20 Feet From Stardom

Never underestimate the underdog. This week I was back at the pictures, first to see 20 Feet From Stardom.

For a music lover like me, the poster for this film is pretty eye-catching; glitzy, glamorous, and with a cast list that reads “Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder and Bette Midler”… But, for once, this lot aren’t the stars of the show. The real leading ladies are those that usually shy away at the back; the incredibly talented backing singers. Morgan Neville’s film looks at the (ironically) “unsung heroes behind the greatest music of our time”.

I hadn’t heard of the film until the night of the Oscars, when it picked up the award for best documentary, and after the nomination clip and the sound of a harmonious chorus in the studio, I knew I wanted to see it. The screening I went to was more than half-empty, but I can only hope this is because everyone has seen it already.

If you know your musical stuff, or were around at the time, you may recognise some of the names, most notably Darlene Love and Merry Clayton. Up until the introduction of Love’s group The Blossoms in the early 1960s, the pop world had been dominated by all-white back-ups who, although successful, were a little too well-behaved for the music that was to come. When The Blossoms boomed, everyone loved their gospel-influenced sound, and bands and singers across the world wanted to know how to get their hands on them.

Throughout the film, we watch and listen as the singers recollect their journeys to the stage, as well as their battles when they got there and sadly, the fall of many great talents. In the case of Darlene Love, her story is haunted by disloyal producers who cheated her out of her much deserved recognition, and then many, like Merry Clayton, failed at making the big-time, despite singing some of the greatest riffs of the time.

But don’t think the movie is one big sob story; there are great anecdotes (did you know Merry recorded “Gimme Shelter” in her curlers and silk pyjamas?) and I was goose-bumped all over from titles to credits. 20 Feet From Stardom also introduced me to some incredible voices, such as Tata Vega and Lisa Fischer. Get onto Youtube for a sneaky preview or if you’re like me, you’ll be downloading the soundtrack on iTunes.

If I’m being really nit-picking, there were a few downsides, the biggest one being that, despite wanting to bring the backing singers to the front of the stage, there were STILL some people who were interviewed without ever hearing them sing or tell their story. But I wouldn’t let that ruin my enjoyment of the film. 20 Feet From Stardom is like one big concert, which I will happily watch again and again and again.

Oscar Predictions 2014

Here are my predictions for tonight at the Oscars. It's been hard to pick, so I've managed to narrow it down to my personal choice, and who I think is likely to get it. What do you think? Would love to hear everyone's thoughts! Hasta mañana...

1. BEST PICTURE

Who I want to win : Her

Who will probably win : 12 Years A Slave

2. BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Who I want to win : Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Who will probably win : Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)

3. BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Who I want to win : Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Who will probably win : Sandra Bullock (Gravity)

4. BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Who I want to win : Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave)

                                 / Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

Who will probably win : Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)

5. BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Who I want to win : June Squibb (Nebraska)

Who will probably win : Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)

6. BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Who I want to win : Nebraska

Who will probably win : Gravity

7. BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Who I want to win : American Hustle

Who will probably win : The Great Gatsby

8. BEST DIRECTING

Who I want to win : The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorcese)

Who will probably win : Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)

9. BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Who I want to win : Her

Who will probably win : The Great Gatsby

10. BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Who I want to win : Gravity

Who will probably win : Gravity

11. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Who I want to win : 12 Years A Slave

Who will probably win : Philomena

12. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Who I want to win : Her

Who will probably win : Blue Jasmine

(All photographs from the Oscars website)

Captain Phillips

The bunting is out! I completed my Best Picture challenge and made it to see all nine films in the Oscars' category. Last but not least, Captain Phillips.

 A cargo ship is heading from Oman to Mombasa, carrying supplies to aid the starving people of Africa... and $30,000. In an area notorious for piracy, it is not long before the ship is boarded by four armed Somalians, and it is up to Captain Rich Phillips (Tom Hanks) to negotiate with them, and try and keep his unarmed crew alive. But the leader of the pirates, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), is determined to get what he came for and, whilst trying to keep control of a dysfunctional crew himself,  won't stop until he has got it. 

