Oscars Project 2013
9) Beasts of the Southern Wild: I didn't really like this. I tried to. I wanted to see what critics saw in this, but my reaction when it ended was just...that's it? I even tried to say I thought it was okay, but really, I didn't like it. It had a little of that pretension Tree of Life had, but not nearly as unbearable. The little girl was amazing in it, though.
8) Lincoln: The last forty-five minutes or so were pretty riveting, but otherwise, this was boring and slow. I sound like such an uncultured heathen, but I didn't think this was all that special. I don't think it should have gotten all the nominations it did, other than Best Actor. I especially don't think it should have been nominated for best director. It wasn't badly directed, but I just didn't think it was super amazing either. I feel like it got so much recognition because of who directed it, honestly.
7) Amour: This was a sad look at life...or really the end of it. I had my first real cry an hour and ten minutes in. From then on, I was wibbly, teary, and sometimes outright sobby. This was really depressing, but I'm glad I watched. One thing that didn't quite work for me was the complete lack of score. I understand the point of it, but I feel like music from a score only enhances emotion. Of course, it was sad enough all on its own, I suppose. The acting was amazing by the two leads. Just heartbreakingly beautiful if such a thing is possible.
6) Django Unchained: I knew I was going to be uncomfortable while watching this. The subject matter is uncomfortable. Still, I liked this a lot more than I thought it would. I have to commend some of the actors for playing such dispicable characters. Seriously, there's no way I could do that. Even though I did enjoy some aspects (the comeuppances, really), I likely won't watch this again. A lot of it was hard to watch. Also, it was typical Tarentino with the ultra violence. I do think it deserved nominations such as Best Director and Picture, though. It was well done. The acting nominations were deserved to. Though I think some were snubbed, too.
5) Life of Pi: This is a movie I was expecting to be pretentious like Tree of Life, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much it wasn't! I really loved this movie a lot. The ending was surprising in a jaw dropping kind of way. Plus, it had a beautiful score and very lovely special effects. This was the movie that surprised me the most, meaning, it's the one I wasn't expecting to like at all.
4) Zero Dark Thirty: I heard from some that this movie was boring and slow moving at times, but I didn't feel that way at all. I thought it was riveting. Obviously, there were some hard to watch moments, but I didn't feel that took over the movie. I have to say, when it got to the main action at the end, I got super emotional. I was not disappointed by the edge of your seat intensity, let's just say.
3) Les Miserables: The fact that this movie is third just tells you about the quality of the top three. I've loved this musical for a very long time, and I've always hoped it would be turned into a film version. I was not disappointed at all! It was almost everything I could ever want. I even approved of the rearranging of songs. I think the changes really were fitting. Still, the live stage version is my preference, but that's because there is nothing that can compare to live theater. This was quite satisfying, though, for the big screen.
2) Silver Linings Playbook: All the Delco Feels! All of them! Yeah, I am a little bit biased because of all the places I recognized. I mean, they used the school my sister graduated from in one scene! But it wasn't just about the local things. This was a very well done film, especially the acting. Bradley Cooper was possibly the best he's ever been, but Jennifer Lawrence was just a revelation.
1) Argo: I knew how this was all going to end, and yet I was still worried and nervous the whole time. You know a movie is good if it can manage to be that riveting even with the knowledge of what happened. Ben Affleck did such an amazing job directing this. I believe his direction is the reason I was so worried throughout the whole thing. It was just so well edited and everything. That's why it's number one for me. I was just so proud for everyone involved when it won Best Picture. It's my Best Picture winner as well.