Movie with Abe: Life of Pi

Life of Pi
Directed by Ang Lee
Released November 16, 2012

Ang Lee has a flair for the visual. Foreign-language feats “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Lust, Caution” are both mesmerizingly beautiful portraits of human conflict, and his latest feature is no exception. Adapting a popular book, Lee takes material meant for a gorgeous cinematic treatment and creates a powerful, intimate look at one man’s fight for survival after being marooned on a lifeboat with a tiger. The story demands some suspension of disbelief, but the way that the events are told and seen on screen, they don’t seem unnatural, and the experience of watching the film is fully captivating.

Like many biographical stories about the significant events in one protagonist’s life, “Life of Pi” is framed by present-day narration by an adult Pi as he recounts his unique tale to a visiting Canadian writer. Whenever the film flashes back to the present from its intoxicating scenes set during Pi’s youth, it underlines the intensity of the material and the way in which it fully envelops its audience. Even before Pi sits out, alone with his new friend, in the middle of the ocean, the film offers a marvelous and visually wonderful account of how he got his name, shortened from the French word for swimming pool, purposely mispronounced “pissing” by cruel classmates.

The horrific storm at sea that sends Pi off on his adventure is the film’s signature extended scene, shot with care and delicacy. After losing his family to the ocean, Pi’s story becomes a solitary one with unusual companionship, yet the film never drags or loses focus. Some creative cinematography that isolates Pi’s small boat in a vast reflective ocean helps to underscore the magnificence of his situation, but the story drives the film rather than the potential for an overemphasis on scenery at the expense of plot.

Suraj Sharma, energetic and insatiable, performs well in the lead role, fulfilling the image of a boy with a hunger for the amazement to be found in the world and offering a compelling protagonist for whom to root in his battle with nature. Irrfan Khan, previously seen in such films as “A Mighty Heart” and “The Namesake,” effortlessly matches Sharma’s youthful enthusiasm with a nostalgic, contemplative outlook as the adult Pi, recalling his experiences to his enthralled visitor. “Life of Pi” is an affirming, endearing film that tells a glorious story with the same intoxicating sense of style and wonder exhibited by its protagonist.

B+

DVD with Abe: Brave (Capsule Review)

Brave
Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell
Released June 22, 2012 / DVD November 13, 2012

Pixar has a certain reputation, having established itself as extraordinarily competent and innovative in the field of animation over the past seventeen years. This particular feature was highly anticipated, with trailers released well in advance of its arrival in theatres and a distinctly cultural approach to its storyline. Like most of the animation studio’s previous offerings, “Brave” is an enticing, kid-friendly film that’s appropriate for the entire family and manages to offer an engaging spin on a familiar family framework.

Inserting magic into animated movies is hardly uncommon, and the presence of witches, spells, and other such things feel relatively natural in this story. One Scottish princess’ desperate efforts to convince her mother that a forced betrothal to the oldest son of another house in the kingdom isn’t her fate turns into an enchanting tale of a spell gone wrong. Some childish comedic antics ensue, of course, but, like other Pixar and Disney films before it, there’s a maturity to the story that keeps it grounded. Its style and score enhance the enchantment, and this Best Animated Feature Oscar contender serves a charming and enduring addition to the Pixar vault.

B+

Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to a seasonal weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. It’s a bit early to be able to accurately predict the eventual Oscar nominees, but around this time, plenty of likely contenders are being released. I’ll be looking every Wednesday at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week. Additionally, to make up for lost time, I’ll also be taking a look at the films released earlier in the year, one month at a time. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section. Also, if I’ve missed any films from the previous months, please say so!

Films released November 16th-23rd, 2012

Anna Karenina
This period British epic has all the makings of an Oscar hit, including the third reteaming of director Joe Wright and star Keira Knightley, whose previous features, “Pride and Prejudice” and “Atonement,” have both met with Oscar success. Knightley has plenty of competition in the Best Actress race but may prevail, and the film is likely to do well in the technical categories, namely Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, and Best Original Score. Best Cinematography and Best Makeup are possible too, and a Best Picture nomination isn’t totally out of the question either.

The Central Park Five
This serious documentary about wrongly convicted rape suspects is a frontrunner for the Best Documentary race, and though that category has left out assumed locks the past few years, it should follow in the footsteps of last year’s similarly-themed and ultimately-nominated “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory.”

Life of Pi
This visual experience has extraordinary Oscar potential, thanks in no small part to its source material and to its director, Oscar favorite Ang Lee, whose previous two features, “Taking Woodstock” and “Lust, Caution,” didn’t really take. He has his best shot at another Oscar since his last nomination – and win – for “Brokeback Mountain,” and a return to the East should help him considerably. Best Director is extremely likely, and Best Picture shouldn’t be much of a stretch with a widened field. Best Cinematography is the film’s surest get, and Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects are all strong possibilities too.

Rise of the Guardians
This inventive animated film stands a good chance to crack the Best Animated Feature race, but its reviews were hardly as positive as a handful of other contenders in the category. Quality doesn’t always equal Oscar, but the movie does have to be well-liked.

Rust and Bone
This Cannes entry from Jacques Audiard, director of the Oscar-nominated “A Prophet,” wasn’t selected by France to compete in the Best Foreign Film race, but it does stand a chance in the Best Actress race for star Marion Cotillard, who won five years ago for “La Vie en Rose” and has done a tremendous job of making herself known to American audiences, most recently in “The Dark Knight Rises.” Her biggest obstacle will be another French actress, Emmanuelle Riva, who is a frontrunner for Michael Haneke’s “Amour.”

The Silver Linings Playbook
This comedic drama from David O. Russell, nominated in 2010 for “The Fighter,” is this year’s best light-hearted bet for Oscar love. Jennifer Lawrence, also a nominee in 2010, is a likely Best Actress nominee, and Robert De Niro may be nominated for the first time in twenty-one years, in the Best Supporting Actor category. Never-nominated Bradley Cooper and yet another 2010 nominee, Australian actress Jacki Weaver, will have equally difficult times getting nominated in crowded acting races. The film is a lock for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, and Russell should have a good shot too. Best Film Editing is possible, but it’s unlikely to show up in any other technical category.

Films released September 2012

Arbitrage (September 14)
Richard Gere got rave reviews for this fall drama, but he has an uphill battle. He wasn’t nominated in 1982 for “An Officer and a Gentleman” or in 1990 for “Pretty Woman” despite Golden Globe mentions and Oscar wins for other cast members, and winning a Golden Globe for eventual Best Picture winner “Chicago” couldn’t even get him nominated in 2002. Can this small film finally get the 63-year-old an Oscar nomination after almost forty years in the business? I’m not convinced that it can.

The Master (September 14)
This film about a Scientology-like religion has earned raves for lead actor Joaquin Phoenix and supporting actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, both of whom stand a good chance of being nominated, as well as supporting actress Amy Adams, who may be too. Director Paul Thomas Anderson was a nominee in 2007 for “There Will Be Blood,” and he might be back this year. Best Original Screenplay is a solid bet, while Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction may prove more elusive.

