Now Playing

With the Academy Awards coming up on Sunday, there is still plenty of time to catch some of this year's nominees on the Big Screen. Below is a list of nominees that are now playing in theaters in SLO County. You still have time to catch them before the big Awards Show on Sunday.

Best Picture:

The Artist

Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bernice Bejo, John Goodman, and James Cromwell

Synopsis: This is one of the most lauded films of 2011, and for good reason. "The Artist" is artful, whimsical, and daring. It is a black and white silent film about a silent film star coming to grips with the end of the silent film era. In a day and age where studios are intent on pushing forward with 3D and special effects technology, this film is a throwback to a simpler era when a film was defined by its story and performances. Both are first rate in this film. And if it took a silent film to introduce U.S. audiences to the talents of Dujardin and Bejo — French film stars — then keep them coming. Both are fantastic in difficult roles that take you back to a different era of filmmaking and storytelling. Writer/director Michael Hazanavicius clearly had a vision for this film, and he brings that vision to life in a stunning way. The other supporting actors — chiefly Goodman and Cromwell — do a nice job in their roles too, and the film features one of the most engaging and entertaining dog performances in recent memory. In fact, the dog is so good he should get third billing for the film. This is a movie that mixes humor and pathos, romance and isolation, music and dancing in a way no other film has in quite some time. I don't have a lot experience with silent films — having seen clips of Chaplin films and all of "Birth of a Nation" as a frame of reference — but "The Artist" is a film that celebrates the era, celebrates the artists, and celebrates talent in a world where technology seems to take precedence. And the rousing romance of the film, as well as the inspired closing sequence, it breathtaking and brilliant. The film received a gaggle of Academy Award nominations — including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress — and it was deserving of them all. "The Artist" is one of the rare true gems in motion pictures, for this year or any year.

Rating: PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

The Help

Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, and Bryce Dallas Howard

Synopsis: There was a lot of great buzz about this film going into it, and it is all deserved. Based on Kathryn Stockett's novel, the film explores the dynamics of the relationships between black maids and white employers in Jackson, Miss. in the early 1960s. The performances are incredible. Stone is turning into one of the most talented performers of her generation, Howard does a great job in a different kind of role for her, and Janney and Spacek add some veteran presence to the film. But the real stars of the production are Spencer and Davis. Spencer does a great job in a very complex role. She provides much of the humor and gumption in the film. Davis, meanwhile, is the emotional anchor of the film. She turns in a great performance and one that could easily be considered during award season. This film is also a great showcase for female performers. There are not a lot of meaty roles for women, but this film is full of them. And the ladies make the most of their opening, creating a wonderful, moving, and well-crafted story. Great credit goes to writer-director Tate Taylor, who was invested in this project due to his connection to Stockett. This is a film you need to see, and is easily one of the best released so far this year.

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Hugo

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jude Law

Synopsis: When you think of director Martin Scorsese, you don’t usually think of family-friendly entertainment. The legendary director has been nominated for several Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and Best Director in 2006 for “The Departed.” But throughout his career, Scorsese has been known for edgy films throughout his career. His early works included “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” and “Goodfellas,” with intense films such as “The Aviator” and “Gangs of New York.” But there is another side to Scorsese, the side that has a love for film to the point that he’s helped spearhead efforts to preserve the history of American cinema. And that’s where “Hugo” comes in. It’s a beautiful story of finding your place in the world that also happens to be a love letter to the art of early cinema. It’s a surprising gem that takes you to unexpected places, which is why it’s a contender for Best Picture. The film centers on a boy — Hugo (Asa Butterfield) — who has had a rough lot in life. His parents are gone, his uncle is absentee, and he lives alone in the shadows of a train station. He spends his days scavenging enough food to live, keeping the clocks in perfect time, and looking for parts to repair and automated robot his father (Jude Law) had been repairing before his death. When Hugo is caught by a local merchant, Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley), he loses his notebook — the only remaining link to his father’s work. Soon, to get his notebook back, Hugo begins working for Georges. He also develops a close relationship with Georges god-daughter, Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz). Together, Hugo and Isabelle begin an adventure to discover more about the origins of the robot and its mysterious connection to Georges and his wife, Jeanne (Helen McCrory). All the while, Hugo tries to evade detection from the Station Agent (Sasha Baron Cohen), who seeks to nab him and ship him off to the orphanage where he belongs. What begins as a search to find answers about his father turns into something so much more for Hugo as his life, and the life of Georges, as forever transformed. There is something beautiful and joyous about this story. Going in, those that haven’t read the book from Brian Selznik, likely won’t know what to expect. The vague marketing campaign and description for the film don’t do it justice. What, on the surface, might appear to be some holiday family entertainment is a rich, multi-layered story that’s just as compelling for adults as children. Scorsese has always had a gift as a director for telling a very strong visual story and getting rich performances from his actors. This film is no exception. Butterfield and Moretz shine in the primary roles, with Kingsley turning in a fine, rich performance as Georges. In fact, the inclusion of Kingsley is nothing short of inspired casting. Equally strong is McCrory in a beautiful supporting role as Jeanne. The film is also boasted by a host of strong supporting players in various roles in the train station and as part of the narrative. Cohen brings a touch of humor to his role, and the other merchants in the train station — Emily Mortimer, Richard Griffiths, Christopher Lee and Frances de la Tour — add to the humor and warmth of the film. In addition, Michael Stuhlbarg turns in a wonderful performance as an expect of film that Hugo and Isabelle turn to in order to learn more about the mysterious origins of the robot. There are several aspects of the story that really hit home. It is a tale of love, acceptance, embracing one’s passion and the bonds of family that we’re all seeking. The film’s heartwarming and inspiring final act makes this a wonderful addition to the holiday season. Kingsley, in particular, really shines most in the final act of the film, which offers a rich exploration of his past and sees his character embracing a part of himself he thought he lost years earlier. It is a beautiful aspect of the story, and it’s elevated by the performer and director putting it together. Second, in a lot of ways this film is a love-letter to the art of film. Scorsese has long been an advocate of protecting and restoring old film, and through “Hugo” you get a sense of why that’s so vital and important. Organically, through the context of this rich story, you get a celebration of the creative process and the early film work that created such a rich world of imagination for audiences. You get a sense, watching this film, that Scorsese is providing a window into the power of early film and how it inspired his own memorable career. In many ways, this might be my favorite of Scorsese’s films because it feels so personal at times. It is also a film that, for me, developed in beautiful and unexpected ways. That being said, it’s not a perfect film. I saw little point to it being in the 3D format. Like so many films released this year, I thought “Hugo” would have been better in a traditional format. Additionally, the film starts a bit slow. The final hour — especially the beautiful last act — as more than satisfying, but it takes a little while to see where the film is going. This may not be the best film I’ve seen this year, but it’s one of the most inspirational. It’s a beautiful film that’s a celebration of the medium and well worth checking out.

