Philomena

Is Philomena philomenal?

Philomena Lee’s journey is one of those small, true stories that inspire good movies, showing up in theaters just in time for the holidays.

Philomena, based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith,The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) to find her Irish son who was given away for adoption in the United States.

As you can expect, her journey with the writer, Martin (Steve Coogan), takes a few poignant turns.

Simply put:  Philomenal. A true story. A truly affecting film.

Award potential: Dench is a delight and she has a good shot at a Best Actress nomination, if not an Oscar win. Cate Blanchett will take that award.

The movie has a small chance at Best Picture and Best Actor for Steve Coogan – but it has a very good shot at Best Screenplay. 

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.