Philomena

A heartbreaking and true story, Philomena is a real woman and the events the film depicts are based on the published work of journalist Martin Sixsmith. Co-star, producer and writer of the movie Steve Googan portrays Sixsmith. The script is based on Sixsmith's novel, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. Judi Dench stars as Philomena, an old-fashioned, yet at the same forward thinking, devout woman seeking to find her lost child. The poignant drama of the circumstances are balanced with Coogan's comedic relief at just the right moments.

Coogan co-wrote the script with Jeff Pope and it is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is also nominated for Best Picture, Best Score and Dench for Best Actress. Philomena is not expected to take home any Oscar statues. Which is too bad because it is such a lovely film. It has a good shot at Best British Film at the BAFTAs this weekend. Dench is right behind Blanchett for the BAFTA as well. Philomena is one of this year's award season movies that I enjoyed the most. At one point the thought crossed my mind that I did not want it to end.

After seeing the movie I participated in the trailer market research that takes up residency frequently at Regal Bridgeport. It was a very interesting experience and actually for a trailer I had not seen yet -- the Equalizer with Denzel Washington. C and C Market Research was the company and they encourage you to participate whenever you are back at the theater. It takes maybe twenty minutes so it is not always feasible but for this movie nut worth the time if I have it.