Trouble with the Curve (September 21)
Clint Eastwood hasn’t had a true Oscar hit since “Letters from Iwo Jima” in 2006, with a few acting nominations only since then. This isn’t likely to be his year, as a result both of lackluster reviews and of Eastwood’s performance at the Republican National Convention. He’s traditionally been an Oscar favorite, but I think voters are pretty much done with him now.

Looper (September 28)
This sci-fi success has a shot, if not a strong one, at the three genre-friendly technical categories, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing. It will just have to depend on what kind of fare they feel like recognizing in those races.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
The Artist
Bridesmaids
50/50
Midnight in Paris
My Week with Marilyn

This category doesn’t have much consistency, often going for R-rated humor like “Bridesmaids” and “The Hangover” and other times concentrating on more serious fare. Musicals tend to do extremely well here, which makes Les Miserables the frontrunner. Silver Linings Playbook will likely end up here and could be the main non-musical challenger. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel seems like a tailor-made movie for Globe voters, as is Hope Springs, and Moonrise Kingdom could fit that bill too. Other, very diverse possibilities include Hyde Park on Hudson, Magic Mike, and Ted.

Current predictions:
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Hope Springs
Les Miserables
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook

Golden Globe Musings: Best Motion Picture – Drama

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

This race, arguably the top award this group gives out, usually serves as a feeding ground for the Best Picture race with a few false positives, like “The Ides of March,” “Revolutionary Road,” and “American Gangster” mixed in, as well as some truly peculiar picks like “The Great Debaters.” Popular films like Argo and Lincoln should have no trouble getting in, and Django Unchained and Zero Dark Thirty will make it in if voters are enthusiastic about the directors’ films as they were three years ago. Fighting for the last slot are The Master, The Life of Pi, Flight, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Hitchcock, Anna Karenina, and who knows what else.

Current predictions:
Argo
Django Unchained
Lincoln
The Master
Zero Dark Thirty

Golden Globe Musings: Best Director – Motion Picture

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)
Alexander Payne (The Descendants)
Martin Scorsese (Hugo)
George Clooney (The Ides of March)
Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris)

Golden Globe voters like to nominate directors with recognizable names. That’s good news for Ben Affleck (Argo), Steven Spielberg (Lincoln), and Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained). Her previous film could help get Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) nominated, and two-time winner Ang Lee (Life of Pi) may well be back again too. Other possibilities include Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Robert Zemeckis (Flight), Paul Thomas Anderson (The Master), and David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook).

Current predictions:
Ben Affleck (Argo)
Tom Hooper (Les Miserables),
Steven Spielberg (Lincoln)
Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained)
Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
The Artist
The Descendants
The Ides of March
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball

The Golden Globes consolidate screenwriting to just one race, grouping together both original and adapted screenplays. It’s usually made up of Best Motion Picture – Drama nominees and sometimes a truly odd choice like “The Ides of March,” “It’s Complicated,” or “Love Actually.” Good bets for this race are Argo, Django Unchained, Lincoln, and The Master. Also in the running are Silver Linings Playbook and Beasts of the Southern Wild. Les Miserables is possible but less likely, since it will fare better in other races, and I think that Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom could score the last slot.

Current predictions:
Argo
Django Unchained
Lincoln
The Master
Moonrise Kingdom

Golden Globe Musings: Best Foreign Language Film

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
The Flowers of War
In the Land of Blood and Honey
The Kid with a Bike
A Separation
The Skin I Live In

This category also bears some noticeable differences from the corresponding Oscar race, in that countries don’t have to pick just one movie to submit, and foreign-language films produced in the United States are eligible too. Without knowing too much or having seen any of the films in the running, it seems that the frontrunners are the highly acclaimed The Intouchables (France), Amour (Austria), A Royal Affair (Denmark), and Rust and Bone (France). Other possibilities include No (Chile) and Fill the Void (Israel), though the latter country has a much better track record with the Oscars than with Globe voters.

Current predictions:
Amour (Austria)
The Intouchables (France)
No (Chile)
A Royal Affair (Denmark)
Rust and Bone (France)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Animated Feature Film

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

It’s important to distinguish this field from the corresponding Oscar race. Pixar has won this award five out of six times, and, unlike the Oscars, even “Cars 2” was nominated. That makes Brave a sure thing. Frankenweenie and Wreck-It Ralph are both good bets, and ParaNorman, Rise of the Guardians, and The Lorax could easily place too.

Current predictions:
Brave
Frankenweenie
The Lorax
ParaNorman
Wreck-It Ralph

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Berenice Bejo (The Artist)
Jessica Chastain (The Help)
Jane McTeer (Albert Nobbs)
Octavia Spencer (The Help)
Shailene Woodley (The Descendants)

Two familiar young faces are likely to be back this year, and that would be Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables) and Amy Adams (The Master). It’s been over two decades since their last film nominations, but Sally Field (Lincoln) and Pauline Collins (Quartet) may be back this year too. Last nominated fifteen years ago, Helen Hunt (The Sessions) should return as long as voters agree on whether she belongs in this category. Older actresses Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) and Ann Dowd (Compliance) are long shots, but I think the last slot will go Scarlett Johansson (Hitchcock), who has never been nominated for an Oscar but has four Golden Globe mentions to her name.

Current predictions:
Amy Adams (The Master)
Sally Field (Lincoln)
Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)
Helen Hunt (The Sessions)
Scarlett Johansson (Hitchcock)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn)
Albert Brooks (Drive)
Jonah Hill (Moneyball)
Viggo Mortensen (A Dangerous Method)
Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

This year’s race is full of past nominees. Past winners Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master), Leonardo DiCaprio (Django Unchained), and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln) are all great bets, and they may be joined by veterans Russell Crowe (Les Miserables) and Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook) if their performances really do represent career comebacks. Also in the running are Alan Arkin (Argo), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Lincoln), and John Goodman (Flight), if they can distinguish themselves from crowded ensembles. If voters are keen on the film, they might nominate Dwight Henry (Beasts of the Southern Wild). I’m pulling for the excellent Michael Fassbender (Prometheus) to be recognized, but I don’t think it’s likely.

Current predictions:
Russell Crowe (Les Miserables)
Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Django Unchained)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master)
Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Jodie Foster (Carnage)
Charlize Theron (Young Adult)
Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids)
Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn)
Kate Winslet (Carnage)

This category tends to like established actresses, and they should make up the majority of the list this year. Three veterans - Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Maggie Smith (Quartet), and Meryl Streep (Hope Springs) – are the frontrunners, and recent young nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) is a good bet too. Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson) has had success here before, and Julia Roberts (Mirror Mirror) is a Globe favorite, so she could easily get nominated for anything. If voters are feeling especially nostalgic, Barbra Streisand (The Guilt Trip) could show up here.

Current predictions:
Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel)
Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)
Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson)
Maggie Smith (Quartet)
Meryl Streep (Hope Springs)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Jean Dujardin (The Artist)
Brendan Gleeson (The Guard)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50)
Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love)
Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris)

Last year, Dujardin had this category locked, and this year, that position will probably be held by Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables). Other good bets include past winner
Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson), past nominee Jack Black (Bernie), and first-timer Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook). Globe voters should be very fond of Tommy Lee Jones (Hope Springs), who should also show up in the supporting category. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) may pop up here too if his film proves popular.

