“Poor Things”. Where do I start? This movie is a drag from start to finish. Even with stellar performances by Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, this movie is weighed down from baseless storytelling, at times incoherent dialogue and an outright offensive storyline pertaining to the main character Bella who in the film comes back to life in the brain of a baby, but is an inhabited with an adult body. Instead of this movie having an honest conversation about consent, given the fact that she has a childlike sense, Bella is put in downright inappropriate and offensive scenes in the movie. The movie paints these scenes as ‘liberation’ or ‘artistic’, I see it as offensive and downright disgusting. While I know this film has its fans, I am definitely not one of them.  By the end of the movie, I felt like a ‘poor thing’ for letting myself sit through this movie for more than two hours. 

If you are looking for a movie that is as ‘Oscar bait’ as it gets, look no further than “Maestro” directed by Bradley Cooper.  This movie is trying so hard to win an Oscar, it makes sitting through the film embarrassing to watch. I am a fan of Bradley Cooper, as an actor and a filmmaker. His directorial debut, A Star is Born was truly an amazing film filled with spectacular performances. I have huge respect for him as a filmmaker and that’s why it pains me to say this film was a misfire for me. Cooper’s performance as Lenorad Bernstein is played more as a caricature version of Bernstein rather than the actual person he was. Throughout the film, Cooper never immerses himself into who Lenoard Bernstein was as a person or the persona that Berstein was so famous for. This goes to show that  no matter how many prosthetic noses Cooper put on or if he trained for six years to learn how to conduct for the role, his performance comes off as stale and uninspired. Carey Mulligan does give a standout performance, portraying his wife, Felicia Montealegre, giving the character grace, heart and nuance, which this film desperately needs. However, I feel Mulligan has given far stronger performances in her career than this. The story chooses to focus more on the personal life of Bernstein rather than the accomplishments he had throughout his entire career. While I get that might have been a creative choice, it just didn’t work for me. The movie could have a better balancing act of showcasing his personal life while also focusing on the many great accomplishments he had in his career. Overall, Maestro is uninspired and unoriginal, and it’s a shame given how legendary of a life and career Leonord Bernstein had. 

“Oppenheimer” is a missed opportunity for me.  Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” showcases the captivating talents of Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt. While Nolan’s direction and the performances of the cast are undeniably outstanding, the film ultimately falls short due to its flawed narrative and lack of cohesion. Nolan’s direction in “Oppenheimer” is visually stunning and showcases his signature style. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to create grand, immersive worlds are evident throughout the film. The cinematography is striking, capturing both the beauty and devastation of the story’s backdrop, allowing the audience to be fully immersed in the film’s universe. The performances by Murphy, Downey Jr., and Blunt are commendable, elevating the material they are given. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of a conflicted scientist J Robert Oppehnihemier, captures the emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas faced by his character. His ability to convey complex emotions with subtle nuances is a testament to his talent. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a captivating performance as Lewis Strauss, imbuing his character with charisma and depth. His on-screen presence is magnetic, keeping viewers engaged even when the narrative falters. Emily Blunt, as always, brings a compelling performance, showcasing her versatility and ability to embody complex female characters in playing Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer.  However, despite its strengths, “Oppenheimer” falls short due to a flawed narrative structure and a lack of cohesion.

The real life horrific story that “Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on is truly heartbreaking to learn about. This movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, shines a light on the series of Osage Murders that took place in the 1920’s in Oklahoma. This is a story that deserves mainstream recognition for the public to see the horrors the Osage people had to go through. From a film standpoint, I feel this film’s runtime drags the story from being the epic western crime film it wants to be. As a result of the long runtime, the storyline is longer than it needs to be and it makes me lose interest in the film. Even with these criticisms, there is still a lot to praise about this film. The performances in this film are truly spectacular. Robert De Niro plays the despicable William King Hale who is such an evil person, it is amazing the heights De Niro takes this role to show the true horrors of what greed, entitlement and privilege can do to a person. Leonardo DiCaprio does a fine job here as well, portraying Ernest Buckhart with the right balance of the ‘nice guy’ persona he appears to be, to the monster he truly is deep inside cripples out throughout the entire movie and it is truly fascinating to see how it all unfolds. The standout performance by far is Lily Gladstone, who portrays Mollie Buckhart with so much heart and nuance, it pains you as a viewer to see what happens to her and her family, without her knowledge. The cinematography and score on this film are truly incredible, elevating this film to showcase the horror of this entire situation playing out in the film. Overall, this film is of great importance as it highlights the high amount of silencing crimes that have been committed against Indigenous peoples for centuries. It is a story that deserved a shot in the spotlight and I am glad it did, but ultimately the runtime of this movie drastically drags this film down from being the masterpiece it could have been.

