List of To-Watch Films for Post Oscar blues

That Maya feeling after Usama Bin Laden was finally captured and killed in Zero Dark Thirty. That's what I feel about the end of this Oscars season. LOLJK but it's close ;_; and now that we're starting over again for 2014 films, most of the films to look forward to are not going to be released anytime soon.

So for now, I made a to-see list of films from the past years while waiting for the next awards season. This list is heavily influenced by the things I've learned, read, heard and everything from the recently wrapped up 86th Acadamy Awards. Here they are:

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

I've read a lot of articles and comments about this film since the beginning of Leo's buzz for Wolf. This film garnered him his first Oscar nomination and some even say that his performance in this is his best ever and worthy of a win. I'll never know how true is that but if it is indeed a robbed performance then poor Leo. When will he win an Oscar? Oh well, if it happens in the near future (or in the far future), I just know that it'll be sweeter for him, and for his loyal fans as well.

Capote

I know! I know! It's such a shame that I haven't seen this yet. Truth is, I never bothered reading anything about Capote before because... :/ I didn't care. I had no intentions of seeing this even if I know that it's critically acclaimed. I was never highly impressed by anything I've seen from him anyway. Thought he's just okay. But after seeing Phillip Seymour Hoffman's name for his performance in this in many best performance lists, it made me curious.  So I searched this on Youtube and WOW! He's AMAZING!!! Also, he just recently passed away so I consider this a viewing tribute for him.:3

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

This film has been in my hard drive for several years now but I keep on ignoring it because it looks too serious. The title piques my curiosity though. Is it about Virginia Woolf or what? So after seeing August: Osage County, which is also based on a play like Woolf, I realized that I might enjoy this like how I enjoyed August. The fact that Woolf has better reviews and has a great legacy makes me think more positive about the film.

Happy-Go-Lucky

I've read this years ago in forums and even planned of watching it but completely forgotten about it because I guess it's not that memorable. Sally Hawkins recent awards recognitions just reminded me again that I should see it. Unlike many, I find Hawkins' performance in Blue Jasmine as just okay so I hope Happy-Go-Lucky will change my opinion of her and I'm sort of positive it will especially she's the lead in it.

Manhattan

Woody Allen is the latest recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award in Golden Globes and during that segment, they showed a montage of Woody Allen films. Manhattan quickly captured my attention. The fact that Meryl Streep is in this is just a bonus. Meryl + Woody = what more could I ask for? I have all the reasons to watch this and the fact that I haven't yet, I will never understand.

Groundhog Day

This film is dubbed as one of the best comedies of all time, and one of the best films of 1993. And that says a lot because 1993 brought us films like Schindler's List, Philadelphia and Jurassic Park, to name a few. It's also directed by Harold Ramis who just recently perished, someone I didn't know before he died. :( But anyway, the premise sounds interesting and the lead is Bill Murray, one of my favorite actors so it just makes sense for me to see this film.

Citizen Ruth

I realized that I've seen all Alexander Payne's films except for this. And when I researched for this, it looks like it's light and fun that it wouldn't be a chore to sit down through this film. I say, why not?

Skyfall

I actually should have seen this last year since it's nominated in 2 or more Oscar categories. But I haven't seen any James Bond film yet so I was kind of hesitant. A year has passed and I'm still procrastibating. This year, hopefully I'll be able to watch it since a friend also recommended me to see it. His reason? cinematographer Roger Deakins who's nominated for this film and for Prisoners as well.

Grave of the Fireflies

I become interested in seeing Japanese animated films because of The Wind Rises and aside from it, I heard LOTS of good things about them. I haven't seen Wind yet but I watched its 5 minute-trailer. It made me search for other Japanese animated film trailers and from watching clips and reading viewers' comments, one of the most popular suggestion is this, Grave of the Fireflies. This seems deep, and not in the usual Pixar animated films deep, but 'seriously deep' and that got me curious because it's an animated film and I think it's hard to achieve that quality through animation. We'll see.

Cape Fear

Juliette Lewis impressed me in August: Osage County but I gotta admit that I've never heard of her before :/, the fact that she's been nominated when she was younger made me want to see that performance and voila! it's Cape Fear directed by Scorsese. If I watch this, I realized that I'll gain more insights about Scorsese's filmography and that would be a treat as I find almost all of his films with great quality. It also has Jessica Lange who I've never seen in a film before.

