“The Irishman” Film Review: Life, Love and Long Runtimes

The Irishman (2019) is the latest audiovisual entertainment from Martin Scorsese. It stars Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in the (mostly) true story of a driver-turned-hitman reflecting back on his life of crime. The sprawling crime epic has been Scorsese’s dream project for years, and he finally got the chance to make it with the backing of Netflix. Is it worth the hype? Could this be the next Best Picture winner?

Belated Film Review Round-Up: “Hustlers”, “Brittany Runs A Marathon”, “Burning Cane”

Welcome back to another belated film review round-up, where I catch up on films no longer in theaters that I wanted to share my thoughts on! Today I’m catching up on three films that may or may not have awards buzz: Hustlers, Brittany Runs a Marathon, and Burning Cane! Will any of these films have legs heading into Oscar season?

“Knives Out” Film Review: Not Whodunit, but Why-dunit?

Knives Out (2019) is a murder-mystery film from writer-director Rian Johnson. It stars an ensemble cast of A-listers including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, and many more in the tale of investigators looking into the suspicious death of Harlan Thrombey, a mystery writer and patriarch of a large and eclectic family. It drew raves out of TIFF this year and is now available for the public to enjoy. Will this succeed with general audiences just as well as cinephiles?

**Major spoilers ahead.**

Best Picture Oscar Power Rankings: November Edition

We’re inching closer to the heart of awards season, and as more and more big titles are released and early precursors announce their nominations, we have a clearer picture of what will be present at the 92nd Academy Awards. What films have moved up or down the power rankings since last month? Let’s dive in!

“Marriage Story” Film Review: How Good Intentions Can Go Awry

Marriage Story (2019) is the latest film from Noah Baumbach, a long-celebrated indie filmmaker who has yet to break through to Academy success. It stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a young married couple going through a trial separation, progressively drifting apart on the counsel of their respective attorneys (Alan Alda and Laura Dern). It has been lauded by critics and shot to the top of many people’s predictions for Best Picture this year. Will it be a big player this winter?

“Ford v. Ferrari” Film Review: Style over Substance

Ford v. Ferrari (2019) is the latest from James Mangold, director of such hits as Logan, Walk the Line, and 3:10 to Yuma. It stars Christian Bale and Matt Damon in the true story about the ’66 Le Mans, in which Ford Motor Company attempted to beat Ferrari at their own game in the infamous Formula One race. It has drawn serious heat ever since its Telluride debut and continues to be considered a contender for Best Picture and Best Actor. How does this adrenaline-fueled biopic stack up with previous racing flicks that fell short of awards season glory?

Belated Film Review Round-Up: “Late Night”, “Toy Story 4”, “The Art of Self-Defense”

As is often the case, I don’t have the time (or money) see every new release in theaters these days, so I end up waiting until I can get them for at-home viewing. But when I end up watching them later, I still want to share my thoughts and give recommendations on whether they are worth the time! So please enjoy my (abbreviated) thoughts on Late Night, Toy Story 4, and The Art of Self-Defense!

“Jojo Rabbit” Film Review: The King (Fuhrer) of Comedy

Jojo Rabbit (2019) is the latest from writer-director Taika Waititi, a passion project he has been trying to make for the better part of a decade. It stars Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Waititi himself in the satirical WWII tale of a ten-year-old Hitler Youth with an imaginary friend Hitler who discovers that his mother is sheltering a Jewish girl in their house. It has catapulted into Oscar frontrunner status after winning the TIFF People’s Choice Award despite mixed reception, and continues to draw both wild praise and concerned criticism. Will this be the next problematic people-pleaser to win Best Picture?

“The King” Film Review & Analysis: Heavy Lies the Crown

The King (2019) is a period medieval epic film from David Michôd – an adaptation of multiple plays from Shakespeare’s Henriad. It stars Timothée Chalamet as the young King Henry V, as well as Joel Edgerton as his companion Falstaff and Robert Pattinson as the rival Dauphin of France. The film premiered at Venice Film Festival to mostly-positive reviews ahead of its Netflix release this weekend. How does the film stack up with some of Netflix’s other offerings this awards season?