evolution of the thought for the last thirty years. It’s based on a true story.
HER: In the near future, a man falls in love with the operating system of his computer. This story should win for original screenplay. It’s fascinating! We are in a time in history where virtual relationships are built up online. This movie explores all the upside and downsides of that. It also focuses on what makes a life. Loved it!
PHILOMENA: My fave, Dame Judy Dench is a sweet, old Irish lady looking for his son. As a teenager, Philomena lived at a convent and was coerced to give up her son. Fifty years later, she is assisted by a journalist in tracking him down. Their unlikely pairing makes for a captivating story. I cried… a few times. I’d like to see Judy take home the Oscar. It’s also based on a true story.
12 YEARS A SLAVE: This movie is horrific but in an outstanding way. I’ve never seen slavery and cruelty displayed with such blatant brutality and disregard. Wow, this was hard to watch. Fortunately, I was wearing a turtleneck so I could hide from some of it. I silently sobbed, openly cried and required a glass of wine at its conclusion. Chiwetel Ejiofor *MUST* win for best actor. It’s also based on a true story… disgusting!
BLUE JASMINE: A penniless socialite goes to live with her blue collar sister. Woody Allen creates another poignant comedy about relationships. His characters are quirky and relatable. Cate Blanchett, as always, is lovely.
Still to see…
AMERICAN HUSTLE
NEBRASKA
WOLF OF WALL STREET
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
I should see “Before Midnight” but that’s the third in the Julia/Ethan see-you-next-time movies. I don’t like them. And I know it won’t win for best adapted screenplay.
The Oscars are on March 2nd. I’m feeling pretty confident that no matter who wins that night, I’ll win before the ceremony starts.