Should Button up a few Oscars

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2008)

Definitely among the top films on my list this year. Despite its sometimes brash bid for Academy Awards (and worthy of them for Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and David Fincher, plus cinematography, makeup and costumes), BENJAMIN BUTTON stays the course even as it threatens to veer off into art for art's sake. Think of the touchstones of a certain Oscar-winning GUMP, stir in some TITANIC doomed romance, a reversal of DORIAN GRAY and even a touch of what Coppola only wished he'd done with YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH, and you have a good start on BUTTON. It's definitely worth its benjamins! Jeff Farance Film Critic Daytona Beach, FL