The Oscars and Me
Here’s my take on the Best Picture nominees for films that premiered in 2022.
Each year, I try to watch all of the Best Picture nominees before the awards show. Sometimes, I succeed. Sometimes, I fall just short. Either way, the show must go on. This is where I stand heading into the live broadcast.
Apologies
I didn’t get a chance to see “Avatar: The Way of Water”. Honestly, I haven’t had four hours to myself to go to the theater, much less to think quietly by myself. I wish it were streaming, but I get why it isn’t yet. Next time, Jimbo.
Nominated, but Not For Me
Movies that are good, for sure, but they just didn’t work for me. For you? Why not. After all, I could be wrong about this.
9. Triangle of Sadness
Written and directed by Ruben Östlund.
Logline: A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.
What I thought: It’s a scathing statement on status that, for me, just didn’t get there. I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s clearly good. And it’s really fun and funny. It just…I’m not sure it’s good enough to be remembered as one of this year’s best.
Why you’d like this movie: It has one of the best vomit scenes you’ll ever see, second only to “Team America: World Police”. Honestly, I wanted to piss myself watching all of the vomit. It was that good and that worth it.
Who’s it for: Fans of Swedish comedy and those who like to stick it to the man.
8. The Fabelmans
Directed by Stephen Spielberg.
Written by Stephen Spielberg and Tony Kushner.
Logline: A coming-of-age story about a young man’s discovery of a shattering family secret and an exploration of the power of movies.
What I thought: There is no such thing as a bad Spielberg movie. He’s brilliant. Nobody moves a camera and generates as much interest and energy in every pixel of every frame like he does. And this autobiographical film is a good piece of cinema. I just wished there was some more conflict and tension — even if it wasn’t totally accurate to the story. Because, at the end of the day, it’s a story. And in this case, a story with one of the truly great endings.
Why you’d like this movie: C’mon. It’s Spielberg and Kushner, two legends. Spoiler alert: They really know how to tell a story through the camera and with dialogue. You’re in the best possible hands.
Who’s it for: People who love movies and Spielberg films — which is actually everyone, come to think of it.
Really Fun. Like Next Level Fun.
Two films that are truly what the movie-going business is about, and I’m happy that they’re getting their moment in the sun.
7. Elvis
Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Written by Baz Luhrmann, Craig Pearce, Sam Bromell and Jeremy Doner.
Logline: The story of Elvis, as seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
What I thought: Why is this the one Baz Luhrmann film that really works for me? Maybe it’s because we already know the story, and it grounds all the Baz Luhrmann things that can normally be distracting and vacuous. But here, all of those things fill in the blanks and adds to the grandeur.
Why you’d like this movie: The visuals. The colors. The sound design. The music. It all comes together because we all know Elvis. And it really helps that Austin Butler becomes The King before our eyes. He’s exceptional, a breakthrough performance for the ages.
Who’s it for: Do you like eye candy? How about ear candy? Do you know Elvis songs? Did you watch random shows on the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and wonder what happened to that guy? Then this is for you.
6. Top Gun: Maverick
Directed by Joseph Kosinski.
Written by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie.
Logline: After 30 years, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell still pushes the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.
What I thought: They pulled off a miracle. They took a beloved classic, one that is a time capsule for what great action films should be, and improved upon it, took it to new directions, paid homage without borrowing interest, and made it something new that works by itself.
Why you’d like this movie: Of all the films on this list, of all of these nominees, it’s the most rewatchable. And it deserves all of our admiration, just for that. And holy smokes does it gets your heart racing with relentless excitement and a bombardment of character development.
Who’s it for: Anyone with a pulse.
Very Worthy
Two films that are so complicated and so well done that they deserve our admiration, even if they’re not for everyone.
5. Women Talking
Written and directed by Sarah Polley.
Logline: The women of an isolated religious colony reveal a shocking secret about the colony’s men — and devise a plan on what to do next.
What I thought: This is an exceptionally difficult story to tell. It could have gone in a series of bad directions — but Sarah Polley nailed it. Everything felt organic, true and honest. Nothing was forced. Every word in every scene was meaningful and compelling. The direction was superb.
Why you’d like this movie: It’s a film with no action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And, just as important, it makes you really think.
Who’s it for: If you have patience and truly love the art of filmmaking, you’ll dig this. If you’re even the tiniest bit antsy, you might struggle. This film goes into situations that are disturbing, but they also need to be heard.
4. All Quiet on the Western Front
Directed by Edward Berger.
Written by Edward Berger, Ian Stokell and Lesly Paterson.
