THE BRAVE ONE
44% on Rotten Tomatoes
56/100 on MetaCritic
The film won't get anywhere, that's for sure, but even the most negative reviews have praised Jodie Foster. Hard to believe she hasn't been nominated since 1994. A win is totally out of the question, but she can easily get a Globe nod, and if she gets the SAG nomination, then perhaps she can snag a spot in Oscar's top 5, too. Not likely, but, at this point, it's possible. Time will tell.
EASTERN PROMISES84% on Rotten Tomatoes
83/100 on MetaCritic
It's been very well received, but not in an Oscar-friendly way. It comes off as more of a straight-up thriller, rather than a political/psychological thriller. And the reviews aren't quite positive enough for a movie of that type to become a major Oscar contender. But if critics include it on their Top 10's come January, it could happen.
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
46% on Rotten Tomatoes
59/100 on MetaCritic
The trailer make it look amazing. Maybe even amazing enough that the Academy could overcome how offbeat it is. But, with reviews like these, that's not likely. Even technical nods are starting to seem unlikely.
SILK
10% on Rotten Tomatoes
37/100 on MetaCritic
I briefly considered that Keira Knightley may get a nod for this. Now I know otherwise. But don't worry, Kiera fans. She's still got Atonement.
IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH
67% on Rotten Tomatoes
64/100 on MetaCritic
Paul Haggis and his ultra-campaigning ways may not be enough for this one. Too bad that the film didn't live up to the trailer (which means that The Golden Age had better be amazing!).
Well it's about time that some of the predicted contenders fall. I was sick of hearing all of the Atonement, Lust, Caution, Charlie Wilson's War and There Will Be Blood raves. Nothing makes it feel like Oscar season more than seeing top contenders not living up to the hype. We're only a few months away from that time of the year!
2 comments:
ebert gave Across the Universe 4/4 stars. but alas.
I’m a little disappointed to see the average reception of “In the Valley of Ellah”. While it can easily become a dark horse like “Crash”, some of the most anticipated films will soon be released so the chances for this project are limited. The most likely film to be nominated among the released ones is “Eastern Promises” and it’s obvious that its chances aren’t huge. This was a nice article Brian!
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