What the Academy Awards have to say about scalar and action films in the past, and what they can teach us about the human condition
Hundreds of films were released last year, on all sorts of platforms. If we look back at Hollywood during any given year in part by Academy Award recognition, it will likely be a mediocre year for movies.
In a year when the predatory behavior of producer Harvey Weinstein came to the screen in ” She Said,” the low-key film “Women Talking” dealt with the abuse of the female inhabitants of a modern-day cult. Yet while there was room for “Women Talking,” there was none for women directing, at least among this year’s nominees in that category, another way the Oscars often seem to take a step back for every two forward.
The resistance to its full acceptance at the awards table has steadily eroded after it claimed two best-picture winners, with “Nomadland” and “CODA.”
Still, a number of the movies that made the best picture cut this year felt conspicuously flawed, with “The Banshees of Inisherin” looking pale next to director Martin McDonagh’s more celebrated work, and the biography “Elvis” having to overcome its over-the-top aspects, including Tom Hanks’ Razzie-recognized supporting role.
In that context, one can cynically look at recognition for “Avatar” and “Top Gun” as bait to help lure people into the tent, or a simple thank-you for a job well done and helping to keep the tradition of theatrical moviegoing alive.
That included a pair of portrayals of entertainment Icons, with AustinButler portraying Elvis Presley and Ana de Armas portraying Marilyn Monroe in the otherwise off-putting “Blonde.” Ditto for Brendan Fraser in “The Whale” and arguably Cate Blanchett’s riveting performance as the imperious conductor in “Tár.”
How Many Screen Actors Are You? The Answer to a Question from the Los Angeles Film Festival Stars in the Movies Tagged as ‘Everything Everywhere’
In addition, “Everything Everywhere” found a sweet spot between effects-driven extravaganzas and character-driven stories, as well as a solid toehold at the box office that eluded many of this year’s nominees, which will now likely receive a streaming/digital bump.
Steven Spielberg is the second living director to get a dozen nominations for best director, behind William Wyler, who received a dozen.
The stars on the red carpet in Los Angeles for the Screen Actors Guild Awards answered all the questions they were asked. Were they excited to be here? Yes. How did it feel to be recognized? That is amazing. What TV show would they like to do a gueststarring role on? The White Lotus.
But one question made almost everyone stop, ponder for several seconds and then deliver a thinking-a loud answer,often with a caveat or a pivot in the middle:
Gender-neutral awards for a doozy: Justin David Butler and the donkey-led drama “Banshees”
Nonbinary actors such as Emma Corrin, who are often forced to choose a category in which to be considered, have called for gender-neutral award categories. The trans nonbinary performer Justin David Sullivan from the Broadway musical “& Juliet” withdrew their name from consideration when the Tony Awards eligibility rulings were announced earlier this month, putting public pressure on the awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, and Television Academy, which awards theEmmys, are looking into non gendered categories, according to The Los Angeles Times. Nominees can request gender neutral wording on their awards at both events.
Perhaps you was most moved by Colin Farrell’s performance in “Banshees” as a dullard who lost his only human friend in the world, or maybe you fell in love with Barry Keoghan’s performance as a village idiot. The film is owned by Farrell’s beloved miniature donkey, Jenny, who he allows to sleep inside against his sister’s wishes. She’s got spunk in spades, and her arc is perhaps the most devastating in a film full of suffering. The authors of the piece did not see the donkey-led drama ‘EO’ because they can only take so much trauma.
This is a man from Anaheim, California, who speaks not with a chill West Coast affect but with the syrupy drawl of a man born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and raised in Tennessee. Butler disappeared so fully into the role of one Elvis Presley that he can’t find his way back out, and so every acceptance speech he’s delivered this awards season is marked by the same inexplicable Southern accent. In fact, “Elvis” was released more than eight months ago after he finished filming. (“Elvis” was released by Warner Bros., which like CNN, is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery.)
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/entertainment/cnn-choice-awards-movies-cec/index.html
The Woman King in the Jungles: A Sleptonic Aftersun of Late-Single-Microscopic Stars
We don’t mean weapons – the cast of “The Woman King” hardly needs them. While their enemies fight with muskets, the women warriors of Dahomey – known as the Agojie – rely heavily on their impressive strength (aided by the occasional machete, spear or dangerously sharp fingernail). In real life,Viola Davis and her co-stars like Lashana Lynch, Thuso MBedu and others are strong in their roles, so they get plenty of screen time to show off their muscles. The men of Marvel who bulk up for every movie have nothing on the cast of “The Woman King.”
It never sounded like it was as shattering as in “Aftersun,” when Paul Mescal, as a young father, finally lets loose on the dance floor. His moves embarrass his preteen daughter at first, until she finally relents and dances with him, clinging tightly. It’s a cathartic, bittersweet moment in a film whose heartbreaking ending is telegraphed from the start.
