August: Osage County
Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: December 25, 2013
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 223 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
163
Mixed:
39
Negative:
21
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1
KindlyKJan 24, 2014
The quality of the stars in this movie and their acting was the ONLY reason this movie even rated a 1. It was everything I could not to walk out on this horrible assault. I kept hoping it would turn into something worthwhile. HUGE wast ofThe quality of the stars in this movie and their acting was the ONLY reason this movie even rated a 1. It was everything I could not to walk out on this horrible assault. I kept hoping it would turn into something worthwhile. HUGE wast of time and money!!! Wish I could erase this movie from my memory. It was just terrible!!!… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
BHBarryJan 10, 2014
August: Osage County is the film adaptation of the award winning play written byTracy Letts who also wrote the screenplay. Directed by John Wells and starring the extraordinary Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis,August: Osage County is the film adaptation of the award winning play written byTracy Letts who also wrote the screenplay. Directed by John Wells and starring the extraordinary Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dermot Mulroney, Ewan McGregor and Chris Cooper, this is the story of an extremely dysfunctional family and the problems each of its members bring to the table ( in this case the dinner table). Having seen the play on Broadway I can attest to the fact that the 3 hour play with 2 intermissions was so well acted and directed that it seemed to be only 2 hours in length. Conversely, the movie is only 2 hours in length but seems like it extends beyond 3. No one can quarrel with the words of the author and the tremendous talent on the screen but it just doesn’t capture the intensity and tightness of the stage rendition. One can argue that Ms. Streep’s character was too dramatic and “over the top” but the role played both by Ms. Streep in the film and by Estelle Parsons on the stage required that kind of “overacting”. The character they portray is basically a drama queen and both actresses captured her essence perfectly. A great ensemble cast that could have benefitted more by better editing, I give the film an 8. Remember, the essence of any performance, be it on stage or in a movie house, is good writing. For that reason alone, the film is worth listening to and watching.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
LynJan 13, 2014
If you enjoy a well-acted, dysfunctional family saga -- and don't mind a "talky" movie that obviously was a play -- this film is intensely exhilarating. I feel the accusations of "scenery chewing" are unfair considering the serious themes.If you enjoy a well-acted, dysfunctional family saga -- and don't mind a "talky" movie that obviously was a play -- this film is intensely exhilarating. I feel the accusations of "scenery chewing" are unfair considering the serious themes. Heck, even Julia Roberts acts to the point where that vertical vein in her forehead stands out! Streep is a wonder, in a part that reminds me of an older version of Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf." There are a lot of great laughs as well from the excellent cast, and Margo Martindale, in particular, is never less than real for one second.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
TVJerryJan 13, 2014
It's sacrilege to imply that Meryl Streep could ever overact, but she certainly indulges herself with this sick (in both senses of the word) and mean mother. Director John Wells' lingering camera just adds to the problem. This is a familyIt's sacrilege to imply that Meryl Streep could ever overact, but she certainly indulges herself with this sick (in both senses of the word) and mean mother. Director John Wells' lingering camera just adds to the problem. This is a family drama in every sense of the word. After a major crisis, the siblings and other relatives come home to cram a lot of cataclysmic revelations into two hours. Everybody gets their moment so shine (or suffer) and the performances are sincere. The whole thing just feels forced and flat, lacking the powerful emotional effect that this much turmoil should create. It's not bad or boring, just not brilliant.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
David_HJan 27, 2014
There's no doubt the big star casting is impressive here and certainly there was some very impressive and very emotional acting. Unfortunately i cannot endorse a movie enthusiastically when it comes down to the fact you walk out of theThere's no doubt the big star casting is impressive here and certainly there was some very impressive and very emotional acting. Unfortunately i cannot endorse a movie enthusiastically when it comes down to the fact you walk out of the theater feeling like crap. honestly i don't see the point of a movie that is filled with conflict and depressing scenes, topped off with an ending that doesn't resolve anything.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
ariel84Apr 16, 2014
blech. expecting dark/black humor because: tracy letts. couldn't finish watching. so much scenery chewing by meryl streep. julia roberts/ewan macgregor: not a match made in heaven. and her face is largely expressionless. insertion of outsiderblech. expecting dark/black humor because: tracy letts. couldn't finish watching. so much scenery chewing by meryl streep. julia roberts/ewan macgregor: not a match made in heaven. and her face is largely expressionless. insertion of outsider as silent witness (native american nurse) so obvious. just a mess as a film.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
MavisGary610Feb 18, 2014
The "abridged" film version of Tracy Letts' big loud stage drama moves fast, has extremely well-written characters, and some truly phenomenal acting. Not a single character is miscast, and everyone is doing fantastic work here. It reallyThe "abridged" film version of Tracy Letts' big loud stage drama moves fast, has extremely well-written characters, and some truly phenomenal acting. Not a single character is miscast, and everyone is doing fantastic work here. It really deserved to be a best picture candidate.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
NZreviewMay 10, 2014
Despite the outstanding cast, beautiful landscapes and production values I have to say: watching this movie was a horrible experience. The character's are so relentlessly, gratuitously nasty, abusive and aggressive it is painful to watch. TheDespite the outstanding cast, beautiful landscapes and production values I have to say: watching this movie was a horrible experience. The character's are so relentlessly, gratuitously nasty, abusive and aggressive it is painful to watch. The Weinstein Company should be charged with hate crimes against residents of Osage County who are tarred by association to this.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
ArchonMagazineSep 20, 2014
Adapted from the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name, August: Osage County is what you expect in an Oscar nominated film. The tale of the troubled Weston family told over the course of a few weeks in Oklahoma as a disjointedAdapted from the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name, August: Osage County is what you expect in an Oscar nominated film. The tale of the troubled Weston family told over the course of a few weeks in Oklahoma as a disjointed family comes together when the sole male and patriarch goes missing.