Tootsie

Speaking of Jessica Lange, I'm not an avid viewer of American Horror Story but I trust the TV series fans when they say that she's one of the best actress there is. I've seen a number of episodes of it and she's really good. I even read an article saying that she's the counter actress to Meryl Streep. :/ This film gave Lange her first ever Oscar so that urged me to see it. Then, I also saw Chile's Oscar submission Gloria and I read some articles that indicate Gloria's eyeglasses being reminiscent of Tootsie's. Made me curious so I'll watch this.

I'm Not There

Bob Dylan, Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale. I've read about this before and watched its trailer even but I didn't plan on watching it. It didn't have enough rave for me to see it but one time, I was bored after reading Oscar related articles that I happen upon some clips I've never seen before of I'm Not There. It looked way interesting than its trailer. Perhaps, this is the time to see it since Cate Blanchett was also praised for her work in this. I mean, she acted as Bob Dylan for cryin out loud. I want to compare which Blanchett performance is the best so this is a must-see.

Children of Men

I've already watched this before. In fact, I'm midway through finishing the film but I fell asleep. I find it interesting but I was just so tired when I watched it so I think this year, alongside celebrating Cuaron's Gravity success, it's about time I finish his other critically acclaimed film. Oh, and it's quite a fun fact that Chiwetel is in this. ;)

Junebug

Like Leonardo DiCaprio, Amy Adams has been nominated several times but has never won. She seems like she's stuck being a runner up and some people even say that she's cemented in 5th place lol. She's becoming the new Julianne Moore. No worries though because she's the lead in the upcoming Oscar baity film of Tim Burton, Big Eyes. I don't wanna jinx it so let's just hope that it will not end up being a flop since.. you know, Tim Burton.. lately. But anyway, a lot of people say that her first Oscar nomination which is for this film is the only deserving one, even deserving of a win they say. I've seen all of her Academy Award performances except for Junebug so maybe 2014 is the year for me to see this.

Spanking the Monkey

I don't know which of the first three feature films of David O. Russell should I watch first. Spanking the Monkey? Flirting with Disaster? or Three Kings? I've never heard of these films before DOR became one of the most known directors of our generation so I just randomly chose Spanking the Monkey. As some people know, I'm not the biggest O. Russell fan. My love for JLaw decreased because of him. The fact that he was nominated for Best Director three times in four years and managed to get all of his actors nominated in the 4 acting categories for 2 consecutive years, I don't know. It's unbelievable and undeserved. But since American Hustle painfully lost all its 10 nominations after having the most nomination count in the last Oscars, and Lupita beat JLaw, and Spike Jonze beat O Russell, everything is now forgiven. :3 I don't hate him anymore. In fact, I gotta admit that I really like The Fighter but I really dislike Huckabees and SLP & Hustle are just okay films for me. So there.. cheers to new start.

This list also includes United 93, Elizabeth, Pretty Woman, My Neighbor Totoro, Howard's End, Sense and Sensibility (which I can't find the energy to finish), Steel Magnolias and probably more. No one knows if I'll be able to see all of these but I'm really curious and excited to see most of them.

There you have it! Do you have other films to recommend? What old films are you planning to see this year?

MOVIE WRITEUPS: The Wolf of Wall Street, Nebraska and Philomena

The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese
With: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie

Based on a true story, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the rise and fall of one of the most infamous Wall Street loco of our generation, Jordan Belfort. This is Martin Scorsese's 49th feature film and 5th collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio (Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and Shutter Island)but this seems like one of the freshest and liveliest he's ever made. No one would think that this highly energetic film was directed by a 71-year-old man but knowing Scorsese's reputation, this film's actually a mark that he's going back to his roots after making the adventure film Hugo, a George Harrison documentary and a TV episode of Boardwalk Empire. This is a good sign that he's still got it!

Leonardo DiCaprio gave his all in this film. With over-the-top acting he's known for, it works adequately here. Radiating all the arrogance, douchiness and a whole lot of charisma to portray the young Belfort. It's obvious that he really wants an Oscar. His sidekick Jonah Hill as Donnie Azoff is also a douche to the highest level and Hill characterized him very well. They're very much reminiscent of the duo of Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci.

It's probably been mentioned hundreds of times but the almost 3-hour movie didn't feel like it as the entertainment contained in this film was in full force all throughout. Sex in the office is allowed, drugs all over the place, hot ladies, sports cars, helicopters, parties, every man would love to work with Belfort and every lady would love to sleep with him... except not really. The negative effects of these filthy-rich deeds might not be elaborated in the film but only stupid people would think that they idealized these things.

If you're into films that depicts complete atrocity, douchebaggery and total obscenity, choose this film as this is probably the superior one of them all.

