Why You Should See: 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

We're breaking down all the Oscars contenders for you, so that you can decide whether you want to see them -- or at the very least, hold your own at cocktail parties. Today: the epic Oscar nominations leader 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.'

What It's Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director (David Fincher), Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Supporting Actress (Taraji P. Henson), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography

What It's About: Based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, the movie follows Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), a man who's an old soul -- literally -- living his life in reverse. With support from his family (namely his adoptive mother, played by Taraji P. Henson) and the woman he loves (an Oscar-snubbed performance by Cate Blanchett), Benjamin is able to live an epic life that is beautifully captured from start to finish.

Why You Should See It: With all the comedies and big blockbuster action flicks in theaters, very few grand, sweeping stories like 'Benjamin Button' are told on the big screen. Sure it's long (clocking in at just 15 minutes shy of three hours) -- and, yes, Brad Pitt is unfortunately wrinkly for a good portion of the movie -- but it employs all of the techniques of classic storytelling to perfection, with very few flashy Hollywood tricks. (Well, except for Brad Pitt.)

It's Kind of Like: 'Forrest Gump' meets 'Cocoon'

How You Can See It: In theaters now