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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 11]

August: Osage County (2013) - Aside from the absolutely non-existent plot, "August: Osage County" is a darkly funny dialogue-driven dramedy, that is all about the dynamics between the multiple characters involved, complemented by exceptional acting. (6.00/10)

The Great Gatsby (2013) - The production design, cinematography, and costumes are all exquisite, but ironically enough, there's nothing great about "The Great Gatsby" - an ambitious and faithful, yet uninvolving adaptation, with some splendid visuals. (6.00/10)

Out of the Furnace (2013) - The A-list cast does an impressive job, indeed, the direction is strong, and the gritty cinematography matches the rough tone of the film well, but unlike the characters, the story is unengaging, let alone anything special. (6.25/10)

Still Mine (2013) - An ordinary looking film with an extraordinary impact on the viewer, "Still Mine" is a tender and brilliantly-acted drama about a husband and wife who've been together for over six decades, still madly in love in the most purest possible way. (6.50/10)

The Book Thief (2013) - With its refined cinematography and authentic production values, "The Book Thief" is undoubtedly gorgeous to look at, but what stops it for being a great movie is the underdeveloped, on-note story that unfortunately goes nowhere. (7.00/10)

About Time (2013) - Part quirky love story, part family drama, part time travel comedy, "About Time" is a well-balanced and finely-acted hybrid of film, that should be appreciated for its originality, sense of humor, inventiveness, and avoidance of cliches. (7.00/10)

The Best Offer (2013) - Artistic, sophisticated, and elegantly-shot, if slightly pretentious, "La Migliore Offerta" may not be for everyone to like, but more patient viewers surely won't be disappointed at the end, it does have more than a few tricks up its sleeve. (7.25/10)

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) - Beautifully-filmed and wonderfully-written, "Saving Mr. Banks" is a lovely Mary Poppins-inspired Disney film with a personal touch, in which Emma Thompson commands the screen with her delightfully over-the-top performance. (7.50/10)

Enough Said (2013) - A love story meant for grown-ups, "Enough Said" is equally amusing, touching, heartfelt, and sincere, and has that indie feel and look about it, that actually works in its favor, and makes it even more realistic, if that's even any possible. (7.50/10)

Philomena (2013) - Judi Dench is nothing short of phenomenal as the title character, the story is every bit as moving, emotional, and powerful as it's thoroughly compelling, and the cinematography has that arresting beauty about it, it just can't go unnoticed. (7.75/10)

2 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I still need to see Saving Mr. Banks.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Emma Thompson is hilarious in this one.