Logline: When 17-year-old Paul joins the Western Front in World War I, his initial excitement is soon shattered by the grim reality of life in the trenches.
What I thought: I didn’t expect this. This movie premiered on Netflix with little or no hype, but gradually gained momentum through the sheer force on how brilliant it is. And I get it. Like the classic book, it’s as vociferous of an anti-war story you’ll ever find. And it’s shot in a way that really dives into that. This doesn’t glorify war at all. It shows it in all of its brutality. And it’s unrelenting.
Why you’d like this movie: It’s a phenomenal movie, one that sticks with you for awhile — and it should. It makes a bold statement not through big speeches or platitudes, but through action and character development. It’s gorgeously shot, and employs a really fascinating score that’s deliberately unsettling.
Who’s it for: Anyone who thinks war is fun. This’ll change your mind, real quick. It is difficult to watch, and not easy to get through. That’s the point. This is one of the great war movies, and if you’re into that, you’ll be into this.
Didn’t Make the Cut But Should Have
Let’s stop here for a second and talk about a film that I can’t believe wasn’t nominated, but if it were, it would be around here.
3.5. The Menu
Directed by Mark Mylod.
Written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy.
Logline: A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.
What I thought: It’s a really sharp satire on high-end culinary restaurants, the rise of celebrity chefs, status, elitism and what we hold as important in society. Ralph Fiennes and Anna Taylor-Joy are always captivating to watch, and they really bring it in this film.
Why you’d like this movie: I thought it was hilarious, scary, dark and expertly crafted. And yeah, I’ll probably watch it again at some point.
Who’s it for: There’s definitely suspense in this film, and blood, and horror, so if you’re a little bit queasy, it might not be for you. But if you can handle all of that, I highly recommend it.
Bonafide Greatness
Two films that will stand the tests of time as nominees, and if any of these win the award for Best Picture, I’d totally understand and embrace it.
3. The Banshees of Inisherin
Written and directed by Martin McDonagh.
Logline: Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
What I thought: I’m split on Martin McDonagh. I loved In Bruges. I didn’t love Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Going into Banshees, I deliberately went in blind. I’m happy I did. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are just a joy to watch together. And Barry Geoghan gives a remarkable and unforgettable performance.
Why you’d like this movie: It’s a really strong statement into the terms of relationships you share with those you love. And I loved the human truth they explored, of whether it’s more important to be nice or important. That’s something everyone can relate to and have strong thoughts about.
Who’s it for: Without giving it away, the movie hinges on how Brendan Gleeson reacts to Colin Farrell’s obsession. Some find it gross and stupid. Others find it funny and inspired. I’m in the latter. But it’s not for some. Like my wife. She hated it. (But I loved it).
2. Tár
Written and directed by Todd Field.
Logline: Set in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and first-ever female music director of a major German orchestra.
What I thought: Just a masterclass in character development and a slow descent into madness. If it takes Todd Field a decade to make a film this good, it’s a decade well spent. Cate Blanchett deserves all the awards. She’s mesmerizing in a role that was written specifically for her.
Why you’d like this movie: It puts you in a world that we don’t normally spend time in. Lydia Tár is a compelling figure, and Cate Blanchett invites you into her genius and her madness.
Who’s it for: Anyone, but especially for big Lydia Tár fans. You know who you are, and why that’s funny to the rest of us.
This One is the One
Of all the films I saw this year, this is the one that stood out to me. And when I think back to 2022, I have no doubt this will be the one that immediately comes to mind.
1. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Written and directed by The Daniels.
Logline: An aging Chinese immigrant is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led.
What I thought: I can’t believe they pulled this off. It’s a movie about multiverses that makes sense. It’s a science fiction film with a very human soul. It’s visually unique. You’re relentlessly entertained. You’re constantly challenged. It’s what great cinema should be, both at a popular and artistic level.
Why you’d like this movie: It’s a storytelling achievement that you can’t believe your eyes are actually watching. It’s full of visuals and ideas you’ve never experienced before. And hot damn, it’s so funny. And, on top of all of that, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu give mindblowing performances.
Who’s it for: Everyone. Even if you don’t like science fiction or whatever the multiverse is, this really works and connects. I watched this with my 11-year-old, and he loved it and understood everything. That says it all, really.
My Final Cut
Look, this was a pretty good year for movies. There’s three films (The Banshees of Inisherin, Tár and Everything Everywhere All at Once) that I would be truly happy if they took home the hardware. They’re all worthy and deserving. But honestly, Everything Everywhere All at Once is really the one above the others. That’s the one that hits the hardest for me.
