The answer is, to no one who knows my thoughts on the year in film that was 2009's surprise, no. My choice for the PICK OF THE WEEK is a film that did pretty well at the Box Office, but was not regarded with the critical praise that I felt that it deserved. It's:The Time Traveler's Wife
This was one of my most underrated films of the year. It's a surprisingly touching romantic drama with a tinge of science fiction to boot. Eric Bana did some good work in the lead role, but Rachel McAdams is extraordinary. The movie has a great take on the "love conquers all" theme, and I highly recommend that everyone who passed it up in theaters give it a chance on DVD.
-Falling short of top honors is a film that I like less than most, but recognize as a great achievement. It's A Serious Man, and while I felt it didn't add up to enough, I recognize that I'm in the minority (it did get a Best Picture nomination, after all), so if this film worked for you, now's your chance to grab it for home viewing.
-The rest of the releases this week are a mixed bag. At the top of the group is Bronson, and interesting indie biopic that was just a little to weird for its own good, though it's well worth watching. The other releases of some quality include My One and Only, which is fair, but features a good performance by Renee Zellweger, and Serious Moonlight, which is a comedy in need of more laughs. Heading downhill we have the "comedies" Couples Retreat and I Hate Valentine's Day, and the useless horror remake The Stepfather. None of these really worked for me, but if you digged them, enjoy.
-My Vintage pick this week is, in honor of the release Friday of Valentine's Day, a movie that obviously inspired this. It's Love Actually, and I adore this movie. I doubt Valentine's Day can turn out better than Love Actually, but we shall see. In the meantime, re-watch this modern classic with the special someone in your life.
-What will you be watching on DVD this week?
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I know my choice isn't popular, but hey, neither am I all the time...
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Joey, even with this horrible choice, I still like you.
ReplyDeleteHorrible to you, perfectly apt to me, since I disliked A Serious Man, but not nearly as much as other people I've heard complain about it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I still like you too.