Current predictions:
Jack Black (Bernie)
Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)
Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables)
Tommy Lee Jones (Hope Springs)
Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs)
Viola Davis (Help)
Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)
Tilda Swinton (We Need To Talk About Kevin)

A few actresses look good in this category, and they’re a diverse bunch. Helen Mirren (Hitchcock) and Marion Cotillard (Rust and Bone) are both past Golden Globe winners with a good shot, and past nominee Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina) is a strong bet too. Two unknowns, indie darling Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and foreign actress Emanuelle Riva (Amour) are likely to join them as well. A nominee from last year, Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), may return, and Naomi Watts (The Impossible) could earn her first-ever Globe nomination.

Current predictions:
Marion Cotillard (Rust and Bone)
Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina)
Helen Mirren (Hitchcock)
Emanuelle Riva (Amour)
Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
George Clooney (The Descendants)
Leonardo DiCaprio (J. Edgar)
Michael Fassbender (Shame)
Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March)
Brad Pitt (Moneyball)

This category seems like perhaps the most locked of all, with a solid five contenders who shouldn’t have much trouble getting nominated. First we have Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), a sure thing, followed closely by Joaquin Phoenix (The Master) with his career comeback. Denzel Washington (Flight) has plenty of buzz, and John Hawkes (The Sessions) is a good bet as well. Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock) may not earn an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the famed director, but he shouldn’t have much trouble getting in here. Also in the running are Richard Gere (Arbitrage) and Ben Affleck (Argo).

Current predictions:
Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)
John Hawkes (The Sessions)
Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock)
Joaquin Phoenix (The Master)
Denzel Washington (Flight)

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: In Our Nature

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

In Our Nature – Opening December 7, 2012

Here we have a trailer for a very intimate film with only four players and plenty of time for them to interact. The actors in question have an extremely diverse background, and each one of them brings something positive to the table. Zach Gilford has extensive experience playing a son with a complicated relationship to his father, and his understated nature makes his performances all the more realistic. It’s also refreshing to see him doing something more intelligent than his current role on FOX’s “The Mob Doctor.” Jena Malone has done some work since her star-making roles in “Donnie Darko” and “Saved,” and this looks like another opportunity for her to turn in a heartfelt turn like the one she delivered in the underrated “The United States of Leland.” John Slattery is building up his film career following his career-defining part as Roger Sterling on “Mad Men,” playing a father with an estranged relationship to his family. He was great in February’s “Return,” and this seems like another appropriately serious role for him. And then there’s Gabrielle Union, who has a long filmography and should be very well-suited for strong personal dramas like this one, particularly for a role like the one she has, of the younger woman dating an older man and meeting his son for the first time. “Your Sister’s Sister,” featured a few people alone at a cabin earlier this year and was excellent, and I suspect that this one will pair nicely as a more dramatic and equally compelling experience.

Home Video with Abe: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Directed by John Madden
Released May 4, 2012

Ensemble films represent an enormous opportunity to draw on diverse talent in filling a variety of roles and create a cohesive cinematic experience. This particular movie calls for an older British cast, which isn’t a problem for one nation that is filled with distinguished actors who have been working for many years. Director John Madden, whose token work is the Oscar-winning “Shakespeare in Love,” drafts two of his stars from that film, Judi Dench and Tom Wilkinson, as well as a handful of other extraordinary players for a wonderfully endearing and entertaining coming-of-age movie of a different generation.

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” refers to an alleged luxury resort in India which attracts a number of retired and disgruntled individuals looking for a new adventure in their older age. While their motivations for coming may not all be the same, no one expects the decrepit condition of the place, made up for only by the enthusiastic, untamable spirit of its new caretaker, Sonny, played by Dev Patel, in a return to India after his star-making role in “Slumdog Millionaire.” Sonny’s fervent efforts to save the hotel as his guests adjust their expectations is a marvelously amusing and enthralling ride.

Though the film is an ensemble piece, it employs Dench’s Evelyn as the narrator, framing her as the central character. Both actress and character are perfect for the job, with the former having established an incredible resume as the go-to older English actress since her first (of six) Oscar nomination fifteen years ago, and the latter choosing her own path for the first time after the death of her husband.

Dench is extremely likeable in the part, as she finds herself a job in India and befriends two of the men at the hotel, Wilkinson’s Graham, who grew up in India, and Bill Nighy’s Douglas, who relishes the opportunity to get out and see the culture despite his wife’s extreme fear of the unpredictable. Penelope Wilton is great as Douglas’ neurotic wife Jean, and Celia Imrie and Ronald Pickup are terrific as single Brits just looking for some companionship at their age. Unsurprisingly, the comedic standout is Maggie Smith, who fast-forwards in time from her Emmy-winning role on “Downton Abbey” but doesn’t lose any of her distaste for all things modern.

Its ensemble is its greatest asset, but “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” also makes tremendous use of its setting, following each of its characters around as they delight in the singular wonders of India. The score, by veteran Thomas Newman, is an appropriate melody that underscores the culture, and, for the most part, defines the film as a good-natured comedy. Several love stories amplify this film about friendship and self-discovery, which, thanks to superb players in front of the camera, proves entirely enjoyable.

B+

Movie with Abe: Price Check

Price Check
Directed by Michael Walker
Released November 16, 2012

Parker Posey has established a reputation for herself as being more than capable of playing crazy. She’s the perfect candidate, therefore, to portray Susan Felders, the eccentric new executive who arrives to shake up a regional supermarket chain office. Bringing her signature blend of energetic zaniness and peculiar appeal, Posey dominates the mediocre new comedy about Peter, the employee who Susan takes under her wing as her go-to guy and whose life she upends considerably by inserting herself into it full-force. A clever title isn’t enough to make this somewhat off-putting and dull film worthwhile.

Eric Mabius, best known for his part as shallow editor Daniel Meade on “Ugly Betty,” takes on a role with a similar work ethic but different attitude about his family as Peter, who puts in minimal effort and never needs to bring his work home, allowing him to spend plenty of time with his wife and young son. His boss’ parting gift of a two-thousand-dollar raise doesn’t help him much with his credit card bills, and Susan’s abrupt offer to double his salary puts him on a whole new path towards living a different kind of life and being a different kind of person.

Neither Susan nor Peter is particularly likeable, since Susan swoops into Peter’s life in the most aggressive manner and he doesn’t seem to care much about what’s happening to him. A supermarket setting is hardly the most thrilling backdrop for a movie, and it doesn’t help to enliven the film’s pace. Hearing about how Susan’s unique energy actually unites the team to work hard and achieve something is less than satisfying since we don’t actually get to see the fruits of their labor. The story remains too tightly focused on Susan and Peter without drawing enough on the larger picture.

Watching Susan and Peter fight to revitalize their ailing supermarket chain and truly accomplish something is mildly engaging, but not sustainable enough to hold viewers’ interest for an hour and a half. It’s undeniably fun to watch Posey play yet another nutty character detached from the reality of how others around her perceive her. It’s not her greatest performance, however, and it was more entertaining to see Mabius being enthusiastic on “Ugly Betty.” None of the supporting cast members stand out, through little fault of their own, and the script gives them sparing material. Unfortunately, this film just doesn’t register.

