Nominated for four Oscar awards, “Philomena” is an emotional roller coaster ride based on a true story. It was originally released in theaters on Nov. 27, but it will make a couple appearances at the Cinemark Movies 12 theatre in Ames for Oscar movie week.

After a romantic night with a young boy at a fair more than 50 years ago, teenager Philomena Lee became unexpectedly pregnant. Once her father finds out, he sends Philomena to live in a convent where the nuns help her to raise her child.

In order to pay back the sisters, Philomena is put to work doing their laundry for about four years. She only gets to see her son, Anthony, for about an hour each day.

Without any warning at all, Philomena discovers the nuns had adopted out their son to an American family, turning her into an emotional wreck.

Philomena keeps the secret of her adopted son from her family for nearly 50 years, all while trying to find him again. She has no luck.

After hearing about the emotional story from Philomena’s daughter at a party one night, journalist Martin Sixsmith decides to write a story about Philomena. He also hopes to help her locate her son.

Philomena and Sixsmith travel from Ireland to the United States to search for Anthony, but he is not an easy person to track down. The two embark on a journey that takes them through many twists and turns, learning about the kind of person Anthony was and where they might be able to find them.

I have to say that the plot for this movie is fantastic, and it is not at all too predictable. It displays a range of emotions from happy to sad; from excited to nerve-wracking.

It definitely fits the genre of drama because it is exactly that.

Its Oscar nominations are very well-deserved although it will have some stiff competition this year.

“Philomena” will make an appearance with show times on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.

“Philomena” has been nominated for an Academy Award in four categories; best motion picture of the year, best performance by an actress in a leading role with Judi Dench, best achievement in music written for motion pictures for the original score, and best writing for the adapted screenplay.

If you are interested in seeing if the film wins any awards, you can tune in to the Academy Awards at 6 p.m. March 2 on ABC.

4/5