Thursday, November 29, 2012

Now You See Me and Freeloaders Trailers

Director Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans) brings us his latest work, Now You See Me, which sports an all star cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman. The film centers around a group of illusionists who rob a bank during a performance and give the money to the audience. As a result, they become part of a major investigation by the FBI to understand how the feat was pulled off. Sporting a suspenseful and action-packed vibe, Now You See Me could make for a riveting Summer blockbuster. Check out its trailer below.





Next up is the trailer for Freeloaders, the newest release from the Broken Lizard's team that brought comedies such as Super Troopers, Beerfest and Club Dread. The film follows a bunch of middle-aged adults who spend their lives shacking up in a paid-for mansion living a life of endless partying and no responsibilities. But when a real estate agent shows up to let them know that the property is being put on the market to be sold, the group of slacker friends need to find a way to keep their dream house from being sold. Far from an original storyline, Freeloaders could either be a welcome addition from the talented comedic minds that created Super Troopers, or a disaster waiting to happen. Check out the trailer below and form your own opinion.


Monday, November 26, 2012

The Road to the 2013 Oscars



Having taken a break from movie watching during the Thanksgiving holiday, I have to get in gear for the stretch run to the 2013 Oscars on February 24th, 2013. Up until that Sunday evening, we should expect many changes to occur in each of the 6 major races. And with big time Oscar hopefuls such as Les MiserablesZero Dark Thirty, Django Unchained, Promised Land, Hitchcock, and The Impossible yet to reach major audiences, every category remains anyone's game. But as it stands, here's how I see the major categories shaping up:


Best Picture: Les Miserables



Although it is WAY too early to call it a sure thing, Tom Hooper's Les Miserables appears to be a formidable frontrunner for the Best Picture race. With a release date set for Christmas Day, Les Miserables will have a head of steam to live up to. But if it does meet expectations, Tom Hooper and company will be singing their way to a golden statue.

Other Major Contenders: Lincoln, Argo, Silver Linings Playbook and Life of Pi

Other Possibilities: The Sessions, The Master, Zero Dark Thirty and Beasts of the Southern Wild



Best Director: Ben Affleck (Argo)



Ben Affleck has found himself at the top of the pack with the director's latest effort, Argo. Since Steven Spielberg and Tom Hooper having already reached the pinnacle of success with Oscar wins of their own, perhaps this will be Affleck's year to claim the highly regarded prize. 

Other Major Contenders: Steven Spielberg (Lincoln), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Ang Lee (Life of Pi) and Paul Thomas Anderson (The Master)

Other Possibilities: David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook), Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) and Wes Anderson (Moonrise Kingdom)


Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)



If you're wondering just how good Daniel Day-Lewis' portrayal of the iconic figure Abraham Lincoln was, it was THAT good. With two Oscar wins already under his belt, Day-Lewis' performance was so superior that I find it almost impossible to deny him the hat trick. The resemblance was uncanny and I would expect to hear his name called during the 2013 Oscars.

Other Major Contenders: Joaquin Phoenix (The Master), John Hawkes (The Sessions) and Denzel Washington (Flight)

Other Possibilities: Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables), Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock) and Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)


Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)



While many of the teenyboppers will recognize Jennifer Lawrence for her role in The Hunger Games, more mature audiences will appreciate her efforts in David O. Russell's mental disorder comedy Silver Linings Playbook. Lawrence out-shined her co-star Bradley Cooper and left her mark as the most outstanding aspect of the Best Picture contender. Her performance was so strong that I see her as a legitimate leader in the Best Actress race if it were to end right now. But with most of her competition coming from films that have yet to be screened, it's still too early to call.

Other Major Contenders: Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild)

Other Possibilities: Helen Mirren (Hitchcock), Naomi Watts (The Impossible), Emmanuelle Riva (Amour) and Marion Cotillard (Rust and Bone)


Best Supporting Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master)



Whether you loved it or hated it, Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master was a tantalizing piece of work. Thanks in large part to its brilliant cast which was headlined by a trio of Oscar worthy performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman seems to be the most likely winner from the bunch, as one of them clearly deserves a statue.

