Forgot to mention two Oscar-worthy flicks I caught recently with the mister. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and JUNO.
I thought NO COUNTRY would, despite its rave reviews, be a total "guy" movie. You know the kind: violent, stark, bleeding at the seams, and without aesthetic appeal. I resigned myself to seeing it because it was "Tim's turn" to pick. And in the end, it turns out, I was wrong. NO COUNTRY was positively gripping, overflowing with real (not manufactured) suspense, and featured excellent performances, including one by Tommy Lee Jones who so inhabits the hang-dog character he portrays it's hard to imagine him as anything else after this. Javier Bardem is stunning and spot on as the sociopathic bad guy and nothing short of riveting to watch; somehow, he manages to be potently sexy, too, despite sporting perhaps the most hideous Dutch Boy haircut ever caught on film, and being entirely without conscience (although, interestingly, he's not without his unique brand of morality.) And Josh Brolin has, hopefully, finally found his star-making role with this one. If you're in the mood for a beautifully photographed vision of changing times, poor timing, and hard luck, full of rich characters and stark scenery, check it out. Not for the kiddies or the easily confused, as the story line is a bit meandering and can be tough to follow, and while not being a gory film, it reeks of violence.
JUNO looked funny and light and cynical and funky -- just what I most enjoy in a movie! -- in its trailers. But given the subject matter (teen pregnancy and adoption) I was a little worried about its potential to be a political vehicle, rather than an entertainment venue. Turns out, it was no such thing. I found myself completely transported by the entire experience which, when all was said and done, and after a few twists and turns, was ultimately feel-good in the most intelligent of ways. The two teen leads are wonderful. I'm becoming a real Michael Cera fan (he was absolutely hysterical in Superbad, the world's naughtiest movie,and reprises much of that sweet dorkiness in JUNO) and Ellen Page as the lead is both entertaining AND heartbreaking; you're never sure whether to hug her or send her to her room. There's just the right amount of lightness and joy intermingled in all that pathos and teen angst which, when combined with brilliant performances by a wonderful ensemble cast, add up to a happy few hours spent at the theater. Jennifer Garner is outstanding as the would-be adoptive mom; in one short mall scene, with just the slightest shifts in expression, she nails the mourning and loss, and then salvation, of childlessness which has found its cure. The subject matter and raw teenager speak make this one a little adult for young kids, but the enjoyable and easy to follow plot and overall messages about the importance of integrity, self-love, and growing up qualify it as family-friendly for the older ones.
