Fantasy

2024 Oscar Fantasy Films

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An overview of the fantasy films Oscar nominated in 2024.

El Conde (2024.34, Guts , Bloody Bad)

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El Conde is for people who savor the idea of drinking a smoothie made from a still beating human heart…(1.5*)

The Boy and the Heron (2024.28, Interesting , Spirit )

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The Boy and the Heron is beautifully crafted, but the musings of a man contemplating the end of his life and what it means to him. Not for everybody. (3.5*)

Elemental (2024.14, Disappointing , Light )

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Elemental is top-notch creative world building on top of a mundane story! (3*)

Nimona (2024.13, Good , Little-Known )

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Nimona may not be the best in animation, but it tells an important message about gender identity. (3.5*)

Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (2024.12, So-So , Hero )

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Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a sequel and like the original, it isn’t for everyone. If you are into comic book action heroes go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other movies to see. (3*)

Barbie (2024.4, Terrific , Energy )

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So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)

2023 Oscar Fantasy Films

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An overview of the 2023 Oscar Fantasy Films with recommendations and a few extra from last year.

Turning Red – Spunky but Lost (2.0*)

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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 – Extra Bold and Odd (4*)

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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 – An Epic Moby Dick and Master Political Metaphor (3.5*)

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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*)

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio – Master Animation, Odd Story (2.5*)

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Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a superb example of stop-motion animation, but it falls short as a musical and doesn’t tell a story most audiences will enjoy. (2.5*)

Avatar: The Way of Water – (Superb Spirit & Beauty) (4*)

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Avatar: The Way of Water is a visual spectacle, a story setting up the next three sequels, and, yes, long.

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)

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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*)