Reviews of the Year’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Available to Rent or Stream

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The Apprentice
Michael Young

The Apprentice (2025.11, Inconsistent , Marked Down )

The movie “The Apprentice” depicts Donald Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn, portraying Trump as a morally bankrupt individual who learned Cohn’s ruthless tactics. The film, a biopic, dramatizes Trump’s life, highlighting his relationship with Cohn and his subsequent attempts to emulate Cohn’s success. While the first hour effectively conveys the intensity of their relationship, the second hour struggles to maintain a consistent tone, veering into parody.

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The Brutalist
Michael Young

The Brutalist (2025.10, Provocative , Huge )

The Brutalist is a long, ambitious film about a Hungarian architect, Laszlo Toth, and his struggles with life, love, and artistic vision. The film explores themes of courage, fortitude, immigration, love, architecture, and capitalism through the contrasting characters of Laszlo and his wealthy patron, Harrison Van Buren. Despite its length and complex narrative, the film deserves praise for its emotional depth and Laszlo’s resilience, though some may find the ending disappointing.

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Brazilian movie, I'm Still here
Michael Young

I’m Still Here (2025.9, Signs , Terrific )

I’m Still Here is a powerful Brazilian docudrama that depicts the devastating impact of a military dictatorship on a family. The film, based on a true story, highlights the importance of individual agency in the face of government overreach, drawing parallels to current political events in the U.S. Fernanda Torres delivers a standout performance as Eunice Paiva, a mother who embodies strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

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Nickel Boys
Michael Young

Nickel Boys (2025.8, Unique , Stimulating )

Nickel Boys uses cinematic techniques to evoke emotions about the injustices faced by Black people. The story follows Elwood, a wrongfully convicted teenager sent to a reform school, where he forms a bond with Turner, a cynical boy who helps him survive. The film, based on a true story, explores themes of friendship, survival, and the enduring impact of racial brutality. But is best seen for its remarkable cinematography and editing.

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Conclave
Michael Young

Conclave (2025.7, Terrific , Faith )

The movie Conclave depicts the secretive process of electing a new Pope, highlighting the struggle between certainty, doubt, and faith among the cardinals. The film, based on a novel by Robert Harris, is praised for its attention to detail and powerful performances, particularly from Ralph Fiennes as the Dean of Cardinals. Through the characters’ interactions and monologues, the audience is drawn into the complexities of the decision-making process, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

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Wicked
Michael Young

Wicked (2025.6, Wicked , Good Fun)

The movie Wicked focuses on character development, particularly the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, rather than delving deeply into complex themes like the nature of evil. While the film’s story and tone are heavily influenced by the Broadway musical and original novel, the director, Jon M. Chu, effectively brings the characters and musical numbers to life. The first part of the movie leaves viewers with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the second part due out in November.

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The Substance
Michael Young

The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)

The Substance critiques Hollywood’s age and sex discrimination, highlighting the industry’s preference for young, attractive women. There is a way out of that problem, but it may take a bit more time. The film, through its exaggerated and absurd tone, effectively conveys the pressures women face to maintain their appearance, ultimately concluding in an excessive and disgusting display of blood and gore.

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A Complete Unknown
Michael Young

A Complete Unknown (2025.4, Off-the Record, Great Music)

A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career, focusing on his relationships with women like Joan Baez and Sylvie Russo, and his musical influences like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, portraying Dylan as a complex and sometimes cruel character, prioritizing his musical creativity over his relationships. Ultimately, the movie is an artistic interpretation of Dylan’s life, not a documentary.

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Anora
Michael Young

Anora (2025.3, Full-On Sex , Very Good )

Initially unimpressed with Sean Baker’s “Florida Project,” I find myself appreciating, even liking “Anora.” While the explicit content and language may deter some viewers, the film’s skillful tonal shifts and open-ended conclusion make it worth considering. Set in a marginal world, it deals with universal themes.

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Where MMM is Published

Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

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