Best Picture
Trial of the Chicago 7
(4 Stars) A good telling of an important moment in history that is relevant today.
Promising Young Woman
(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
(5 Stars) An exceptionally well crafted movie that moves you through multiple emotions all while exploring the complexities of social class.
Irishman
(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.
Little Women
(5 Stars) A wonderful feminist approach that is perfect holiday entertainment. A well crafted movie.
Marriage Story
(4.5 Stars) A sometimes difficult movie to watch, but with powerful moments. The boundaries between love and hate are thin.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
Jojo Rabbit
(3 Stars) Some good moments. But the movie doesn’t quite come together.
Ford v Ferrari
(4 Stars) Rousing entertainment placing the viewer right behind the wheel at 200 mph.
Joker
(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
Vice
(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.
Green Book
(4.5 Stars) Best Picture Winner and a compelling tale of two men, unlikely partners in a road-trip through the Deep South. One of the better movies of the year.
The Favourite
(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.
A Star Is Born
(3.5 Stars) In yet another remake, Lady Gaga shows she can act better than Bradley Cooper can sing. Its OK if you’re into sappy romances.
Bohemian Rhapsody
(4.5 Stars) Rami Malek delivers a terrific performance as Freddie Mercury in an excellent film I liked better than the professional critics.
BlacKkKlansman
(5 Stars) One of my favorite movies of the year, a black man joins the KKK. Although it sounds like a comedy, this is a Spike Lee movie full of important messages.
Black Panther
(4 Stars) A visually and aurally stunning action movie with a tightly constructed plot line that you can actually follow.
Roma
(5 Stars) Probably the best movie of the year and a great example of excellence in all dimensions. A must-see film.