2012 Philadelphia Film Festival Recap

Now that 2012's Philadelphia Film Festival has officially come and gone, it's time to reflect on some of the fantastic films and performances that graced the screens throughout the entire 11 day event. I managed to make it through 20 of the 100+ scheduled movies. Here's a brief look at how I rated the 20 films and some of the finest actors, actresses and directors that I had the pleasure of enjoying. You will quickly notice a reoccurring theme about the top two films at the festival The Sessions and Silver Linings Playbook, both of which boast extraordinary casts and top notch directing. And while there were many good films at this year's festival, those two titles clearly stood out.

Best Picture: The Sessions (4 stars/A)

Writer and director Ben Lewin molds together a superb look at the real life story of Mark O'Brien. John Hawkes stars as the polio stricken poet who was confined to an iron lung for the greater part of his life. But when the 38 year old O'Brien begins to feel like his life clock may be expiring, he confides in a priest (played by William H. Macy) about a very personal issue. Wanting the blessing of Father Brendan, Mark wishes to seek a sex therapist (played by Helen Hunt) who will be accommodating to his condition and help him to experience sex outside of marriage. The Sessions is an often hilarious and touching true story that packs an enormous amount of heart. With one of the year's finest ensembles, John Hawkes and Helen Hunt offer Oscar-worthy performances that elevate The Sessions to 2012's upper echelon of films. 

Other Films:

Silver Linings Playbook (3.5 stars/A-)  Flight (3 stars/B+)

Cloud Atlas (3 stars/B+)  Stand Up Guys (3 stars/B)

The Atomic States of America (3 stars/B)  A Late Quartet (3 stars/B)

Gayby (2.5 stars/B-)  Future Weather (2.5 stars/B-)  Brooklyn Castle (2.5 stars/B-)

Quartet (2.5 stars/B-)  The Missing Piece (2.5 stars/B-)  Antiviral (2 stars/C+)

Hyde Park on Hudson (2 stars/C+)  Detonator (2 stars/C+)

Not Fade Away (2 stars/C)  Simon Killer (1.5 stars/C-)  The Comedy (1.5 stars/C-)

The Everything Will Be Okay Trilogy (1.5 stars/C-)  This Time Tomorrow (1 star/D+)

Best Director: David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook)

Honorable Mention:

Robert Zemeckis (Flight)  Tom Tykwer, Andy & Lana Wachowski (Cloud Atlas)

Best Actor: John Hawkes (The Sessions)

Honorable Mention:

Denzel Washington (Flight)  Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)

Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)

Honorable Mention:

Perla Haney-Jardine (Future Weather)  Jenn Harris (Gayby)

Best Supporting Actor: Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook)

Honorable Mention:

Jim Broadbent (Cloud Atlas)  Billy Connolly (Quartet)

Best Supporting Actress: Helen Hunt (The Sessions)

Honorable Mention: 

Pauline Collins (Quartet)  Amy Madigan (Future Weather)

I will post full reviews in the upcoming days for some of the films I watched at this year's festival, so stay tuned. Also, if you caught any movies at the festival or if you agree/disagree with my thoughts, post a comment and let me know your opinion. Finally, thanks again to the Philadelphia Film Society for putting together another spectacular event.