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.
Dune: Part Two, a science fiction film, explores the enduring human traits of power-seeking and religious fervor, highlighting their timelessness despite technological advancements. The movie’s themes of power, ideology, and environmental concerns resonate with contemporary issues, prompting reflection on the persistence of human nature.
For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.
A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.
The Creator is a disappointing science fiction movie that could have had a great story but instead gets lost in the special effects. (2.5*)
Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning is an action-packed thriller with everything you’d expect from the IMF. It is also an endurance test of adrenaline production. (4*)
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*)
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*)
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 is one of this year’s best movies. While nominally an action film, it also is thrilling detective story, told at a human level.
Avatar: The Way of Water is a visual spectacle, a story setting up the next three sequels, and, yes, long.
Top Gun: Maverick is this year’s most popular movie. It tells a relatively simple story well, bursting with visual and aural excitement. First of this year’s “popcorn movies” and worth every kernel. (4*)
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.
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.
(3.5*) No Time to Die is exactly what you expect from a Bond film. Sixty years after Dr. No, the franchise has changed, but lives on.
(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.
(5 Stars) A stunning sensory experience and quite likely the next Star Wars.
(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
(4 Stars) For those of us who like our heroes simple, with tense, sustained, action.
(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.
(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.
(4.5 Stars) Interesting and Creative approach to some very abstract questions. Excellent film.
(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
(3.5 Stars) I suppose if you are a Star Wars buff, you will be disappointed. But for the rest of us, it is just plain fun.
(3.5 Stars) Visually stunning and terrific sound. But not up to Kubrick standards!
(4 Stars) Rousing entertainment placing the viewer right behind the wheel at 200 mph.
(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
(4 Stars) A fascinating horror/sci-fi flick where sound is the major ingredient.
(3 Stars) Another tale of Neil Armstrong’s life and walk on the moon. Won the Visual Effects Oscar.
(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.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.