golden globes party / nominee reviews

how is it that i just realized the golden globes are on sunday?! i usually try to see as many award nominated movies as i can - but i have been off my game this year. it may have something to do with a tiny little human in my life, but who knows. since i have only seen two of the movies nominated for best motion picture (drama), i asked my best friend and movie-fiend, kira, to write up her reviews of all of the nominations. she and her husband are even more movie-obsessed than me and jarman, and have a lot of good insights. so when you go to a golden globes party this weekend, or watch them at home in your pajamas, you will have a good idea of what to think of each movie, rather than blindly hoping one wins over another. (you can see all of the nominations here)

Boyhood was a movie I anticipated to watch for a long time and I can say that it really delivered. I don’t think another movie has ever been more “hyped-up”. The filming for this movie took 12 years, with the same actors including my personal favorite Ethan Hawke. It follows the upbringing of a young boy who experiences the terrain of childhood through to adolescence and entering adulthood. The writer and director Richard Linklater has a distinct style in his films (go watch his “Before Sunrise” movie!) focusing on dialogue, long scenes and interesting conversation. The movie was two hours and forty five minutes, which for some is a deal-breaker. However, this movie pulled me in and proved to be a well-crafted coming of age film that should go on your “must see” list. 

The whisperings of Foxcatcher and its incredible reviews hit the news before the movie was even available at theatres around me, so the expectation was high. Foxcatcher is based on a true story about American Olympic wrestlers that happened to be brothers and their association with multi-millionaire John E. DuPont. There is much to be said about the high level of acting in this movie and the style of uncomfortable intensity and dark drama. In my personal opinion, the story line was extended and anti-climactic. Definitely not on my top list of movies this year but noteworthy performances from Steve Carell, Channing Tatem, and Mark Ruffalo like you’ve never seen them before. 

I LOVED this movie. The Imitation Game changed the way I looked at World War II and the triumph of the allies. More than its historical significance, Alan Turing’s life evokes emotion and heartbreak and you hope for his success both professional and personal. Not much else to say except Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightly brought rich performances to an enthralling story. Go see this today! 

I think it’s important to know that this film is based on a book written by Stephen Hawking’s wife. This bit of information changes the stage and expectations that will benefit you. I expected a biography of the infamous Stephen Hawking and all of his detailed discoveries with the constant support of a loving wife. Instead, I got a perspective of the trials behind living with ALS and the toll that can take on a marriage. Though inspiring, I didn’t find it completely uplifting leaving me with no lasting impression. However, I will say the performances of Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones was phenomenal. Eddie’s Golden Globe nomination is warranted, and for that reason alone you should add this movie to your queue.

Thanks so much Kira!! 

PS. Selma is the 5th nominee for best motion picture- but comes out today so we haven't seen it yet. I will add a review of it as soon as we see it!

PSS. Jay has let me see two of these movies: The Imitation Game and Foxcatcher. Loved the first, didn't really like the second. I think that the Imitation Game should win best picture, but I'm guessing it will be Selma.