Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Posted by Krystal in Entertainment and Pop Culture Movies.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a film filled with hope and vivid characters. It will make you to laugh out loud, to cheer and to cry. Most importantly, it will make you never take Brad Pitt’s physical appearance for granted ever again.

The film tells the story of Benjamin Button, an unique individual who ages physically backwards. Meaning, he was born with as an infant with an infantile brain, but but physically that of 80-year old man. We follow Benjamin through the course of his life. You are emotionally invested in the character as we see him walk for the first time to when we see him meet the love of his life, Daisy. We follow him on his adventures across the world and right in his backyard in New Orleans. The movie is filled with rich side characters who provide Benjamin with life lessons and teach him about love and loss. The supporting characters make this extraordinary life story seem real and plausible.

Brad Pitt really shines as Benjamin Button. Often his best scenes are not when he is speaking, but when he has a glance of curiosity across his face or when he is deeply saddened. I didn’t really feel like I was watching Brad Pitt in a movie. I felt like I was watching Benjamin Button’s life story. His celebrity did not hinder this film at all. I do feel like this film showcases the talent that Brad Pitt does possess. It does make me sad that he has been wasting it for the past couple of years making Ocean’s Eleven sequels.

Part of the magic of the film is the aging process that all of the characters undergo. The film is clearly going to get Oscar nominations for special effects and/or make-up. In every scene, there are subtle differences to each character’s appearance to show the signs of aging or un-aging. It is really remarkable. The best part about Benjamin Button un-aging is that it is still clearly Brad Pitt playing him. If there is any CGI, it is minimal. It is mostly prosthetics and props that enhance the character.

There are a few complaints with the film though. I felt as if the character Daisy was not developed as richly as Benjamin Button and some of the other supporting characters. It is disappointing because she is a critical person to the plot. There is also a minor Hurrican Katrina point to the plot that is really unneccessary, but luckily can be overlooked because it doesn’t hinder the plot that much.

Overall, I am going to safely predict a Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor Oscar nominations for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I am still so-so if Cate Blanchett will get a nomination for her performance. Regardless of what the Academy thinks of this film, it is definitely worth watching. It was richly told and a real treat to watch. I can’t think of film I have seen in the theatres, in a long time, that has made me smile, cry, and laugh out loud as often.

Entertainment and Pop Culture, Movies |