Saturday, January 31, 2009

Don't go see it

It was nominated for 13 academy awards so I thought, wow it should be pretty good. Plus, Brad was pretty good in the other movie Burn After Reading, so I decided to go see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button yesterday. It was housecleaner day so I had an excuse. What a dire mistake that was. I sat there for the whole three hours but almost left twice I was so bored. The only time I laughed was at the end when the credits (finally!) came on and it said the film was based on the "short story" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. How do you turn a short story into a three hour snooze fest? And Pitt is nominated for best actor? Are we awarding it for the most stoic and monotone performance? Because although we saw plenty of neat make-up on Brad, we saw no range of emotion. Monotone. Stoic. Ugh! The whole time I felt like I was talking to someone who was telling me a story and I wanted them to hurry up and get to the point, what is the purpose of your story, c'mon let's go! No. There was really no point except to watch Brad age backwards. Lame! (As might be my use of exclamation points this morning.)

I've only seen three of the nominated films, Milk, this piece of crap and Slumdog Millionaire. Slumdog was the best movie I've seen in years so I'm pretty sure it will win. I didn't see the Reader nor Frost/Nixon, so I could be talking out of my ass too.

24 comments:

Mel said...

I shall consider myself warned.

Birdie said...

I have to agree with you on this. I've never understood the allure of Brad Pitt. If you want to see the winner of the Best Actor award, go see Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon." I thought I would be bored to tears with the politics, but it is a compelling movie. My vote for Best Picture would go to "Gran Torino" with Clint Eastwood. My son, who is required by teen law to be unmoved by anything, says it is the best movie he has ever seen. Two days later he was still thinking about it and said that "there were no flaws." See it. (For those actually in the running, I'm torn between "Slumdog" and "Milk.")

lattégirl said...

"(...)required by teen law to be unmoved by anything..." Hahahahaha!

As for the 13 nominations, I suspect alot of it is based on the inbred Hollywood mindset. Brad is a darling of theirs. He has done some very good work (12 Monkeys will forever be my favourite, and Burn After Reading was also fun - he seems to do well with the slightly insane character roles) but a movie has got to be compelling to clock in at 3 hours.

"Gran Torino" is next on my list of movies to see because (IMO) Clint is always a solid bet for quality work.

Doug said...

You know how these things work. If Slumdog was the best movie, it won't win. ;)

A Lewis said...

It's funny, because just last night I heard someone say that they'd like to go see Benjamin B. AGAIN because they liked it so much the first time. I'M CONFUSED! I probably won't see any of them, quite frankly.

Anonymous said...

Really? Benjamin Button WAS long, but it held my interest. Furthermore, I was crying at the end, really bawling, like I haven't cried at the movies since sometime in the 1970's.

Granted, I don't think Brad Pitt deserved an Oscar nomination for his acting, though I do think that Cate Blanchett should have gotten one for hers.

You should see both The Reader and Frost/Nixon, especially the former. Kate Winslett is VERY good, and manages to come across as very German. The young man who plays the teenage/student lead is quite good as well, better than Ralph Fiennes as the older version of the character.

As for Frost/Nixon, I was somewhat disappointed with Langella's performance as Nixon. I felt that he varied too much in his attempts to impersonate Tricky Dicky. Sometimes he was trying really hard, sometimes he just didn't bother. I'd have liked to have seen Michael Sheen get a nomination for his portrayal of David Frost, though.

Rox said...

I hate going to the movies because I cannot stand to hear other people eat popcorn and rustle their candy bags! I will wait until it's on DVD then if it sucks, I can pop that sucker out and move on with my life!

I'm sorry this movie was such a bust for you. Next time the housecleaner comes, go to the museum instead. :)

GayProf said...

I can't say that I had any interest in seeing it at all. To be sure, I was surprised it got the attention that it did.

Anonymous said...

I overheard someone asking if it were based on a true story. No, really!

Polt said...

I saw Frost/Nixon, and while I enjoyed it and the performances were outstanding, I think it worked better as a play. I certainly don't think it worthy of the best picture oscar. (although Frank Langella is unbelievable as Nixon!)

Going to see Milk tonight. Want to see Slumdog soon. I had no desire to see Benjamin Button, and even less now.

Thanks, for the warning.

HUGS...

Lemuel said...

Thanks for the heads up. As for being sure that a good movie wins, I usually find that those I think best lose.

Anonymous said...

Good to know - I read the book and enjoyed it ("short story" seems a minor stretch, though...novella, perhaps is more accurate), so I'd have been enticed by the Pitt.

I rarely go to the movies, but I've been thinking "Slumdog" might be worth breaking that for...we'll see.

evilganome said...

That movie represents 3 hours of my life that I will never get back. 3. Long. Hours.

About the only thing positive I have to say was that the cinematography was gorgeous. But not 3 interminable hours worth.

Butch said...

I can see I have plenty of movies to see. I feel like I'm slowly catching up.

dpaste said...

I haven't seen Benjamin Button, but if I've learned anything in my life, it is that every movie ever made is usually both the best and the worst that someone I know has seen. That's why opinions are opinions. I have heard both raves and sneers for Button, as well as for Slumdog.

Regarding Slumdog, I've heard that people in India are quiet amused that we Westerners are enraptured by a movie they mostly consider rather mediocre.

Anonymous said...

I wish you would tell us what you really feel

don said...

I agree. BB sux and Slumdog rocks.

Blobby said...

I'm glad it wasn't just me that was UNDERwhelmed @ Benjamin Button.

Though it didn't feel like 3 hours, it was quite dull.

I might possibly be the only gay non-Pitt fan alive. His acting is subpar in everything I've seen - save maybe Mr. & Mrs. Smith. How he got an Oscar nod for this is beyond me.

CoffeeDog said...

Anon said : I overheard someone asking if it were based on a true story. LMAO.

I thought it was ok, a good story, but not worthy of any accolades.

anabel said...

I liked Benjamin Button. I don't think it should get best picture and maybe not even nominated but I enjoyed it. I have seen all but The Reader which I hope to see. I think it should be Milk for best picture of the four I've seen.

travelling, but not in love said...

How strange. I loved the film. Loved it.

I'm working my way through the nominees, but can't yet find the motivation for Slumdog Millionaire...just doesn't appeal...

Patricia said...

Good to know. I automatically deemed it a renter when I saw the previews (not much lures me into the theatre) and now that decision is confirmed.

I know it's childish and stupid, but I just haven't forgiven him for cheating. I'm sure this'll keep him up at night.

tankmontreal said...

Finally, someone who feels as I do about Button. Could barely keep my eyes open.
Mind you, I felt the same about Slumdog: a series of vignettes explaining how he knew the answers to his Millionaire questions. Couldn't have cared less.

Mark in DE said...

Despite its excessive length, you're the only one I've heard (except for the comments above) who didn't like this film. That's surprising.