“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Directed by David Fincher

A new David Fincher film is always cause for excitement. He’s always made movies that have a lot going for them. “Zodiac” (his last film) is a modern masterpiece (in my humble opinion). The time, Fincher has turned away from his typically dark subjects to bring us a psuedo-fantasy/chick flick with “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” It’s beautifully filmed. The acting from Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett is serviceable (it won’t knock your socks off). While watching the movie I was thinking how some of the elements of the story were very “Forrest Gump” only used to better effect. Turns out that the screen writer is the same guy that wrote that movie … a movie that I really don’t like. Maybe that is tainting my view of “Benjamin Button.” Or maybe it’s the “tug at your heart strings” ending. I must confess that the more I think about this movie the more unsure of it I become. It would be interesting to hear what other Fincher fans think about “Benjamin Button.”
 

“Doubt”
Directed by John Patrick Shanley

I have read and have seen the stage play on Broadway. And now … the movie version of “Doubt.” The stage play is a four character affair. For the movie version, John Patrick Shanley has taken his stage play and made the canvas a lot bigger (with great results). Plus it doesn’t hurt that Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep get to showcase their chops. And what chops they have! Amy Adams (as Sister James) holds her own in the struggle between Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius. But, it’s Viola Davis who nearly steals the whole movie in her short scene with Streep. “Doubt” showcases not only lots of high drama … it also showcases lots of excellent acting. I highly, highly recommend this movie.

Next up … Bryan Singer’s “Valkyrie.”