OSCAR WATCH: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is a well-intentioned tearjerker that slightly misses the mark. Though it fails to build on it's promise, I think the film isn't as terrible as the reviews would have you think. I found it to be quite touching (yes, i cried), with a few really good scenes and a great score. Thomas Horn gives a very strange performance in the lead role, but I chalk that up to the writing. As Horn's expedition companion, Max von Sydow gives an adequate performance in a very limited role. The film has 2 Oscar nominations - Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Max von Sydow), but I doubt any possibility of winning. I can totally see why this film was nominated for Best Picture, as it really tugs at the heartstrings and explores the beauty of humanity.