As awards season develops, there are certain films that kick up a bit more buzz than others. So, with 2 months to go until the Academy Awards, here is my prediction for the top gong, 'Best Picture', nominations. Despite the fact that I haven't seen some of these flicks, there are clear indications as to which films are valued by the critics. Some of my favourites are not fancied, so they get a special mention at the bottom.
My prediction:
1. The Social Network (probable winner)
List Hero rating: 4 stars
Great cast, great script, great director, and a very interesting story.
2. Inception
List Hero rating: 5 stars
Original idea, phenomenal effects, and a superb ensemble cast.
3. Toy Story 3
List Hero rating: 5 stars
A beautifully animated, emotional farewell, with a few twists along the way.
4. The Kids Are All Right
List Hero rating: 4 stars
An original and light-hearted twist on mixed up family troubles.
5. Winter's Bone
List Hero rating: 4 stars
The film is pretty dark and is held up by a very strong performance from its cast, particularly lead actress Jennifer Lawrence (pictured below).
6. Black Swan
List Hero rating: 5 stars
Psychological drama with a gorgeous soundtrack and a personal best performance from Natalie Portman.
7. The Fighter
List Hero rating: Not seen
8. 127 Hours
List Hero rating: Not seen
9. The King's Speech
List Hero rating: Not seen
10. Rabbit Hole
List Hero rating: Not seen
Films that I enjoyed, but won't get nominations:
- Shutter Island
List Hero rating: 5 stars
A thrilling Scorsese picture, but not seen as his strongest (and was released way back in February) so won't be nominated.
- Greenberg
List Hero rating: 5 stars
Ben Stiller (pictured below) gives a fantastic straight performance as an awkward outsider. The character development in Noah Baumbach's movie is excellent but their doesn't appear to be enough buzz around to get a nod.
- The Town
List Hero rating: 4 stars
An excellent, exciting movie, with great performances (particularly from Jeremy Renner). However, it's fairly predictable and Ben Affleck isn't a big favourite with the academy (yet).
- Despicable Me
List Hero rating: 4 stars
The humour is mainly aimed at children but this has an original plot, and a really emotional finale, but it's unlikely that two animated movies will be nominated - and Toy Story 3 is not going to budge.
- Cemetry Junction
List Hero rating: 4 stars
Funny, touching, and has a great cast, but not big enough in the states to get a nomination.
