Brad Pitt: Boston Film Critic's Best Actor

With awards season officially under way, many people expect the film Moneyball and it's leading man Brad Pitt to take home their fair share of victories. On Sunday, Pitt claimed the Best Actor award with the Boston Society of Film Critics and the win will undoubtedly help him build steam during the stretch run to the Oscars.

Other notable winners were The Artist for Best Picture and Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) for Best Actress. For a complete list of winners, click the link below (courtesy of Peter Knegt at Indiewire.com):

http://www.indiewire.com/article/boston-society-of-film-critics-announcing-award-winners-in-progress

YOUNG ADULT Trailer 2011 Official [HD]

Young Adult

Film: Young Adult

Starring: Charlize Theron (Hancock) and Patton Oswalt (Big Fan)

Director: Jason Reitman (Up in the Air)

U.S. Release: December 16th, 2011 (Rated R)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 94 minutes

Although Jason Reitman is just a pup, the talented young director has begun his career in a remarkable fashion. He may only have 3 major releases under his belt, but the director has already received two Best Director nominations from the Academy Awards. Needless to say, the anticipation for Reitman's latest work, Young Adult, has been astronomical. In the film, the director matches his talents with the always wonderful Charlize Theron. But the question still remains, can these two stars live up to expectations?

Young Adult follows a struggling fiction writer named Mavis Gary (played by Theron). The recently divorced ex-prom queen returns to her small town home in Minnesota with aspirations of winning back Buddy Slade, her high school sweetheart. No matter how much her new drinking buddy Matt Freehauf (played by Oswalt) tries to coax her out of the bad idea, Mavis believes that she can convince Buddy to leave his wife and newborn child.

With Young Adult, Reitman offers an overly cynical comedy that will ultimately result in a polarizing piece of work. Many viewers will cringe at the idea of such an unlikable lead character. And since the film is a comedy, Mavis Gary's despicable persona is extremely animated. Furthermore, without spoiling the movie's resolve, audiences will find themselves split over the director's choice of action. Hence, Young Adult is a difficult film to dissect.

Despite its polarizing characteristics, Young Adult delivers excellent performances by its main cast. For starters, Charlize Theron returns in award winning fashion. Her ability to portray a washed up and delusional middle aged woman is phenomenal. Mavis is a character meant to make the audience shake its head in disbelief, and Theron certainly succeeds in doing so. Just as effective as Theron is her supporting co-star Patton Oswalt. Mostly known for his work on the television show The King of Queens, Oswalt's performance is sure to place him on the map. In fact, in a year where the Best Supporting Actor category is flooded with options, Oswalt's work still manages to stand out.

Furthermore, Reitman's Young Adult is almost an "evil twin" to his earlier praised work, Juno. The two films are equally sarcastic and equally hilarious. The only major difference between the movies are how their leading female characters are portrayed. In Juno, the pregnant teen which the film centers around is likable and, therefore, it's easy to feel sympathetic towards her. On the other hand, Mavis Gary's constant lack of good judgment and her despicable actions make it difficult for the audience to empathize with the character. Otherwise, I find Reitman's two pictures to be quite comparable in tone.

Personally, I really enjoyed Young Adult. I found the film to be a brutally honest depiction of how certain people are unable to let go of their pasts. Mavis is just another example of such people. To Young Adult's advantage, Reitman does a fantastic job of balancing the comedic aspects of the film with the more dramatic moments. If you're able to keep an open mind about such an unlikable lead character, then it's worth checking out Young Adult.

Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B

Hugo - Official Trailer [HD]

Hugo (2011)

Film: Hugo (2011)

Starring: Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island), Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas), and Chloe Grace Moretz (Let Me In)

Director: Martin Scorsese (The Departed)

U.S. Release: November 23rd, 2011 (Rated PG)

Genre: Drama/Adventure

Runtime: 127 minutes

Martin Scorsese is performing a complete 180 on the phrase "family film". The acclaimed director, who typically spends his time making movies based on mob families, has set his sights on mastering the true essence of the PG rating. Scorsese begins a new chapter of his legacy with his latest work, Hugo. Truly a film suitable for the entire family, Scorsese delves outside of his comfort zone and into the hearts and minds of his viewers.

Set in 1930's Paris, Hugo follows an orphan child living inside the walls of the city's train station. After the passing of his father, young Hugo (played by Butterfield) allows Isabelle (played by Moretz) to assist him on an adventure to discover the mystery behind a broken machine which he possesses.

In an attempt to give as little away as possible, Scorsese's Hugo is a wondrous throwback to the origins of film. The director offers a delightfully crafted story that, on the surface, satisfies a younger audience. However, on a deeper level, Scorsese's work is intelligent and profound enough to captivate its adult viewers. What proves to be a perfect yet delicate balance, Hugo is a thrilling adventure and an exciting journey.

