August: Osage County (2013) - ★★★★½

Director: John Wells
Writer: Tracy Letts
Stars: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Shepard, Misty Upham

There have so far been only two movies from 2013 that have left me with a feeling of elation after watching them. The first was Frances Ha by Noah Baumbach. The second is August: Osage County. It really is one of the most riveting, unforgettable dramas I've ever had the pleasure of watching. It has such a beautiful, indie feel to it because of the humble cinematography and soothing score by two time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla. What astounds me is the phenomenal cast that makes up the characters. There are truly dynamic and powerful moments in this firecracker of a film, but there are also soft touches of reflection and human feeling that really bring the character's to life. Though it has mixed reviews, I found August: Osage County to be one of the most impressive drama's in the history of cinema.

Million Dollar Baby (2004) - ★★★½

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Paul Haggis (Screenplay), F.X. Toole (Stories)
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Margo Martindale, Jay Baruchel, Lucia Rikjer, Mike Colter

Million Dollar Baby is great in someways, and average in others. It's very thrilling, meticulously acted by most, and very well put together. BUT I just don't see why people think it's one of the best movies of the decade. I just finished reading Roger Ebert's thoughts on the film, and he hailed it as a masterpiece! Well I guess this is yet another one of those films that I "Just don't get." I can definitely see how someone can have their heartstrings pulled by this movie. I'm not saying that people are wrong for lauding Million Dollar Baby as a great film, but I am saying that it's far from a faultless masterpiece.

Dead Man Walking (1995) - ★★★½

Director: Tim Robbins
Writers: Helen Prejean, Tim Robbins
Stars: Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Margo Martindale

Tim Robbins' classic true story of a murderer on death row and a nun who wants to help him atone for his sin is one that is not biased on any side of the capital punishment debate, which makes for a very intriguing watch. 

Sean Penn plays Matthew Poncelett, a man sentenced to death for the brutal killings and rape of two innocent teenagers. A nun, played by Susan Sarandon, helps him try to atone for his sins and get the trial he was deprived of due to his poor background. She played the do gooding nun beautifully and was a delight to watch, while Sean Penn once again delivers what can be seen as a class performance. This role was one that made many see a bright future ahead of him, and they were right. The most noteworthy scene of the movie is when both are getting to know each other and you see Susan's face through the window, but Sean's reflection is also seen, so we can see both of their faces looking at each other at the same time. 

Dead Man Walking is a movie that I would recommend to those with an open mind on whether the death penalty is ethical or not. The way this movie displays both the murderers side of the story and the feelings of the parents obviously forces the viewer to pick a side. However, I did not pick a side, because I thought both sides had valid points, and both sides were very much in the wrong. This is why the movie is so great, because after you watch it, you're left to ponder where you stand on the issue after hearing both sides of the argument.