The next set of reviews we’ll be publishing are some of the ones Roger Thomas has done exclusively for The Stanly News & Press. Roger has written movie reviews for The Stanly News & Press and other outlets for years, long before starting this blog. So we decided it would be good to give readers a sample of his previous work, in addition to posts of reviews of current films. Other reviews will run daily.
Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy
There are four films that are generating a lot of Oscar buzz in these very early days. I say early days because, of course, most of the big Oscar contenders will not be released in our part of the country until late December or early January. So right now, these four films seem to be strong contenders for Best Picture nominations: “The Avengers” (no film has ever had a domestic gross of more than $600 million and not received a Best Picture Nomination), “The Dark Knight Rises” (the Academy all but ignored Nolan’s superior work, “The Dark Knight”, so some think they will honor the final film of his Batman Trilogy with a nomination), “Moonrise Kingdom” (not my choice, but it is the critic’s darling for now), and finally “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”
First, I am not sure what the Academy will do with a film like Beasts of the Southern Wild. It is not mainstream fare. The Academy likes to nominate the unusual (think Terrence Malick’s beautiful “The Tree of Life” last year), but rarely gives it the prize. “The Social Network” was not mainstream enough (there was no real hero), so the Oscar went to the lesser film, “The King’s Speech.” I can envision a nomination for “Beasts”, but a win is more than I can imagine.
In many ways, “Beasts” is similar to Best Picture nominee “Winter’s Bone” from 2010. Both have strong young females as their leads. Both of these girls are concerned about their fathers. Both girls live in poverty with almost nothing upon which to survive. The major difference is that the world around Ree of “Winter’s Bone” is very hostile toward her while surrounding “Beasts’” Hushpuppy are people who love her, care for her and often aid her in various ways. The hostility in “Beasts” comes from outside the community not within.
There are many things I liked about the film. Much of the cinematography is beautiful. There are also some splendid special effects in the film, the kind that make you ask, “How do they do that?” The story of this young girl growing up in a Southern Delta community is both inspired and inspiring. Based on a play, the film has some strong moments, but it requires astute attention throughout and an ability to embrace the surreal. (Something that the Academy is seldom good at doing.) And finally, there is little doubt that young Quvenzhane Wallis has given the juvenile performance of the year as Hushpuppy. Though Oscar does not have this category, many of the end-of-the-year critics’ awards do; Wallis’ name will be called often.
On a personal note, as I watched this story of people who seek happiness without electricity, clean running water, air conditioning, or any of the creature comforts I demand every day, I found myself reflecting on the truth that community and relationships are paramount for the characters. A simple life, but one still fulfilled, perhaps even more so than those of us who strive to have it all.
I wish I could tell you what I think of “Beasts of the Southern Wild”, but I am still processing it. I may even need to see it again, or several times. That is not a criticism of the film, but rather of the viewer.
It is not my favorite film of the year, and I doubt it will be that for the majority of the Academy members, but I hope many people will see it. I would like to have someone with whom to discuss it.
Box Office results
Domestic gross: $12,795,746
Foreign gross: $8,312,000
Production budget: NA
Opening weekend: $169,702
NOTE: Information from Boxofficemojo.com
Cinema Corner 