Reviews of the Year’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Available to Rent or Stream
A Real Pain is a film about two cousins, Benji and David, exploring their Jewish roots in Poland. While the film features strong performances and a compelling script, it lacks character development and a satisfying conclusion. The film’s ending, which mirrors its beginning, leaves the audience questioning Benji’s growth and the overall impact of their journey.
Sing Sing is a good movie with some singular characters, effective acting, and a tight script. But the reason to watch this movie is for the hope it offers for our criminal justice system. (3.2*)
September 5 is a taut thriller that delves into the ethical dilemmas of live television coverage during the 1972 Munich Olympics. The film effectively recreates the 1970s setting and features strong performances, particularly from John Magaro and Leonie Benesch. The movie raises thought-provoking questions about media responsibility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Questa del Rio News:
Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette:
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun:
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
The Enchanted Circle News
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.