Dysfunctional is almost an understatement when it comes to the Weston family’s problems. You name the depressing affliction and they have it. Incest? Yup. Cancer? Yup. Molestation? Yup. Suicide? Yup. Drug addiction? Yup. Divorce and Separation? Yup. Infidelity? Yup. Racism? Yup. Child Abuse? Yup. While this ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ mish-mosh of gloomy subject matter is not entirely the fault of the director, since it is an adaptation of Tracy Letts’ creation, it comes across as heavy handed and excessive in the film.

The acting can partially be to blame, as it is as graceless as the plot. Meryl Streep does as she always does, she transforms. But you cannot shake that underneath the wig and make up it is still Meryl Streep playing the pill popping verbally abusive matriarch, Violet Weston. Julia Roberts does a better job playing the daughter who got away, Barbara. I believe the star is Julianne Nicholson, who plays Ivy, the dismissed and criticized daughter burdened with the task of caretaker of the house. Hopefully this film can act as a catalyst for her career because she shines, as does her partner in the film, Benedict Cumberbatch.

The film reeks of “Academy Award” material as a product of the Weinstein brothers, but is undeserving of taking home the prestigious accolade in any category. Though fine as a dramatic film it is no tour de force. It lacks the longevity of presence and will probably be forgotten within a few years.

