One wonders how Julianna Moore and Chris O'Dowd, the original cast for Can you ever forgive me, would have fared. Not anything like the Oscar worthy performances of Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant. The former is outstanding as she demonstrates her theatrical background, and her pairing with Grant is a perfect match. His Oscar nomination is so well deserved. There is even another great cameo from Jane Curtin as Lee Israel's agent. With terrific direction from Marielle Heller and even better script with co-writer Nicole Holofcener, this is a classy affair.
Just as good is Green Book. And another great double act. But before that, I have to mention the outstanding screenplay. Peter Farrelly (who also directs), with help from Brian Currie and Nick Vallelonga, has written a sensitive and unbelievably witty script based on the true story of Nick's dad Tony Vallelonga, played here by a career best Viggo Mortensen. Equally excellent is Mahershlla Ali as top pianist Dr Don Shirley. I also thought that in a small role, Linda Cardellini as Tony's wife was brilliant.
Predictably disappointing (as the critics had warned), Welcome To Marwen borders on the creepy. It is only saved by the fact it is based on the true story of Mark Hogancamp. Played here by Steve Carell, it relies on the humanised CGI of director Robert Zemeckis to liven what is an over sentimentalised version of the damage done to Hogancamp in the brutal attack he suffered in 2000. Carell fails to convince and it is left to a collection of improbable actresses led by the always excellent Leslie Mann to try and lift the film from it's mediocrity.
No comments:
Post a Comment