Saw ‘em all, so listed below are my ranking of all ten films nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Picture. Since the Golden Globes nominate five films in two categories, Drama and Musical or Comedy, at the end of each summary I noted film’s nomination category.
1. 12 Years A Slave. This film picked an American scab and reopened an old wound that made us bleed long after it ended. Visceral and outstanding. Drama.
2. Philomena. Judy Dench carried this heartbreaking but compelling story on her shoulders much like a pro wrestler, and then body-slammed us (and it) to the mat with a fittingly powerful finish. Superb. Drama.
3. American Hustle. I am always a sucker for likeable scoundrels and this film featured four, headlined by terrific work from Christian Bale. Musical or Comedy.
4. Her. Clever, innovative, and well written high concept story showcases a surprisingly entertaining star turn by Joaquin Phoenix on screen and a pitch perfect voiceover by invisible love interest Scarlet Johansen – his computer’s operating system. Musical or Comedy.
5. Nebraska. Alexander Payne turned Bruce Dern loose on an unsuspecting public and gently steered him down a wandering trail of simple Americana. Musical or Comedy.
6. Gravity. The star of this movie wasn’t Sandra Bullock or George Clooney – or even its story – but rather the film’s special effect. Movies that break new ground via innovative technology – like Star Wars and Avatar before it – are always well received. Drama.
7. Rush. A tremendous performance by German actor Daniel Bruhl as racecar driver Niki Lauda turned an otherwise pedestrian film into a very watchable one. Drama.
8. Captain Phillips. The Somali pirates were by far the best part of this otherwise forgettable studio effort. I’d have rather seen the Somalis immediately toss Captain Phillips over the rail and hung out with them for two more hours. Drama.
9. Inside Llewyn Davis. A boring yawner of nothingness that goes absolutely nowhere and no one will remember one month from today. Musical or Comedy.
10. The Wolf of Wall Street. The most overhyped mountain of rubbish I’ve seen in years. The second worst film of 2014 by a very comfortable margin. I’m glad the great Roger Ebert, bless his wonderful soul, wasn’t around to see. Roger loved good movies and he had suffered enough. Alleged Musical or Comedy.
According to my rankings, the Golden Globes will go to 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle. But in Hollywood, who knows? So let’s tune in and find out.
See you at the movies!