It’s that time of year again! With all of the major cinematic releases of the year behind us, it’s time to highlight the best of what the year had to offer. What will top my list? Which fan favorites will be left off? Let’s dive in and discuss some great films!
The Iron Claw (2023) is a drama film from writer-director Sean Durkin. It stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, one of four sons of a famous ex-wrestling legend who pushes his children to reach great heights in the wrestling world in the 1980’s. The film premiered in late November ahead of its Christmas holiday release in theaters. Is this truly one of the greatest performances Zac Efron has put to screen yet?
Continue reading ““The Iron Claw” Film Review: The Harder They Fall”
Maestro (2023) is a biographical drama film from sophomore writer-director Bradley Cooper. Cooper also stars in the film as Leonard Bernstein, renowned Broadway composer, following his life and relationships, particularly with his wife Felicia (Carey Mulligan). The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival to strong reviews, and releases in theaters and on Netflix this December. Why has this generated so much Oscar buzz?
Continue reading ““Maestro” Film Review: The Epitome of Hyperbole”
Poor Things (2023) is an absurdist dark-comedy drama film from director Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara. It stars Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, a woman who is implanted with the brain of an infant and must re-learn how to experience life. The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the top prize of the Golden Lion, and released in theaters on December 8th. Can this win Emma Stone her second Oscar?
Continue reading ““Poor Things” Film Review: Childlike Wonder”
We’ve officially made it to the beginning of awards season, as the first few precursors have weighed in and we now have a much clearer picture of what films will do well at the upcoming Academy Awards! Who will take home the big prizes? Which borderline films will snag the last few Best Picture slots? Let’s take a post-Golden Globes, post-Critics Choice snapshot of the Oscars biggest prize!
Continue reading “Best Picture Power Rankings: December 2023 Edition”
The Boy and the Heron (2023) (also known as How Do You Live?) is an animated fantasy-drama film from legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Mahito, a boy in post-WWII Japan who embarks on an epic journey to another dimension in the hopes of rescuing his deceased mother. The film had its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ahead of its December release in the United States. Why have critics and audiences alike been buzzing about this one? **SPOILERS AHEAD!!**
Continue reading ““The Boy and the Heron” Film Review & Analysis”
The 81st Golden Globes are only a month away, with nominations being announced this coming Monday! It is the first major stop of awards season and a glimpse at what films might do well (and poorly) at the precursors en route to the Oscars! With a slew of changes to the roster, including expanded lineups of six (6) and a couple brand-new categories, what can we expect to see from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) on December 11th?
Scriptophile 