“Barbie” was truly an inescapable phenomenon last year. From the viral memes, iconic costume design, and larger than life performances, it was truly amazing to see Greta Gerwig bring to life the Barbie brand into a billion dollar film. Even though I have respect for the film from an intellectual standpoint, I have to say, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the film from a storyline standpoint. In my opinion, the screenplay’s attempts at addressing deeper social issues often feel forced and lacking in depth. Gerwig’s inclusion of social commentary on topics such as gender inequality and consumerism feels shoehorned into the narrative, resulting in superficial exploration that does not contribute meaningfully to the story. This inconsistency diminishes the impact of these important issues and prevents the screenplay from engaging in a more nuanced and thoughtful discourse. The film also makes the odd choice to only focus on Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Rylan Gosling’s Ken and treats the other Barbie and Ken’s as glorified background characters, rather than fully fleshed out supporting characters like they were intended to be. America Ferrera’s Gloria ends up falling short as an effective character in the plot as she also never feels like a fully fleshed out character with a character arc like Robbie and Gosling’s respective characters go through. As a result, it makes her now viral monologue at the end of ‘How Hard It Is to Be a Woman’, fall flat because I don’t feel we got to learn enough about her as a character to really dig deep and connect with the words she said, even though the scene it is very well acted by Ferrera.  Even with these criticisms, there is still a lot to like about Barbie. I loved the set design of the film, the way Barbieland was created and constructed was very well realized and brought me back to a time when I was a child and would play with Barbies. The costume design of the film is gorgeous, particularly all of Barbie’s outfits which were very well put together and fit the overall aesthetic of Barbie. The performances from the cast were amazing and everyone involved, no matter how small their role might have been, gave it their all. To me, Ryan Gosling gives a standout performance as Ken, truly turning Ken from being a ‘stupid bimbo on the script, into a fully nuanced, heartfelt and complex character towards the end. Margot Robbie also gives a good performance, giving a heartfelt and soulful portrayal of Barbie, which is a hard task to do as an actress playing a fictional doll.  Overall, I do have respect for this film and the cast and crew who made it, I just wasn’t the biggest fan of the storyline in this film. 

“The Zone of Interest” is a chilling and thought-provoking film adaptation of Martin Amis’ renowned novel. Through a masterful blend of powerful storytelling, stunning visuals, and remarkable performances, Glazer delivers a deeply impactful examination of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the horrifying depths of the Holocaust. The film immerses viewers in a stark and haunting representation of Auschwitz during World War II. Glazer’s direction creates an atmosphere of constant tension and unease, effectively conveying the horrors of the concentration camp. The stark cinematography, somber colors, and meticulous attention to detail magnify the gravity of the narrative, transporting audiences into a world tainted by brutality and oppression. Glazer’s screenplay captures the essence of Amis’ novel, delving into the complex psyches of the characters. The dialogue is succinct yet piercing, revealing the internal conflict and moral dilemmas faced by each individual. This film is a haunting masterpiece that unflinchingly examines the depths of human depravity, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s conscience.

“Past Lives” is a visually stunning and emotionally evocative film that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of identity. With a captivating screenplay and standout performances from Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, this cinematic gem takes viewers on an unforgettable journey. The screenplay of “Past Lives” is a masterclass in storytelling. Song delicately weaves together multiple narratives, seamlessly transitioning between different time periods and characters. The nonlinear structure of the screenplay adds layers of intrigue, gradually unveiling the connections between past and present. Song’s writing invites viewers to contemplate the nature of memory and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves and our relationships. Greta Lee delivers a mesmerizing performance as the enigmatic and haunted Nora, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil with remarkable depth. Lee’s portrayal is nuanced, allowing viewers to empathize with Nora’s yearning for connection and her struggles with her own identity. Her on-screen chemistry with Teo Yoo, who plays the conflicted and introspective Hae Song, is palpable, drawing viewers into their complicated love story. John Magaro is equally captivating in his portrayal of the charismatic Arthur. Magaro brings a raw intensity to the screen, embodying Arthur’s inner demons and fragility. His performance is both haunting and hauntingly realistic, leaving a lasting impression. In conclusion, “Past Lives” is a hauntingly beautiful film that showcases exceptional performances by its three leads and is filled with thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery is a must-watch for those seeking a deeply moving and visually stunning film.