Find more recent movie reviews at our website!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
LowbrowCinemaApr 10, 2014
Trite and uneven, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY may once and for all disprove Leo Tolstoy's very famous and over-used quote, "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' This mess of a movie ladles out the usualTrite and uneven, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY may once and for all disprove Leo Tolstoy's very famous and over-used quote, "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' This mess of a movie ladles out the usual American family dysfunctions without a trace of insight or depth. We've seen it all before, much better/much worse, in the theater, on film and hourly on television. Clearly there is talent involved from Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts, who adapted the film from his own wildly successful and respected play, to a team of top producers who put together a star studded cast more for their wattage than cohesion. Meryl Streep leads the dysfunction while still overplaying the mother superior from DOUBT. Director John Wells is unable to reign her in or create any rapport among the actors. AUGUST requires a true ensemble, but with the film you never believe this is a real family. Julia Roberts comes out on top both in plot and performance but it really doesn't matter. She and everyone one else is done in by a film that really doesn't know what it wants to be. The cinematography is bright when it should be dark. The music sweetens when it should bite. Worst of all, the claustrophobia of the play is undermined with characters running in and out of the house like cracked up lab rats. This is not a work that needed to be opened-up. In fact, it needed to be closed in. Made more tight and claustrophobic for the screen. And when the characters do sit and stick around for abuse at the dinner table, you'll ask, "Why don't they just leave again?" AUGUST is truly a mess of a county.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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3
raustin714Dec 29, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is no way not to love Meryl Streep at all times, but you spend the whole movie watching her tear apart the scenery like Mechagodzilla and keep thinking "what a great actress" instead of "I believe this character could exist".
Like most people on Earth, I have not seen the play on which this movie was based. I didn't even know it was based on a play but assumed it was very early into movie as all the actors begin assembling into small rooms to give speeches at one another very loudly.
So many ridiculous causes for drama and conflict are packed into one film it becomes laughable, as hard as you are trying to take this seriously because so many good actors are obviously trying to on screen. The alcoholic father. The pill popping venomous mother. Suicide. Cancer. Familial dysfunction. Incest. Marital strife. Sibling rivalry. Mental illness. Teenage angst. All trotted out one after another to keep the actors acting on full blast. Why are Ewan Macgregor and Benedict Cumberbatch cast as two weasly Midwestern dopes? Because there's more acting to be done when you have to barely pull off a believable accent.
Subtle this movie ain't. Just to make sure you understand that Juliette Lewis' boyfriend is a rich douchebag, he needs to drive a red Ferrari convertible at 90mph everywhere and blast "livin la vida loca" on the stereo. Really? Like someone has listened to that song in ten years.
Listen, this movie was actually enjoyable for a while in the same way that one of those caught on camera shows is. But after a while you get numbed to the car accidents and wanna switch it off.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Film_critic1Dec 25, 2013
Meryl Streep proves once again that she is the best. She was the best of the movie, Julia was also good, the whole cast was amazing. You really have to go and see this movie.
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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8
MarcDoyleDec 27, 2013
The movie is good, but the play was SO much better. I enjoyed the individual acting performances; however, the omissions from the play are so stark that it's really a shell of its former self. I'd certainly recommended it for people whoThe movie is good, but the play was SO much better. I enjoyed the individual acting performances; however, the omissions from the play are so stark that it's really a shell of its former self. I'd certainly recommended it for people who have not seen the play, but for those who have, please moderate your expectations.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
snafu91Dec 30, 2013
I have no words for Streep's and Robert's performances. Both deserves Best Leading Actress Oscar nominations, Streep even a win! Best performance of her career. It's one of the best films of 2013. Martindale, Cooper, and Nicholson are alsoI have no words for Streep's and Robert's performances. Both deserves Best Leading Actress Oscar nominations, Streep even a win! Best performance of her career. It's one of the best films of 2013. Martindale, Cooper, and Nicholson are also outsanding, but the entire ensemble were great!… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
TevyeFeb 1, 2014
I want my money back! I've never heard so much trash-talk in a film and would never see this film again ever. Wanted so badly to walk out, but we were with another couple, so we all stayed, hoping to find something redemptive in the film. ItI want my money back! I've never heard so much trash-talk in a film and would never see this film again ever. Wanted so badly to walk out, but we were with another couple, so we all stayed, hoping to find something redemptive in the film. It seemed to me the title should have been: WHICH ONE OF THESE CHARACTERS WOULD MAKE GOOD ROLE MODEL, AND IF YOU PICK ANY ONE OF THEM, YOU'RE A LOSER.

