The Imagination Game
Drama
Carol: Must See Now
This is by far my favorite movie of the year for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I knew nothing about Alan Turing. I kept asking myself throughout the movie how that could be. Now I know. The performance by Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock) is outstanding and is my choice for at least a nomination for best actor if not the Oscar itself. I also felt as though the telling of the story of Mr. Turing was very well done. His early life was weaved seamlessly into his adult life with flashbacks and forward looks. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Phil: Must See Now
I don’t know about best picture, but my prediction for best actor is Benedict Cumberbatch. He’s just been nominated for a Golden Globe in that category. He pours so much into his portrayal of Alan Turner, the brilliant, reclusive man who led the team that broke the German code machine (Enigma) that there should be no doubt of the Oscar-winner this year.
The movie itself tells an interesting, and to me a previously unknown, story about the team assembled to break the German code during World War II. At the same time the movie makes a strong and important point about judging another’s lifestyle.
Into the Woods (Rated: PG)
Musical
Carol: Wait for the Video
This is a remake of a Broadway show in which Stephen Sondheim won a Tony for the best score. And the music in the film was very good, easily understood and well performed. The acting by the all-star cast beginning with Meryl Streep was first rate and the cameo appearance by Johnny Depp as the wolf is delightful. So where’s the problem you ask? It’s the length of the film. Although “only 2 hours 5 minutes” long, it seemed to drag along. When I thought it could have ended it went on for another 30 minutes. So wait till you can take a break and you can watch it with your older children who will see it on a different level than you will.
Phil: Wait for the Video
Generally Meryl Streep is excellent, and any movie she is in is very good. Unfortunately for Disney and for this remake of a 1987 Broadway show, this general statement does not hold true. Perhaps it is the combination of Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Cinderella, that fails to make the grade! Or perhaps it’s because the film seems sooo long.
We were glad we didn’t take our seven-year-old grandchild; this really isn’t for young children.
Perhaps more importantly, it doesn’t measure up to the “ hype.”
Big Eyes (Rated: PG-13)
Drama
Carol: Must See Now
This is a Christmas present! Amy Adams steps into the 1950’s and 1960’s like she was born there. Her performance as Margaret Keane, the well-known artist of those “kitchy” paintings of waif-like children with big eyes is remarkable. It’s a story that was kept under wraps for years as she produced these paintings. Her husband, played by Christoph Waltz is a study in deceit, promotion, and salesmanship that is just simply amazing. See it; your range of emotions will be touched on many levels.
Phil: Must See Now
Yup, it’s a movie about all those paintings of the little girls with the really big eyes! You know youve seen one, or 100. But did you know the story behind the paintings: turns out for the first ten years, the world gave credit to the wrong artist. An interesting story, well told.