The story is much more balanced than I thought it would be, focusing on both the life of the Somalians as well as Captain Phillips. By the end, we understand their struggle, whether their actions can be justified or not. For four guys who practically came off the streets, I think they deserve a lot of praise for their performances. Barkhad Abdi was particularly spine-tingling, with his long stares and unsettling calm demeanour. Limo driver to BAFTA winner? What a long way he has come. I learnt from watching Tom Hanks being interviewed on Jonathan Ross that the director Paul Greengrass didn't let him meet any of the Somalian actors until the cameras were rolling and they were boarding the ship with machine guns. Knowing this whilst watching the scene added hugely to the tension.

Captain Phillips is action-packed, and a remarkable retelling of a true story (without spoiling the ending too much, Rich Phillips actually returned to the seas a year after his encounter at the Horn of Africa... Nutter!). I thought it was great, but I have to admit, it wasn't really grabbing me. There were a lot of loose ends, and parts that I just couldn't follow. t thought maybe it was more of a boy's film, with guns and ships and Navy Seals, but looking across to my boyfriend asleep on the opposite sofa, I guess I was wrong.

I couldn't see what all the fuss was about.... Until the last five minutes. If you've seen the film already, you'll know exactly the moment I'm talking about. After that, I was blubbing away, completely transfixed, thinking how unfair it was that Hanks hadn't been nominated by the Academy. 

Whether this has changed my mind enough for it to be at the top end of my list? I'm not sure. But nevertheless, it is still part of the running, and Barkhad Abdi is looking good for taking an award home.

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- The Wolf of Wall Street

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska

Nebraska

The penultimate film to check off my Best Picture list was Alexander Payne's comedy, Nebraska. I had to admit, I wasn't too excited about this one, and was convinced I wasn't going to like it... But how wrong was I?!

Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is your typical grumpy old man. With a wife and two sons who are convinced that he's losing it, Woody has taken ignoring them, not talking, not listening, and just getting on with his life. His latest mission - a trip to Lincoln to collect a million dollars, which he, according to a spam letter he received in the post, he has won. Nobody believes him, but his son David (Will Forte) agrees to drive him anyway, as a chance to spend some quality time with him, and to shut him up. The two set off, making a detour in his Woody's childhood town where he is a local celebrity "millionaire". But as to be expected when returning to your past, drama of course awaits, as well as and the unveiling of buried secrets long forgotten. The question is, will Woody make it to Nebraska?

The film, in a lot of ways, was slightly similar to August: Osage County. Nostalgic trips home, nutty relatives, and all the ups and downs that come with it. But it made me realise why A:OC wasn't nominated. Nebraska is all of these things, but more clever. It's subtle, the lesser known cast make the story more naturally believable, and what's more, from start to finish the film was absolutely stunning.

No joke intended, there's nothing new and black and white filming. The Oscar-winning hit The Artist of course instantly comes to mind. But applying a black and white filter to a modern day film is even more interesting. It blurs lines, causes less distractions and, as I saw one critic describe it, it gives Nebraska that "classic" feel. It also adds to the film's black humour, but at the same time, gives every shot, no matter how mundane, a great beauty. Look out for the curvy corners on the film too. I also loved the occasional real-time filming, and the two effects fused to make one of my favourite scenes in the film; the men of the family watching a game on TV.

The cast were all so great, especially the four Grant family members. Bruce Dern plays the line between loveable and insufferable; Bob Odenkirk plays Woody's eldest, prodigal son Ross, and Will Forte is, well, his David, the quiet, slightly pathetic, hero of the movie. And who could miss June Squibb's incredible performance as Woody's wife Kate? She is just so hideously wonderful.

Nebraska is a wonderful piece of Americana cinema and I giggled from start to finish. I so hope that it doesn't get overlooked tomorrow night.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- The Wolf of Wall Street

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

Her

Less than a week to go until the big night and I'm squeezing in the last few films (getting a bit tight now, isn't it?). Last week's flick was the fantastic Her.