The film and it's actors will probably garner a lot of attention from the Oscar crowd, which shows why the Hollywood culture is so vile and repulsive.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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5
MarkAngelJan 13, 2014
I haven't read nor seen the play, but this thing was way too depressing. The acting should probably be regarded as superb (especially Meryl and Julia) although at some points overwhelmingly difficult to handle. Nevertheless, i enjoyed theI haven't read nor seen the play, but this thing was way too depressing. The acting should probably be regarded as superb (especially Meryl and Julia) although at some points overwhelmingly difficult to handle. Nevertheless, i enjoyed the dinner scene a lot.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Compi24Jan 12, 2014
A tightly written screenplay from Tracy Letts, a set of phenomenal performances spearheaded by Meryl Streep's desperately degenerative turn, and a fairly competent directorial effort from John Wells allow the audiences viewing "August: OsageA tightly written screenplay from Tracy Letts, a set of phenomenal performances spearheaded by Meryl Streep's desperately degenerative turn, and a fairly competent directorial effort from John Wells allow the audiences viewing "August: Osage County" to truly engage in a worthwhile cinematic effort.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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1
BananafishMar 24, 2017
Terrible. Just terrible. What's worse is people think this is what thoughtful storytelling looks like. Sad. I've seen the play also. It's not this particular movie production - let me absolutely clear. It's the story overall. It was obviouslyTerrible. Just terrible. What's worse is people think this is what thoughtful storytelling looks like. Sad. I've seen the play also. It's not this particular movie production - let me absolutely clear. It's the story overall. It was obviously written by a Junior High School girl who thinks she knows what drama is.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
jeremypJan 11, 2014
If you like to see our better actors chew some scenery and pay homage to Meryl, the queen, then it' s a worthwhile endeavor. The problem for me is caring for this much dysfunction and so much soul slapping vitriol.
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9
BikerjamesJan 27, 2014
Don't be fooled by the trailer - this is not a comedy. There are some comedic moments here and there, but overall it's a drama about a family who gets together after a family tragedy and the skeletons come out of the closet! It is based onDon't be fooled by the trailer - this is not a comedy. There are some comedic moments here and there, but overall it's a drama about a family who gets together after a family tragedy and the skeletons come out of the closet! It is based on a play that I didn't see so I can't compare it to the play. The film reminds me of a couple of Woody Allen's great dramas ("Interiors" and "September") from the 70s and 80s which had the same theme and ensemble feel. Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts are in top form in this film and give Oscar deserving performances. The supporting cast is pitch perfect and there are no dull moments.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
GuavoonDec 27, 2013
While August: Osage County showcases a tremendous ensemble of actors all on their game, it suffers from an increasingly melodramatic plot with wildly unnecessary twists and turns that keep the movie from being fully grounded or relatable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
lancekozAug 7, 2018
No doubt about it, there's some yelling and histrionics... but way less than in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and some others. There's plenty of humor and surprise, and tenderness, spread throughout a script that reveals wonderfully vividNo doubt about it, there's some yelling and histrionics... but way less than in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and some others. There's plenty of humor and surprise, and tenderness, spread throughout a script that reveals wonderfully vivid and credible details about some troubled lives. The acting, and diversely chosen cast is great, just a pleasure to watch. The photography and location fits beautifully. I rate it higher the second time around.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
lasttimeisawJun 20, 2014
Any film adapted from an awards-winning play is prominently a fertile ground for any decent thespians to seize various meaty roles and to be transported to the road to Oscar and Weinstein company is unrivalled for this manuveur, last year’sAny film adapted from an awards-winning play is prominently a fertile ground for any decent thespians to seize various meaty roles and to be transported to the road to Oscar and Weinstein company is unrivalled for this manuveur, last year’s surefire is AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, and ends up adding a solid brick to Streep’s insuperable nomination record for actors, now ups to 18 (and keeps surging), and a welcome-back recognition for an over-the-hill Julia Roberts (once the most bankable female movie star in Hollywood if younger generation is oblivious about that).
read rest of the review on my blog: google cinema omnivore, thanks… Expand
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7
beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014
With a story as solemn as this one, sometimes it isn't necessary to have a happy ending. It needs to be raw and real. We aren't surprised by Streep's brilliance, but Julia Roberts became the dark horse of this one. "Eat the fish, ****
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6
csw12Jan 11, 2014
August: Osage County has some very good performances by the cast but after all the arguments and everyone yelling at each about everything, the movie becomes a drain by the end. .
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6
Trev29Jan 8, 2014
The characters in this movie accuse each other of being monsters and they really are. Great performances from the cast.. However, the movie makes you feel hollow and dead. It is too serious and exhausting as other people have mentioned. TheThe characters in this movie accuse each other of being monsters and they really are. Great performances from the cast.. However, the movie makes you feel hollow and dead. It is too serious and exhausting as other people have mentioned. The story got too melodramatic and soap operaish.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
foxgroveFeb 13, 2014
With its theatre origins obviously transparent ths film opens less than auspiciously. Things are not helped by Meryl Streep's initial appearance in which she is way over the top, the mechanics of her particular acting style all too visible.With its theatre origins obviously transparent ths film opens less than auspiciously. Things are not helped by Meryl Streep's initial appearance in which she is way over the top, the mechanics of her particular acting style all too visible. It takes about 30 minutes for the film to properly find its feet with both acting and writing seeming very uneven. However, with the very entertaining dinner sequence events seem to come very much alive. Streep settles brilliantly in to her bullish and bullying matriarch and the writing also finds its natural rhythm, ultimately telling a good story with more than a few surprises up its sleeve. Julia Roberts, often too knowing in her roles, is fantastic here. In between all the fights and vitriol going around she shows great subtlety in some of the quieter scenes with her facial expressions doing a lot of the work. Margo Martindale also has a corker of a scene which propels an important plot point. In fact the women in the cast outshine their male counterparts by a considerable margin. At the film's close it came as somewhat of a surprise to realise just how much I had enjoyed the preceding two hours.… Expand
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10
momto3Feb 23, 2014
This is an amazing movie with brilliant performances from the entire case, but especially Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Everyone in our group loved this movie, with ages ranging from 16 to 60. I highly recommend this movie and definitelylThis is an amazing movie with brilliant performances from the entire case, but especially Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Everyone in our group loved this movie, with ages ranging from 16 to 60. I highly recommend this movie and definitelyl think it desesrved an Oscar nomination over some of the other nominated films.… Expand
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9
LeZeeMar 18, 2014
Well, what made this movie a very special? Of course the stars. Yeah, this movie was overwhelmed with a pack great actors and actresses. It was based on a play and very beautifully cinematised. Usually scripts for plays are designed to takeWell, what made this movie a very special? Of course the stars. Yeah, this movie was overwhelmed with a pack great actors and actresses. It was based on a play and very beautifully cinematised. Usually scripts for plays are designed to take place in a limited location so that is why it was not stretched by map. The movie was shot at a couple of locations and the majority of them are in a country house, in that most part comes while dining. So that is where it kinda reminded me 'When do we eat?'.

