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.
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.
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.
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
A brief overview of the 26 movies from the 2022 Oscars that fall into the “Drama” category
Four Good Days (2*) is a good start, but it doesn’t go far enough in understanding the grief of a parent.
(2*) House of Gucci is an overly long mess that fails to establish a consistent tone.
Cyrano (4*) – A wonderful movie with a powerful performance from Dinklage – even if the music isn’t all that great.
Cruella (4*) – A delightful diversion with great chemistry between the two Emmas and an interesting story of how movies happen.
(1*) The Hand of God is an attempt at being Fellini. For an American audience, it is just a hot mess.
(3.5*) Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is an honest, beautiful, and touching insight into a simple culture.
(4*) Spencer is not your typical biopic, but Stewart’s outstanding performance makes this a must-see film
Parallel Mothers is a terrific film, right up to the last 20 minutes. (2.5 *)
(4.5 *) The Tragedy of Macbeth is a powerful production that shows the relevance of Shakespeare to today’s modern age.
(4*) The Worst Person in the World is a beautiful film with a fantastic Renate Reinsve, but maybe appeals most to a certain audience.
(3.5 Stars) Great acting from Chastain, and overwhelming makeup, but kind of a mess of a movie.
(4 stars) A little difficult to follow but a great story and some terrific music.
(4 Stars) A wonderful synthesis of the pair – not a documentary!
(4 Stars) A film noire psychological thriller that keeps your interests, darkly.
(3.5 Stars) A flawed but intriguing look at the psychology of an ‘Unnatural Mother’.
(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
(4.5 *) A simple tale, simply told. But delivers a big emotional payoff.
(4 Stars) No, Not Best Picture But a Satirical film with a not-so-funny message.
(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.
(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
(5 Stars) A stunning sensory experience and quite likely the next Star Wars.
(3.5 *) Alana Haim is a real gem, but the movie is a Hollywood-inside-joke.
(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
A list and a quick overview of 2021’s Oscar-nominated Drama movies.
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