“American Fiction” was truly a surprise to me. I stumbled upon the trailer for this film when I was watching a YouTube video and the trailer popped up as an ad. The trailer completely hooked me with a strong and hilarious message on how hard it is to be a black artist without being put into a box filled with stereotypes. I am happy to report that the movie is just as good as the trailer was. This film is directed by Cord Jefferson and is a beautiful exploration on loss, acceptance and the importance of one’s identity. The performances in this movie are heartfelt and offer a career best for lead actor Jeffery Wright who holds the movie together with a nuanced performance that elevates the film to new heights. The supporting cast is amazing as well, with strong performances from Sterling K Brown, Tracee Ellis-Ross and Erica Alexander, who bring their all in their respective roles. Overall, I was greatly impressed and amused by this movie and its ability to shine a light on the importance of black storytelling. 

“Anatomy of the Fall” presents a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience, showcasing standout performances from its talented cast and a captivating screenplay that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in the compelling performances delivered by the cast. Sandra Huller stars in the lead role as a writer named Sandra Voter who is on trial for the murder of her husband, in which she tries to prove her innocence through the film. Huller mesmerizes audiences with her layered portrayal and expertly navigates Sandra’s emotional journey, effortlessly transitioning between vulnerability and determination. Her performance is both nuanced and raw, truly conveying the complexities of her character’s internal struggles. Supporting actors Swann Arlaud and Antonie Reinartz also shine in their respective roles. Arlaud brings a certain magnetic intensity to playing his character, Vincent Renzi who is Sandra’s lawyer with his mesmerizing screen presence. Reinartz delivers a standout performance, portraying a subtly poignant character who manages to evoke empathy and intrigue simultaneously. Anatomy of the Fall is a remarkable piece of cinema, beautifully brought to life by standout performances from the entire cast. The compelling screenplay combines suspense, drama, and psychological introspection, immersing audiences into a world of moral ambiguity and self-discovery.

“The Holdovers” directed by Alexander Payne, is a film that stands out as a deserving choice for the Best Picture award at the Oscars. With its exceptional screenplay, powerful message, and standout performances by Paul Giamatti, Da’vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa, the movie captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact. First and foremost, the screenplay of “The Holdovers” is a work of art. Skillfully written by Payne, it delicately weaves together complex themes of human connection, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. The dialogue is authentic, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged, drawing viewers into the lives of the characters and their experiences. The screenplay’s brilliant pacing creates a perfect balance between heart-wrenching moments and subtle moments of levity, keeping audiences engaged and invested throughout. The Holdovers explores the power of second chances, emphasizing that no matter how difficult life may become, one should never give up. It encourages audiences to find hope and strength in unexpected places and to embrace the inherent value of human connection, even in the face of adversity. This message is particularly poignant in today’s world, where resilience and the pursuit of redemption are more relevant than ever. The performances are a standout aspect of the film. Paul Giamatti delivers a breathtaking portrayal of Paul Hunham, struggling with internal demons, providing an emotionally charged performance that is both raw and deeply moving. His nuanced portrayal brings out the complexities of his character’s journey, evoking empathy and understanding from the audience. Da’vine Joy Randolph shines as well, portraying Mary Lamb, who is mourning the loss of her son, that adds depth and heart to the film. With her captivating presence and undeniable talent, Randolph brings a nuanced performance that complements Giamatti’s character beautifully, creating a palpable chemistry on screen. Dominic Sessa’s performance deserves recognition for his powerful portrayal of a young character facing personal challenges of grief and loss. Sessa’s natural talent and ability to convey a range of emotions with authenticity elevate the film’s impact and contribute to its overall success. The Holdovers is a film that captures the essence of masterful storytelling. With its exceptional screenplay, inspiring message, and standout performances by its cast, it is a deserving contender for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.