Time to plat catch-up. Here’s a quick look at five films getting Award Season attention that didn’t get full reviews.
“GRANDMA” – LCJ Rating: C
This dramedy from writer/director Paul Weitz (“Admission”) is only 78 minutes, and there’s a good reason why. The story, about a teenage girl who needs some cash from her wacky grandma (Lily Tomlin) to get an abortion, is far from groundbreaking and pretty thin. The first half-hour is rough and often uncomfortable to watch, with Tomlin and Sam Elliot’s scenes midway through as the film’s saving grace. While Tomlin is solid throughout, her performance isn’t showy or powerful enough to deserve Best Actress attention.
“MR. HOLMES” – LCJ Rating: B
McKellen, as an elderly Sherlock Holmes, gives a charming, honorable performance, filled with heart and soul in director Bill Condon’s PG-rated drama. McKellen elevates the overall film, which has style sophistication, but is a little scattered for my liking. The script makes you work, as there are three simultaneous storylines, but all the pieces do come together at the end. Buzz for McKellen, Milo Parker (for a Critics Choice Awards Best Younger Actor/Actress nomination), and Makeup and Hairstyling are valid.
“SICARIO” – LCJ Rating: B-
While Emily Blunt is talented enough to be an Oscar nominee one of these years, it won’t be for this film. She’s good, but her character, an experienced FBI Agent who ventures into new, criminal territory, is forcefully reserved. This thriller from “Prisoners” director Denis Villeneuve is most interesting during the action scenes (it’s a lock for Sound Editing and Sound Mixing nods). Benicio del Toro has two, back-to-back scenes at the end that are quite good, though they don’t equate to Best Supporting Actor consideration.
“SUFFRAGETTE” – LCJ Rating: C+
Set in England in the early 1900s, this drama focuses on the historical crusade by women to get the right to vote. Carey Mulligan has a few excellent scenes, though I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets snubbed from some Best Actress races. The film itself doesn’t have enough spark, especially for such important and volatile subject matter. And Meryl Streep is only in one, four-minute scene, so no 20th Oscar nomination for her this year.
“WOMAN IN GOLD” – LCJ Rating: B+
The Weinstein Company has been pushing hard for Helen Mirren to get into the Best Actress conversation for her effective performance in this emotional, true-story drama. Ryan Reynolds does his best career work alongside the Oscar winner. But since this movie opened in April, both Mirren and the lovely score may be forgotten when it’s time to fill-out ballots.