Title: Room
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Year: 2015
Country: Canada/Ireland
It’s hard to fault the impact of Room. Going into it I only knew half the story. For some reason I assumed that the entire film would pretty much be a two person show. In fact, only half the film takes place in the titular room. The latter half actually takes place after Joy (Brie Larson) and her son Jack have been found and released.
Usually I find it hard to watch films with a child actor as a main character. I mean, unlike most people I did not find Quvenzhané Wallis worthy of a Best Actress nomination. I would, however, think that Jacob Tremblay really should have received a lot more nominations during award season.
There is a such a fantastic chemistry between Tremblay and Larson and that just raises this movie to an incredibly high level. It would be easy to make this film over the top. Brie Larson is able to give such a subtle and nuanced performance as the surivor of a kidnapping, and Tremblay is just so believable and natural as her son.
If it was not for my love of Inside Out then Room would definitely be a contender for my top film of 2015. Spotlight would also have a chance at that title too. Then again, neither Spotlight nor Inside Out were able to make me cry as often as Room.
Would I like this to win? Yes. Will it win? No chance sadly.
Title: The Martian
Director: Ridley Scott
Year: 2015
Country: USA
No matter what the Golden Globes say The Martian is neither a comedy nor a musical. It has a quite a few laughs and features Kristen Wiig and Donald Glover in supporting roles, but it is most definitely not a comedy.
This film easily belongs to Matt Damon. When I think of some of the more gung ho characters in sci-fi movies (classic example: The Day After Tomorrow) astronaut Mark Watney is a breath of fresh air. Not only is he an optimist and a survivor, but he is also an incredibly smart and geeky guy. I mean, how can you not fall for a handsome astronaut who is able to make accurate comparisons to a pirate and to Iron Man at different points.
Some critics have described The Martian as being Robinson Crusoe in space. Rather accurate really, but I can’t imagine there being as many breathtaking shots in an adaptation of Robinson Crusoe. Or disco music, a touch that really helped to set this film apart from regular sci-fi fare.
Will this win? No. Should this win? No.
Current Rankings
1) Spotlight
2) Room
3) The Big Short
4) The Martian
Before I Kick 