C-

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in theatres as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.

Now Playing

La Rafle (recommended): This French Holocaust film movingly documents the 1942 roundup of Jews by French police, featuring a strong central performance from Mélanie Laurent and a talented French ensemble. Now playing in limited release in New York and Los Angeles. Read my review from yesterday.

Price Check (anti-recommended): This comedy starring Parker Posey and Eric Mabius doesn’t have much going for it, featuring unexceptional characters and a generally uninteresting plotline. Posey is fun as usual, but that’s about it. Now playing at the IFC Center in New York City. My review will be up tomorrow.

New to DVD

Nothing I’ve seen this week, but I’ll be watching a film I missed in its theatrical release, Brave, very soon. I’m not rushing to see either Savages or The Watch.

Movie with Abe: La Rafle

**Visit Jewcy next week to read a special piece devoted to Laurent being a recognizable face in a Holocaust movie. For now, here’s a review of the film.**

La Rafle
Directed by Rose Bosch
Released November 16, 2012

The Holocaust is never an easy subject, but that doesn’t stop filmmakers from using it as subject matter again and again. Over two years after its initial release in France, La Rafle arrives in U.S. theatres this Friday, November 16th. Its title translates to The Round-Up, referring to the arrest and confinement of thousands of French Jews by the French police on July 16th, 1942. It may hit closer to home in France where natives watch with horror at the actions of their ancestors, but seeing how a nation turns on its own people should be equally powerful for audiences worldwide.

Among a strong cast of French actors, screen time is devoted most to Jean Reno’s Jewich camp doctor and Mélanie Laurent’s Protestant nurse, Annette Monod, who takes an active part in fighting for better treatment of the Jews interred at a giant stadium in France. Laurent is most well known for the role of Shoshanna, the sole survivor of a brutal Nazi execution, in "Inglourious Basterds", and subsequently played Anna, an actress who charms her way into the life of Oliver (Ewan McGregor) in "Beginners". When Oliver tells her she is pretty, she shoots back, replying that her mother always said that Jewish girls cannot pretty. Her previous roles can be described as exceptionally Jewish, and now Laurent is playing against type, looking in on anti-Semitism from the outside.

Annette may not be Jewish, but she is the ultimate Righteous Gentile. She is first seen in a room full of nurses being told by their supervisors that, should the Nazis arrive, they will help the two Jewish nurses among them escape. From that first appearance, Annette is the symbol of morality. The famous Martin Niemöller quote, which begins “First they came…” and tells of how the narrator failed to stand up for the prosecuted people because it was not a group to which he belonged, does not apply to Annette. She forms a bond with Reno’s Jewish doctor and sees her patients as people. To prove a point, she eats only what the Jews eat, and fights for someone in a position of power to recognize the injustice of what is happening. Annette symbolizes of a collective guilt over the Holocaust, the kind of person that anyone living at the time wishes they would have been. Laurent describes Annette as representative of humanity, with an appalling sense of dignity driven by her own heart.

Like other Holocaust films, La Rafle contains a fair amount of unsettling imagery. Watching French soldiers farm out to systematically carry out their eviction orders is disturbing, as is the sight of a giant stadium filled with Jews, unaware of what fate awaits them. Some believe that if you’ve seen one Holocaust film, you’ve seen them all, and while this is unlikely to change that perception for those no longer interested in watching historical horrors played out on screen, it does tell an emotional and important story.

La Rafle provides a compelling, moving documentation of the Holocaust at its roots in France, even more fearsome because the round-up was conducted willingly by the French police. Watching Frenchmen turn on Frenchmen and give in to brutality and hatred demands a response to Niemöller’s closing line: “Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.” Holocaust survivors cry out “Never again,” and educational, powerful films with recognizable stars like this are the best defense against history repeating itself.

B+

Thursday Top Twelve

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I’ll be featuring a “top twelve” list for the rest of 2012 each Thursday, with a variety of themes. Please leave suggestions for future focuses in the comments!

We’re still over a month away from the end of the year, but I’ve already seen a number of excellent performances. Before awards come along, I’d like to take the time to recognize actors whose names you definitely don’t recognize and whose faces you probably don’t either. This list is hardly meant to be complete – these are twelve great performances I’ve seen this year.

The Top Twelve 2012 Performances By Actors You Don’t Know

#12: Michael Hall D’Addario (People Like Us) Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks were compelling siblings unaware of each other’s existence, and the young D’Addario added to the family dynamic in an exceptionally mature performance as Banks’ son Josh.

#11: Jan Josef Liefers (Simon and the Oaks) This German actor delivered a moving performance as the kindly, supporting biological father of one son and a father figure to another who shared some of his passions.

#10: Joanna Kulig (Elles) This Polish actress provided a fine counterpoint to #4 on this list, an immigrant prostitute quickly hardened by her situation and unashamed to discuss her feelings on the subject with a reporter.

#9: Sonia Nassery Cole (The Black Tulip) The Afghan-American director also starred in her film as an emblem of democracy, determined to forge ahead and return her country to a freer and more liberal state.

#8: Lola Créton (Goodbye First Love) This French actress’ performance is what most made her dreamlike film so effective, hypnotized by a first love and holding onto it for years to come.

#7: Michelle Jenner (Extraterrestrial) This bizarre dramatic comedy is hard to describe, but Jenner’s captivating performance best embodies it, as all three men in her life are drawn to her and the web of confused lies she spins.

#6: Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė (30 Beats) In a film full of vignettes, this Lithuanian actress stole both her scenes by making her character, a prostitute with larger career aspirations, so much more than she likely was on the page.

#5: Carrie MacLemore (Damsels in Distress) This young Mississippi native gelled perfectly with the rest of the female cast in Whit Stillman’s very deliberate comedy, nailing his odd character types and speaking styles wonderfully.

#4: Anaïs Demoustier (Elles) This French actress, unlike her costar #10, delivered a performance as a prostitute completely unaware of the danger of her profession, entranced by its seductiveness and utterly unprepared for its severity.

#3: Kad Merad (The Well-Digger’s Daughter) In an epic melodrama, this Algerian actor was the appropriately serious comic relief, always genuine and excitable no matter what life handed his character.

#2: Arielle Kebbel (The Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best) This charming Florida native possessed a magnificent energy that allowed her to meld easily into the road life of an eclectic music duo and give the film a wonderful female presence.

#1: Ashley Hinshaw (About Cherry) This actress from Indiana was unbelievably genuine in her film, wearing her emotions on her face and possessing an optimistic attitude about an utterly dark journey.

Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to a seasonal weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. It’s a bit early to be able to accurately predict the eventual Oscar nominees, but around this time, plenty of likely contenders are being released. I’ll be looking every Wednesday at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week. Additionally, to make up for lost time, I’ll also be taking a look at the films released earlier in the year, one month at a time. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section. Also, if I’ve missed any films from the previous months, please say so!