Other Major Contenders: Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln), Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook), Alan Arkin (Argo) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Django Unchained)

Other Possibilities: Russell Crowe (Les Miserables), Jim Broadbent (Cloud Atlas) and Hal Holbrook (Promised Land)


Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)



Anne Hathaway appears to be quite impressive from early glimpses into Tom Hooper's Les Miserables trailers. And since we all know she can sing (i.e.  when she hosted the Oscars) and we all know she can act (i.e. just about everything she's ever done), it's a safe bet to double down on her as the frontrunner in the Best Supporting Actress category. However, a very late release date can prove to either make or break a film/performance. Therefore, we'll just have to wait and see.

Other Major Contenders: Amy Adams (The Master), Helen Hunt (The Sessions) and Sally Field (Lincoln)

Other Possibilities: Ann Dowd (Compliance), Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) and Samantha Barks (Les Miserables)


Remember to keep checking back for news and the latest updates on these major Oscar races.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Lincoln




Film: Lincoln

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood), Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men) and Sally Field (Forrest Gump)

Director: Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan)

U.S. Release: November 16th, 2012 (Rated PG-13)

Genre: Drama/Biopic

Runtime: 149 minutes


Throughout the history of mankind it has become an accepted fact that certain things belong together. Peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese or the thought of Steven Spielberg and his newest baby, Lincoln. Even during War Horse's 2011 run to the Oscars, it was the anticipation of Spielberg's Lincoln that sat in the forefront of everyone's mind. With Daniel Day-Lewis, who I confidently refer to as "the greatest actor alive", signed on to portray the semi-controversial historic hero Abraham Lincoln, the possibilities seemed endless. Now, as 2012's stealth-like conclusion wanders within the eye's reach, Steven Spielberg's Lincoln is finally here. And it's about time.

Set during the closing months of the Civil War in 1865, Lincoln examines the personal and political struggles that our nation's 16th president endured while working to pass an amendment to the constitution to forever ban slavery. However, the confederate army becomes open to the idea of a peaceful immediate conclusion to the war. But if the confederate states rejoin the union before the house's vote on abolishing slavery, it would surely put an end to the passing of the amendment. As a result, President Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) faces grave inner turmoil and guilt over allowing a deadly war to continue at the hands of freeing millions of black slaves.




Let me preface by saying that I am by no means a historian, and nor do I pretend to be. When I offer up my opinion on director Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, I am viewing the film in a cinematic context only. Historical debates aside, Lincoln is a deeply effective and fundamentally involved character study. In many ways feeling quite different from his typical style, Spielberg's biopic is very restrained and genuine. He never allows the movie to get too over-dramatic or flashy, instead giving the reins to two-time Academy Award Winner Daniel Day-Lewis who aptly carries the film for 149 minutes. To say that Day-Lewis is a spitting image of our former president, is to put it all too lightly. The infallible actor completely encompasses the aura of our nation's historical hero. Scene after scene, Day-Lewis astonishes with hair-raising performances that will surely land him a gaudy-sounding fifth Best Lead Actor nomination from the Academy. Outstanding acting is far from the only glowing aspect of Spielberg's Lincoln. Strong collaborative efforts from costume & makeup as well as beautiful cinematography join together to make the feature a clear technological achievement. From top to bottom, Lincoln succeeds as a carefully crafted molding of countless notable attributes.

If there is one major downfall to Lincoln, it resides in the enormous running time that can't help but wear down the audience. Ironically, Spielberg's film proves to be a massively draining viewing experience for the moviegoer. Much like the feature's hero who battles to balance a violent war and the passing of a landmark amendment, the audience leaves the theatre feeling as run down and feeble as President Lincoln does. To a fault, Spielberg force feeds a myriad of characters which helps to keep the runtime bloated. Some more pivotal to the story than others, the result is a culmination of subplots galore that manage to overtake Lincoln and hold the film hostage. Although it has become a recurring theme with the legendary director, Spielberg ends up as his own biggest obstacle. I can only imagine the difficulty for an accomplished director of his talents to constantly re-invent the wheel. However, his visions of perfection have often hindered his finished products of late.