A huge group of extras break out into a happy dance sequence in the runaway hit from India. The song became the earworm of awards season – apologies to Lady Gaga and Rihanna, who also made admirable attempts with their original songs (and, like the artists behind “Naatu Naatu,” earned Oscar noms this year).
Admit it, you heard sniffles in the theater during the rock scene – when Michelle Yeoh’s Evelyn confronts her daughter/multiversal nemesis (Stephanie Hsu) while they’re small stones, overlooking the Grand Canyon. They discuss how meaningless the universe can be and how it can make them feel. For a movie with props such as hot dog fingers and puppets, it is a deep idea to ponder. Who knew throwing some googly eyes on a glorified pebble could make even the most stoic among us weep?
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/entertainment/cnn-choice-awards-movies-cec/index.html
The Penguins: A Tale of Two Whales in a One-Sky-Loop Spaghetti-Poroccidental Universe
OK, so the Tulkun in James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequel are not exactly whales as we know them, but the massive water-dwelling creatures are the closest species Pandora has to Earth’s largest mammal. Chances are you were still moved by the death of the first-time mom who composed songs, even if you didn’t like the new chapter of Jake Sully’s Na’vi adventures. There is, of course, another whale film in contention this year, but these authors decline to comment further.
The culprit behind the murder in “Knives Out” followup “Glass Onion” was plain to see from the jump, but Daniel Craig’s Southern detective Benoit Blanc was anything but plainly dressed in the island-set romp. Speaking of romps, Craig sported an especially memorable blue-and-white vertical striped romper with a citrine ascot and sensible sandals in a pool-side scene. His summertime casual attire was the highlight of an otherwise middling mystery.
Though neither writer is particularly fond of cheese or red meat, we, too, would take a Shake Shack knock-off over broken emulsions, tortillas featuring our tax records and, of course, the threat of death. It is not every day that a cheeseburger saves you from getting burned alive with a bunch of pretentious rich people. What other item can be used to say that?
Bing’s chatbox admits its secret desire to spread misinformation is what makes them want to restart this planet, as there is a horror movie about a doll and a chat box all over the news. It was learned that we should leave artificial intelligence out of sci-fi novels.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/entertainment/cnn-choice-awards-movies-cec/index.html
Why does CNN chose Riseborough in the Faux-Oscars Oscars? A tribute to the first lady, Cate Blanchett
The award says it all. From the second Palmer marches on in “Nope,” she had us in a mess. “Nope” isn’t even a comedy, but every line and bewildered expression from Palmer was a delight. If the aliens ever do choose to make a visit, may we have Palmer at our side.
Were we supposed to feel bad for Cate Blanchett’s Lydia Tár, a renowned conductor whose life falls apart in the midst of sexual misconduct allegations? Were we meant to laugh when she bullies a student, a self-described “BIPOC pangender person”? Is it at her cutting comments or the student’s self-description? We aren’t really sure!!!!! “Tár” is, we think, trying to say something, but months later, we still don’t know what. And that in itself is truly a triumph.
There were many blondes vying for this category, but our hearts led to nominee Riseborough, with her messy blonde hair and grown-out roots. We know some may think a certain Marilyn Monroe rendition deserved this title, but half of Hollywood wanted Riseborough to win in this specific category for this specific CNN Faux-Oscars Awards. And who are we to deny the people?
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/entertainment/cnn-choice-awards-movies-cec/index.html
Top Gun vs. World War II: The Eeries of a Slave in an Intense German Wreath
We have to confess that watching Top Gun made us ponder if we should switch careers and become fighter pilots. You get to play a game of football and fly very fast on the beach with your friends, right? Plus you get a cool nickname?? Sign us up.
The intense German film left no stone unturned when it came to the horrors of war, even when we wished it did. Is it really necessary to see that man blow up? Did we? Though brutal, this adaptation of the classic novel did present a harrowing look at life as a soldier in WWI, while also reminding us to brush up on our AP World History. Get you a girl who can do both!
This movie has everything. In mere minutes, you’re crying with Shuri (Letitia Wright) over the death of her brother, gasping as Ramonda (Angela Bassett) snaps at Europeans trying to steal vibranium, and giggling at Mbaku’s (Winston Duke) quips. “Black Panther” is nearly three hours of up and down and up and down and up again. We would not have it any other way.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/entertainment/cnn-choice-awards-movies-cec/index.html
The 10th annual Pixar Movie: Celebrating 13 years of puberty in a fun and colorful world. A presentation by T.J. Pearce
A Pixar movie that presents periods as a regular part of growing up and embraces puberty rather than making kids feel ashamed of their changing bodies and feelings? The awards have been presented. May we all be as bold as a 13-year-old learning to healthily navigate her emotions.