Stephen and I have a couple more screeners to catch in the world of "streaming"; Carol (not yet received) and Room are available for us to watch on DVD in a night or two.
TONIGHT, we had wine and chocolate while watching one of our last DVD screeners I'd received in the mail, The Big Short.
We knew ahead of time that it stars Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, and Ryan Gosling, and that the primary subject matter is the huge economic collapse of 2007/2008. We knew that it was another "based on true events" movie, so we were expecting... I dunno what we were expecting. Not what we watched, that is certain.
They manage to make the most boring movie topic of all time not only interesting, but FUN. They constantly have the actors look right "down the pipe" (it feels like the audience is being looked at directly) to tell us which of these points are being presented exactly as the truth happened in reality, or if a particular character really was the way he's being presented in reality. Or, even better, when they explain some particularly boring aspect of the banking industry by way of some famous person who is completely not known for their knowledge of the boring aspects of the banking industry.
Needless to say (I hope, which will not stop me from saying it, though), we enjoyed it. We laughed AND we learned some shit. Unfortunately, I don't see myself casting a vote for any of the actors. I mean, seriously, when did Marisa Tomei get so old? Yes, there are women in the cast, but this film doesn't pass any Bechdel tests (I don't think); the men do very well with the characters they are asked to portray; none of them stand out, and frankly, this movie seems to be full of Bad Haircuts. Seriously. The Worst hairstyles I have EVER seen on men who usually portray "attractive". The Worst Hair I've ever seen on Steve, Brad, Christian, or Ryan.
So where are we? Straight Outta Compton for Best Ensemble; Eddie Redmayne for Best Lead by a Male; Saoirse Ronan for Best Lead by a Female; Best Supporting by a Male or Female? No Idea. But go ahead and watch these flicks, folks! So far, so good!
Thanks for that review. I was on the fence about wanting to watch this, but I think I'll give it a go.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my choice for best supporting actor (not that I ever watch or care about the Oscars), would be Sylvester Stallone in Creed. Excellent movie and one of his best performances. Not sure if you've seen it yet.
Haven't seen Creed, even though it's a WB picture AND I work for the Bros. I HAVE heard good things about both him and the film. Didn't receive a screener for it, so I doubt I'll get a chance to see it before awards season is over. Trying to stay busy with "homework" types of things rather than "just for me".
DeleteThe Big Short is probably best watched at home - it has a bit of a "tv" feel to it, in the pacing of all of the transitions.
I totally can't wait to watch these shows. I'm so glad you've pre-screened. I trust your judgment far better than I ever would Rotten Tomatoes and they're usually right in my book at least half the time. I bet Brian will agree with your reviews, too. Can't wait to load up our Movie/TV reviewing queue with your picks. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't intend to check Rotten Tomatoes to see if they agree with me; if they're usually "right" in your book, then I would probably suggest you listen to them before you listen to me. I'm just trying to get through the screeners in time to vote. I do hope you'll get to check out at least a few of these!
DeleteBTW, thanks for stopping by, sis. ;)