Saturday, August 4, 2012

Hope Springs: Oscar Contender?

I was reading some early reviews of Hope Springs, the lastest film from director David Frankel, starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell, and I can honestly say I am pleasantly surprised. 11 reviews in on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is at 100% and a 8.3 out of 10. Most of the reviewers seemed surprised as well. Not one of them, and I surely didn't, deny that there was a lot of talent involved, but it is not just the acting which is receiving praise (a lot I might add, Meryl may be on her way to nomination number 20), but also the script by Vanessa Taylor, and the direction by Frankel. Most importantly, they all seem to agree it is better than its trailer suggests, and is much more dramedy than raunchy comedy, and delves into the struggles facing a 31 year marriage that needs some spark. I personally am excited to see it (as well as finally see TDKR), and see whether it has enough potential to be a real Oscar contender. Here are some of the early reviews:

Lisa Schwartzbaum from EW:

"The movie provides a master lesson in great American character acting, but viewers are also invited to just kick back and enjoy the fun of watching famous, aging movie stars pretend to have difficulties in the sack."

Justin Chang from Variety:

"An altogether pleasant surprise: a mainstream dramedy that frankly and intelligently addresses the challenges facing a couple after 31 years of marriage."

And Justin Lowe from The Hollywood Reporter:

"More comedic drama than midlife romantic comedy, rather literally titled Hope Springs holds few surprises but delivers plenty of warmth."

3 comments:

  1. Being the guy I am, I never really judge movies from afar. I thought that because this has Meryl Streep, and she was in such great comedies as Devil Wears Prada and Julie and Julia, that I thought this one would follow up. After all, who doesn't love Meryl Streep?

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  2. Also Dark Knight Rises is awesome! Not as much as the original Dark Knight, but it's really great movie. Couple plot problems though.

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  3. That's what I have heard about TDKR, although it was going to be hard to top the original.

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