Best Picture Nominees — Dark Horses


Over the next few weeks leading up to the Academy Awards I'll be reviewing and categorizing the films competing for Best Picture prior to making my annual picks. Today's section looks at Dark Horses, the films that should probably be happy just being nominated.

Midnight In Paris
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, and Marion Cottillard
Synopsis: Woody Allen's film is the little comedy that could. It's a simple film with an interesting story that seems to have captured the hearts and attention of audiences and critics. Personally, this is the only film in the nine running for Best Picture that I just don't think you can make a case for actually winning. The nomination for Best Picture — and the other nominations for the film — seem more like a nod to the filmmaking ability of Allen. This is a creative, somewhat enjoyable film, but I don't think it's a great film, even by Allen's standards. It does have an interesting premise and it's executed relatively well. The overall message that we all romanticise different eras because we're dissatisfied about our lives rings true. The fact that people throughout history have done this also rings true. It's a good performance from Owen Wilson and it's a fun little film, but that's about it. This has to be considered a real dark horse in the race. It's best chance probably comes in the original screenplay category.
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.
Where to Find It: "Midnight in Paris" is now available on DVD

Tree of Life
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain
Synopsis: This is the most polarizing entry into the fray. It seems that, for the most part, people have either hated this film or loved it. That has been true since it made the festival circuit. The story surrounding the film's premier is that half the audience walked out and the other half gave it a standing ovation. Terrance Malick is an acquired taste who makes a certain type of film. How you feel about that non-linear, deconstructed style probably informs how you feel about this film. For my part, I found it somewhat fascinating in terms of the idea it grapples with — which is reconciling our place in this world with God's majesty following a tragedy. My guess is that Malick is an agnostic based on the way the film is put together, but it certainly offers food for thought. That being said, I neither loved nor hated this film. I think this film is a real dark horse to win Best Picture, but I think you can make a case for it. Some voters really love the style and, if nothing else, the film is daring in the way it is put together. Hard to say what the best shot would be for this film to win an award. The biggest prize for Malick and "Tree of Life" may simply be its nominations.
Rating: PG-13 for some thematic material.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.
Where You Can Find It: "Tree of Life" is available on DVD.

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