I heard Her being described the other day as "that one where the guy falls in love with his computer"... To an extent, I guess that is the long and short of it. Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) lives in the not too distant future where, to meet a growing demand for simulated relationships, an operate system is produced, designed to suit the user's particular needs. This is where Theodore meets "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson) who helps him through his loneliness, his struggles at work, and the final stages of his divorce with his wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara). But as these OSs learn from intuition, Samantha grows as their relationship does, and soon she too has needs that she wants met. Is it morally wrong? Will he be missing out? Does any of it matter if he is happy? This movie depicts the problems evident in any relationship, as well as those that arise in the virtual.

Thinking about it, Her had pretty much everything I like in a film. The love story was interesting and intriguing, not a soppy romance with predictable ups and downs. I found it funny, as did the the majority of the audience, though I think most of the laughing was due to an uncomfortable understanding that this kind of relationship could be waiting just around the corner... Of course it's also got its sad moments, and your heart bleeds for both Theodore and Samantha at times, which is odd because, not only are they fictional, but half of them isn't real either.

A professor I had at university had a theory that one day, society will start to grow tired of new technology and will begin reverting back to old aesthetics and processes of design. Director Spike Jonze must have similar opinions because despite being set in a futuristic world, Her is full of influences from the past. The costumes, the furnishings - Theodore even works for a company that writes and digitally produces handwritten letters. The film's overall palette gave off, dare I say it, "vintage" tones. Having said that, the scenes that do use computer generated effects to depict the futuristic elements are also stunning and quite effortless.  Personally, I was absolutely immersed.

I like Joaquin Phoenix (which helps, as most of the film is spent watching, in effect, him talking to himself!) - I think he's a fine actor and it's great to see him back on the big screens again. His performance isn't jaw-droppingly spectacular, but it's not supposed to be. Theodore Twombly is your everyday man, and that's what makes him and his story so relatable. For me it was the girls who really stood out, and rightly so, considering the title. This does leads to the question, who is "Her"? There's an obvious answer, but actually, her could be any of them; the perfect woman who (literally) doesn't exist, the once wife now ex, the blind date that got away, the girl next door; each play an important part in Theodore's life and therefore Spike Jonze's tale of love.

Having said all of this, the friends that I went to see the film with didn't get it. They found it creepy and disturbing, and unenjoyable. Well, whether you love Her or you hate Her, it has to be agreed that it's unlike most things you'll have seen before.

So what's going to happen on Sunday? Her is up against some seriously big, shouty movies, and I'm not sure it will come out on top... But deep down inside, I so hope it does, at least picking up, like it has done at other awards ceremonies, a Best Screenplay award for Mr Jonze. Fingers so tightly crossed.

If you haven't already, check out the Guardian's brief videos supporting each film in the Best Picture category. A quick giggle, and a good catch up if you've missed any.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- The Wolf of Wall Street

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Nebraska

Dallas Buyers Club

Over half way through my Best Picture challenge now, and next up is a movie about strength, determination, and literally fighting for your life. Matthew McConaughey stars in Dallas Buyers Club.

Electrician and part-time cowboy Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) is spending life walking on the wild side; sleeping with women left, right and centre and, when he's got his hands free, dosing himself up on lines of coke and strong liquor. But his invincible outlook is all about to change as he's taken into hospital after an accident at work and found to be HIV positive. Not only does he have aids but he also has only thirty days to live. A staunch homophobe Woodroof must change more than just his lifestyle if he is to beat his countdown and, on finding an unapproved drug in Mexico that could help, he must take his life and the law into his own hands.

When I first heard the plot of Dallas Buyers Club, I was a little worried that it would just be a modern day retelling of Tom Hanks' Philadelphia, but really, DBC focuses on the more complex issue of heterosexual aids cases. At the time in the late eighties, homosexual men were, hideously, considered by many to be getting what they deserved for their "sinful" behaviour, and it must have been completely bewildering that a straight person could also contract the disease, male or female. The audience is led along Woodroof's journey, not only of suffering, but of enlightenment too.

