Opened: December 25, 2008

Directed by: David Fincher

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas, Tilda Swinton, Mahershala Ali, Jared Harris, Faune A. Chambers, Ed Metzger, Phyllis Somerville, Edith Ivey, Josh Stewart, David Ross Paterson, Bianca Chiminello, Rampai Mohadi, Lance E. Nichols, Robert Towers, Peter Donald Badalamenti II, Tom Everett, Spencer Daniels, Chandler Canterbury, Charles Henry Wyson, Madisen Beaty & Elle Fanning

With incredible special effects and makeup, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is just as affecting in how its story is told as the story is itself.

As Hurricane Katrina approaches New Orleans, Caroline Fuller (Julia Ormond) recounts the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) to her ailing mother Daisy (Cate Blanchett). Benjamin ages backwards having been born with the physical aspects of an elderly man.

Pitt, Blanchett and Taraji P. Henson beautifully portray their characters over a near century period. Watching the emotional development of Daisy and Henson’s Queenie versus the later decline of Benjamin shows the actors’ depth.

Loosely based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the screenplay shows how you need to enjoy what you have as well as the people in your life while you have them.

Final say: Time is a beautiful construct. ★★★★★