Non-Stop (2014)

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Non-Stop (2014)

Date seen: 05 July 2014

Rated PG-13, 106 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1

Metascore: 56/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 59% Rotten (Audience: 66%)

Movie Notebook: 8.25/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Highly engaging and thrilling that will keep you guessing until the end. Non-Stop (2014) is one of the best action/thriller movies of the year. 

For your consideration:

• None

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart (2013)

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Jack and the Cuckoo-clock Heart (2013)

"Jack et la mécanique du coeur" (original title)

Date seen: 04 July 2014

Rated PG, 94 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1

Metascore: Not yet listed.

Tomatometer: No score yet.

Movie Notebook Score: 7.75/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Eccentrically intriguing and darkly emotional to the point of being creepy, Jack and the Cuckoo-clock Heart (2013) is an oxymoron for boringly-interesting for the blockbuster-loving movie-goer. Not really for kids but for young adults and adults. However, it is among the quality movies around cinemas right now.

For your consideration:

• Adapted Screenplay 

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Amazing Spider Man 2 (2014)

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The Amazing Spiderman 2 (2014)

Date seen: 03 July 2014

Rated PG-13, 142 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.4

Metascore: 53/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 53% Rotten (Audience 71%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.95/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

It's not debatable on how the delivery and chemistry of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone has become a good reason to follow The Amazing Spiderman 2 (2014). But despite the excellent cast and visuals, the screenplay falls short. It drags you to all directions and losses you around in the end. One of the best blockbuster movies recently though. 

For your consideration:

• None

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Grace of Monaco (2014)

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Grace of Monaco (2014)

Date seen: 28 June 2014

Rated PG, 103 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.6

Metascore: 21/100 (User Score: No score yet)

Tomatometer: 10% Rotten (Audience: 74%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.15/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Saved by an imeldific production design and its cast's strong performance from an dull and fragmented screenplay, Grace of Monaco (2014) will somehow satisfy its viewer. Though not really the level of The Queen (2006), The King's Speech (2010), and other royal biopics in terms of content; this still must be in your must-watch list.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly
• Acting: Tim Roth as Prince Rainier III
• Production Design
• Costume Design
• Music
• Make-up

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

  

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014)

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Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Date seen: 28 June 2014

Rated R, 123 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 77/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 85% Certified Fresh (Audience: 80%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.55/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QM - Watch a high Quality Movie

Notes:

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) sends all of the other known films to date with a vampire genre to the trash bin. Sophisticated, intelligent; and a potpourri of melancholy, music, and art--this film must be a strong contender as this year's best film. An undeniably powerful cast that magnificently delivers makes Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) a must-watch for movie-lovers around. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton make a very convincing deeply-in-love couple. 

For your consideration:

• Acting: Tom Hiddleston as Adam
• Acting: Tilda Swinton as Eve
• Acting: Mia Wasikowska as Eva
• Directing: Jim Jarmusch
• Original Screenplay
• Film of the Year
• Cinematography
• Musical Score
• Costume Design
• Production Design
• Make-up
• Editing

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The film's wide release was in April 2014, but was screened in 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

A Fighting Man (2014)

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A Fighting Man (2014)

Date seen: 21 June 2014

Rated R, 88 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 5.9

Metascore: Not yet listed

Tomatometer: No score yet from critics (Audience: 43%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.85/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

While the movie is good enough to spark the viewer's interest after the first ten minutes of sequences, the unconventional method might just be dizzying for the rest of its length. The film is full of moral premises that in contemporary times affect each one of us. Good material, but, not for the blockbuster-loving audience. 

For your consideration:

• None

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Endless Love (2014)

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Endless Love (2014)

Date seen: 20 June 2014

Rated PG-13, 104 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.3

Metascore: 30/100 (User Score: 3.4)

Tomatometer: 15% Rotten (Audience: 61%)

Movie Notebook Score: 5.50/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:

Probably the most insincere supposedly-romantic Hollywood flick I have seen in years. Fast-paced in terms of "romantic" antics with its crappy screenplay that centers all issues to the troubled father of the lead female (Gabriella Wilde). While it seems the cast did their best--Alex Pettyfer, Bruce Greenwood, and Joely Richardson--the weak plot pulls them all down. 

