Makeup & Hairstyling

Wicked (2025.6, Wicked , Good Fun)

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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.

The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)

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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.

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.

Golda (2024.35, Cheap , Uninspiring)

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Golda is a movie with some strong points, but struggles to find a real story to tell. (2*)

Society of the Snow (2024.15, Uncomfortable , Value )

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Society of the Snow is a very difficult film to watch, but it is probably an essential one. It effectively makes you ask what you would do when faced with these choices. (4.5*)

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*)

Maestro (2024.2, Powerful , Solid )

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Maestro is a well told story of a romance between two individuals over decades and how it developed in the shadow of fame. (4.5*)

The Batman – A Cut Above your Typical Super-Hero (4.5*)

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The Batman is one of this year’s best movies. While nominally an action film, it also is thrilling detective story, told at a human level.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Beautiful but Oddly Unsatisfying (2.5*)

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts with the death of the former Black Panther and moves through nearly three hours of sometimes beautiful, sometimes action packed, scenes but with so many obligations to fulfill that it is ultimately unsatisfying.

The Whale A Sweaty Look at a Man with Big Problems (4*)

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The Whale pulls heartstrings as you navigate a week with a morbidly obese man. The movie explores themes of addiction, relationships, literature, and spirituality with an unexpectedly good performance from Brendan Fraser. (4*)

Elvis – The Price You Pay for Ignoring Your Roots (4.5*)

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Elvis (4.5*) In a dazzling production full of sights and sounds, Baz Luhrmann paints the tragic story of a man who struggled to get back to his cultural roots.

All Quiet on the Western Front – A Gut Punch Focus on War (4*)

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A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.