Tom Hanks’ EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

 

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE – One of the 9 Oscar Best Picture nominees this year, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a poignant family drama tackling a strong father-son relationship and a fantastic journey of a boy suffering from Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger’s syndrome or Asperger disorder, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not required for diagnosis, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.

 

It’s a well-written film – very very detailed and I love how every scene offers something different and how each moment is special and showcases the characters in it. It’s difficult to fault this film as it embraces reality, exposes honesty and promotes a lot of family values. The acting was superb – incredible performances particularly from the lead stars, Thomas Horne, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. Tom Hanks was amazing as usual – very believable, the delivery of his dialogues is powerful and with conviction. Sandra was equally brilliant – those dramatic scenes – she nailed them perfectly! Thomas was indeed a revelation. He played his part effortlessly and with such on-screen charisma – truly remarkable! The entire ensemble was outstanding. Max Von Sydow was great in his character as Thomas’ mute grandfather – his eyes, his facial expressions – their scenes together are some of the bests in this picture. The gracious and glorious Viola Davis was incredible again. No matter how small the role is, this woman knows how to deliver and never fail to amuse us. The film’s unpredictable plot is its biggest asset alongside the magnificent acting. The musical scoring and editing were commendable too.

 

It’s a cinematic gem – a movie treasure that we will remember in years to come. Its very underrated – I love how the Academy recognized it as, in my opinion, it is one of the best dramatic films ever made. I’m sure the book version is better but this film is a gift – full of hope, full of life’s precious lessons that we need to bear in mind and live with. It makes me feel privileged to have seen such a powerful and meaningful masterpiece.

 

9/10

Sandra Bullock’s THE BLIND SIDE

 

THE BLIND SIDE – Meryl Streep’s performance in the movie ‘Julie/Julia’ is one of the biggest dramedy moments of the Hollywood cinema. It was brilliant, affecting, flawless, compelling and powerful. I cannot think of any other performance of that genre (even from Ms Streep herself) that can top it. Apparently, Sandra Bullock’s acting in ‘The Blind Side’ is way better. I must admit, I wasn’t a happy bunny when the Academy chose Sandra over Meryl for the 2009 Oscars Awards. I felt that the great Steep was robbed.

 

Because of this anger/annoyance/curiosity, I decided to watch ‘The Blind Side’ 2 years later (hahaha yes, 2 years!). At first, my impression of the film was somewhat analogous to ‘The Green Mile’. More than the story, I was after Sandra’s acting. But after seeing it, I thought it was one of the best films released that year (2009) and of the decade as a whole.

 

The story is very inspirational. It is feel-good movie that will indubitably touch your heart. The screenplay is so great and you will absolutely love all the characters in it. In terms of its technical aspecy, it was average. I think the strongest asset of this film is the story itself. As for the performances, every single actor present gave their very bests and it made the whole ensemble stupendously good. Sandra Bullock is splendid. I still think Meryl was better but I cannot deny the fact that Sandra was ‘uh-mazing’ in portraying her role. She gave an effortless performance. She proved that you don’t need to shed a lot of tears and scream until your nerves explode to win an award. Her natural, simplified and sophisticated approach to the character made her depiction astonishing.

 

Would I recommend this film? Definitely. It’s a movie not to miss. I recommend it to anyone. This is a film that fits every demographics and if you do not feel anything (special and inspiring) about the story, you have no right to call yourself human for goodness sake. It is a soft reminder that in a world filled with crimes, aggression and misunderstandings, there are few people living who are always ready to give a helping hand. There are few people left who are willing to open their hearts and reach out to those in need. This is a film filled with hope, positivity and realization on how God truly loves us and how he takes care of us through other people.

 

8.5/10