Some discussion over at IMDB were questioning if the young love angle was a problem and why reviewers are somewhat typecasting James and/or comparing it to his other films.

Here was my response....to that so it can be incorporated into my review above that I wrote when I was exhauste... :-)

Hate to bust anyones bubble here, but i saw it yesterday and Mirren and Plummer are impeccable. They truly are believable of a couple married for over 45 years. All the actors are so rich in their portrayals, but Mirren and Plummer do stand out.

James is excellent for what his character is supposed to be. Kerry Condon is wonderful as well and they play beautifully off one another.

Valentin arrives as a naive devoted Tolstoyan and slowly through his dealings with Tolstoy himself, Sofya and Masha, he begins to realize how this way of life is not living. He realizes through the three of those characters that one must experience love in order to experience life.

Tolstoy questions himself and his own beliefs and confides in Valentin. Sofya speaks about love and it is evident in her own actions just how much love she has for Tolstoy and her family. Masha is who Valentin discovers love with, both emotionally and physically. Which btw .... the love scene is hardly erotic, but tender, though I will say the audience had a good chuckle. Most likely remembering their own experience.

The young love angle was necessary for without that experience, Valentin would not be able to relate or appreciate the importance of love.

For those who are not familiar with James' work and his ability to physically (non verbally) convey his feelings, might not "get it". He is subtle, but his character is subtle compared to Mirren, Plummer, Giamatti and even Condon's.

For those who are familiar with his talent, are the ones who do believe he should receive a Oscar nomination. As well he should.

For many reasons and not acting alone, I believe Plummer would have a better chance against the Lead Actor competition than James. I believe James would have a better chance with both a nomination and possibly a win in the supporting.

It may very well end up like the LKoS, and that is exactly what I felt when leaving the theater yesterday. That was my only disappointment.

Well, that's my little humble opinion. I blasted a reviewer early from the NJ Star Ledger who said McAvoy again playing "a callow Romeo like he did in LKoS"......I asked him if he even watched the film and perhaps he needs to watch it again. Romeo? He is so NOT a Romeo in this film LOL!

We can keep our fingers crossed and if it not be in the cards for him, we can at least look forward to The Conspirator and the untitled cancer project. And who knows whatever other project might get squeezed in there.

I would love for him to come to NY and do a great play and win a Tony! :-)

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