Had myself an Oscar binge, here's a few tid bits of my thoughts about these movies.
Selma
Truly powerful and moving film, with a powerhouse performance from David Oyelowo, they don't lie when they say he has transformed into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., because it's fact. Every time he was on the screen he owned the role. The rest of the cast did pretty good, I especially enjoyed Common and Carmen Ejogo. Really couldn't find any faults with this movie, I was moved. All kinds of emotions during the scenes where these people were being physically and verbally beaten by the racist citizens of the town. I could see myself buying this movie on Blu-Ray, I'm hoping for some great bonus material. 10/10 from me.
Whiplash
Holy crap. I had heard good things, great things actually, and wow, spot on. Not only did Miles Teller really step his game up and give a gripping lead performance, he had the terrifying J.K. Simmons on his ass owning this film with every word. Both characters were so interesting, I loved every scene in this movie, every line, I felt the anxiety of Tellers character because of Simmons bringing so much terror to that role. I found myself respecting Fletcher, out of fear, and admiring Andrew Neeman for his passion to be the greatest. That final scene, hell ever scene where Teller is banging those drums and Simmons is degrading him to less then nothing was heart-pounding. One of my favorite movies of all time, it truly is. 10/10. Simmons is taking that Oscar.
Birdman
Well, such an odd film. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first saw the trailer and after watching it I'm really not sure how I feel about it. Keaton, Norton, Galifanakis, and Stone all did wonderfully. The cinematography and script were all phenomenal, as was the direction of this entire film. I did laugh a bit, and I was a bit tripped out on certain scenes, it was a very original movie, very unique. I might have to watch it a couple of more times to really figure out how I feel about this movie, but I do realize why it received the critical reception it got. Keaton really came out of nowhere and gave an Oscar worthy performance. Good for him. As of now I'll give this movie a 7.5/10.
Foxcatcher
I had been very curious of this movie for a long time, Carell being the main point of my curiosity. The tone of this film is eerie and creepy, Carells transformation as Du Pont is incredible, his performance is career defining and changing. Ruffalo is wonderful as always, seriously everything I've ever seen him in he does great. If it wasn't for J.K. Simmons in Whiplash I think Ruffalo would've had a real shot at winning. Chaning Tatum may have shut the haters up about not being an actor, because he changed my opinion about him completely. All three of them shined in their roles throughout this movie, a Greek tragedy of sorts, a finely directed movie with amazing acting. 9/10.
Currently watching the Imitation Game.
