Best Picture Combo

In this post, I'll review some Oscar best picture nominees, one Oscar film material and ONE best picture snub. Do bear in mind that I'm reviewing the films as a filmgoer not a movie critic. Start now? Okay.

1. Flight

Robert Zemeckis' return to live-action film making is a one heavyweight film. A film that deals with a person's addiction to alcohol. The film tells about a pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) who skillfully saved his passenger in a plane malfunction. However, because of his heavy drinking, investigation on his condition during the flight lies in danger and his career is put in a jeopardy. The film's opening scene is tense and a really good example of great filmmaking by one of the greatest directors of our time. Then the film feels a bit slow at some parts but the ending is satisfying. Denzel Washington is great and he got an Oscar nom for that! Flight: rated 2.5/4

2. Lincoln

Spielberg returns this year/last year and tagged along Daniel Day-Lewis! Although in need of no explanation, Lincoln tells the story of Abraham Lincoln, one of the best leaders of all time, when he was trying to abolish slavery. Don't get confused, this is not the sequel to the vampire-hunting Abe. This is the film where Lincoln fights with his leadership not an axe. The film boasts an amazing ensemble cast from the Oscar-worthy DDL himself to Tommy Lee Jones, to JGL to Dane DeHaan in a minor role. Albeit the film's dialogue-heavy nature, it is still an exceptional film that depicts one of America's greatest leaders. For Americans this must be the film that made their nationalism pride on fire and a reminder that there is still hope for the people who believes in the right thing and willing to fight for it. Dare I say it, the film is a depiction of that American dream. Lincoln: rated 3/4

3. Silver Linings Playbook

Jennifer Lawrence! My fandom to Jennifer Lawrence may biased my opinion for this film, but whooo caresssss. The film tells about a bipolar man Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) who had just been released from the institution and aims to get back with his cheating wife. And there comes Tiffany (Jennifer!) who barely passed her husband's death mourning phase and trying to find another busyness in a dancing competition. With David O. Russell directing and a supporting cast that includes Robert DeNiro, Animal Kingdom's Jacki Weaver and (the cinematic return of) Chris Tucker, this film is a guaranteed no-fail and it is. The film may not be as majestic as Russell's last, The Fighter but it is majestic in its own degree. The film finds life's silver lining in small places and actually that what matters in life. Jennifer Lawrence is crazy good here and an Oscar is definitely in her hands if Jessica Chastain doesn't get in the way. The film is also funny and heartfelt at times. It's a rollercoaster ride, and it is a ride I want to ride. Silver Linings Playbook: rated 4/4

4. Argo

Ben Affleck's best to date, his high point of his career. He proves himself to be in the same class with Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford as a fine actor-turned-director. Argo is tells the story about the escape of six trapped Americans in a Canadian embassy in Iran. The escape mission is to disguise as a sci-fi film crew who's scouting for a location in Iran. The film is a great drama and a tense thriller. Although like some other history-related films, the facts are bended a little, it doesn't matter. It makes a great film. This isn't NatGeo or History Channel anyway. I know the Oscar nom goes to Alan Arkin, but I loved Bryan Cranston's performance here (or maybe its because the last two Cranston films I watched are Total Recall and Rock of Ages). One thing for sure, The Academy is going to regret snubbing Ben Affleck in the years to come. Argo: rated 4/4

5. Cloud Atlas
The most ambitious film ever made! With actors in multiple roles! In different races! Different genders! From the directors of The Matrix! How could anyone miss out watching this film? Apparently many did miss out. There are six stories that connects to each other and depicting lives that are connected. It has the themes of freedom, kindness and many more. The future Neo-Seoul scenes are amazing although I'd like more of it. Also the score is superb. The Cloud Atlas Sextet is forever implanted in my head and forever replaying. Also the make-up department really did a great job and no Academy nom for that! The actors did a great job too. They are like really disappearing into their roles, in terms of acting and makeup. It's also fun if you tried to guess who's who but then your concentration on remembering the names, plot and time would be severely broken. And who can possibly resist seeing Hugh Grant as the Kona chief, the cannibal king? However, when  you're watching for the first time, it's hard to understand the connections. You'll be wanting to take notes as the film go by and ultimately another viewing of the film. It's still one of the best film to come out in year 2012. There won't be another film in this great scope and ambition. This is an event of a lifetime. Kudos to Wachowskis and Tykwer to make this happen. I admire you guys and Run Lola Run is next on my watchlist, sorry, after another round of Cloud Atlas of course. Cloud Atlas: rated 4/4.