I love dramas specially which deals about a family issues like honest father, jobless son, lonely daughter, ill mother, drug addict grands children, rich laws, faithful maid et cetera. In some scenarios, it will reverse and becomes a great comedy like the one we had seen in Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler movies. Stories like this are very near to our lives, well, at least for somebody in some way. The much reality it goes, much impresses me. This is the one of a beautiful family drama of the year.

The movie characters were portrayed in an elegant manner. The connections between each others and problems to be solved were placed in the perfect positions. In many parts you can see the extended scenes, it is because to give a feel of a cinema. Some of the quotes relating life and relationship were inspiring.

In this movie, the three time Oscar winner Meryl Streep got an another nominee tag for her beautiful performance. Julia Robert as well was nominated for best supporting actress but lost to '12 Years a Slave'. Not only these two, others too filled the movie with their powerful performances, including the rising star Abigail Breslin.… Expand
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7
python2000May 22, 2014
August: Osage County is definitely more tiring than captivating despite the story having good potential to be quite interesting. It is really a performance movie, but another area it fails in is that the performances just aren't strong enoughAugust: Osage County is definitely more tiring than captivating despite the story having good potential to be quite interesting. It is really a performance movie, but another area it fails in is that the performances just aren't strong enough to carry the whole film. Think about Dallas Buyers Club, that had incredible acting all round and (although the story and writing was brilliant) the acting alone could have redeemed most bad points you could come up with. But in August: Osage County the characters are not portrayed in a very unique way, all the performances are merely pretty good. Meryl Streep got nominated for a **** tonne of awards like always when she really didn't deserve many of them. Don't get me wrong they're not bad just straightforward performances and undeniably nothing special. The first hour really didn't have my attention and wasn't exactly boring, just painfully slow. Thank god in the last 40 minutes or so it sped up because it saved this from being a pointless and undeniably boring movie about pretty much nothing. Most loose ends are tied up in a satisfying way and the ones left without an explanation are left like that for a good reason. Meryl Streep's story and ending just annoyed me though. Throughout the whole movie all she did was act **** and moan about things. The performances are decent, the story not very interesting but bearable, the chemistry between the cast very good and a strong ending which redeems quite a few weak aspects. Only worth watching if you're good at analyzing movies and noticing things like cinematography and foreshadowing, otherwise it will bore you to death.… Expand
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6
ThegodfathersonFeb 15, 2014
August: Osage County is a bombardment of feelings, never holding the audiences hand or taking the easy route while never unearthing anything profound enough to make the journey worth it. At its best, it's a great actors chewing up scenery. AtAugust: Osage County is a bombardment of feelings, never holding the audiences hand or taking the easy route while never unearthing anything profound enough to make the journey worth it. At its best, it's a great actors chewing up scenery. At it's worst, it's a cacophony of famous people screaming. Audiences may see enough of that during their holiday season.… Expand
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4
Prodigy2013Jan 18, 2014
The acclaimed play; 'August: Osage County', must have been fantastic to watch on the stage; but it's adaptation to the screen was hardly a thrill. Lazily adapted to the screen by play-writer, Tracy Letts; the film is filled with dialogue thatThe acclaimed play; 'August: Osage County', must have been fantastic to watch on the stage; but it's adaptation to the screen was hardly a thrill. Lazily adapted to the screen by play-writer, Tracy Letts; the film is filled with dialogue that hardly translates well to the screen and a plot that doesn't have any room for subtext. Its certainly fitting that the blatant script was followed up with OBVIOUS performances; because the film was excruciatingly overacted. As entertaining as these performances may be on face value, there was really nothing take away from them. Every single nuance is acted in bold strokes; leaving nothing for the viewer to ponder. However, I must give it to Chris Cooper, for giving one of the few sincere performances in this picture. But that really couldn't save this film on a whole. At times entertaining and always easy to digest; the film was ultimately an overwhelming romp.… Expand
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10
MovieGoer14Feb 7, 2014
