The Master and Emmys Big Plus and Big Minus

The Master is without question a must-see movie.  Philip Seymour Hoffman is perfect as the suave, warm, funny and compelling guru of the cult he leads.  Joaquin Phoenix is even better as the returning veteran humping the babe molded in the sand by his buddies.  He's quirky and spasmodic as he's drawn to the Hoffman character and his cult.  It is great to see Phoenix up and out of that river in Panama.  (See previous posting on this blog, dated Sept. 22, 2010).  There are such extraordinary scenes set up by writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson that you just want to last longer because they are so color-rich and captivating.  The movie sags somewhat in the latter half, but not nearly enough to make it anything less than the best movie of the year to date.  As for the Emmys, they hit it on the button when they showered Homeland with so many justly deserved honors, as it was clearly one of the best first seasons ever.  But how did the Emmys completely miss the boat on the other best first season offering this last year, Smash??  Maybe it's because so many actors stood out in this extraordinary cast that those voters just threw in their towels on this one.  Outrageous!

3 Duds and a Pearl

Beasts of the Southern Wild is a pearl glistening in the murky water.  Painful and mysterious with a harsh beauty.  On the other hand 2 Days in New York is disappointing and without substance.  Who'd have thought that Julie Delpy would stumble this badly.  She's too good as an actress and director, but writer - I'm not so sure after seeing this.  Two other duds fill out this post, Bachelorettes and For a Good Time Call....  These two movies are aimed at a younger audience, and if they are hitting the mark, then God help us.