Films released November 9th, 2012

Lincoln
This blockbuster from Steven Spielberg is sure to go far, especially since he’s coming off of a hit last year, “War Horse,” which managed a Best Picture bid. This year, he’ll have at least one acting nod to go with it, which would be two-time winner Daniel Day-Lewis. Tommy Lee Jones is a good bet in the supporting actor category too, as is Sally Field in the supporting actress race. Spielberg should place in the Best Director race unless backlash emerges later on in Oscar season. Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Art Direction are all good bets, in that order.

Skyfall
It would make sense for the latest James Bond hit to contend in the Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects categories, and maybe even the Best Film Editing race. History suggests it won’t happen, however, since the last Bond movie to contend at the Oscars in any category was “For Your Eyes Only,” in 1981. That means the last ten films – almost half the entire franchise – have come up empty. I wouldn’t bet on this one breaking the trend.

Films released August 2012

Total Recall (August 3)
This sci-fi remake didn’t receive terribly favorable reviews, but it’s worth noting that the 1990 original on which this film is based won a special achievement award for Best Visual Effects and received two additional nominations, for Best Sound and Best Sound Editing. I doubt the same will happen this time around.

The Bourne Legacy (August 10)
The Bourne franchise has a somewhat spotty track record with Oscar voters, with the first two films being snubbed altogether and the third winning all three of its technical bids. This fourth, Matt Damon-less entry was the least well-reviewed of the series, and I suspect that its best bet will be a Best Sound Editing nomination, if that.

Hope Springs (August 10)
This summer comedy is on here because it stars Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, two clear Oscar favorites. Streep won last year and will probably settle for a Golden Globe nomination this time around, and Jones will likely be recognized instead for “Lincoln.” It’s always possible that they could sneak in like Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give,” but I doubt it.

Compliance (August 17)
This tiny summer thriller earned raves for supporting actress Ann Dowd, who will need to win some precursors in order to scare up enough support for a nomination. I’m not convinced it will happen.

Cosmopolis (August 17)
David Cronenberg’s latest didn’t go over too well upon its release, and it’s not likely to earn much Oscar traction. His previous film, “A Dangerous Method,” nabbed a Golden Globe nomination, and the two before that, “Eastern Promises” and “A History of Violence,” each got an acting nod and the latter also earned a screenplay mention. Those were more normative, mainstream films, however, and I think that’s all Oscar voters can tolerate of Cronenberg.

ParaNorman (August 17)
This animated hit is pretty much a sure thing in the Best Animated Feature category, a race that hasn’t been predictable in the past years.

Robot and Frank (August 17)
This little movie didn’t arrive loudly enough to merit consideration for Frank Langella’s lead performance, but he was a strong contender in 2007 for “Starting out in the Evening” and then a nominee the next year for “Frost/Nixon.” He’s the kind of performer who could make it even if practically no one saw his film.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: World War Z

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

World War Z – Opening June 21, 2013

It’s not too early to start getting excited for what’s sure to be one of the most exciting movies of next summer. This adaptation of the Max Brooks novel is directed by Marc Forster, who has a short but eclectic filmography. He followed up Oscar-nominated dramas “Monster’s Ball” and “Finding Neverland” with the mind-bending “Stay,” the clever comedy “Stranger than Fiction,” another literary adaptation, “The Kite Runner,” and the second most recent James Bond film, “Quantum of Solace.” That last credit should prepare him best for this project, which finds Brad Pitt’s UN employee fighting to protect his family as most of the world turns into zombies. The zombie component isn’t clear from the trailer, but there’s definitely plenty of chaos to be seen, starting with a frightening opening and heading straight through the entire trailer. There’s nothing like a rooftop helicopter evacuation to get your blood pumping, and this movie seems like it will be full of thrilling moments. It’s possible that it may be too hectic for its own sake, but hopefully it will end up looking and feeling somewhat like “I Am Legend.” Brad Pitt is more than capable of carrying a movie like this, and he’s supported by a handful of familiar TV faces, with Mireille Enos (“The Killing”) as his wife, and David Morse (“Treme”), James Badge Dale (“24”), and Matthew Fox (“Lost”) rounding out the ensemble. I’m sure we’ll see and hear much more about this movie long before it comes out, but from this first look, it’s hard to deny its appeal.

Monday Movie Moments: Children of Men

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. There are great movies, and then there are great scenes. Ideally, the two come as a package deal, but sometimes there’s just a scene that’s memorable all by itself. Each week, I’ll be taking a look at a formative movie moment that may be notable for its style, content, technique, or something else altogether. Major spoilers will be referenced in this edition of the series, so please stop reading if you’ve somehow avoided seeing the movie in question.

I’ve seen this inexplicably underrated 2006 dystopian thriller three times and was equally astounded by it each time. Its bleak vision of a future in which no one is able to get pregnant and one former activist risks his life to save a miraculously pregnant woman is astounding, and its strengths are most evident in these two clips from very different points in the film. The first truly kicks off the action and sends things spiraling, while the latter brings it all to a halt. After a formidable, ground-shaking opening with a coffee shop explosion, things really get into gear with the sudden appearance of a fiery roadblock just moments after Clive Owen’s Theo and his onetime love, Julianne Moore’s Julian share a laugh over a party trick. The speed at which the scene takes place is dizzying, and a sniper on a motorcycle fires directly at Julian before Theo opens his door to send him flying off his bike. The subsequent murder of the police officers by Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Luke confirms the horrible downturn events and foreshadows the even more miserable outlook for the rest of the film. That is contrasted sharply by the scene below, which comes towards the end of the film, where Clare-Hope Ashley’s Kee has just given birth, and the sound and sight of the crying baby stops everything in its tracks, prompting soldiers to cease fire and everyone to look on in awe. No sooner than Theo, Kee, and the new baby have passed the soldiers outside the building does the fighting start right back up again. This amazing, heart-wrenching film succeeds on so many levels, and these two scenes bookend a terrifying and captivating human story.

Home Video with Abe: The Island President

The Island President
Directed by Jon Shenk
Released March 28, 2012 / November 13, 2012 (DVD)

The DVD cover of this documentary best illustrates both its subject and its tone. Mohamed Nasheed, president of the Maldives, stands with his hands behind his back, wearing a suit and tie, in the middle of the ocean with water up to his knees. The tagline “Can this man save the world?” refers to Nasheed’s quest for carbon neutrality in his country and a worldwide drive for a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that can combat global warming. Jon Shenk’s film portrays Nasheed as an ambitious trailblazer with an optimistic resolve, making him an endearing, lively subject for this hard-hitting and enthralling documentary.

“The Island President” focuses on the events leading up to the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009 and Nasheed’s role in the conference. Nasheed is firmly established as the main character of the story, with his country of islands as the supporting player. The film opens with straight narration by Nasheed, allowing him free reign to speak passionately about his country without being prompted by onscreen questions. His description of the country as not having even one hill and a place where the very rich come to relax, accompanied by astounding aerial, beach, and ocean shots, paints a beautiful picture of his nation and establishes a firm emotional foothold for ensuring that it does not sink into the ocean.

