'The Last Station'

'The Last Station (R) ***

Writer and Director: Michael Hoffman
Starring: Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, James McAvoy, Kerry Condon, Paul Giamatti, Anne-Marie Duff

"The Last Station" is a serviceable period drama about the marriage of author Leo Tolstoy and his wife Sofya. I am not really nuts about these little costume dramas but I like movies about writing and authors. The strength of this film though lies in two great performances by the leads with a great supporting cast. The movie is slight and breezy but the performances are larger than life. Christopher Plummer and Hellen Mirren as The Tolstoy's (sounds like a sitcom pilot)make grand, dramatic performances. I liked Christopher Plummer a little more because I think subtlety is stronger. His performance is actually flawless and he deserves his Oscar nomination. To think that this film veteran of over 100 films has never been nominated for an Oscar! Helen Mirren is more over the top and hammy but that is what the character and the story requires and she is up to the task. She still looks radiant and sexy at her age and she also deserves the nomination. I still am going with Jeff Bridges and Carey Mulligan/Gabourey Sidibe for this year's acting honors though. So the leads are amazing as is Paul Giamatti who plays Tolstoy's adviser and is becoming a wonderful and dependable actor! There is also a sweet love story between James McAvoy and Kerry Condon that I found actually more interesting. Kerry Condon is a great new actress who makes a deep impression and almost steals the movie. Mirren is excellent but Plummer is the real deal here! This might be more cozy to watch on DVD at home but the acting is the sell here.