Frida

In a Nutshell: An interesting movie; worth seeing. Some great performances and awesome casting, but I didn't love it.

Quick Plot: The life story of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, turning her physical and emotional adversity into art.

In Detail: I know this film was nominated for several Oscars, but I don't feel it was nominated for the right ones. Personally, I feel that Salma Hayek was acting mainly like herself. That's not to say that's a bad thing, and she may be much like Frida (which could be why she felt so close to the material and pushed so hard to get the film made), but I don't consider that "acting." (I felt the same way about Julia Roberts in Erin Brockavich.) However, Alfred Molina turns in an outstanding performance! In fact, if I hadn't known that he was the male lead in the film before I saw it, I'm not sure I would have placed him. There are three other "super-star" cameos in the film, and they are all wonderful. And despite being an art film, it managed to avoid going too far over the "too arts-y" edge; very enjoyable for mass audiences, I think, though the ambiguity of Frida's sexuality may make some people uncomfortable. The story was interesting, and I saw enough of her art to know that I am not a fan of her art. Again, that's not a bad thing, just the way it is. Worth seeing.

Will I Buy It? I don't think so. I'm glad I saw it, but I don't think I want to see it again.