The countdown to the 97th Academy Awards is officially underway, and in 48 hours, I'll begin the Oscar Blitz in earnest with the first category breakdown. However, there's still one major block of movies that I haven't really discussed yet, the shortlist for International Feature. Of the 15 films, I've already seen 14, and the … Continue reading Back Row Thoughts – Jet-Setting, Part One
It's that time again, folks. The pre-Blitz is on! This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed their shortlists in 10 of the 23 categories for next year's Oscars. As always, I'll provide links to any relevant reviews I've done on these semifinalist selections, as well as any top line reactions I … Continue reading One Long and 10 Shorts of It – 97th Academy Awards Shortlists Announced
I've spent a lot of space on this blog over the last year complaining about movies that are just too long. This is mostly because the guilty filmmakers don't use the extra time properly. I don't hate long movies in general. I believe a creator should take all the time that is necessary to tell … Continue reading Back Row Thoughts – The Long Shots
I've made it clear many a time on this blog that I'm not a religious person. It's just not for me, and it likely never will be. But that doesn't mean that I don't wholeheartedly support religious freedom. If you have faith, good on you. I truly hope it makes you feel comfort and fulfillment … Continue reading Heroes Without Capes – Eternal Spring
Through a combination of luck, increased distribution, and me just being an obsessive, I've been able to get an amazing head start on the International Feature category for next year's Oscars. Often the hardest category to finish, thanks to Academy rules that do not mandate domestic screening, this year I've been able to track down … Continue reading DownStream – Around the World, Part 1
I Actually Paid To See This 