Jan Picks The Oscar-Nominated Films To Watch At Home
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
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KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:
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SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— For your home-viewing pleasure on DVD and download, you'll be happy to know some of last week's Oscar winning (or at least nominated) films are already available.
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12 YEARS A SLAVE (R)
"12 Years a Slave" won best picture, best supporting actress and screen adaptation. Director Steve McQueen said this movie would never have been made without the superstar clout of Brad Pitt. That reminds us that the inmates run the asylum in Hollywood and we need to hope our stars have taste.
This nightmarishly brutal film is also powerful, unforgettable and important. It's on DVD, but parents be advised or watch it first before deciding if it's appropriate for your children.
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PHILOMENA (PG-13)
"Philomena" also out on DVD may not have won any of its four Oscar nominations, but you'll win once you see this sensitive sometimes humorous true story.
Dame Judi Dench is perfectly cast as an Irish woman who goes off to search for her son that she was forced to give up for adoption. It's a quiet movie that touches our hearts and reminds us of our shared humanity.
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NEBRASKA (R)
Last, but not least, "Nebraska", which didn't win one of its six nominations is also available. This film is believable, unusual and certainly was deserving of an award. It's about a man determined to collect money and you get to follow along on a road trip.
Bruce Dern and June Squibb portray poignant and humorous characters in gorgeous cinematography and a smart screenplay. The message of relatives changing with the presence of money certainly rings true.