'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' Film Review

The story of a man who ages backwards may sound gimmicky to say the least, but with David Fincher as its director, and Brad Pitt as the protagonist, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' is elegant, well structured, and well acted by the entire cast from Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Taraji P. Henson.

Spanning over 60 years of the character's life, and given a running time of nearly three hours, there's plenty of time to absorb this visually and uplifting fantasy.

Set in 1919, a mother dies of childbirth leaving behind a toddler who has the appearance and symptoms of a dying 85 year old. Left at the doorstep of a New Orleans retirement-home by his mortified father, Benjamin Button is taken in by a Black nurse named Queenie (Henson). She tells everyone that the child is her flesh and blood from her sister whom she wishes to care for. With so many of the elderly lost in their own world, no one could tell the difference.

Top 10 Movies of 2008

Top 10 Movies of 2008:
Of the many films I have seen this year (over 350); these are the films I thought were the best of 2008. Many performances were the highlight of numerous films, including some that were in films that played in limited areas. Some will be recognized come Oscar time and some may not, but if you get a chance, check out these films and see why I considered them the best of this year.

Paramount | Warner Bros. | Alluvial Film Company | Weinstein Company LLC

10. 'Let The Right One In':
With all the hoopla surrounding the other vampire film, 'Twilight' --- with its legion of fans, this is the film that quietly captured the attention of many and had a story with substance. Thanks to director Tomas Alfredson's take on John Ajvide Lindqvist's Swedish bestseller-turned-screenplay. On DVD soon.

9. 'Gomorra':
If there was ever a film to compete with the Granddaddy of gangster films 'The Godfather,' it would be this foreign film from Italy. Matteo Gorrone's thought provoking look at the criminal underbelly through the lives of five individuals is frightening to imagine, but too engrossing to walk away from. In theaters now.

8. 'Rachel Getting Married':
In shedding the good girl image we've seen in her previous films, Anne Hathaway gives a tour-de-force performance as the sister that comes home and almost ruins a wedding with erratic behavior. In theaters now.

7. 'Ballast':
In using non-professionals for its cast, Lance Hammer directed a film that captures a slice-of-life with a topic (homelessness) that filmmakers rarely focus on, and brings realism to the American forefront. In theaters now.

6. 'Vicky Christina Barcelona':
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem ignited some fire in Woody Allen's latest romantic comedy, which also stars his current muse Scarlett Johansson and newcomer Rebecca Hall. After so many attempts in English speaking films, Cruz finally has a film that makes a Hollywood star. On DVD now.

5. 'Tell No One':
This French film has the makings of a Hollywood noir, with its romance, suspense, and intensity. Otto Preminger and Alfred Hitchcock would be so proud that some of their films were combined in this tale of man who believes that his dead wife may still be alive while he is under investigation for her murder. On DVD soon.

4. 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button':
While the story about a man aging backwards may be seen as gimmicky and manipulative, David Fincher created a beautiful fantasy filled with wonderful visual effects and amazing performances by Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson. In theaters Christmas Day.

3. 'Milk':
Sean Penn's performance as Gay activist Harvey Milk is not only stunning, but director Gus Van Sant brought a level of emotion and intelligence to a subject matter that still touches the hearts of many in today's political climate. On DVD soon.

2. 'Slumdog Millionaire':
From the man who directed a diverse array of films ranging from 'Trainspotting' to '28 Days Later' to 'Millions',' comes this gem about a quest for freedom, respect and love. Danny Boyle's film is filled with such colorful imagery and passion that one can't leave the film without being highly entertained. In theaters now.

Years go by and with Button looking like the old man he was born as, most of the residents consider him as one of their own, but he has the mind of a youth who is learning about life and more about himself. One day, at the age of 7, he meets the love of his life, Daisy, who is also 7, but looks it physically. While his relationship is platonic at first, Queenie informs him that his appearance is not welcomed by others and that he needs to be careful.

Over time, Button goes through life witnessing many things, from love, death, being in the war, and seeing the world, while appearing younger and younger until he meets Daisy at an appreciate age where all is right. Eventually, Benjamin knows where the future lies, and makes preparations for it.

Written by Oscar winning screenwriter Eric Roth, who penned 'Forrest Gump', he skillfully took a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922 and injected with life and emotion. There are plenty of adventures that Button goes on, from his sea venturing tales to his motorcycling days across the country. Fincher, who previously directed 'Zodiac' certainly takes his time fleshing out the characters, but never to a nauseating effect.

Aside from the digital effects done of Blanchett's face, which wasn't necessary, the rest of the film looks gorgeous including the superb prosthetic makeup done on Pitt. Pitt, whose voice is heard throughout the entire film from his old appearance to his youth, gives an affecting performance that gracefully brings the audience along for this long journey. Henson is simply stunning and wonderful as the loving mother.

If there's one story that you want to be intrigued by and watch it grow into something fascinating, you can't wrong with this one. It's worth the cinematic journey.