OSCAR TALK: Best Picture

Nominated:

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (5)
  
• Frost/Nixon (4)
  
• Milk
• The Reader
• Slumdog Millionaire (5)

Frost/Nixon was a great watch, but clearly the front-runners are Slumdog Millionaire and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. You might have heard that Slumdog has been winning the race to the Oscars throughout this award season, grabbing almost all of the Best Picture awards. Having watched both, however, I don't see why that is. In fact, Button left on me a greater impression than Slumdog. The filmmakers' skills are very comparable (and highly impressive) but i feel that Button has a better production design. I'd like to commend the following people who are artists by nature, having brought us these two jewels of film.

Slumdog Millionaire (10 Nominations)

• Danny Boyle (Director)
• Simon Beaufoy (Screenplay)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(13 Nominations)

• David Fincher (Director)
• Eric Roth (Screenplay)

Nevertheless, only one will come out tops, and I'm counting on either of these two films to win the top prize.

REVIEW: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Plot: A boy is born old and ages in reverse, seeing the upside of life, which is sometimes unfair. His life story is told straight from his diary, read out by his daughter to the love of his life, who happens to be dying.

One word - Beautiful. And in every aspect, it is and it lives up to its expectation. It is a very captivating look at the life of a normal person with a slight twist to life. It makes you want more. It also makes you look at life in a different perspective. It's like one of those few times when you visit a museum, and find a portrait that you want to keep looking at forever. Because it touches you so deeply. Yes, this film is greatly emotional. This film also boasts cinematography, art direction and production design at their best. If you have the final ten dollars of your life in your hand, watch this. Chances are, you won't regret it.
Rating: 5

REVIEW: Slumdog Millionaire

Plot: this is the life story of a boy called Jamal Malik, who was brought up in the slums of India. He takes part in the popular game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and surprises everyone, but with a previously unknown motive.

This will probably take the cake at this year's Oscars as Best Picture.The first word i said when the credits rolled was 'wow' and it really did stun me for a while. This film embodies what the perfect film is as it is an all-rounder; it has been perfected in every aspect, including screenplay, acting, directing, visual effects and the entertainment factor. I take my hat off to Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy who have made this movie a masterpiece.

Rating: 5

REVIEW: Doubt

Plot: The principal of a Catholic high school in the Bronx accuses the Pastor of paedophilia, but with little evidence. However, she is very sure of it and goes out of her way to ensure justice prevails. Whether she succeeds or not, it depends how you look at the whole situation.

This was originally a play, which went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. So undoubtedly(pun not intended), then script is phenomenal and one of a kind. It may get boring for those who prefer mainstream action-thrillers (and it is the total opposite) but the stellar acting really makes up for it.Takes a listener to understand this one, and it really makes you think.
Rating: 4