Summer breezes by

There wasn't a ton of big talk about movies this summer.  'The Dark Knight Rises' ended up being quite an impressive technical achievement, but maybe not quite on the level of 'The Dark Knight' in terms of being a hopeful Best Picture nominee.  We all remember the fans who were disappointed a few years ago, and I imagine they will be again.  I just don't see the Academy jumping into the superhero Best Picture thing this year.  I think it will mostly likely pop up in the sound categories.


The one film I'm beating myself up over that I haven't seen is 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'.  I've heard fantastic things from friends and family, and am looking forward to seeing the much talked about performance of Quvenzhané Wallis, who seems poised to become the youngest Best Actress nominee of all time.  It will be out on DVD next month where I will be sure to catch up with it.  

Judi Dench in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'

Other possibilities in the summer that may carry over include the hugely successful 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel', 'Moonrise Kingdom', and 'Take This Waltz'.  "Take This Waltz" simply for Michelle Williams if she is campaigned.  She gives some of her best work in the film.

'The Best Exotic...' may strike a chord with the older Academy and I can see Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson jumping into weaker supporting categories if the back end of the year doesn't fill them up solidly.  'Moonrise Kingdom', a film which I enjoyed, but wasn't my favorite of Wes Anderson's work, is likely to be a contender for Best Original Screenplay.  I also thought the Production Design was wonderfully quirky and could be remembered.  I don't see it holding on for a Best Picture nomination despite stellar reviews.   I can't remember anything else from the summer which may factor in to awards season, but I'm always ready for a surprise.