Quick Review Round-Up

Reviews in 5 sentences. Awards movies (yes, this includes Netflix films), getting caught up on older films that I didn't get a chance to review, etc.

*For mobile users: Everything corresponds to whatever order its in. i.e. The first poster goes with the first review and the first rating, the second with the second with the second, and so on. This was designed on and initially formatted for a laptop.

Ford v Ferrari - Quick Review

*Won 2 Oscars - Sound Editing, Film Editing* *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

Ford v Ferrari is a fun thrill ride from James Mangold. This film is a two-hander between Damon and Bale, both of whom are excellent. It is lovely to see Matt Damon and Christian Bale in this film together, but I think that Christian Bale has more weight to pull in this story and film. The film is a bit overlong and the film has some pacing issues. Nevertheless, it is a joy to watch.

Viewed at AMC Camp Creek 14 on Nov. 21, 2019 | Run Time: 152 minutes


Little Women - Quick Review

*Won 1 Oscar - Costume Design* *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

Little Women is another stunning feature from writer-director Greta Gerwig. It is timely, extremely well-crafted, and boasts powerful performances from everyone involved. Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh, in particular, are magnetic as Jo and Amy, and the film's design is fantastic (costume, production, etc.).

Viewed at home via awards screener | Run Time: 134 minutes




Marriage Story - Quick Review

*Won 1 Oscar - Supporting Actress* *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

What I like about Marriage Story: everything! This film is miraculous, especially from a character perspective. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver two of the best performances of the year. This film will make you cry, laugh, scream, and every emotion in between. It is a beautiful portrayal of family despair and drama, and I loved it. 

Viewed at home via awards screener | Run Time: 136 minutes



Harriet - Quick Review

*Nominated for 2 Oscars * *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

I was kind of disappointed in Harriet, mainly because there were high expectations for it, being the first film to document the life of Harriet Tubman. The film itself is generic, but its lead performance is so magnetic and arresting, it's enough to recommend it (almost like Bohemian Rhapsody was last year).

Viewed at AMC Camp Creek 14 on Nov. 2, 2019 | Run Time: 125 minutes




1917 - Quick Review

*Won 3 Oscars - Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects* *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

1917 is an achievement in all regards, mostly technically. Roger Deakins, cinematographer, should win an Oscar for this one-take camera work. It is so captivating and it enhances the story in a way that makes you feel as if you are on the journey with the two soldiers. It's so beautifully tense and gripping. As for the story and script, I thought it was a bit unoriginal and very reminiscent of Dunkirk (2017, dir. Christopher Nolan) in tone and feel. 

Viewed at home via awards screener | Run Time: 119 minutes



Queen & Slim - Quick Review

As a black person, I LOVE Queen & Slim. There is so much unapologetic blackness in the imagery and performances that I can forgive the over-the-top-ness of certain parts of the story. I like that the film is very grounded in reality, but it starts to tow the line of melodrama. The film looks beautiful, though. Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe (both first-timers in film) have created a soon-to-be cult classic, in my opinion.

Viewed at AMC Dine-In Webb Gin 11 on Nov. 28, 2019 | Run Time: 132 minutes



The Irishman - Quick Review

*Nominated for 10 Oscars - including Best Picture* *Check Oscars Page for further nominations*

The Irishman is an excellently well-crafted piece of art. I say art because every element of this film is completed with a level of artistry unmatched in most recent films. On the topic of runtime, this film is 3 1/2 hours long, and it does feel it at some points. However, I do not recommend breaking it into chunks. Watch it all together to fully immerse yourself in the wonderful performances and complex story.

Viewed at home via Netflix | Run Time: 209 minutes


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