2020 Oscars
The Academy Awards mean a lot to me. Movies are one of my favorite arts, and represent the reason I started the blog. This year marks the 92nd edition, and is one of the strongest I can remember in recent history. Below, I break down the Best Picture nominees, and provide my predictions.
Ford V Ferrari - please refer to my prior review. The best racing film I have ever seen. Phenomenal acting, great cinematography, and an interesting story help earn it's place among the year's best. I loved watching it's many layers unfold through character development and strong dialogue. An enjoyable film, but not my pick to win. It lacks depth, and the competition is just too stiff this year.
The Irishman - please refer to my prior review. The best actors, with the best director, with superior filming.... that is just TOO DAMN LONG. A very interesting story, but an extreme lack of film editing. It felt like Scorsese was so excited to team up with his buddies again, that he couldn't cut anything out. Very well done, but the story is disorganized, the CGI is distracting, and it is insufferably long. I don't think the Academy will reward this.
Jojo Rabbit - my absolute favorite movie of the year. A wonderful satire that examines the horror of Nazi Germany through the eyes of a child. The movie was funny, whimsical, and serious all at the same time. A Wes Anderson-esque style, with beautiful colors and framing. I felt it was Scarlett Johansson's best acting, which was propelled by great supporting work in her fellow cast mates. A movie I will watch for years to come. However, I feel the film may just be a little too light for what is considered Best Picture of the year. Albeit, I'm cheering for Jojo all the way!
Little Women - this was the last movie we saw on the list! A film I would have never seen, but am glad I did. It started off slow, and I began wondering why I bothered. As it developed it was quite rewarding. Based on the best-selling novel, Little Women is a story about finding your passion, chasing true love, and family. The casting was perfect, and I believe these individuals are the future of acting. Some of the best set and costume design I witnessed this year, the movie was beautiful. Weaknesses included timelines that could be hard to follow (a lot of jumping around), lack of originality, and not appealing to all crowds. These should not be reasons for people to avoid it, but may be why it is not Best Picture.
Marriage Story - Another film I did not want to see upon release, but was pleasantly surprised. Although a very depressing story, I found myself appreciating it's messages (especially the next day). The film shows the sad truths of divorce, and emphasizes what is necessary to make marriage work. It is highlighted by superb acting (Adam Driver is incredible), and serves as an educational piece for young couples. Unfortunately, Marriage Story is overdone. It's dialogue is exhausting, and storyline far too frustrating. I feel it deserves to be recognized, but won't take home the prize.
1917 - I hate war movies. And I wanted to hate this one. Telling numerous people I am just humoring the Academy so I am fair when I give my vote for Parasite. Then I saw it, and was completely blown away. 1917 is one of the greatest films I have ever seen. An immersive experience, with revolutionary filming, it is a visual masterpiece. By using 2 characters as the focus, I felt involved in the story and became emotionally attached. Providing a close look at World War I, I felt much more knowledgable regarding the history. This is why we go to the movies. It's brilliance is unmatched and I can't speak more highly of it. 1917 is my choice to win Best Picture, and many of the other awards at this year's Oscars. And frankly, it's not close.
WINNER!!
Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood - please refer to my prior review. Strong writing and terrific acting place this in Tarantino's top films. It pays homage to old Hollywood and is driven by the great music and style of the 60s. Less blood and gore and more story-telling than we are used to from Tarantino. Although original and unique, his films are not serious (enough) and are often overshadowed by violence. This places him outside of the top nominees.
Parasite - please refer to my prior review. One of the year's best. Parasite is a cinematic experience, and different from anything I have seen. The director does a great job of creating a sense of unease, and takes you on a thrilling ride of emotions. He uses symbolism and story telling to demonstrate the economic divide between upper and lower class in Korea (or anywhere). Unfortunately it's going up against 1917, and I don't feel it is strong enough. Any other year I would anoint this the winner, but I can't.
Joker - please refer to my prior review. Not your typical villain/superhero movie, but a great origin story. Joker is strong in the sense of message. It depicts the sadness of mental illness, and our failure as a society to support/care for it. Carried by the terrific performance of Joaquin Phoenix, the film shows how neglect and abuse can create a monster of anarchy. I had a difficult time connecting to Joker. There's just too much darkness, and the plot is overly depressing. It struggled to find steam, and the ending did not reward it's stagnant flow. I would say this one was more hype, and a little overrated.