Personally, I think this is McConaughey's career performance to date. He was close with Mud, but starring as Ron Woodroff shows him off in a whole different field of acting. No relying on good looks or that cheeky grin here; he in fact lost three and a half stone to take on this role, and looks so unrecognisable that when I saw a recent cologne ad of his, it took me a while to remember who he was. The real Woodroof's sister was apparently very pleased with the casting, as she felt McConaughey and her brother shared the same personality and swagger. This film has been in the pipeline for years, and if it had come out any earlier, we could have been watching Woody Harrelson, Brad Pitt or even Ryan Gosling in the starring role. To me, McConaughey was the perfect choice. You can't say he's a likeable character at the beginning but my god, at the end you're in complete awe of his fighting spirit.

Jared Leto has always been a name that I've failed to put to a face, but after this performance as transsexual Rayon, it'll be hard to forget him. The "Actor in a Supporting Role" category is probably the most difficult one to call, but it would be absolutely incredible if Leto were to take the crown. He's full of life and vigour, yet simultaneously breaks your heart as he too grows sicker. To be honest, any character that brigs Glam Rock into the storyline has my vote.

The characters of Rayon and Dr Eve Saks (played by Jennifer Garner) were actually both fictitious, and seem to take the place of Woodroof's sister and daughter, who are both absent from the story. I won't give any more away, as for me, not knowing the ending made the film even more gripping. Make sure you get to see Dallas Buyers Club, or you may feel left out come awards night. 

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- The Wolf of Wall Street

- Her

- Nebraska

The Wolf Of Wall Street

So we've worked the cotton plantation, conned the cops, lost our riches and searched for long lost sons. We've even been up in space. But now for something completely different. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill star in Martin Scorcese's The Wolf of Wall Street.

Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) dreams of making it big in the city. But in the highly competitive world of broking, and with a new wife to support, he knows he'll have to go hard or go home. Picking up all the tricks of the trade from his successful and completely nutty boss (Matthew McConaughey), Belfort is flying high... Until Black Monday hits, and he finds himself jobless and back at square one. He decides to go from small to big fish, landing a job in a firm that deals in penny stocks. Using his experience he is soon head of a team who are as money-crazed as he is, and willing to do anything, legal or not, if it means making the big bucks. Money, drugs, women, cars, yachts - he has it all in seconds, but it could all be ripped away just as fast if the Wolf doesn't watch it...

Having said it's unlike any of the other Best Picture nominees, there are a few similarities between TWoWS and American Hustle. There's con men, big heaps of cash, and fashion revivals in all their shoulder-padded glory. But what makes TWoWS stand out? It's hardcore, in-your-face, attacks-all-your-senses kind of big. In the first few moments, you're watching di Caprio doing lines of coke off a prostitute's backside, so you can imagine that by the end of the film, a whole three hours later, nothing else will phase you. Sex, booze, drugs, overdoses, and swearing that will make your ears bleed, all becomes much of a muchness!

Although TWoWS stands up to other films in the American Crime Fiction genre, it is actually based on true events. It's shocking to think Mr Belfort survived his time on Wall Street, let alone come out and write two memoirs about the experience. I don't know much about him, but I'm guessing DiCaprio's portrayal must have been pretty spot on, as he's already received a Critic's Choice award and a Golden Globe for his performance. He's hideously cruel and brutally selfish, but his energy and enthusiasm makes it all acceptable. 

As for baby-faced Jonah Hill, how he's matured from his Superbad/Knocked Up days. He's always portrayed such affectionate characters and almost does so in TWoWS as Belfort's right hand man, Donnie - but then, out of the blue, you get thrown a big chunk of crazy (I'd explain what happens when he's faced with the office goldfish, but let's just say he's learnt a trick or two from Ozzy Osbourne...they don't call it a black comedy for nothing). DiCaprio and Hill make a surprisingly good double-act, and they have such a natural bond - I've read that most of their scenes together were improvised. Margot Robbie was also amazing. I couldn't believe I hadn't seen her in more films before, but in her strong and sexy role as Naomi Lapaglia, I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of her in years to come.

