2014 Oscar round up

I have had a bit of a mission this past year. For the first time ever I wanted to make sure that I saw every nominee for the best picture category. It took me until November to achieve this but I thought I would share my thoughts on each and rank them from my least favourite to my most.

Enjoy and please feel free to let me know your thoughts either on facebook (poshbob film reviews) or twitter (@poshbob)

9. Her

This is quite comfortably at the bottom of the list. It is not the worst film I have ever seen but it just didn't do it for me. The concept was very good and the acting top notch but it plays things a little bit too far on the pretentious side for me. Shame as it started very well.
(2.5/5)


8. American Hustle

This film is a very good watch and very entertaining it just didn't blow me away. David O'Russell puts a hell of a lot of style into the film but the substance behind it is a little uninspiring. The performances are very good across the board and on a second watch I enjoyed it more however it was lacking in that initial wow.
(4/5)


7. Philomena

The story behind Philomena is pretty amazing and tragic all in one go. Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are great in the lead roles and Dame Judi in particular knocks it out of the park. The events in the film are harrowing and emotional and this is made even more poignant when nothing about it is made up, seriously its all true.
(4.5/5)


6. 12 years a slave

Now this is the film that actually won the Oscar and I am not saying that it didn't deserve it by placing it this low on the list as I did like it very much I just would be lying if I said it was my favourite of the bunch. Chiwetel Ejiofor is a cracking actor and his support cast are equally good. The reason I didn't love it was that I found myself becoming a little bored in the middle. I don't even know why I was bored I just was. Still fantastic watch though.
(4/5, I placed it higher than Philomena because of the performances)


5. Gravity

This film is probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen on the big screen. The sweeping shots of this wonderful planet we live on are awe inspiring. It only makes it to 5th on my list because the story isn't exactly the most complex nor is it the most original. Still cracking film though.
(5/5)


4. Captain Phillips

In any other year this would be much higher on my own list and on the Oscars list itself. It is an outstanding film and I am not ashamed to admit that it made me cry (Tom Hanks often does) it just happens to be competing with other stunning creations. Another cracker from Paul Greengrass.
(5/5)


3. Dallas Buyers Club

I'm starting to think I might actually be in love with the new Matthew McConaughey. I mean seriously who knew he could even act let alone pull off some of the greatest performances of recent cinema. Anyone who hasn't seen this film needs to pull their finger out, crack open a bottle of wine and watch.
(5/5)


2. Nebraska

Solely as a film this is no better than either of the previous 2 in this list but the reason it gets placed higher is the sheer surprise of it. I knew very little about this before placing the DVD in the player and fell in love with it. It is a beautiful story and deserves its place in any awards ceremonies.
(5/5)


1. The Wolf Of Wall Street

I have never seen anything like this film in my life. Yes there are lots of drug addled films out there and yes there are lots of rich people doing depraved things in films, just for me personally I have never seen it portrayed in this way. The most terrifying and exhausting thing about it is the fact it is a true story. I have never felt physically exhausted following watching a film but this just blew me away.
(5/5)