Despite Lincoln's prolonged running time and stagnant feel, Steven Spielberg addresses this prominent historical figure with such precision and delicacy. You can tell the director's passion for the project by the manner in which the film unfolds. He allows for Daniel Day-Lewis to shine and, for once, plays second fiddle. Day-Lewis and a supporting cast that is unquestionably headlined by Tommy Lee Jones help elevate Lincoln to a credible piece of cinematic art. However, this is by no means a ringing endorsement for Spielberg's latest effort. Instead, take this as a nod of approval for fans of period pieces, biopics and the always great Daniel Day-Lewis.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-

Friday, November 16, 2012

Oz the Great and Powerful and Admission Trailers

The Wizard of Oz is an irrefutable timeless classic. For that reason alone, it's a perfectly normal reaction to cringe at the sound of a prequel. However, director Sam Raimi's second trailer for Oz the Great and Powerful has me quite intrigued. Starring Academy Award Nominee James Franco as small time magician Oscar Diggs, Oz the Great and Powerful follows Diggs on his magical journey and inevitable transformation into the well-known the Wizard of Oz. If you can withstand the thought, check out the trailer below.





Saturday Night Live writer Tina Fey returns in 2013 with the romantic comedy Admission. Fey stars as a college admissions officer who falls for an old classmate (played by Paul Rudd). While I was a little unimpressed by the half-hearted laughs that the trailer generates, Fey is always a wild car who can show up strong and surprise you. Check out the trailer for Admission below.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

21 and Over and Warm Bodies Trailers

Who didn't love The Hangover? Even if you were one of the last people on earth to catch the massively hyped and highly touted blackout comedy, chances are you still laughed the whole way through. Therefore, it's no surprise when a film can name drop anything that relates back to The Hangover. But there's something about Jon Lucas and Scott Moore's 21 and Over that feels eerily similar to the pair of writers' claim to fame. Jeff Chang is a straight-A college student with an important medical school interview at 8 am the next morning. When his two best friends surprisingly show up for his 21st birthday, what's meant to be a "quick beer" turns into a night of mayhem and debauchery. Check out the trailer for 21 and Over  below.




While zombie's are clearly sweeping the nation as "the latest craze" (zombies are the new vampires), we should expect Hollywood to try and take the idea in a completely different directions. 50/50 director Jonathan Levine brings us a creative look at the flesh eating monsters with his newest film Warm Bodies. After a zombie falls in love with the former girlfriend of one of his victims, their romance sparks a startling discovery that may completely change the undead futuristic world. Although Warm Bodies has a premise that sounds a little (or maybe a lot) strange, it looks as though Jonathan Levine could really pull this off. Intriguing to say the least, check out the trailer for Warm Bodies below.


Sunday, November 11, 2012

DVD Outlook: November 2012

If you're from the Philadelphia area like me, chances are your ritualistic Sundays have become a lot less meaningful due to the lack of success from our Philadelphia Eagles. Therefore, maybe you're spending your Sunday afternoon (or any day and time for that matter) looking for a cheap movie to rent at Blockbuster (yes, Ridley's still got one) or Red Box. Well here's a couple of great titles available for rent and definitely worth checking out:





Safety Not Guaranteed - 3.5 stars out of 4 (read my review here)

Safety Not Guaranteed is a refreshing and original comedy/drama. It's characters are rare gems with sincerity and authenticity spilling from every word and action they display on screen. Darius (played by Aubrey Plaza) is an intern working for a Seattle magazine. When her boss Jeff decides to write an article about a random classified ad seeking a partner for time travel, Darius is needed to infiltrate the situation. Inevitably, the author of the classified ad, Kenneth (played by Mark Duplass), lets Darius into his somewhat crazed world filled with ideas of time travel and redemption. Even though the film incorporates a blanketed sci-fi backdrop to an otherwise fabulous tale of romance and despair, Safety Not Guaranteed is as real as it gets. Clearly one of 2012's finest pieces of work, take a chance and check out Safety Not Guaranteed.