Despite being garish in terms of content, the film itself looks absolutely gorgeous and glossy. It's got Scorcese all over it, with cinematic tricks like effortlessly mixing voice-over and straight-to-camera narrative into the filming. He really is, as I've heard many actors describe him, a director who loves all things film. There were shots that made a staircase look like a mountain - then there was literally a tidal wave. Both were as stunning as the other.

When people have asked me what I thought of The Wolf Of Wall Street, I've hesitated. Yes, it was a great looking film with a brilliantly crafted script, but I have to admit that I felt uncomfortable more often than not, and in this case, not in a way I was happy with (Note to self, don't see an 18 with your father again...). Still, a blockbuster of a movie, very deserving of a Best Picture spot.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- 12 Years A Slave

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska

12 Years A Slave

I have an announcement. My friend and fellow blogger Bella Tubbs has challenged me to see all the films nominated for Best Picture before the Oscars. Nervously, I have accepted to do my best! With 34 days until the big night I've got four down and five to go, and what a list it is. High up in my current ranking was my cinema pick for last night; Steve McQueen's masterpiece, 12 Years A Slave.

Based on the unimaginable true story, the film tells of Solomon Northup, a New Yorker and freeman who lived a very successful and happy life with his wife and two children in the 1840s. That was until 1841, when he made a trip to Washington with two companions who offered him an opportunity to work as a violinist. In fact, his fellow travellers kidnapped and drugged Northup and, like far too many people of the time, sold him into slavery. Without his papers and with no way of contacting his friends and family in New York, Solomon was sent to the south where, struggling daily to survive, he remained for twelve whole years.

Apart from being an active member of the abolitionist movement and publishing a book of the same name in 1853, very little is known of Solomon Northup - even more reason why this film is so important. It paints a hideous picture of a brutal past, which I find hard to believe was a reality only 150 years ago.

Like I said in my review of August : Osage County, here's to the British actors (yes, for the sake of this blog I am claiming Fassbender!), who are the top three billed cast members in this film. How incredible is Chiwetel Ejiotor? From small TV and theatre beginnings to this potentially award winning performance. Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender play landowners who both own Northup at a time. William Ford (Cumberbatch) is caring, understanding, and true to his honour, whereas Edwin Epps (Fassbender) is everything but. I hope both men have their performances recognised, and a little something for the mantelpiece too...

There are many more recognisable faces in the film, including Paul Giamatti, Paul Danone, Sarah Paulson and a certain producer, Mr Brad Pitt. In her Hollywood debut, Lupita Nyong'o plays another of Epps' slaves, Patsy, and trust me, her performance will make your heart bleed. I know I've recently praised Julia Roberts but interestingly, Nyong'o is also up for Best Supporting Actress...

It's gritty and at times hard to watch, and be prepared with your hanky for the end. 12 Years A Slave - a landmark film of 2014.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- The Wolf Of Wall Street

- American Hustle

- Philomena

- Gravity

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska

August : Osage County

Brace yourself - Streep's at it again. Watch her reign as head of the most dysfunctional family you will ever meet, in August : Osage County.

In the opening scene we meet Mr and Mrs Weston (Sam Shepherd, Meryl Streep), interviewing for a live-in aide. At their early retirement age, they are in need of some help; Violet Weston's cancer diagnosis has led her to a pill addiction and sparked her husband's drinking, and with two of their three daughters now living in other states, the family home is, like the parents themselves, looking pretty abandoned. But all is about to change as soon an event will be bringing the whole clan back, and with more secrets and heartaches to be revealed, eldest daughter Barbara (Julia Roberts) must act as glue to hold the entire family together.

I know I must sound like a bit of a broken record, but this film really does have an incredible cast. Between them they have 5 Academy Awards, 3 Baftas, 12 Golden Globes and about a million nominations. That makes for pretty good family genes. Of course Meryl Streep is the star, as she is with every movie she bats an eyelid in, but for me, the film would be nothing without Julia Roberts. Barbara is good cop, she's bad cop, she's saint and she's sinner, and whilst she supports everyone around her, who's there to support her? The two actresses have incredible on-screen chemistry, as if they really have been mother and daughter for forty years. That's to be said of the three siblings too. Julianne Nicholson was a new face to me but her role was incredibly powerful, and I'm sorry, but even if I'm not supposed to like her, Juliette Lewis will always be great in my eyes.