Nasheed’s energetic attitude and sunny disposition are sharply contrasted by the tales he and other former political prisoners tell about the state of the Maldives prior to his election in 2008, when Mamoun Abdul Gayoom ruled as president for thirty years and torture was commonplace. Nasheed confronts this ugly past with a wonderful sense of humor, laughing when a reporter tells him during his candidacy that Gayoom needs just five more years to achieve democracy, responding with a smile on his face that he has already had thirty years. Nasheed seems inherently likeable, excitedly taking phone calls in the middle of cabinet meetings and exuding an all-around positive demeanor.

The arguments presented in “The Island President” are most compelling because of the passionate way in which Nasheed invokes and articulates them. He emphasizes the undeniable existence of global warming and the importance of supporting democracy in an Islamic country. Though the film’s events take place in 2009, they feel especially relevant now on both levels after the U.S. damage from Hurricane Sandy and the continued violence in Islamic countries. The film’s effect is only slightly dampened by the end credits addition that notes Nasheed’s forced resignation, supposedly at gunpoint, from the presidency in 2012, a subject that deserves an additional documentary. Prior to that unsatisfying unending, however, “The Island President” is an informative, important, and entertaining piece of nonfiction filmmaking.

B+

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in theatres as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.

Now Playing

This week’s big release is Skyfall, which I haven’t yet seen but imagine will be quite thrilling given how enjoyable both “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace” were.

New to DVD

The Amazing Spider-Man (recommended): This franchise reboot is nothing astonishingly original, but it’s an expectedly entertaining take on the series, superior to the previous three films, with Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Denis Leary leading a fun cast in this relatively action-packed superhero flick.

Your Sister’s Sister (highly recommended): This terrific Tribeca entry from this past year features Mark Duplass, from last week’s DVD release “Safety Not Guaranteed,” as a depressed man caught between two half-sisters, wonderfully played by Rosemarie DeWitt and Emily Blunt, during a weekend away at a cabin in this superb and entertaining dramedy.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Gardens of the Night (anti-recommended): This miserable 2008 movie featuring Gillian Jacobs, now of “Community,” as the victim of a child abduction is an ill-conceived, disturbing story that doesn’t need to be seen. Tom Arnold delivers a decent disturbing performance as a pedophile, but that’s hardly a reason to see the film.

The Grapes of Wrath (highly recommended): This 1940 Oscar winner for Best Director John Ford and Best Supporting Actress Jane Darwell is a marvelous and classic adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel. Henry Fonda is excellent in the lead role as the kindly Tom Joad, who travels across the country with his family during the Great Depression in this great must-see movie.

Out of Sight (recommended): This 1998 Steven Soderbergh film stars George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez as a bank robber and the U.S. marshal after him, respectively. It’s a lot of fun, but altogether not nearly as memorable as other cinematic Elmore Leonard adaptations like “Get Shorty” or FX’s “Justified.”

Friday Familiar Faces: Paul Schneider

Welcome to a semi-regular weekly feature here at Movies With Abe! There are plenty of actors out there who people recognize by face but can’t identify because they just don’t tend to get the leading roles. There is a fantastic book (and website) dedicated to this phenomenon, appropriately titled “Hey! It’s That Guy” and touting the fantastic J.T. Walsh as the ultimate recognizable everyman.

This series will spotlight an actor or actress who has recently turned in a notable or scene-stealing performance and showcase some of their best cinematic appearances. More than other any feature, this series will merge the worlds of television and film as needed to highlight a performer’s best and most recognizable work.

Paul Schneider
Where you’ve seen him most recently: As a prospective father in desperate need of sperm in “The Babymakers” and as journalist Brian Brenner on “The Newsroom.”

Where you might have first seen him: Opposite Zooey Deschanel in the 2003 drama “All the Real Girls.”

Other notable appearances: As the kindly brother-in-law of the title character in “Lars and the Real Girl,” a promiscuous outlaw in “The Assassination of Jesse James,” and John Krasinski’s brother in “Away We Go,” as well as small roles in the supporting cast of “Elizabethtown” and “The Family Stone.” On TV, as city manager Mark Brendanawicz in the first two seasons of “Parks and Recreation.”

What you might expect from him: A mild-mannered, sarcastic, likeable everyman with a tendency to attract the affection of the women around him. It’s that typical role that made his standout turn in “Bright Star” as the good friend of John Keats who has an antagonistic relationship with his love Fanny Brawne so fantastic.

Thursday Top Twelve

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I’ll be featuring a “top twelve” list for the rest of 2012 each Thursday, with a variety of themes. Please leave suggestions for future focuses in the comments!

Over the past twenty years, David Fincher has directed just nine films, and he’s slated to team with Kevin Spacey again in the upcoming Netflix series “House of Cards.” Oscar voters have only come around to him for his last three films, but some of his early work, like the underrated “Alien 3” and cult classics “Se7en” and “Fight Club” are also quite good. I’ve seen all of Fincher’s work, and though I didn’t care for either “The Game” or “Zodiac,” he’s definitely quite talented, and he has a knack for eliciting strong performances from his actors. Here are the best among them.

The Top Twelve Performances Directed by David Fincher

#12: Stellan Skarsgard (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) As Martin Vanger, one of the reclusive members of the dynasty at the heart of Mikael and Lisbeth’s investigation, Skarsgard stands out among the ensemble in an unnerving turn, perfectly balancing hospitality with hidden motives.

#11: John Carroll Lynch (Zodiac) The actor from “The Drew Carey Show” and “Fargo” is better known for his comic work, but he is the only memorable part of an otherwise dull and slow film, knocking his scene as a mysterious suspect out of the park.

#10: Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) This performance is nothing like #4, a carefully composed and beautiful interpretation of backwards life as experienced by the very unique Benjamin Button. Pitt’s facial expressions and the way he carries himself play into his fascinating transformation as he becomes increasingly more youthful.

#9: Morgan Freeman (Se7en) In the role of the veteran cop preparing for his retirement, Freeman wears his years of experience on his face as he gets sucked into a horrible final case, frequently displaying his expertise as he tries to keep his new partner on the right track.

#8: Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club) The always peculiar Carter turns in a devilishly off-kilter performance as Marla Singer, who channels her depression by crashing support groups and hanging around with the wrong crowd.

#7: Armie Hammer (The Social Network) Hammer jumpstarted his career with his fantastic dual performances as twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, playing off of himself and making what could have been throwaway characters an utterly essential part of the film.

#6: Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Playing a character made famous by a book and then by another actress is tough, but Mara proved that her brief scenes in “The Social Network” were signs of serious acting ability. Mara’s Lisbeth Salander was believably anti-establishment and winningly witty to boot.

#5: Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) The new Spider-Man made his true American debut with an extremely memorable turn as Mark Zuckerberg’s best friend who got left behind after Facebook became a hit. Garfield’s performance is spirited, passionate, and natural.

#4: Brad Pitt (Fight Club) One of Fincher’s favorite actors also appears in “Se7en,” but it’s his maniacal performance as bad boy Tyler Durden that ranks right up there with “12 Monkeys” as one of Pitt’s most simultaneously unhinged and controlled performances. It’s hard not to be intoxicated, just like the narrator, by Durden’s outlook on life.