Once again, Scorsese does an excellent job of casting. One of Hugo's biggest strengths is the film's immensely talented cast. Who can argue the legendary career of the gifted Ben Kingsley? However, the performances of youngsters Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz prove to be most memorable. They are an extraordinary pair of skillful actors and will continue to entertain for many years to come. Furthermore, Sacha Baron Cohen demonstrates he's more than just an off the wall actor. The Borat star is sensational as the Station Inspector, a complex character straddling a thin line between stern and compassionate. All in all, Hugo's success is, in large part, due to its fine collection of actors and actresses.

Although the film's cast and script are wonderful, Hugo still has one small downside. With a runtime north of two hours, the movie contains a noticeable drag. Hugo's second act is drawn out and difficult to sit through at times, yet uncovering the story's mystery manages to help the audience push forward. And to its benefit, the film's resolution is well worth the wait.

I highly recommend Hugo to anyone looking for an enjoyable movie capable of entertaining the entire family. In addition, the picture is also a must see for any avid fans of cinema. Hugo offers a perfectly fitting score and exceptional cinematography. Scorsese and company recently were awarded Best Director and Best Picture by the NBR for their efforts in Hugo. The win is by no means shocking. For a delightful viewing experience, be sure to check out Hugo.

Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

2011's Most Underrated Films

With 27 more days to go, perhaps I'm a little early with this post. However, since December manages to be the poster child for Oscar contender releases, we can agree that most movies hitting theatres this month won't be flying under the radar. Through careful thought and selection, I've compiled my list of 2011's Best of the Unseen. Counting down to the most underrated film of the year, here are 5 "must see" movies that may have quietly tip-toed by you over the past twelve months.

ANOTHER EARTH

#5) Another Earth is less a sci-fi piece and more so a psychological drama. Set against the backdrop of discovering a planet identical to ours in the solar system, a young woman seeks redemption for the unspeakable tragedy she caused a few years prior. This little independent piece carries a strong performance from its leading lady Brit Marling, and Another Earth's ending will send your head spinning for days.

THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE

#4) Dominic Cooper finally receives a well deserved leading role in the action packed film The Devil's Double. Remarkably intense and never taking its foot off the gas, The Devil's Double is a thrilling true story that examines the life of Uday Hussein (the son of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein). When a young Iraqi man named Latif is kidnapped by his country's government, Uday forces the man to be his "double". Fearful of his life, Latif relinquishes any sense of freedom he has and becomes a slave to the crazed and sadistic son of Saddam.

CEDAR RAPIDS

#3) Stars John C. Reilly and Ed Helms deliver laugh after laugh in one of 2011's best comedies, Cedar Rapids. Helms plays a small town insurance salesman who's in over his head when he's sent by his company to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in order to compete for an award at an insurance convention. This heartfelt comedy will draw you in and, even more importantly, keep you laughing.

WIN WIN

#2) Win Win premiered at Sundance this year to what can only be described as rave reviews. Critics alike spoke highly of this family drama. Paul Giamatti stars as Mike Flaherty, a struggling suburban lawyer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he agrees to be the legal guardian for an elderly and mentally incapacitated client. When the client's runaway grandson shows up in town, Mike takes the boy (named Kyle) into his home. Together Mike and Kyle teach one another about the game of life. Win Win is filled with honest portrayals by its entire cast, and its gentle blend of comedy and drama allow the film to stand out as one of the year's best pictures.

THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED

#1) Perhaps J.K. Simmons is most remembered for his work as the father of a pregnant teen daughter in 2007's Juno. However, it goes without question that Simmons delivers his best work in 2011's most underrated film, The Music Never Stopped. Simmons stars as Henry Sawyer, a father who lost touch with his son for 20 years after the boy (Gabriel) ran away from home. But when Henry and his wife receive word that Gabriel is in the hospital recovering from massive brain surgery, they rush to the aid of their son. Incapable of generating new memories due to the surgery, Gabriel only comes to life by connecting old memories with the music of his teenage years. Therefore, in order to reconcile with his son, Henry must bond with Gabriel over the same music that ruined their relationship 20 years prior. Sometimes criticized as "Lifetime Movie-esque", The Music Never Stopped is undoubtedly heartfelt and moving. It's a wonderful true story that's brilliantly acted on all accounts. All of which make it the most underrated film of 2011.

Did I miss out on some other underrated movies? Leave a comment letting me know which films you would have included on this list.

Hugo claims Best Picture with NBR

The National Board of Review officially announced Hugo as its choice for Best Picture of 2011. The film and its acclaimed director, Martin Scorsese, both took home wins in their respective categories. The organization's selections for other major categories included Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin) for Best Actress and a pair of stars from The Descendants, George Clooney (Best Actor) and Shailene Woodley (Best Supporting Actress). Christopher Plummer also took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his excellent work in the under-appreciated independent film The Beginners. Including a wide range of film enthusiasts, the NBR's influence on the Academy Awards carries a small amount of significance. For a complete list of winners and other additional information, click the link below (courtesy of Matt Goldberg @ Collider.com).

http://collider.com/hugo-national-board-of-review-nbr-winner/129802/