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Date seen: 16 June 2014

Rated R, 100 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.3

Metascore: 88/100 (User Score: 8.3)

Tomatometer: 92% Certified Fresh (Audience: 89%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.35/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Fueled by an all-star cast lead by the Oscar-worthy Ralph Fiennes, magnificently written screenplay, grand cinematography, effective costume and make-up, and Wes Anderson captainship--The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is surely Oscars 2015 bound. The film is story-telling in style, making a dark tale as light and delightful as possible. 

For your consideration:

• Acting: Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave
• Acting: Willem Dafoe as Jopling
• Directing: Wes Anderson
• Film of the Year
• Cinematography
• Original Screenplay
• Art Direction
• Ensemble
• Make-up
• Costume Design
• Musical Score

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

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300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

Date seen: 05 June 2014

Rated R, 102 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.6

Metascore: 48/100 (User Score: 6.3)

Tomatometer: 41% Rotten (Audience: 58%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.98/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes: 

The visual effects, costumes, Eva Green's soulful delivery, and story-telling style are all in. But, the plot lacks spirit just like how empty and non-connecting is the performance of Sullivan Stapleton as the lead character Themistocles. 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) is less compared to the impact of its predecessor 300 (2006).  

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects
• Costume Design
• Music

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

X-Men: Days of the Future Past (2014)

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X-Men: Days of the Future Past (2014)

Date seen: 07 June 2014

Rated PG-13, 131 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.5

Metascore: 74/100 (User Score: 8.6)

Tomatometer: 92% Certified Fresh (Audience: 94%)

Movie Notebook: 8.80/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want have a Good Time

Notes:

Equipped with stunning visual effects, perfect-fit cast, and well-written screenplay, this just might be the best among the X-Men movies to date. Certainly, the best to see among the movies currently playing in local cinemas--worth the money, worth the time.

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects
• Sound

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Maleficent (2014)

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Maleficent (2014)

Date seen: 06 June 2014

Rated PG, 97 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 55/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 51% Rotten (Audience: 76%)

Movie Notebook: 7.00/10

Recommendation:  C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Undeniably a visual spectacle, it fails in terms of screenplay. It makes us ask why such a reinvention for the widely beloved classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It appears that Angelina Jolie was cast to play as a cherry over wasabe. 

For your consideration:

• Costume Design
• Make-up
• Visual Effects

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Pompeii (2014)

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Pompeii (2014)

Date seen: 25 May 2014

Rated PG-13, 105 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.7

Metascore: 39/100 (User Score: 5.6)

Tomatometer: 28% Rotten (Audience: 40%)

Movie Notebook Score: 4.85/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:

Disappointingly tragic with a poorly written screenplay, dull cinematography, and trying-hard visuals. This is one movie you'd like to watch if you have plenty of time to be wasted or if you can't sleep despite taking sleeping medications.

For your consideration:

• None

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Great Beauty (2013)

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The Great Beauty (2013)

La Grande Belleza (2013)

(Italy)

Date seen: 14 May 2014

Rated NR, 142 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.7

Metascore: 86/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 91% Certified Fresh (Audience: 79%)

Movie Notebook: 7.85/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes: 

Packed with exquisitely magnificent shots and deep tone, The Great Beauty (2013) opens the door for you to see what it is to be in the shoes of someone who has gone to experience the luxury of the world. There is resonating emptiness in the lead character as he ventures to find his pursuit. This flick will bring you in between boredom and curiosity.

For your consideration:

• Cinematography

~~~
Scores are as of posting.

Ender's Game (2013)

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Ender's Game (2013)

Date seen: 25 February 2014

Rated PG-13, 114 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: 51/100 (User Score: 6.8)

Tomatometer: 60% Fresh (Audience" 68%)

Movie Notebook: 8.10/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

It is always acceptable that movie adaptations are less than the books where they were derived, and this works for Ender's Game (2013). Filled with stunning visuals and promising acts from the growing Asa Butterfield and Hailee Steinfeld, it captures attention while you try to relate to some of its themes. Pretty engaging but fails to move you that much--it only tickles.

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects
• Costume Design
• Production Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

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Blue Jasmine (2013)

Date seen: 19 February 2014

Rated PG-13, 98 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.4

Metascore: 78/100 (User Score: 7.7)

Tomatometer: 91% Fresh (Audience: 78%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.25/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

For a time, I thought this was a one-woman show with the standing-ovation-worthy performance of Cate Blanchett. However, the supporting cast was not to be discounted from their respective excellent deliveries. Easily one of the best movies for 2013 featuring Blachett's best performance in years. 

For your consideration:

• Acting: Cate Blanchett as Jasmine
• Acting: Sally Hawkins as Ginger
• Original Screenplay
• Make-up
• Costume Design
• Production Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Captain Phillips (2013)

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Captain Phillips (2013)

Date seen: 15 February 2014
Rated PG-13, 134 mins.
IMDB User Rating: 8.0
Metascore: 83/100 (User Score: 8.2)
Tomatometer: 93% Certified Fresh (Audience: 90%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.60/10
Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:
Undoubtedly the one of the ten best movies for 2013. Tom Hanks never fails to give a top caliber performance. Barkhad Abdi simply delivers it all, you'll think is he is a real-life pirate pushed to the limits by struggles for survival in Somalia. Captain Phillips (2013) is almost perfect, one movie you shouldn't miss.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips
• Acting: Barkhad Abdi as Muse
• Film of the Year
• Adapted Screenplay
• Editing
• Sound
• Directing

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

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Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

La vie d'Adele (2013)

Date seen: 15 February 2014

Rated NC-17, 179 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.1

Metascore: 88/100 (User Score: 8.2)

Tomatometer: 90% Certified Fresh (Audience: 87%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.45/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes: 

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013) has a Palme d'Or on its plate to condition the viewer of high expectations. The film is quite lengthy told in a quintessential manner with irrelevantly long shots of physical exposure. However, this is neutralized by exquisite performances from its lead acts.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Adele Exarchopoulos as Adele
• Acting: Lea Seydoux as Emma
• Directing

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Date seen: 28 January 2014

Rated PG-13, 146 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.0

Metascore: 75/100 (User Score: 8.1)

Tomatometer: 90% Certified Fresh (Audience: 92%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.70/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Probably one of the best adapted movies in recent years. With a strong cast, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) makes it sure to make the viewers as enthralled as the second book by Suzanne Collins for her Hunger Games trilogy--Catching Fire. As the movie runs more gripping, it all of a sudden ends--makes your gut ache and makes you lust for more. A literary masterpiece with social significance by the craft of Collins' adapted into a magnificent film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) is a must-see--not just for young adults but also for the young-at-hearts.

For your consideration: 

• Acting: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
• Acting: Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
• Acting: Jena Malone as Johanna Mason
• Cinematography
• Costume Design
• Make-up
• Adapted Screenplay
• Ensemble

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

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Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Date seen: 27 January 2014

Rated R, 117 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.0

Metascore: 84/100 (User Score: 8.1)

Tomatometer: 93% Certified Fresh (Audience: 93%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.75/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) is compelling and almost-perfect. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto merit all the accolades they have been receiving recently. This film is the best biopic of the year, making it a must-see and a never-miss.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof
• Acting: Jared Leto as Rayon
• Film of the Year
• Original Screenplay
• Make-up
• Editing
• Ensemble

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Date seen: 26 January 2014

Rated R, 180 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.6

Metascore: 75/100 (User Score: 8.0)

Tomatometer: 77% Certified Fresh (Audience: 83%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.50/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Though lengthy, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is lavishly entertaining with superb performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, and the rest of the cast backed by a marvelous screenplay. There is elegance in the dark humor, greed, and immorality. Martin Scorsese is indeed a master.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort
• Acting: Jonah Hill as Donnie Azoff
• Film of the Year
• Directing
• Adapted Screenplay
• Costume Design
• Editing
• Ensemble

~~~

Scores are as posting.

The Book Thief (2013)

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The Book Thief (2013)

Date seen: 26 January 2014

Rated PG-13, 131 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.7

Metascore: 53/100 (User Score: 7.6)

Tomatometer: 50% Rotten (Audience: 79%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.80/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

This movie adaptation might not be as vivid as the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, but it squeezes your tear ducts, makes your heart ache, and at the same time inspires. The powerful delivery by the young lead Sophie Nelisse, Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush, and Academy Award nominee Emily Watson elevates the film to the roster of 2013's best movies. 