Oscar Snubs:
Us
The Farewell
Rocketman
Ford V Ferrari - please refer to my prior review. The best racing film I have ever seen. Phenomenal acting, great cinematography, and an interesting story help earn it's place among the year's best. I loved watching it's many layers unfold through character development and strong dialogue. An enjoyable film, but not my pick to win. It lacks depth, and the competition is just too stiff this year.
The Irishman - please refer to my prior review. The best actors, with the best director, with superior filming.... that is just TOO DAMN LONG. A very interesting story, but an extreme lack of film editing. It felt like Scorsese was so excited to team up with his buddies again, that he couldn't cut anything out. Very well done, but the story is disorganized, the CGI is distracting, and it is insufferably long. I don't think the Academy will reward this.
Jojo Rabbit - my absolute favorite movie of the year. A wonderful satire that examines the horror of Nazi Germany through the eyes of a child. The movie was funny, whimsical, and serious all at the same time. A Wes Anderson-esque style, with beautiful colors and framing. I felt it was Scarlett Johansson's best acting, which was propelled by great supporting work in her fellow cast mates. A movie I will watch for years to come. However, I feel the film may just be a little too light for what is considered Best Picture of the year. Albeit, I'm cheering for Jojo all the way!
Little Women - this was the last movie we saw on the list! A film I would have never seen, but am glad I did. It started off slow, and I began wondering why I bothered. As it developed it was quite rewarding. Based on the best-selling novel, Little Women is a story about finding your passion, chasing true love, and family. The casting was perfect, and I believe these individuals are the future of acting. Some of the best set and costume design I witnessed this year, the movie was beautiful. Weaknesses included timelines that could be hard to follow (a lot of jumping around), lack of originality, and not appealing to all crowds. These should not be reasons for people to avoid it, but may be why it is not Best Picture.
Marriage Story - Another film I did not want to see upon release, but was pleasantly surprised. Although a very depressing story, I found myself appreciating it's messages (especially the next day). The film shows the sad truths of divorce, and emphasizes what is necessary to make marriage work. It is highlighted by superb acting (Adam Driver is incredible), and serves as an educational piece for young couples. Unfortunately, Marriage Story is overdone. It's dialogue is exhausting, and storyline far too frustrating. I feel it deserves to be recognized, but won't take home the prize.
1917 - I hate war movies. And I wanted to hate this one. Telling numerous people I am just humoring the Academy so I am fair when I give my vote for Parasite. Then I saw it, and was completely blown away. 1917 is one of the greatest films I have ever seen. An immersive experience, with revolutionary filming, it is a visual masterpiece. By using 2 characters as the focus, I felt involved in the story and became emotionally attached. Providing a close look at World War I, I felt much more knowledgable regarding the history. This is why we go to the movies. It's brilliance is unmatched and I can't speak more highly of it. 1917 is my choice to win Best Picture, and many of the other awards at this year's Oscars. And frankly, it's not close.
WINNER!!
Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood - please refer to my prior review. Strong writing and terrific acting place this in Tarantino's top films. It pays homage to old Hollywood and is driven by the great music and style of the 60s. Less blood and gore and more story-telling than we are used to from Tarantino. Although original and unique, his films are not serious (enough) and are often overshadowed by violence. This places him outside of the top nominees.
Parasite - please refer to my prior review. One of the year's best. Parasite is a cinematic experience, and different from anything I have seen. The director does a great job of creating a sense of unease, and takes you on a thrilling ride of emotions. He uses symbolism and story telling to demonstrate the economic divide between upper and lower class in Korea (or anywhere). Unfortunately it's going up against 1917, and I don't feel it is strong enough. Any other year I would anoint this the winner, but I can't.
Joker - please refer to my prior review. Not your typical villain/superhero movie, but a great origin story. Joker is strong in the sense of message. It depicts the sadness of mental illness, and our failure as a society to support/care for it. Carried by the terrific performance of Joaquin Phoenix, the film shows how neglect and abuse can create a monster of anarchy. I had a difficult time connecting to Joker. There's just too much darkness, and the plot is overly depressing. It struggled to find steam, and the ending did not reward it's stagnant flow. I would say this one was more hype, and a little overrated.
Oscar Snubs:
Us
The Farewell
Rocketman
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