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.
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, 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.
An overview of the comedy films nominated for Oscars in 2024 and a Quick Look at 2023.
El Conde is for people who savor the idea of drinking a smoothie made from a still beating human heart…(1.5*)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is a VFX masterpiece and the last in a trilogy of super-hero movies that are actually relatable and human scaled. Still, it isn’t as good as the last one.
Elemental is top-notch creative world building on top of a mundane story! (3*)
Nimona may not be the best in animation, but it tells an important message about gender identity. (3.5*)
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*)
In The Holdovers, three people, rife with their own problems, spend Christmas break, 1970, with each other. It is funny and emotional. And it’s a Christmas Movie. (3.5*)
American Fiction is about racial stereotyping cast as a delicious comedy and moving drama. It is also, I think, a story about its own creation. (4*)
So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is, ultimately, a Hallmark Christmas movie with the bonus of wonderful costumes and terrific acting from Lesley Manville. (3*)
An Overview of the 12 2023 Oscar Comedy Films and a look back to 2022.
Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths is long, complex, statement of a man in multiple transitions. The film will reward viewers who have the time and patience to watch it more than once. (3.5*)
Glass Onion is a terrific sequel to Knives Out. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) still solves the mystery, but a fun-loving cast helmed by Janelle Monae keeps you thinking. (4*)
Turning Red is about a 13-year old’s experience with adolescence and her family’s reaction. Though with spectacular animation and colors, who is this story really for? (2.5*)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Will hold your interest with an unusual combination of live-action and stop-motion animation, an intriguing main character, and unique perspectives on life, nature, and relationships. (4*)
The Sea Beast has terrific computer animation, a Moby Dick story, a young girl as the leading character, and multiple political and social threads for adults. (3.5*)
Puss in Boots The Last Wish Is a terrific animated feature that will be enjoyed by children of all ages and their elders! It is the story of a legendary cat who faces his ninth life and discovers what is really important. (4*)
Babylon has some great moments, but is ultimately an overstuffed mess.
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*)
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*)
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
An overview of this year’s Comedy Genre movies and a list of a few from last year.
Coming 2 America (1.5*) – Even if you liked the original, this sequel was unnecessary.
Cruella (4*) – A delightful diversion with great chemistry between the two Emmas and an interesting story of how movies happen.
(2.5*) Free Guy – Some good acting can’t quite save this fairly shallow movie.
(1.5*) Luca is fun for about twenty minutes and then descends into boredom!
(2.0 *) Raya and the Last Dragon is visually stunning, but is going to leave adults rather empty!
(0.5*) The Mitchells vs the Machines is quite possibly the worst movie I’ve ever seen and certainly the worst one this year.
Encanto (3.5*) Good family entertainment, but Disney and Miranda might be showing fatigue!
(4*) The Worst Person in the World is a beautiful film with a fantastic Renate Reinsve, but maybe appeals most to a certain audience.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.