If not the dramady of the year, it is one of the year's best. "August: Osage County" holds a magnificent cast, strong acting and a strong plot. I highly recommend this movie, Meryl Streep & Julia Roberts are the strongest aspect of the film.If not the dramady of the year, it is one of the year's best. "August: Osage County" holds a magnificent cast, strong acting and a strong plot. I highly recommend this movie, Meryl Streep & Julia Roberts are the strongest aspect of the film. You have to watch this film..… Expand
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8
StevieB212Dec 31, 2013
Most plays don't make great movies in my book, although this perhaps
does better than most. Partly it's the dialog: a play is more poetic,
less conversational. And partly it's the set, although for this movie they open things up with greatMost plays don't make great movies in my book, although this perhaps
does better than most. Partly it's the dialog: a play is more poetic,
less conversational. And partly it's the set, although for this movie
they open things up with great wide shots of Oklahoma plains. The story
here too is tight, too tight: almost ever character has a tragic story
line. I give most of my points for the performances. Meryl Streep,
Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Sam Shepard, Julianne
Nicholson, Benedict Cumberbatch are all first rate. Second rate, or
perhaps the characters were Juliette Lewis and Dermot Mulroney. Margo
Martindale, who seems a natural comic actress to me, overplayed her
part for my taste.… Expand
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7
MovieGuysDec 6, 2014
The family drama may be a bit overplayed and overwhelming, but August: Osage County features some amazing performances from an A-list cast and great set pieces. Additionally, it doesn't venture too far from the play it is based on (a goodThe family drama may be a bit overplayed and overwhelming, but August: Osage County features some amazing performances from an A-list cast and great set pieces. Additionally, it doesn't venture too far from the play it is based on (a good thing), and almost always feels realistic as a glimpse into hard family life.… Expand
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9
TheOrienceJan 21, 2014
This Tour de Force cast can sometimes be overzealous but the cohesion shown in a movie of absolute chaos is amazing. Meryl Streep is at her finest and Julia Roberts delivers her best performance since Erin Brockovich, but its the ensembleThis Tour de Force cast can sometimes be overzealous but the cohesion shown in a movie of absolute chaos is amazing. Meryl Streep is at her finest and Julia Roberts delivers her best performance since Erin Brockovich, but its the ensemble cast that really pulls this movie together. Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale are excellent, providing some of the best of the films many short scenes. The film is quick and relentless but never dull or contrived. Skip the glass of wine and get grab the bottle. You'll need it.… Expand
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9
marcmyworksJun 3, 2016
Despite there being moments that the cast selection may not be the best for the depth of the script, this film is a strong and vibrant portrayal of a broken family. Meryl Streep of course is excellent and I must say Julia Roberts gives one ofDespite there being moments that the cast selection may not be the best for the depth of the script, this film is a strong and vibrant portrayal of a broken family. Meryl Streep of course is excellent and I must say Julia Roberts gives one of her best performances. Ewan McGregor is the only cast member who seems quite out of place.… Expand
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8
vailbeachDec 31, 2013
Critics don't like this film because there is too much good acting. In fact, the good acting and good dialogue are what make this rather intense family drama a pleasure to watch. Especially good: Streep, Martindale, Nicholson, Roberts,Critics don't like this film because there is too much good acting. In fact, the good acting and good dialogue are what make this rather intense family drama a pleasure to watch. Especially good: Streep, Martindale, Nicholson, Roberts, Cooper, Lewis. The theme: the selfishness of the older generation leading to trauma among the next generation is exceedingly relevant.… Expand
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8
Tfit6631Jan 1, 2014
A welcome relief to see an American movie for grown ups. No cartoon characters and CGI, just actors actually acting and interacting. Beautifully. Happy families it ain't, so it won't capture the teen and retarded adult audience that's theA welcome relief to see an American movie for grown ups. No cartoon characters and CGI, just actors actually acting and interacting. Beautifully. Happy families it ain't, so it won't capture the teen and retarded adult audience that's the target demographic of most of the big production companies.… Expand
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10
NiasabilaJan 18, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'll give you a link good movie, I was tired with all the wrong link,
if you want to download this film, follow this link

