I’m not a great movie aficionado with expert opinions on cinematography, plot, acting, quality, or casting. All I know is what I like and why. Since I had the opportunity to see several movies over the past couple of months, I’m sharing my impressions for anyone thinking of seeing these movies.
Argo. Saw this while in the Outer Banks in November. We all found it to be suspenseful and meaningful, especially since the story took place within our lifetimes and during a period which we could remember as being tense. At the same time, we all talked about how removed from the danger and drama of the events in Iran we were as we blithely went about our daily lives, safe and secure on American soil.
Lincoln. Hands down, my favorite movie of the year. In fact, I liked it so much that I saw it twice, once with my husband and once with one of my daughters. The acting was absolutely superb, and now I want to see everything starring Daniel Day-Lewis…except for the Gangs of New York—too too much blood. I remember being ultra impressed with him in The Age of Innocence with Michelle Pfeiffer years ago and will see this movie again soon.
But back to Lincoln. Although the action took place over only a few months, that brief look into the life of the nation, the goings-on in Washington, the interaction between Lincoln and Seward, and the action on the battlefield, the viewer gets a good look at Lincoln the man. I also enjoyed glimpses of the president as a husband, father, and politician. Performances by Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gulliver McGrath (Tad) were stellar. I can merely think about the bedroom scene when the Lincolns are arguing and get cold chills. Day-Lewis and Field were that good!
Les Miserables was the most powerful and moving of all recently viewed movies. I wept in several places. The acting, the singing, the set…the everything was perfect. I liked it so much that I downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes. If anyone wants to see this and is looking for a co-viewer, I’d be happy to see it again. Who knew that Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe could sing so well? Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried were splendid too, of course. Tragic and sad but beautifully done. I’d see this again today if had a buddy.
Earlier this week, we saw Django Unchained. Going into the theater, I had no preconceived idea of what to expect. I only knew that the cast was a lineup of superstars that had never let me down. Hmmm.What to say? I was riveted to the screen most of the time. There were especially brutal moments when I had to look away, so be prepared for violence if you go. At the same time, the performances of Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo deCaprio were marvelous. And Christoph Waltz? He was an excellent, smooth-talking bounty hunter whose performance was mesmerizing.
As brutal and shocking as Django, was, we both noted that it was also a love story. It was also a movie about triumph. Still, there are reasons that the film is called controversial, and you’ll be able to see that within minutes.
All of the above were what I dub “heavy duty” movies. It’s time for some fluff. I saw Wreck-It Ralph with four of the grandchildren the day after Thanksgiving. They loved it, even the 3-year-old. Me? I didn’t get it, probably because I’ve never gotten into video games. Plus, to be honest, I thought it was a little violent.
What about you? Did you see any of the above movies? What was your take on them?
mom's musings 
you saw enough movies to last all this year,.i did see 2 of the 3 and of course expected them to be great