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

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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

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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

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Scores are as of posting.