http://goo.gl/TpTkXP

I just want to help you to provide the correct instructions to download this movie… Expand
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7
haukynJan 27, 2014
As Gertrude Stein might have said, a soap is a soap is a soap. And this had everything you'd expect of the genre - here's a hint, how many soap-related words can you think of beginning with 'i'? Actually, you could pick any letter of theAs Gertrude Stein might have said, a soap is a soap is a soap. And this had everything you'd expect of the genre - here's a hint, how many soap-related words can you think of beginning with 'i'? Actually, you could pick any letter of the alphabet and ask the same question. What makes this stand out, however, is the quality of the performances. Meryl Streep may dominate, but they're uniformly good. And what makes this fine story-telling is the arc from opening to penultimate scene; it's like the trajectory from the handing over to the taking up of a, shall we say, burden. Both clever & satisfying.… Expand
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6
CECtheRoninJan 30, 2014
August: Osage County is a film about an extremely dysfunctional family that is not afraid to go to some very uncomfortable places. Every person in the family has some secrets or vices and in lesser hands, it might feel like a soap opera. SomeAugust: Osage County is a film about an extremely dysfunctional family that is not afraid to go to some very uncomfortable places. Every person in the family has some secrets or vices and in lesser hands, it might feel like a soap opera. Some instances do feel like a soap opera, but a very watchable one. I actually think that this is a movie designed to make the viewer feel uncomfortable, right down to the laughs and the implication by the end that Julia Roberts' character may have become as bad as her mother played by Meryl Street. The big weak point that I see, as loathe I am to admit it because I like him, is Benedict Cumberbatch; I found his character a little too melodramatic, he disappears for almost the entire third act, and it's hard to tell if his southern accent is convincing or not. I'm hesitant to recommend this movie because I feel like it's an acquired taste and you won't walk away from it feeling joyful, but at the very least, I enjoyed it, so take that for what it's worth.… Expand
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8
AzdajaFeb 14, 2014
Good movie,awesome cast,Julia Roberts and Marley Streep where awesome, good story,good sreenplay,not boring,earned the nominations for awards.Definetly worth watching,Benedict Cumberbatch also very good.
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0
PAScottFeb 22, 2014
What was the point of this movie? We meet a cast of characters who are all deeply damaged. As movie continues, we learn more about the damage and the contempt they have for each other. I kept waiting for redemption that never came. SomeWhat was the point of this movie? We meet a cast of characters who are all deeply damaged. As movie continues, we learn more about the damage and the contempt they have for each other. I kept waiting for redemption that never came. Some may argue that is real life which may be true. But why would anyone want to pay money to see that?… Expand
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8
CuchareableFeb 23, 2014
As long as consummated actresses like Julia Roberts And Meryl Streep keep raising the flag about how it's supposed to be act, for young and new girls on the business will be hardest to be recognized as they are now the two magnificent womenAs long as consummated actresses like Julia Roberts And Meryl Streep keep raising the flag about how it's supposed to be act, for young and new girls on the business will be hardest to be recognized as they are now the two magnificent women who plays the roles of the "insane mother" and her "obsessed daughter" in the oscar nominated motion picture "August: Osage County".… Expand
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10
lukechristianscApr 14, 2014
i had to remake my review . I saw august osage county as Meryl Streep plays a drug addict mother . her acting in this film is heartwarming , got a little love in it .
Grade A+
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7
RamonGuerreroMay 2, 2014
Meryl Steep, once again, proves she can beat the whole cast by her self, by the hand of a disorganise family that has a story to tell. All cast is top notch, but it seems that the whole movie depends on screams and fights, and tends to annoyMeryl Steep, once again, proves she can beat the whole cast by her self, by the hand of a disorganise family that has a story to tell. All cast is top notch, but it seems that the whole movie depends on screams and fights, and tends to annoy several times.… Expand
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10
CherryxldNov 23, 2014
August: Osage Country tiene un argumento sencillo de una familia con problemas familiares estando en la misma casa, pero sin dudas se logra aprovechar ese sencillo argumento para que logre ser una película de alto nivel.
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9
charlieburyMar 21, 2014
If you enjoy watching family dysfunction on screen, then August: Osage County is heaven at your door step. This film offers incredible performances, flamboyant set-pieces and a story that certainly won’t leave you hungry. If you have theIf you enjoy watching family dysfunction on screen, then August: Osage County is heaven at your door step. This film offers incredible performances, flamboyant set-pieces and a story that certainly won’t leave you hungry. If you have the energy to sit back and absorb a powerful and fiery set of performances then this film is perfect for you, if you don’t, then the film is still perfect.

Adapted from the Tracy Letts play of the same name, August: Osage County is his third to reach the screen, following William Freidkin’s films Bug and Killer Joe. On the surface, it may seem like his most straightforward piece, however beneath it rests the most perverse and violent truths. The Weston clan are a family located in the heart of Osage County, situated in the northern territory of Oklahoma. They are a family who withhold a panorama of unfulfilled lives and who do the most unforgettable things to one another. They’ve all gone a bit mad, but for reasons that are surprisingly rational.

Meryl Streep plays Violet, the electrifying woman of the household; she has mouth cancer and takes rather too many pills of varying extremities. She is one of the greatest characters I can remember ever seeing on the screen or stage; I’ll never forget Streep’s fine performance of her either. One minute she’s wearing a frightening black wig and bulging sunglasses, the next she is cursing uncontrollably and at other times she is a sweet and affectionate mother. She is always at the centre of attention though and nothing ever slips by her, as she says repeatedly.