Ruby Sparks - 3.5 stars out of 4 (read my review here)

It's a rare treat these days when Hollywood serves up an imaginative and creative idea such as Ruby Sparks. As the anticipated follow up to directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' debut Little Miss Sunshine, Ruby Sparks follows a struggling writer named Calvin (played by Paul Dano) who falls in love with his made up female character Ruby Sparks (played by Zoe Kazan). No big deal, right? Until Calvin wakes up to find Ruby, alive and real, inside of his house. On the surface, Ruby Sparks appears to be like any other romantic comedy you've seen. But after watching the film, you will gain a much deeper and darker appreciation for the manner in which Ruby Sparks addresses relationships.





Moonrise Kingdom - 3 stars out of 4 (read its shortened review here)

Director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore) is a man who needs no introduction. His comedic mastery is a forgone conclusion at this point. But perhaps Anderson's 2012 effort, Moonrise Kingdom, is his best work yet. Sam (played by Jared Gilman) and Suzy (played by Kara Hayward) are a pair of (really) young lovers who meet one summer and become pen pals. Throughout the course of the year they devise a plan to run away from their boring and depressing lives together. But when Sam disappears from his boy scout troop and Suzy from her home, police officer Captain Sharp (played by Bruce Willis) vows to safely return the pair of misfit lovers. Moonrise Kingdom is hilarious, crafty and extremely well written. There's never a dull moment and the movie's youthful look at romance is both eye opening and charming on so many levels.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

World War Z and Movie 43 Trailers

There have been two recent trailers released for some big time 2013 movies, the zombie thriller World War Z and the star-filled comedy Movie 43. With World War Z Brad Pitt stars as U.N. employee Gerry Lane who travels the world to try and stop a zombie pandemic. The trailer depicts a wonderfully shot film backed by a talented mega star. With zombies recently overthrowing the vampire craze that swept the globe, World War Z couldn't have planned for a better release date. Check out the trailer below.





Also released was the R-Rated Red Band trailer for the upcoming comedy Movie 43. Although the vulgar comedy seemingly offers no plot, rumors circulating the internet claim that the movie is about two teenager stoners and their 11 year old computer whiz brother. Together, the three youngsters attempt scour the internet to find Movie 43, the most banned movie in the world. While breaking into banned website after banned website, they come across all different kinds of banned movies (which are the multiple stories you see throughout the trailer). In between some of these short movies, Movie 43 returns to its central characters along their internet journey. Check out the highly offensive and outrageous Red Band trailer for Movie 43 by clicking below. Be warned, thematerial may be offensive to some.


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Silver Linings Playbook




Film: Silver Linings Playbook

Starring: Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Robert De Niro (Limitless)

Director: David O. Russell (The Fighter)

U.S. Release: November 21st, 2012 (Rated R)

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Runtime: 120 minutes


This year's Philadelphia Film Festival couldn't have lined up a better Opening Night Film. David O. Russell's latest work, Silver Linings Playbook, truly embodies the City of Brotherly Love. Everything about the film looks, sounds and feels like Philadelphia. From the carefully selected suburban neighborhoods that appear throughout the movie to our beloved football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, it's clear that David O. Russell "gets" this often misunderstood city. The director creates a strong and unbreakable kind of bond that's sure to last a lifetime ... especially around here.

Bradley Cooper stars as Pat Solitano, a former high school teacher doing a stint in a mental facility after coming home to his wife having an affair and then severely beating her lover. It's safe to say that Pat has some issues with anger management and certain "triggers", like his tainted wedding song that's guaranteed to set him off on a rampage. On the other hand there's Tiffany (played by Jennifer Lawrence), a recent widow whose self loathing and erratic antics help support the fact that she's clearly off her rocker too. But when the pair of crazies decide to help one another out with some sizable favors, they soon discover the best way to help make sense of this screwed up world.




