Director

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

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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.

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

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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.

Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )

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Emilia Perez, a controversial film, received Oscar nominations for its unique story, music, and performances. However, its portrayal of Mexican culture, including the use of non-Mexican Spanish and insensitive themes, sparked outrage and led to its downfall. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, is criticized for his lack of cultural understanding and respect.

2025 Oscar Movies: My Predictions

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For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.

2025 Oscar General Interest: Ratings and Rankings

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A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.

Oppenheimer (2024.11, Astonishing , Full )

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Oppenheimer is an epic film that rewards the hard work required of the viewer. A full exploration of a man, physics, politics, and movie making. (5*)

Poor Things (2024.10, Beautiful , Sex )

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Poor Things, the story of a baby’s mind in an adult woman’s body, is probably the most bizarre movie I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the best. (5*)

The Zone of Interest (2024.9, Disturbing , Truth )

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The Zone of Interest is more than just a story of evil. But the film’s best characteristics are damaged by extraneous scenes. (3.5*)

Anatomy of a Fall (2024.5, Puzzling , Murder ?)

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An accident? A suicide? Or was it murder? Anatomy of a Fall will keep you oscillating between the possibilities even past the end. (4*)

Killers of the Flower Moon (2024.1, Exceptional, Murder )

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Killers of the Flower Moon is an exceptional and powerful movie about the Osage Native American murders of the 1920s, but it’s just too long! (4*)

Triangle of Sadness – Insulting, Disgusting and Cheap (1.5*)

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Triangle of Sadness starts as an interesting riff on money and sexual politics, turns into a disgusting display of sophomore humor, and ends as an insult to the audience. How did this become an Oscar nominee? (1.5*)

The Fabelmans – A Case Study in Creative Success (4*)

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The Fabelmans is a well crafted movie focusing on the roots of Steven Spielberg’s remarkably successful career. Still, it might not be for everyone. (4*)

Tar – A Unique Reward for Patience and Concentration (5*)

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Tar is movie requiring much patience and concentration, but the rewards are unique. About a female who achieves the top position in the classical music world and then falls, it is also about power, individualism, and, yes, cancel culture. My first (5*) movie of the year.

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)

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Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)

The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)

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Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin

Drive My Car

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(3.5 *) It’s good, but requires a lot of effort!

Belfast

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(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.

West Side Story

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(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.

Licorice Pizza

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(3.5 *) Alana Haim is a real gem, but the movie is a Hollywood-inside-joke.

The Power of the Dog

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(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.

Another Round

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(4 Stars) A film that walks a fine line between drama and messaging. And a terrific Mikkelson performance.

Nomadland

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(3.5 Stars) Pretty to look at, but not enough anger!

Minari

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(3.5 Stars). Technically near perfect, but ‘Where’s the beef?’

Mank

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(4 Stars) A look at a troubled man and a tough time in Hollywood.

Promising Young Woman

1 Comment

(4.5 Stars) A terrific thriller that is also a romantic comedy and a social commentary. Fun in many ways, but with an important message.

Parasite

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(5 Stars) An exceptionally well crafted movie that moves you through multiple emotions all while exploring the complexities of social class.

Irishman

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(4.5 Stars) In addition to what you expect, it shows that old folks still have huge creative talent. Still one of the best pictures of 2019.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

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(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!

1917

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(4 Stars) A technical masterpiece that overwhelms the story.

Joker

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(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.

Cold War

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 2/5 Oscar Nominations: Foreign Language Film (Poland)Director (Pawel Pawlikowski)Cinematography (Lukas Zal) Maybe one shouldn’t screen this movie after watching the German film “Never Look

Vice

2 Comments

(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.

The Favourite

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(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.

Director

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

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

Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )

2025 Oscar Movies: My Predictions

2025 Oscar General Interest: Ratings and Rankings

Oppenheimer (2024.11, Astonishing , Full )

Poor Things (2024.10, Beautiful , Sex )

The Zone of Interest (2024.9, Disturbing , Truth )

Anatomy of a Fall (2024.5, Puzzling , Murder ?)

Killers of the Flower Moon (2024.1, Exceptional, Murder )

Triangle of Sadness – Insulting, Disgusting and Cheap (1.5*)

The Fabelmans – A Case Study in Creative Success (4*)

Tar – A Unique Reward for Patience and Concentration (5*)

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)

The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)

Drive My Car

Belfast

West Side Story

Licorice Pizza

The Power of the Dog

Another Round

Nomadland

Minari

Mank

Promising Young Woman

Parasite

Irishman

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

1917

Joker

Cold War

Vice

The Favourite

Where MMM is Published

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