For your consideration:

• Acting: Sophie Nelisse as Liesel
• Acting: Emily Watson as Rosa
• Acting: Geoffrey Rush as Hans
• Film of the Year
• Original Score
• Costume Design
• Production Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Date seen: 23 January 2014

Rated PG, 114 mins.
IMDB User Rating: 7.6
Metascore: 54/100 (User Score: 7.7)
Tomatometer: 48% Rotten (Audience: 76%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.15/10
Recommendation: B - Recommended
Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:
Packed with breathtaking shots and well-written screenplay plus the pleasing performances from Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig is a movie worth to spend some time. A salad of adventure, fantasy, comedy, and drama--with a dressing of a little romance--The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) is a sure entertainer.

For your consideration:

• Film of the Year
• Visual Effects
• Editing
• Original Score

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Her (2013)

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Her (2013)

Date seen: 20 January 2014

Rated R, 126 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.5
Metascore: 91/100 (User Score: 8.8)
Tomatometer: 94% Certified Fresh (Audience: 86%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.15/10
Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended
Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:
What makes Spike Jonze's Her (2013) special is its outstanding screenplay coupled with excellent production design, musical score, cinematography and--of course, the noteworthy performance of lead act Joaquin Phoenix. Almost a one-man show, Phoenix effectively conveys Theodore Twombly's love, desperation, sadness, and risque. Amy Adams played her role effortlessly which could have deserved a supporting act nod if not for limited exposure--as well as Rooney Mara. Scarlett Johansson sounded like a prostitute the whole time--her depiction of the physically-nowhere Samantha. Her (2013) touches the soul as it cleverly explores the possibilities of love and the outcomes of human acts that result from it.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly
• Acting: Amy Adams as Amy
• Film of the Year
• Directing
• Original Screenplay
• Musical Score
• Cinematography
• Production Design
• Costume Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

American Hustle (2013)

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American Hustle (2013)

Date seen: 19 January 2014

Rated R, 138 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.8

Metascore: 90/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 93% Certified Fresh (Audience: 80%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.00/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

American Hustle (2013) is easily one of the best movies for 2013. David O. Russell shows us why he is one of the best film directors today. The cast by their names alone is a dream team, but, with the excellent portrayals of leads Christian Bale and Amy Adams, supports Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Jeremy Renner it's like a dream come true--who else can you ask for? The only downside of this film is that it is slow-paced that it might lose you to sleep.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Christian Bale as Irving Rosenfeld
• Acting: Amy Adams as Sydney Prosser
• Acting: Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn Rosenfeld
• Acting: Bradley Cooper as Richie DiMaso
• Acting: Jeremy Renner as Mayor Carmine Polito
• Film of the Year
• Directing
• Ensemble
• Production Design
• Costume Design
• Make-up
• Original Screenplay
• Editing

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

  

Frozen (2013)

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Frozen (2013)

Date seen: 14 January 2014

Rated PG, 102 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.1

Metascore: 74/100 (User Score: 8.2)

Tomatometer: 89% Certified Fresh (Audience: 90%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.96/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Undeniably Disney in every way, this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen exudes warmth with the captivating visuals of snow and vividly written screenplay. Frozen (2013) will make you forget the feelings you've had for the past animated films you saw this year. Certainly a best-animated-film material.

For your consideration:

• Voice Acting: Josh Gad as Olaf
• Voice Acting: Kristen Bell as Anna
• Animated Film of the Year
• Character Design: Olaf
• Character Animation
• Production Design
• Visual Effects
• Editing
• Music
• Original Song: Let it Go
• Directing
• Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

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12 Years a Slave (2013)

Date seen: 14 January 2014

Rated R, 134 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.6

Metascore: 97/100 (User Score: 8.1)

Tomatometer: 97% Certified Fresh (Audience: 93%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.75/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

This film will bring you to the times of suffering, courage, faith, and endurance of those under any form of slavery in the past and even today. 12 Years a Slave (2013) leaves an imprint on why we should do away with injustice in our society. With a well-adapted screenplay from Solomon Northup's 12 Years A Slave book and soulful acts from Chiwetel Ejiofor--who plays lead as Northup--and the rest of the cast is one of 2013's best movies. 

For your consideration: 

• Acting: Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup
• Acting: Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey
• Acting: Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps
• Film of the Year
• Adapted Screenplay
• Cinematography
• Costume Design
• Make-up
• Ensemble
• Directing
• Editing
• Musical Score

~~~

Scores are as of posting.