David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook is a surprisingly upbeat and off-the-wall examination of mental health disorders. Way funnier than I anticipated it to be, the director chooses to approach this serious issue with a delicate sense of humor. What could have easily been sold as a dark comedy with a completely different tone, Silver Linings Playbook stays light and refreshing throughout its two hour running time. Perhaps most impressive about David O. Russell's latest work is the script's ability to generate a fluent tempo. The character development and plot are frequently progressing, giving Silver Linings Playbook a perfectly suited pace. Never lethargic or lifeless, the film has a pair of tremendously talented stars to thank for such an excellent result. Bradley Cooper continues to elevate his work and a performance such as this one should clearly put him on the Oscar's radar. But for as phenomenal as Cooper is throughout the film, his counterpart, Jennifer Lawrence, still tends to overshadow his efforts. Lawrence, who has already landed a Best Actress Nomination for her work in the indie hit Winter's Bone, uses this role to stamp her claim as one of Hollywood's fastest rising female stars. There's no limit to what the future has in store for her. Although the two leads steal the film, the quality of the cast doesn't stop there. Robert De Niro's name is already floating around the Best Supporting Actor race for his portrayal of Pat's football crazed father, Pat Sr. Even though I can agree with the praise being thrown De Niro's way, I was almost equally impressed by Chris Tucker's character. Completely outside of his normal loud-mouthed range, Tucker demonstrates a more mature style of acting which shouldn't be ignored. Once again, writer/director David O. Russell assembles a fantastic collection of talent and uses their glowing performances to constantly elevate his work.




Despite all of its commendable aspects, there are a few fair complaints with Silver Linings Playbook. Most notable is an uncomfortable and awkward feel surrounding the character Jake Solitano (played by Boardwalk Empire's Shea Whigham). As Pat's older brother, Jake never finds his niche in the story and it results in plenty of stumbling scenes. Knowing that Silver Linings Playbook is based on Matthew Quick's novel of the same name, maybe Jake's character serves a more purposeful role in that platform. Yet, here he does nothing but detract from the otherwise smooth flowing pace of the film. Another small blemish with the feature is some inconsistencies revolving around the final scenes. The audience, like Pat, is force fed a dose of reality that his ex-wife is no longer interested in talking to him. As if her restraining order against him isn't proof enough. Therefore, when she comes back into the story at the movie's conclusion, it feels like a bloated Hollywood-esque move on behalf of the writer and director David O. Russell. While none of its faults are detrimental to the success of the film, Silver Linings Playbook easily moves past these flaws and remains one of the year's best pictures.

With an early head of steam in the race to the Oscar's, David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook is a serious contender. Finding a large amount of solace in its surprisingly original comedic tone, this Oscar hopeful is in a league of its own. Because of a dazzling ensemble and a lovable pair of crazed characters, Silver Linings Playbook clearly stands out among its Oscar competitors. Due out around Thanksgiving, Silver Linings Playbook is the type of fun and energetic film you make it a point to see. Heed my advice and mark your calendars.


Stars: Three and a half stars out of four.

Grade: A-

Friday, November 2, 2012

October 2012 Poll Recap



After the undeniable success of actor and director Ben Affleck's third film, Argo, I posed the question asking how you would rate Affleck as a director in Hollywood. The possible answers were "Awful, Average, Very Good and Elite". Unfortunately, my host website had an issue with the polling and shut down last month's poll after only 10 votes had been registered early in the month. The overwhelming majority of the small sample size of voters claimed Affleck to be a "very good" director (60% of the votes). Tying for second place were "average" and "elite", both of which registered 20% of the total votes. Leaving the final option of "awful" with zero votes. I'm glad we can all agree that Affleck helms some enjoyable films, and that the director's future looks mightily promising.

As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, many Oscar hopefuls will begin to find their theatrical release. This month's poll question asks, "Which November release are you most excited to see"? Be sure to cast a vote by selecting an answer in the upper right hand corner of the page. Here's to hoping that November's poll question doesn't experience any issues.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Sessions




Film: The Sessions

Starring: John Hawkes (Winter's Bone), Helen Hunt (Cast Away) and William H. Macy (The Lincoln Lawyer)

Director: Ben Lewin

U.S. Release: October 19th, 2012 (Limited - Rated R)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 95 minutes


I've said it before and I'll say it again, 2012's Sundance Film Festival must have been one for the ages. The large crop of impressive films to come out of this year's indie competition has been nothing short of remarkable. One of the two biggest winners at the festival comes in the form of Ben Lewin's The Sessions (the other being Beasts of the Southern Wild). It's a welcome back to writer and director Ben Lewin, who finds himself in the driver's seat of his first feature length film in almost 20 years. Lucky for us, Lewin's triumphant return to the director's chair is nothing short of spectacular.