Rating:PG for mild thematic material, some action/peril, and smoking.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Other Nominees

Albert Nobbs

Starring: Glen Close, Janet McTeer, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Brendan Gleeson, and Maria Doyle Kennedy

Synopsis: "Albert Nobbs" is one of the films making the rounds thanks to the Academy Award recognition of its performances. And Close — who plays Nobbs — and McTeer both offer great performances worthy of nomination consideration. That's what makes this a tough movie to evaluate. There is a difference between the quality of the production and technique, and the quality of the story, at least for me. Technically, the film is done beautifully. The beats work, the way it's put together works, and the film deftly balances lighter comedic moments and drama. The performances are rich, and really drive the film. Close does an incredible job in a tough role that forces her to stretch in some different ways. McTeer also offers a great performance, as does the rest of the supporting cast. The setting and way the story unfolds all works to create a certain mood, and it's a credit to director Rodrigo Garcia that it all comes together as well as it does. That being said, this is kind of a strange and depressing film. From that standpoint, it's not totally enjoyable. It's an interesting story done well, but it doesn't leave you feeling great at the end. I'm not totally sure what the point of the film was, which is another problem. The film is worth seeing for the performances, just don't go in expecting a great, emotionally riveting film.

Rating:R for some sexuality, brief nudity and language.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Iron Lady

Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Richard E. Grant, and Olivia Coleman

Synopsis: Streep already won a Golden Globe for this role and is among the front runners for the Academy Award. She is, without a doubt, the greatest actress working, and she brings her all to this role. Streep plays Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minster in England. Streep captures a unique mannerism and speaking voice while bringing her incredible emotional range to the role. That being said, "The Iron Lady" is a bit of a disappointment as a film. In much the same way I praised Leonardo DiCaprio's performance but panned the film "J. Edgar," it was hard to like "The Iron Lady." The film is a biopic of an important historical figure that the average American likely doesn't know much about. Instead of a moving piece that gets you into the head space and mindset of Thatcher during key periods of her life, the film offers a muddled focus. It bounces back and forth and seemed to focus on aspects of the story that minimized Thatcher as a historical figure, which is unfortunate. Streep is a consummate professional, and the supporting cast does fairly well, especially Broadbent, but this is a tough film to watch. It feels like a missed opportunity.

Rating: PG-13 for some violent images and brief nudity.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

My Week With Marilyn

Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Julia Ormond, and Emma Watson

Synopsis: Sir Laurence Olivier is making a movie in London. Young Colin Clark, an eager film student, wants to be involved and he navigates himself a job on the set. When film star Marilyn Monroe arrives for the start of shooting, all of London is excited to see the blonde bombshell, while Olivier is struggling to meet her many demands and acting ineptness, and Colin is intrigued by her. Colin's intrigue is met when Marilyn invites him into her inner world where she struggles with her fame, her beauty and her desire to be a great actress.

Rating: R for some language

Pina

Synopsis: A documentary on modern dance that serves as a tribute to the late choreographer Pina Bausch.

Rating: PG for some sensuality/partial nudity and smoking