It's been a few days since I watched Hillbilly Elegy, and the bad taste in my mouth still lingers. The idea that a white guy at Yale is supposed to be an underdog who overcame the odds because he escaped a stereotypical redneck family, and that it's supposed to be inspiring, still feels disgusting because … Continue reading It Would Thrive Anywhere – Minari
In the 30+ years of Paul Greengrass' directorial career, he's basically done two types of movies - action films (particularly the Jason Bourne series) and 21st century geopolitical intrigue (United 93, Green Zone, etc). Now, with his latest film, News of the World, he's beginning a third motif - Tom Hanks rescue films. It started … Continue reading This Just In… A Passable Western – News of the World
In July of 1995, the Bosnian city of Srebrenica was invaded by a Serbian militia, despite it being declared a "safe zone" by the United Nations and despite the threat of airstrikes from UN Peacekeeping Forces. The resulting genocide saw the massacre of over 8,000 ethnic Muslim men and boys, and tens of thousands more … Continue reading Loss in Translation – Quo Vadis, Aida?
Okay folks, this is it. The undercard has been officially filled out. Over the last 24 hours we've gotten the final film nominations for the Producers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and the British Academy! These three ceremonies, which will take place over the next month, represent the last batch of major … Continue reading … And the Rest! – Nominations for PGA, DGA, and BAFTA Awards!
We're one week away from the Oscar nominations, people! It is very nearly GO time, and I am getting psyched up! The anticipation, the trepidation, the sheer worry about availability of nominees in this continuing pandemic have got me all of the dither right now. But at least there's one area where I can safely … Continue reading DownStream – Doc Stuffed!
Back in December, an episode of Family Guy entitled "Pawtucket Pat" ends with Peter musing about whether or not there's ever been an award-winning movie where the protagonist becomes more conservative over the course of his story, and having that be seen as positive growth. The joke is that no one can think of one, … Continue reading A Colossal Cinematic Hick-Up – Hillbilly Elegy
I love a good revenge fantasy. When done properly, it can produce righteous rage at the issue at hand, pulse-pounding thrills as the wish fulfillment is choreographed, and a sense of catharsis through the voyeuristic lens of the execution. When done poorly, it can simply come off as gratuitous. More often than not, Emerald Fennell … Continue reading The Doctor is Sin – Promising Young Woman
Taiwan's entry for the Academy Awards, A Sun (literal translation from Mandarin is Sunshine Illuminates Everything) is an interesting attempt at a poetic tale of a fractured family plagued by karmic tragedy. Directed and co-written by Chung Mong-hong, the film won the top prize at the Golden Horse Awards, which is the Chinese diaspora equivalent … Continue reading Throwing Shade – A Sun
In the past, I haven't really covered the Annie Awards in the buildup to the Oscar Blitz. There wasn't any particular reason why. I love animation more than most, and there's many a year when I fully advocate for a great animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. I have used the Annie results … Continue reading Are You OK? – Annie Award Nominees!
Time for a story! It's been almost a year to the day since the last time I was able to physically go to the movies. I know that inconvenience pales so much in comparison with the rest of the COVID tragedies that it might as well be albino, but that doesn't stop it from stinging. … Continue reading Back Row Thoughts: At the Drive-In
I Actually Paid To See This 