Nebraska

Director: Alexander Payne
With: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stace Keach

Alexander Payne directed yet another satirical road trip film and I'm starting to love how his filmography is becoming like a collection of roadtrip dramas which are geographically specific, focused on human relationships and human behaviors emphasizing the characters' imperfections. In Nebraska, he tells the story of Woody, a crotchety old drunk living in Montana, who's convinced that he won a million dollar prize which can be claimed in Nebraska. This forces his son David to accompany him in fulfillment of his wish and this begins the journey that made them learn more about each other and their family.

It sounds dramatic but what I love about Payne is that sentimentality is a dirty word for him. There are some scenes in this film that would be melodramatic if it was directed by other directors but Payne remained firm with making his touching scenes more personal and authentic. That is by not associating these scenes with maudlin musical score or emotional pauses just to convey the message he wants to come across and the result? Fantastic.

The subtle humor is also what I adore about Nebraska. It's filled with smart and snarky comments that most often peels his character's flesh. It's effective in displaying the personalities of his character and then when we thought we've figured them out, we'll find out more about the complexity of the characters through twists.

Perfect example is Kate Grant, June Squibb's character. It's by the third half of the film when we realized that the old crude lady has more depth to her. Speaking of which, June Squibb is one of the best things in this film. The cemetery scene alone never fails to make me laugh. She's on a roll in that scene; from the words she say, the actions she does and her puffy cheeks are insanely cute. Thank you Payne for giving her this role. Not that I think that she's perfect for it as I can name a few other actresses who can portray Kate Grant to a tee but the fact that she garnered an Oscar nomination at her current age simply touches me. Cheers to achievements at an old age! After all, one of Nebraska's themes is the contentment and satisfaction of old people through achieving whatever they want, simple, shallow or whatever they are.

Bruce Dern is also commendable in this. Without having so many things to do in the film, he acted subtly and naturally. We all felt the agitation, frustrations and despair of Woody Grant, all through his expressions alone. Praiseworthy! He made Nebraska a bit iconic especially the last act when he finally achieved the thing he most wanted to accomplish. His victory seems like a victory to the viewers as well. We're all touched by Woody Grant.

I'm glad that Alexander Payne is back. I dislike The Descendants so much and with Nebraska, he has redeemed his name so well. As it turned out, Nebraska is my favorite Payne film to date.

Philomena

Director: Stephen Frears
With: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Philomena stars Judi Dench as Philomena Lee, whom after 50 years of silence decided to seek out her long-lost son. Her son, who was taken from her during her days in the convent by strict nuns who judge early pregnancy out of wedlock as a sin beyond forgiveness. Meanwhile, an atheist journalist played by Steve Coogan, was looking for redemption after losing his job in the government. He was reluctant at first by the idea of writing a human interest story but eventually, he meets with Philomena and decides to help her after hearing her story.

Philomena is not groundbreaking in terms of film making - tonally inconsistent and I'm pretty sure they used some green screen in some of its scenes :/ - but with Philomena Lee's story alone, this film is bound to touch a lot of people. Despite its imperfections, the film is not bad at all.

It's so timely that this film came out just recently because we're living in a world where even our current Pope allows new angles with the old Christian teachings. And whatever religion/belief you have, Christianity or atheism, this film may affect your stance as a believer/non-believer.  Reminds me of the documentary Deliver Us From Evil. The story is so heartbreaking that it's hard not to sympathize with Philomena. It's hard because aside from her incredibly nice nature, what she went through under the nuns is just harrowing.

Judi Dench played her so earnestly. Just when I thought that she can't portray an angelic character because I didn't find her effective in her calm and pleasant role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (lol I just found out that a sequel for Marigold Hotel is already in the works), she suddenly owned this lovely role. I feel like she's becoming the opposite of Meryl Streep where the latter is now accepting more villainous or strong-willed characters and she is choosing the softer ones. Can't complain too much though, because I actually find her speaking voice to be too composed and proper to portray HBIC characters. Her features, however, are really strong but those terrorizing eyes and eyebrows are replaced with lovely smiles and virtuous dialogues. She's really angelic and saint-like in this film. Philomenal! Steve Coogan is also solid. I love the fact that their characters are polar opposites but both touch you in different and good ways.

I don't know how faithful this film is to Philomena Lee's real life story. Apparently, I read some articles that they're indeed not faithful. But still, this film is nothing short of charm and impact even with fabrication. I can't think of other films that portrays forgiveness so well than Philomena. It teaches us compassion and how important it is in our daily lives.