Movie lovers wait all year for the Oscars, and, as usual, this year did not disappoint. With Ellen DeGeneres hosting, plenty of extraordinary movies, actors and actresses battling it out for an Oscar, and special guests like the performance by U2, the night was one for the books.
But, as always, plenty of award-worthy movies were nominated but did not take home the prize. And without the Oscar title, many of them might soon be forgotten. These contenders would make the perfect choice for a date night at the theater or at home once the kids are in bed.
Although they did not win Best Picture, these five films offer something for every couple who needs a nice night together and an entertaining break from parenthood.
1. Dallas Buyers Club
This emotional film is a biographical drama about an AIDS patient who smuggled unapproved pharmaceutical drugs into Texas in 1985. The movie details the idea of taking illegal actions for the sake of personal well being-not only his own but those who suffer from the same disease.
Nominated for Best Picture, Dallas Buyers Club stars Matthew McConaughey who did win Best Actor while Jared Leto won Best Supporting Actor, making it the first film since Mystic River to win both awards.
2. Philomena
A 2013 British-French-American comedy/drama Philomena is based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith. British actors Judy Dench and Steve Coogan tell the story of Philomena Lee’s 50-year-long search for her son.
The touching flick was nominated in four categories at the 2014 Academy Awards and had three Golden Globe nominations. Unfortunately, Philomena lost out in each category. However, the movie is offers a reflective story with near perfect performances by its cast.
3. Her
A sci-Fi romantic comedy, Her was written, directed and produced by Spike Jonze. The unique story pulls the audience into the life of a lonely character and his digital friend. The spectacular acting of Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde and Scarlet Johansson bring the heartwarming and thought provoking comedy to the screen.
The film centers on a Phoenix’s character who develops a relationship with an intelligent computer operating system which has a female voice and personality. The movie delves into ideas of loneliness, love and true companionship.
Though the movie lost to 12 Years a Slave in Best Picture for Best Picture, it did end up winning an award for Best Original Screenplay.
4. Captain Phillips
Based on the true story of 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, this dramatic true tale depicts an piracy incident where Captain Richard Phillips is taken hostage by pirates in the Indian Ocean off the Somalia coast.
Though the movie received six Academy Award nominations, it did not take home the Oscar for any category. But its six nominations should indicate its brilliance. The performances of veteran Tom Hanks and newcomer Barkhad Abdi, who earned a nomination for best supporting actor, prove truly gripping.
5. American Hustle
With a star-studded cast, American Hustle brings Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence all into a story loosely based off the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film focuses on two con artists forced to perform an elaborate sting operation on shady politicians.
Although American hustle won three Golden Globe Awards, it did not win any of its 10 Academy Award nominations.
Regardless of whether they took home the golden statue or not, each of these stellar films deserves a view. Whether you watch on demand with satellite TV in Colorado Springs or stream the movies online, you and your honey will have several great movie nights to enjoy.
Image Source: www.reuters.com