Like so many films this movie season, I was SO pleased to see the Brit boys (Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch) holding their own against the Americans. Both gave excellent performances, and not an accent wobble in sight. When looking at Benedict Cumberbatch's awards list on the web, I'm shocked and stunned to see it full of nominations, and no big-whammy awards yet. Fingers crossed that's all about to change for him (although this year he was honoured by BAFTAs Los Angeles with a Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year - too bloody right!).

August : Osage County is quite often very funny (probably due to some exchanges between relatives being all too familiar...), but for me, this tragicomedy is certainly tragi-heavy. As the story progresses it becomes more bitter and bleaker, all coming to a climax at the extended dinner party scene that you may have seen on the ads and in interviews. Most of the audience were in hysterics as Roberts tackled Streep to the floor but personally, I found it all incredibly moving and hideously real. Addiction, death, disease, divorce, adultery, forbidden love and abandonment - not laughing matters, in my eyes.

I absolutely loved August : Orange County and am hugely surprised not to see it up for Best Picture. Still, I wish Streep and Roberts all the luck in the world for the big night. Yes, they've both been up on the acceptance podium before, but hey, two's company, right? (Or in Meryl's case, a potential FOURTH. That lady, what an award machine ;) )

American Hustle

Five stars. Five stars. Five stars. Five star-performances given by five star-actors in what has now been heavily rated as a five star movie. If you haven’t already, get yourself down to American Hustle.

It actually took me two tries to get a ticket for American Hustle, as the first showing I tried was sold out. Even when I arrived at the screen on time, it was so packed out that I had to sit at the end of the second row. It’s not surprising really; I’m sure most people have been tantalised by the glowing reviews, teasing previews and extraordinary cast. Before American Hustle even started, I knew I was watching five of the greatest actors of this time.

David O. Russell’s film is the story of Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) – dry cleaning owner by day, expert con man by night. He ropes in the help of Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), his partner in more ways than one, but soon after hitting a peak, they’re caught out by the FBI, and soon find themselves working for agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) - who has a bit of a wild streak himself. DiMaso is set on taking down the local mafia, but as Rosenfeld’s friendship with Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) starts to interfere, as well as his unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), how far will the con run, and who will still be standing when it crumbles?

Well, Christian Bale. I kind of feel like that’s all I need to say… What an actor, and what an incredible transformation. He absolutely throws himself into every role, and this is no exception. Bradley Cooper is certainly growing on me. Personally, I much prefer his serious acting side, displayed superbly in this, and in Silver Linings Playbook (another from David O. Russell). Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence are absolutely stunning. If their outfits don't start a new 70s fashion revival, I don't know what will; gimme those Farrah Fawcett flicks and give 'em to me now! Both portray these empowering women brilliantly; Adams is sophisticated and graceful, and Lawrence is both feisty and in need, but despite being rivals, both Sydney and Rosalynd are fighting for a better future, and it's hard to work out where your alligence lies. Jeremy Renner, probably the lesser known of the five, is also great. More of this proper stuff, Jeremy, less of the superhero/witch hunter please.

If I didn’t own so many of the songs already, I’d be running out to buy the soundtrack right now. Not only are they, for want of a better phrase, “proper tunes”, they also empower the film, plot and cast. What could be more brilliant than a slightly drunk and aggressive Jennifer Lawrence singing Live and Let Die?

American Hustle is action-packed, full of suspense, and I hope, an oscar-winning film. It's gonna be a tough race to the Best Picture finish line, but this movie is certainly a deserved participant.

OTHER 'A BIT OF WHAT I FANCY' BEST PICTURE REVIEWS :

- The Wolf Of Wall Street

- 12 Years A Slave

- Philomena

- Gravity

- Dallas Buyers Club

- Her

- Nebraska