The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ****

Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Taraji P. Henson, Jason Flemyng, Tilda Swinton, Jared Harris
Director: David Fincher
Running Length: 2:46
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born in 1918, as an old man. His mother dies in the birth, and his father Thomas (Flemmyng) abandons him. He is found and raised by Queenie (Henson), and within a few years has the appearance of an 80 year old man. But then, as the years pass, he begins to look younger. At the age of 13, he first meets Daisy (Blanchett). Their paths will cross repeatedly over the course of his life, and she will become the love of his life.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is so much more than that description, and is an entertaining and engaging motion picture. Covering the greater part of the 20th century, it takes us on a whirlwind tour of his life. Brad Pitt is great as the tile character, playing him in all stages of his life, from old to young. Blanchett is equally good as his beloved Daisy. The story itself, based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an amazing backwards look at a life. It has a lot to say about what defines a life and the sacrifices that one must make as he goes through it. I highly recommend this film.