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.

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.

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.

  

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.

Mandela: Long Road to Freedom (2013)

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Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)

Date seen: 29 December 2013

Rated PG-13, 139 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: 60/100 (User Score: 5.4)

Tomatometer: 55% Rotten (Audience: 72)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.80/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) simply showcases the noteworthy performance of Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela. Likewise, Naomie Harris shines in her role as Winnie Madikizela--Mandela's wife. If not for Elba's and Harris' performances, this film might be off the Oscars race. Based on Mandela's autobiography, the screenplay apparently lifted more fillers than significant points. You keep waiting for something that is big, only to realize that the film has just ended. The best consolation for the viewer is the sound track by U2.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela
• Acting: Naomie Harris as Winnie Madikizela
• Original Sound Track
• Costume Design
• Original Score

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Jobs (2013)

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Jobs (2013)

Date seen: 24 December 2013

Rated PG-13, 128 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 5.8

Metascore: 44/100 (User Score: 4.9)

Tomatometer: 26% Rotten (Audience: 42%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.45/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Disappointing for this flick was among the most anticipated movies of 2013 and was expected to take a fight for the Oscars. The screenplay was primarily bland as if a lukewarm coffee paired with a hard old bread. The only consolation you'd get is Josh Gad's performance as Steve Wozniak. Ashton Kutcher's portrayal of the title role was neither excellent nor poor.

For your consideration: 

• Acting: Josh Gad as Steve Wozniak

~~~
Scores are as of posting.

Only God Forgives (2013)

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Only God Forgives (2013)

Date seen: 20 October 2013

Rated R, 90 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.0

Metascore: 37/100 (User Score: 6.3)

Tomatometer: 40% Rotten (Audience: 43%)

Movie Notebook: 6.35/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

While Only God Forgives (2013) is wonderfully filmed and Kristin Scott Thomas convincingly plays her role, it fails to keep the curiosity of its viewer with dull spiels, unnecessary gore, and Vithaya Pansringarm not giving justice to the character of the antagonist Chang. Looks like the insomniacs will love this.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Kristin Scott Thomas as Crystal
• Cinematography
• Production Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Carrie (2013)

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Carrie (2013)

Date seen: 18 October 2013

Rated R, 100 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.6

Metascore: 54/100 (User Score: 7.9)

Tomatometer: 49% Rotten (Audience: 67%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.75/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

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

Notes:

What is good about this remake is the well-played role of Julianne Moore and satisfactory visual effects. Not really frightening, instead it will give you a pinch in the gut on why bullying should not be tolerated. Carrie (2013) is way better compared to other horror/mystery films because it has a story--thanks to Stephen King who authored the book from which this adaptation was based. 

For your consideration:

• Acting: Julianne Moore as Margaret White
• Visual Effects
• Make-up
• Costume Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Metro Manila (2013)

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Metro Manila (2013)

Date seen: 13 October 2013

Rated R-13, 115 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: Not yet listed

Tomatometer: 100% Certified Fresh, (Audience Score: 85%) 

Movie Notebook Score: 9.97/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

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

Notes:

This UK entry to the Oscars' Best Foreign Language Film 2014 category excels in depicting the life of a family drastically twisted by poverty and urbanity. Realistically portrayed by great cinematography and sincere cast, it is a genuine picture of some aspects of our humanity. Metro Manila (2013) cuts through the flesh and makes you feel the desperation and agony in an almost perfect form.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Jake Macapagal as Oscar Ramirez
• Acting: John Arcilla as Ong
• Foreign Language Film of the Year
• Directing
• Cinematography
• Production Design
• Original Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of this posting. 

Gravity (2013)

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Gravity (2013)

Date seen: 05 October 2013

Rated PG-13, 90 mins.

IMBD User Rating: 8.7

Metascore: 96/100 (User Score: 9.1)

Tomatometer: 98% Certified Fresh (Audience Score: 91%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.97

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

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

Notes:

Gravity (2013) will pull you to your seat, have you grasp in suspense, catch your breath, and let you witness how it is to be in outer space. Sandra Bullock delivers her best since her Academy Award-winning stint in The Blind Side (2009). Alfonso Cuaron cements his name as one of the best film makers in contemporary time. The sound and visual effects are recognition-worthy. This is undeniably an Oscar contender being the best sci-fi movie in a decade--if not of all time!

For your consideration:

• Acting: Sandra Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone
• Directing: Alfonso Cuaron
• Visual Effects
• Original Screenplay
• Cinematography
• Music
• Editing
• Art Direction
• Costume Design
• Sound 

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

On the Job (2013)

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On the Job (2013)

Date seen: 31 August 2013

Rated R-16, 121 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.6

Metascore: Not listed

Tomatometer: No reviews yet

Movie Notebook Score: 9.50/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

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

Notes:

I just hope this gets elected as Philippines' entry to the Oscars 2014. Excellent story and screenplay, editing, sound, visuals, and cinematography. Joel Torre shines and deserves a trophy for his portrayal. Likewise, Joey Marquez should earn a recognition for his drama. The rest of the main characters were delivered in a mediocare/pretentious/spirit-less acting. Nevertheless, this movie is something Filipinos should be proud of. We deserve more Filipino movies of this quality. Great job Director Erik Matti!

For your consideration:

• Filipino Film of the Year
• Directing: Erik Matti
• Story: Erik Matti and Michiko Yamamoto
• Screenplay
• Acting: Joel Torre as Mario "Tatang" Manghari
• Acting: Joey Marquez as Sgt. Joaquin Acosta
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)

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The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)

Date seen: 26 March 2013

Rated PG, 105 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.4

Metascore: 48/100 (User Score: 6.7)

Tomatometer: 34%, Rotten (Audience: 70%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.85/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

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

Notes:

The story itself is odd and way out of reality, but the analogy is so usual at all for couples out there waiting for their own children. Satisfactorily written, greatly portrayed, simply moving.

After watching this film:

You'll feel like wanting to meet a Timothy.

For your consideration:

• Acting: CJ Adams as Timothy Green
• Acting: Joel Edgerton as Jim Green
• Acting: Jennifer Garner as Cindy Green
• Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of posting.