
A week ago I got an email from a very good friend of mine asking if I would like to go to a movie premiere with her. She had managed to get a hold of tickets to an advanced screening of Eric Roth's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). It was like Christmas came early, literally! The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opens nationwide on Christmas Day. The movie is about a man, Benjamin Button, who ages backwards. He is born a wrinkled, arthritic baby and gradually becomes younger (and more handsome) as the movie progresses. It stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. May I digress for a moment to marvel in all of Cate Blanchett's glory? She truly is exquisite. I don't understand how one can be so versatile. It is a mystery!
The movie boasts many strengths. It is an interesting and creative story, the acting is excellent, the characters are intriguing, and the make-up is amazing. I was impressed. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett were able to age believably, whether forwards or backwards. I also thoroughly enjoyed the actress who played Queenie, Benjamin's mother. Her name is Taraji P. Henson. I haven't really seen much of her other work, except her recent stint on ABC's Eli Stone. I suspect this movie will have an abundance of nominations come award season. I wouldn't be surprised if Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, make-up, and the screenwriter all receive nods.
The major con is the length of the movie. This movie is long, very long. It is just shy of three hours. My friend leaned over to me towards the end of the movie to ask me what time it was. I was shocked when I looked at my phone to see two and a half hours had passed! There was no end in sight! However, the movie was able to keep my attention from beginning to end. This movie isn't necessarily exciting, but I don't think anyone would expect that from the previews. It is story-driven. It provokes deep thought. It is a tad depressing. Overall, watching this movie was a pleasant experience. I'm not sure if they will change it at all before its official release date. I wish I could say that I gave my opinion to the representatives after the screening, but my friend and I were both eager to get home. Go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button if you are interested in spending a large amount of time in the theater over your holiday break, if you desire a thought-provoking story, if you want to stare at Brad Pitt's beauty (you'll have to wait a while for it), or if you just need a break from all the family drama brought on this time of year!
Posted by Kelly Walvoord at December 3, 2008 12:11 AM