Magical, breathtaking, and wondrous.

Rating: Null/10 (30 December 2008)

Certainly one of the best films of 2008, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a visual feast that feeds the eyes as well as a marvelous and touching story that reaches the soul. Directed by David Fincher, the man responsible for dark dramas such as Fight Club and Zodiac, nearly every scene perfectly captures the moments it is set in. This is crucial in a story that starts out in 1918 and goes to the 21st century. Every decade is meticulously crafted and created. The 20s, 30s, 40s all seem so real and sweep you up in its charm.
Needless to say, this would be for nothing if not for some great acting, and here we have two of the finest actors in work today. Brad Pitt plays Benjamin nearly at all parts of his life, and yet we always can feel him there despite being covered in makeup and CGI effects. Towards the middle when he looks as he does in real time, there was only one thought going through my mind as I watched him on screen: This man is a movie star. He has the looks, the body, the charisma and the smarts to bring people along with him and convince us at every turn that he is this character. He should almost definitely be nominated for an Oscar and it shouldn't be a huge surprise if he wins; he certainly deserves it. By no means any less a star but more of an actress, Cate Blanchett also deserves serious buzz as Daisy, a beautiful dancer who captures Benjamin's heart and joins him on this unusual journey. Taraji P. Henson also is spectacular as Queenie, the woman who nurtures and cares for Benjamin and loves him perhaps more than anyone else.
All in all, this is a well-told story that I believe a lot of people will reckon with and recognize as a sincere work and a true example of the magic and potential of cinema. As mentioned before, the set designs and cinematography are staggering and Oscar-worthy as are the music, editing, direction, and of course the picture itself. I'm not sure if its the front-runner, but it will be in the thick of it come February. And why not? Such a breathtaking and terrific piece of entertainment and nostalgia that captures a series of moments in all parts of the world. They come together and make up one life; something so precious and important yet gone so soon.