Following up this astounding performance is Julia Roberts’s first big appearance for some time. She plays a confused, concerned and aging woman who seems dumbfounded by her family (who isn’t?), but at the same time she is clearly petrified of turning into her mother. She looks perfect in the role, her beauty trembling away as her character has to harden to various circumstances. Other members of the cast include Juliette Lewis, Abigail Breslin, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney and Margo Martindale; it truly is a stand of ovation.

John Wells directs the film, he is best known for having produced some small-screen spectacles such as ER, Shameless and The West Wing. Despite not being a natural feature film director per se, his achievement here is mightily impressive. The tricky task of adapting a stage play is creating a satisfactory boundary between not feeling stagebound and remaining cinematically expressive. Wells does this by maintaining an integral claustrophobia within the characters and setting without making it completely stagebound; one is reminded of Hitchcock’s brilliant achievement with Dial M for Murder. The film is also shot magnificently within a hazy half-lit house suggesting all the dark demeanours that have come and gone and the vast out-back of Osage County is exposed it its full glory. Wells has managed to make this film highly stylized; I couldn’t imagine a better cinematic treatment for this play.

So what is it that renders this film as a must see? For me, it is the characters captivating complexity and development throughout the script, the mighty fine performances and the generally striking production.… Expand
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6
B-RAXJul 1, 2014
I don’t really see how watching people yell at one another for two hours could be entertaining, but August Osage County seemed to avoid complete disaster. This film follows three sisters that are brought back together to their childhood homeI don’t really see how watching people yell at one another for two hours could be entertaining, but August Osage County seemed to avoid complete disaster. This film follows three sisters that are brought back together to their childhood home after a family crisis. The three sisters are faced with taking care of their drug addicted mother while dealing with one another’s many problems. The editing and camera work were well done, but nothing exciting. Thanks to a huge cast full of talent and the acting was smooth and natural. The many verbal fights in the film worked only because of the skilled cast. There were many instances in which the verbal battles gave me this awkward feeling of wanting to sink in my seat, to me that screams realistic fight scenario. So for being a realistic film it was well done, but for being a enjoyable film, not so much. It’s safe to say I did not get much entertainment out of the film but came away with a realization that I never want to end up like anyone in this film. In the end, redeeming qualities don’t shine though and viewers are left with unsatisfactory closure. The acting was some of the best from last year, but that’s about all I got out of the film. Overall the film consists of watching people’s many problems unfold with hardly any solutions.… Expand
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8
jflaMay 27, 2014
The cast is great, and Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts give one of the best performances of both their careers. The screenplay and direction isn't the best. But the main reason to see this film is for one of the best ensembles of the year.
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7
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
Not a great deal happens between the beginning and the end of this one, but it makes a fairly simple narrative very effective, with unspeakably good acting.
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10
HaithamBJan 11, 2015
There is something really appealing about this movie; the performances are excellent, the story is compelling but rude and frank. At my young age, this movie should not be one of my instant classics, but it is, which is surprisingly enough.
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8
raultrivinoJan 11, 2016
Es la típica película con un dream team en cuanto a nivel actoral, mucho actor y actríz de renombre y con un nivel de actuación bastante exigente, la historia es algo compleja y fuerte, y ahí es donde se baja la calificación pues desde miEs la típica película con un dream team en cuanto a nivel actoral, mucho actor y actríz de renombre y con un nivel de actuación bastante exigente, la historia es algo compleja y fuerte, y ahí es donde se baja la calificación pues desde mi punto de vista es muy conflictivo, simplemente es una sucesión de discusiones y peleas familiares y culpas, que al final lo hacen sentir algo incomodo y cansado.

La puesta en escena, las actuaciones, la historia general y la ambientación son muy buenas, y como siempre la señora Merly Streep con un nivel muy alto de actuación, muy difícil de superar y opacar.… Expand
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7
JLuis_001Sep 7, 2017
Pleasant, entertaining and very well done, a complete and admirable work, perhaps not for everyone, especially for those who do not like heavy dramas.
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8
stevekmMay 26, 2023
A real over the top view of a really dysfunctional family. Interesting to watch as each character revealed themself, and how the pieces made up the whole. When they say All Star cast, this is it. Stars of that time, and stars who wouldA real over the top view of a really dysfunctional family. Interesting to watch as each character revealed themself, and how the pieces made up the whole. When they say All Star cast, this is it. Stars of that time, and stars who would become. Well done.… Expand
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