#3: Edward Norton (Fight Club) Opposite the eccentric Pitt, Norton’s nameless narrator spirals out of control, achieving happiness when he’s most at odds with society and delighting in perverse perceptions of the world. Norton is always excellent, and this deliberate, mesmerizing performance is no exception.

#2: Kevin Spacey (Se7en) Spacey isn’t credited at the beginning of the film because his appearance was supposed to be a surprise, and it’s easily the most terrific, terrifying thing about the movie. He’s not a deranged killer, but rather a methodical, meticulous man determined to mete out biblical justice. It’s a riveting, immensely watchable turn.

#1: Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) Playing a well-known public figure is both an opportunity and a challenge. Eisenberg’s method was all about the material, and he managed to create a stunning protagonist so wrapped up by his own self-confidence that he can’t comprehend anything else. His delivery of Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue is exceptional, and he’s the best detestable anti-hero cinema has seen in a while.

Wednesday Oscar Watch

Welcome to a returning weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. It’s a bit early to be able to accurately predict the eventual Oscar nominees, but around this time, plenty of likely contenders are being released. I’ll be looking every Wednesday at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week. Additionally, to make up for lost time, I’ll also be taking a look at the films released earlier in the year, one months at a time. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section. Also, if I’ve missed any films from the previous months, please say so!

Films released November 2nd, 2012

Flight
Director Robert Zemeckis has had a handful of brushes with Oscar in the past, and only “Forrest Gump” has resulted in a Best Picture and Best Director nod. His actors tend to fare better, and Denzel Washington, who already has two wins and five nominations to his name, has a great shot at a Best Actor bid. Among the supporting cast, John Goodman could end up a nominee, but, not having seen the film yet, I think Denzel will be it.

Wreck-It Ralph
This well-received animated film seems likeable and popular enough to make it into the Best Animated Feature race, which now officially contains twenty-one eligible films. It’s not a sure thing, but it’s about as good a bet as anything else.

Films released July 2012

Ice Age: Continental Drift (July 13)
Only the first “Ice Age” movie was nominated for Best Animated Feature, but this one is officially eligible this year. I wouldn’t count it on, though, since the fourth entry in the series was also the worst-reviewed.

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)
It’s hard to judge how this film will do with awards since its reception was entirely influenced by the tragic shooting which killed audience members in Colorado at a midnight screening. A Best Picture nod is going to be tough, and acting awards are unlikely. Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects look good, while Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup could happen too.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Struck by Lightning

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

Struck by Lightning – Opening January 11, 2013

It’s always interesting to watch the transition of a TV star famous purely for one role try to transition to film. In this case, it’s Chris Colfer, who has been nominated for two Emmys for his performance of gay glee club member Kurt Hummel on “Glee.” While his role in this film doesn’t seem all that much different than the one he plays on the show, a few details aside, he is, for the first time, the main character, rather than a supporting scene stealer who has by default become one of the show’s most featured players. Also of note is the fact that Colfer, who is only twenty-two years old, wrote the script, which may incorporate a fair amount of his high school experiences, dramatized considerably to include extensive blackmail. Colfer has already written highly acclaimed children’s novels, and it’s always nice to see an actor writing their own material. The cast is stacked with recognizable TV faces like Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Allie Grant (“Subugatory”), Allison Janney (“The West Wing”), Ashley Richards (“Awkward”), and Angela Kinsey (“The Office”), as well as Rebel Wilson (“Pitch Perfect”) and Dermot Mulroney. The film’s plot seems reminiscent of last year’s little-seen “Beware the Gonzo,” not meant to be taken entirely seriously but likely to provide a good deal of entertainment. Its January release date suggests that it will be light, but I also assume that it will be quite popular, if not a must-see movie.

Monday Movie Moments: Catch Me If You Can

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. There are great movies, and then there are great scenes. Ideally, the two come as a package deal, but sometimes there’s just a scene that’s memorable all by itself. Each week, I’ll be taking a look at a formative movie moment that may be notable for its style, content, technique, or something else altogether. Minor spoilers will be referenced in this edition of the series, so please stop reading if you’ve somehow avoided seeing the movie in question.

There isn’t another film that quite achieves the tone of Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” the chronicle of Frank Abagnale, the real-life con man who posed as many different things throughout his prolific and illustrious career. I thought first of the early scene in which Frank, too dressed up for his first day at a new school, decides to pose as the substitute teacher and humiliate the bully who mocked his outfit. Paired with the second clip, it’s a perfect introduction to the gradual improvement and finessing of Frank’s technique, as he seeks out the victim for his latest plot. Fortunately, it’s Elizabeth Banks’ bank teller Lucy, who gushes with nervous laughter as Frank tells her that he wants to deposit a check and, with the ultimate line, take her out for a steak dinner. His grace and charm enables him to get a firsthand lesson on how checks are made, giving him most of what he needs to know to start forging them. This is one of the best Leonardo DiCaprio performances I’ve ever seen, certainly better than most of the ones that have netted him Oscar nominations, and the film is just so colorful, endearing, and well-scored. It’s a highly underrated and terrific cat-and-mouse film.

Sunday Similar Subjects

Welcome to what may be the final edition of this weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. After spending a number of weeks looking at actors who tend to play the same characters, it’s time to spotlight two films with eerily similar plots that came out at roughly the same time. There are surprisingly more examples than might be obvious, and this series will examine the similarities and differences between the two (or three), and how their simultaneous releases affected each other.

The Bang Bang Club / 5 Days of War

Release dates: April 22, 2011 / August 19, 2011

The similarities: Both were dramatizations of journalists right at the center of real international conflicts that you probably haven’t heard of since they both showed in fewer than ten theatres.

The differences: The former had actors portraying real people, war photographers in South Africa in the early 1990s, while the latter told a fictional story about reporters set against the backdrop of the South Ossetia War between Georgia and Russia in 2008. Director Steven Silver made his feature film debut with the former, while “Die Hard 2” director Renny Harlin made his most serious film in years with the latter.

The releases: Neither was good. The former fared somewhat better in that it showed at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and was nominated for a handful of Genie Awards (Canada’s Oscars). The former made about $125,000 domestically from nine theatres, and the latter pulled in an embarrassing $17,479 in six theatres. Both received negative reviews, with the former being criticized for not being hard-hitting enough, while the latter was perceived as heavily and problematically pro-Georgian.

Which one is more likely to be remembered? Neither. I’ll remember the latter more because I had the opportunity to talk to director Harlin and star Andy Garcia, who portrayed Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili. I also saw it with a friend who had been living in Russia for the past few years, who was impressed but also shocked by its pro-Georgian slant. I would argue that both films are affecting and captivating portraits of war that should be seen by more people than had the chance to see them.

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in theatres as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.

Now Playing

Nothing to report this week, but I am interested in seeing Flight, which is being touted as an Oscar contender despite not appearing that way in the trailers I’ve seen thus far. I have less interest in Wreck-It Ralph.

