Happy New Year possums! I hope we’re all keeping up with our new years resolutions. I for one have broken each and every one of mine...well, really only one which is drink less wine. Dammit. So many yummy varietals. Kudos to those of you that are on track, however.Let’s talk film, shall we? This time of year sends me into a rather psychotic tail spin as I become desperate to see every film ‘predicted’ to earn an Academy Award nomination. I find the Golden Globes are a useful tool for planning my film viewing game plan as their nominee list is a fantastic guideline. It is absolutely imperative that I am one step ahead of the Oscar nominee announcements. Obsessed you say? Perhaps. Just roll with it possums, my intention is to ensure you enjoy the best cinematic experience possible...ahem...let’s get started...
The Urban Cowgirl’s Holiday Film Review
Milk - inspiring, eye-opening and devastating all in one. Sean Penn delivers one of his best performances in this historical flick based on the true life story of Harvey Milk; gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in the U.S. Also starring Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch, it's a very important film and a triumphant story!
5 Cowboys out of 5 - giddy up!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - a heart warming escape into the life of a boy with a condition that sees him born with the physical condition of an 80 year old, yet he improves with age, seemingly aging backwards. The historical references, elements of sincere human kindness and the love story between Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s characters are simply stunning.
4 Cowboys out of 5
Slumdog Millionaire - based in India, it’s the story of two orphaned brothers (Salim and Jamal) struggle to survive on their own while hustling their way around India until they separate because of their differing values. Jamal’s kind heart and love for a
childhood friend leads him to becoming a contestant on the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, which is how the film is cleverly narrated. Great storytelling; a must see!4 Cowboys out of 5
Seven Pounds - I balled my bloody eyes out possums. Will Smith hits it out of the park with this selfless tale of a man tormented by a fatal mistake that leaves him yearning to end his life, but not before he changes the lives of 7 others in a dramatically positive way. Rosario Dawson was incredible in this film and deserves a nom for Best Supporting Actress (if it were up to me that is).
5 Cowboys out of 5 - yeehaw!
Burn After Reading - the Cohen brothers are true to form in this quirky yet hilarious tale surrounding a secret file that is found by ‘Hardbodies’ staff members (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt) which unfolds several intertwining story lines resulting in a ridiculous yet fitting conclusion. Cohen brothers sweetheart McDormand manages to deliver her usual awkward yet endearing performance while George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich hold their own in this film.
3 Cowboys out of 5
The Urban Cowgirl’s Must See List
The Reader - starring Kate Winslet, David Cross and Ralph Fiennes, it’s the story of an affair between a teenage boy (Cross) and a Nazi German (Winslet) who is later on trial for war crimes only to have her teenage fling participating as a member of the jury trying her 10 years later. Winslet sure likes to get naked and get busy in her films. We likey.
Revolutionary Road - Kate Winslet reunites with Leo DiCaprio while Winslet’s husband Sam Mendes directs in this emotional drama. They say it’s an American classic...already. I just want
to check out those steamy love scenes between Winslet and DiCaprio...they’ve come a long way from a censored shag on a boat.Frost/Nixon - a Ron Howard directed film, starring Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost, a British journalist famous for his persistent interview tactics surrounding Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Sheen gave an excellent performance as Tony Blair in The Queen so I’m curious to catch him in this flick.
The Wrestler - Mickey Rourke makes a critically acclaimed comeback in this drama documenting the life of a professional wrestler. Also starring Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. I’m not a Rourke fan, but the reviews are off the hook.
Doubt - based on the popular Broadway play and starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, this film depicts a controversial scandal which takes place in a
Catholic school in the Bronx, New York. The onscreen dynamic between Streep and Hoffman seems intense!Grab some popcorn and your plus 1 and catch a few flicks this month. I’ll have more next week on the outcome of the Globes and who was wearing the most garish get up.
Until then my fellow movie revelers, I'll leave you with the trailer for Milk...
UC xx
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