12 Years A Slave

Also known as "Just when I thought I couldn't hate the South any more than I already do..."

I do not feel eloquent enough to give a review that will do this film justice so I will just touch on the moments that really stood out for me last night.

This was a one-time last showing of 12 Years A Slave (it had left our theaters a while ago) with the ONLY mention of the one showing being found on the internet.  Nothing on the 'now showing' board or on the marquee.   It was in one of the smaller theaters- #17 out of 18 -- the spot above the door read "Special Showing" and I arrived early to get my favorite seat - as always- and walked into a 75% full theater 25 minutes before show time.  By the time the trailers started, we were shoulder to shoulder- every seat taken--- EVEN the wheelchair areas full with people in wheel chairs.  People moved together without being asked to accommodate the stream of incoming patrons, putting their coats on their laps instead of heaping them in a seat.  People wanted to be here and most of them were on their best behavior.

Normally I HATE full theaters and despite a handful of idiots displaying their normal idiot behavior (commenting on EVERY trailer, guffawing, singing, snarfing... see previous reviews from Lady Friends for full list of behaviors) the crowd was respectful, quiet (for the most part) and there is something to be said for the collective gasps of horror during parts of this film and the sniffling and quiet but collective nose wiping that accompanied the end of the film.

I loved this film.  Give them the awards, because hands down this is just so well put together from start to finish I don't see how it can lose.  Just all around well done.  Quite honestly, the weakest link for me was Brad Pitt's accent.  Seriously.  He looked amazing but sounded like a caricature. 

It is a heart-breakingly beautiful movie.  I loved it.