Is it time for Renee Zellweger to clinch her first Oscar for Best Actress? On the basis of the reviews for Judy, it seems so.
Zellweger portrays Hollywood darling Judy Garland, iconic star of such films as The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St Louis. This biographical drama focuses on the troubled Garland's later years when she performed Talk of the Town in London, exploring her problems with drug addiction and the desire to keep her family together.
Zellweger has won over the critics with her all-singing, all-dancing turn, and the movie screened last night for Cineworld Unlimited members. So what did they make of it? We'll start with Nerys, who lauds Zellweger's turn while drawing intriguing parallels with a certain Garland masterpiece.
I thought it was really, really good. Renée Zellweger was fantastic. A heartbreaking story, of someone who was terribly insecure and broken. I just felt so sad for her and her kids. She was stuck in London trying to get ‘home’ a bit like Dorothy was stuck in Oz.
— Nerys (@nezza74) October 2, 2019
One of our own writers Nadine says the movie rests on the power of its central performance.
Enjoyed the film, but the highlight is most definitely Renée Zellweger. She’s exquisite. At times I actually thought it was Garland in the film, so convincing.
— Nadine (@nadineshambrook) October 1, 2019
Nina says the movie is an illuminating and often heartbreaking look at the difficult life of a silver screen legend.
Oh my goodness. I had no idea how sad Judy's life was and Renée Zellweger deserves another Oscar for her portrayal of such a legendary icon. And that voice!! Ugh, I'm so glad to have seen this tonight. I want to see @JudyGarlandFilm another three times!
— Nina (@igoggledit) October 1, 2019
Helena is calling it: Oscar will come calling for Zellweger next February.
Just been to @cineworld for #CineworldUnlimited screening of Judy. Calling it now: Zellweger will win the Oscar for Best Actress. What a performance. #JudyTheFilm https://t.co/GGgIUrj4hX
— Helena Quarmby (@helenaquarmby) October 1, 2019
Jared is among many views who compliments Zellweger's singing – no mean feat given the status of 'Over the Rainbow' and other pieces.
If Renée isn't nominated for best actress then the Oscars don't mean diddly squat!
— Jared Wiltshire (@Jediwilt) October 1, 2019
Loved it, very emotional, and just astounding how she managed to capture the vocals so well. Definitely going into my top 5 of the year.#Judy
Thanks @cineworld for the unlimited screening pic.twitter.com/wv3yDKXBiE
Kris says Zellweger does what all actors should do: disappear into the role.
Judy was excellent. What a performance, you forget it’s Renée Zellweger. She’s incredible. #UnlimitedScreening @cineworld @JudyGarlandFilm pic.twitter.com/sotMaKXQfB
— Kris (@Krissykins1) October 1, 2019
On the other hand, Jonny believes the movie may be over-reliant on its central performance.
If Renée Zellweger wasn’t in this, who knows if it would work. But she is, and she’s magnificent. The concert scenes and flashbacks were the strongest elements but the rushed ending left disengaged as the credits rolled. Can’t wait for Zellweger’s album though. #JUDY
— Jonny Hosking (@JonnyHosking) October 1, 2019
Kyle says the narrative could do with better pacing but Zellweger is beyond reproach.
I found the film to be quite solid. I was amazed at how great of an actor Renee Zellweger could be and that it didn’t shy away from the more scary and troubled parts of her past.
— Kyle Snape (@kylemsnape) October 1, 2019
It feels a bit uneventful and slow at times but I thoroughly enjoyed it overall.
We'll finish with this from Deryck – we think this is the coda of which Judy Garland herself would be proud.
Brilliant portrayal by Renee, but so so sad. Left broken by fame and just wanted to do right by her children - heartbreaking. This may be my favourite film of the year so far #giveheralltheawards
— Deryck Fullerton (@dexfoo) October 1, 2019
Click here to book your tickets for Judy, on release now in Cineworld. If you were at last night's screening, tweet @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited with your responses.
Don't forget about your next Cineworld Unlimited screening: Chris Morris satire The Day Shall Come on 7th October. This provocative and controversial black comedy centres on an innocent Miami preacher who is sculpted as a terrorist by America's homeland security forces – exactly the kind of subject matter we'd expect from the man behind The Day Today, Brass Eye and Four Lions.
If you're yet to join Cineworld Unlimited, autumn is the perfect time to do so. For a set monthly price, gorge on unlimited movies, advance screenings, money off your favourite restaurants and lots more. Click here to join Cineworld Unlimited.
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