New to DVD

Ruby Sparks (highly recommended): This delightfully inventive comedy comes from “Little Miss Sunshine” directing duo Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Feris and stars real-life couple Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan as an author and the character he writes who comes to life. Kazan wrote the script of this fantastic film, which boasts some terrific supporting performances and a great score.

Safety Not Guaranteed (recommended): This little movie features the amazing Aubrey Plaza of “Parks and Recreation” in a perfect role as a journalist exploring the claims of a man, played by Mark Duplass, seeking a companion for time travel. Its imagination and dialogue are both equally strong, and it hits just the right quirky notes.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

The Artist (highly recommended): This delightful black-and-white, silent film is wonderfully creative and entirely charming, using its antique form to excellent effect. French performers Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo are magnificent, and the film is fully entertaining from start to finish. Its Oscars were very deserved.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (recommended): This crime comedy from director Shane Black, who is the upcoming directing “Iron Man 3,” is creative and fun, if a bit eccentric, featuring terrific performances from Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, and especially a mesmerizing Michelle Monaghan.

Manhattan (highly recommended): Many consider “Annie Hall” to be Woody Allen’s best film, but this excellent 1979 love letter to New York City is absolutely superb, featuring a stellar script and wonderful comic performances from Allen, Diane Keaton, Oscar nominee Mariel Hemingway, and Meryl Streep.

Mirror Mirror (mixed bag): This widely-advertised update of Snow White is an inconsistently modernized, generally entertaining take on the classic story, that features Julia Roberts in the lead role as the Queen, having a grand old time and chewing up scenery. The dwarves are fun, but this movie otherwise isn’t all too worthwhile, though it’s hardly terrible or miserable either.

Friday Familiar Faces: Kate Mara

Welcome to a semi-regular weekly feature here at Movies With Abe! There are plenty of actors out there who people recognize by face but can’t identify because they just don’t tend to get the leading roles. There is a fantastic book (and website) dedicated to this phenomenon, appropriately titled “Hey! It’s That Guy” and touting the fantastic J.T. Walsh as the ultimate recognizable everyman.

This series will spotlight an actor or actress who has recently turned in a notable or scene-stealing performance and showcase some of their best cinematic appearances. More than other any feature, this series will merge the worlds of television and film as needed to highlight a performer’s best and most recognizable work.

Kate Mara
Where you’ve seen her most recently: As Dylan McDermott’s malevolent mistress on “American Horror Story.”

Where you might have first seen her: Guest-starring roles as a pregnant teenager on “Everwood,” a bisexual cheerleader on “Nip/Tuck,” and Jack’s girlfriend Katie on “Jack and Bobby.”

Other notable appearances: Mark Wahlberg’s best ally in “Shooter,” the mysterious female half of a young couple in “Transsiberian,” a U.S. marshal in "Iron Man 2," one of the women that James Franco meets before his fall in “127 Hours,” and Ben Schwartz’s determined assistant in the underrated “Peep World.” On TV, she played an analyst on season five of “24” and Eric’s assistant on season six of “Entourage.”

What you might expect from her: A charming and often disarming presence, usually in an innocent role that ends up requiring more from her than it initially seems. While her younger sister Rooney catapulted to fame with an Oscar-nominated starring role in the American version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Kate tends to have smaller roles that stand out in more independent films and TV series.

Thursday Top Twelve – Star Wars Edition

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I’ll be featuring a “top twelve” list for the rest of 2012 each Thursday, with a variety of themes. Please leave suggestions for future focuses in the comments!

With the shocking news this week that Disney has acquired Lucasfilm and will produce three more Star Wars movies, there’s plenty to consider. As one of the outspoken few who actually enjoyed Episodes I and II (III less so), I still understand the potential risks of adding to a franchise that’s already unbelievably popular. Without further ado, here are the Top Twelve Things That Could Make or Break the New Slate of Star Wars Sequels.

#12: Rating The first five films were all rated PG, while “Revenge of the Sith” earned a PG-13, for sci-fi violence and some intense images. Those involved with the script will have to decide whether they want this to be a new, darker force-fueled world or if this decade’s Star Wars will be just for kids.

#11: Length With the exception of the most recent film (barely), each entry in the series has gotten progressively longer. “A New Hope” was 121 minutes, while “Attack of the Clones” clocked in at 142 minutes. If enough of the story is populated by action, that’s fine, but excessive and unexciting plot development just won’t do, especially if there are three films to come.

#10: Music Think what you will about “The Phantom Menace,” but John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates” provides an excellent anthem for the eternal battle between the Jedi and the Sith. If five-time Oscar winner Williams continues his involvement with the franchise, at least one element of the movies is sure to be terrific.

#9: 3-D Given that Episode I already came out in 3-D and Episodes II and III are slated to do the same next year, it makes sense that Episodes VII, VIII, and IX will be put out in 3-D. The visuals could be pretty damn cool if done right, and we just have to hope that the eye-popping technology doesn’t come at the expense of the story.

#8: Dialogue The script is important, crucial even, despite the fact that this is sci-fi more than anything. Classic insults like “Nerfherder” and “Aren’t you a little short to be a stormtrooper?” should reign, and campy bantering is fine too. The prequels took their dialogue too seriously.

#7: Acting The same goes for the acting. Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn and Alec Guniness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi were great, but the rest of the cast needs to find a balance between wooden performances and celestial overacting. Guinness exempted, no one from this series is going to be nominated for an Oscar for acting.

#6: Secrecy I remember my excitement at finding teaser photos for “Attack of the Clones” before it came out, and hearing only some of what was to come. Too much hype and predictions of what’s going to be at the center of the movies, or worse, accurate confirmation, could ruin part of the thrill of this series.

#5: Directing George Lucas helmed four of the films that exist already, and the other two directors – Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand – are both dead. The creative vision behind the camera makes a world of difference, and longtime producer Steven Spielberg could be a great choice to indulge his love for aliens. There are a host of other options as well, and it would be interesting to see how a new director could steer this franchise in a new direction.

#4: Visual Effects One criticism of the prequels was that its technology was more advanced than what existed in the original films, mainly because they were made 25 years later and thus had better effects. In the future, things are be as advanced as possible, and a subpar story wouldn’t be as disappointing if the scenery is mesmerizing.

#3: Casting Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman may not have delivered Shakespeare-caliber performances in the prequels, but nothing compared to Hayden Christensen, who won Razzie awards for both of his performances as Anakin. Simply put, Kristen Stewart would be a bad choice to play a young Jedi, while Chloe Grace Moretz or Freddie Highmore might make more sense, for instance. The acting doesn’t need to be excellent, but it needs to be better than it was.

#2: Cameos Presuming that Mark Hamill certainly won’t be coming back as the films’ star and that Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford likely won’t be front and center either, it’s important that their inevitable cameos be brief and poignant, not unnecessarily highlighted or distracting.

#1: Plot Much has happened in the Star Wars universe aside from the films. I remember reading young adult novels about Han and Leia’s children, Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin. There’s so much from which to draw, and the focus of the films matters a lot since setting them after “Return of the Jedi” means that anything could happen. I’m sure no one wants another Jar Jar Binks to appear, no matter the circumstances.