The Sessions tells the real life story of a polio stricken poet named Mark O'Brien (played by John Hawkes), a remarkable man who refused to be defined by his condition. With the virus weakening his muscles and lungs, O'Brien spent much of his life confined to an iron lung. Able to survive outside of his iron box for only a few hours at a time, the religious 38 year old O'Brien finds himself at church talking to Father Brendan (played by William H. Macy) about a troubling issue. Concerned that his life clock is running out and desperately wanting to experience sexual ecstasy, O'Brien asks the priest if god would forgive his pursuit of sex outside of marriage. Somewhat baffled by the question, Father Brendan mulls over the idea and finally gives Mark his blessing. O'Brien then seeks out a sex therapist (played by Helen Hunt) to accommodate his delicate set of circumstances and guide him through his first sexual experience.




With a premise so wacky it could only be true, The Sessions finds itself as one of the most heartfelt and emotionally attachable films in recent memory. Writer and director Ben Lewin hits all the right notes and delivers one of the year's finest scripts and finished products. The Sessions is clearly intended to be a sentimental drama, yet Lewin's comedic style of writing adds a lighter side to the film that forces the audience to connect with its characters. And with a script in the mold of this one, it's essential to back up the writing with a gifted cast. Lewin goes above and beyond anyone's expectations with the casting decision of John Hawkes as his leading star. Not only did Hawkes receive lengthy standing ovations after The Sessions premiered at Sundance, his performance undoubtedly warrants a Best Actor Nomination from the Academy. Hawkes crafts one of the most endearing and likable characters in cinema history. O'Brien's lovable demeanor will bring laughs and tears to nearly everyone in the audience, proving that Hawkes is well deserving of the abundant praise he is sure to receive throughout his awards season run. As if Hawkes' portrayal isn't enough, Lewin conjures up an unforgettable supporting cast which will almost certainly find an additional nomination or two at the 2013 Oscars. Most likely is supporting actress Helen Hunt who proves to be very secure in her body throughout many of the racy sex scenes. Hunt offers her finest role in over a decade, one that is sure to help resurrect her career. It's also worth noting the fine onscreen effort given by William H. Macy as O'Brien's priest, friend and confidant. All in all, The Sessions is an extremely uplifting and multifaceted piece of filmmaking.

There's many obstacles when branding a feature that revolves around the idea of sex. It's a somewhat taboo element often very difficult to pull off. Lewin addresses the topic with such humility and wholesomeness that it's hard to not fall in love with The Sessions. Having written the script, helped with casting, and directed the feature, Ben Lewin is clearly the man behind the curtain. His phenomenal vision helped transform this amazing true story into a brilliant cinematic creation. And if all of these glowing attributes aren't enough to peek your interest, let it be known that The Sessions' modest 95 minute runtime breezes by with ease. Every second of the film helps to build up to a gigantic emotional conclusion that both satisfies the audience and puts a beautiful bow on the end of the story. Without a flaw in sight, The Sessions is undoubtedly one of 2012's greatest offerings.




As the brightest spot of the 21st annual Philadelphia Film Festival which also included big name features like Silver Linings Playbook, Flight and Cloud Atlas, The Sessions proved to be the most honest and touching finished product in the bunch. Genuine and sincere, the movie never attempts to be something larger than it truly is. There's a special vibe flowing throughout The Sessions that sets it apart from other awards season contenders. The picture is much funnier than you'd imagine and even more heartfelt than you'd expect. While The Sessions finds itself in the midst of a limited release, I expect it to reach theatres everywhere as the Oscars draw near. Either go out of your way to see the film now or remember to keep an eye out for its expanded theatrical release. The Sessions is definitely one of the "must see" movies of 2012, you can't miss it.


Stars: Four stars out of four

Grade: A