Quick Review Round-Up: Awards Edition

King Richard (4.5 out of 5)

King Richard is a great family film with a lot of heart. The story of Richard Williams is one that I was not very familiar with before seeing this film (obviously, I know who his daughters are, but I didn't know how heavily involved he was with their matriculation in the tennis world), but he and his daughter's story is a heartwarming one indeed. Will Smith gives a great performance here, probably his best since The Pursuit of Happyness, but my favorite performances here were those of Aunjanue Ellis as the Williams' matriarch, Brandy, and Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams. Ellis' performance was strong and powerful and Sidney's surprisingly nuanced for a child actor (I usually do not like child actors). I also liked that they focused on Venus' story more than Serena's. I feel that now, we really only hear abotu Serena, but I'm glad the film decided to focus on Venus' story. And the film gives Venus a spotlight as well by letting Will Smith take a step back and let Saniyya Sidney take over. One note: the film is a bit too long. It does not need to be 2 hours and 20 minutes long. The film is formulaic. You know, it's a standard sports biopic. But, the film wears the formula well. High Oscar chances for this one.

Spencer (5 out of 5)

Spencer was stunning. Director Pablo Larrain's follow-up to his 2016 biopic Jackie is a poetic, dreamlike, and balletic look at the psyche of a woman who felt out of place. The film is like a dance between Diana, the camera, and the audience, and it's dance that is so hypnotic that you will just have to give in. I am not a Princess Diana enthusiast as many of my friends are, but I have to say this film is the most convincing example as to why I should be one. And that is all due to (and I can't believe I'm saying this) the amazing lead performance from Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame. Kristen Stewart is the best I’ve ever seen her. She should win an Oscar for this performance, I can confidently say. The cinematography from Claire Mathon (of Portrait of a Lady on Fire) is absolutely amazing, and Jonny Greenwood's score is a character of it's own.

Licorice Pizza (4.5 out of 5)

I gave this film 4.5 out of 5 stars. It lost a point because the age difference between the main characters (almost 10 years) was taking me out. It’s very hard to make a romantic comedy about a 25 year old and a 15 year old and not think about the fact that one of them is a minor. The age thing seemed frivolous and kinda unnecessary. I know that the idea for the script came from PTA witnessing a kid flirting with the school photographer, but still… I also thought the final 10 seconds wasn’t necessary. Without those aspects, it would have been a flawless film. I mean even with it, I still think it’s one of the best movies of the year. The soundtrack, amazing. The look and style, amazing (everything is just STEEPED in the 1970’s and it’s gorgeous. Try and see it on film). The performances, amazing (a lot of it felt so natural like it didn’t feel like acting). But what I find most amazing is that it’s not a film that’s meant to blow you away. I don’t think it’s meant to blow anyone away. It’s such an unassuming film and since it’s just a slice of life basically, it never feels like you’re watching an amazing film. It’s hard to explain but it makes sense when you see it. There’s not REALLY a plot, per se. It’s just young adult life in the early 70s and it’s enchanting. Just characters and vibes. I really enjoyed Licorice Pizza (WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!?!)

Belfast (3.5 out of 5)

Kenneth Branagh's Belfast is a very personal film, and you can tell. I think that is what is so magnetic about this film. Belfast has a quality to it that is very inviting and endearing. It allows you to enjoy the film and look over its issues. I found there to be more issues with this film than most people thought. I feel like this film is very confused about what it wants to be about. It's about family, but it's also about religion, but it's also about war. There's a lot of avenues the film tries to take but I feel like it was never confident enough to fully take one. I also thought that the ending was very abrupt and confused the message the film was trying to send. I was shocked that I had so many issues with this film because I had heard so many raves about it, but I understand why people love this film. As I said, there's an inviting quality to it. It's very sweet. Also, the performances in this film are all great. Caitriona Balfe who plays the mother should receive Academy attention for this performance. 

C'mon C'mon (5 out of 5)

I almost cried at the end of this chile….. whoo! Mike Mills’ follow-up to 20th Century Women is a near perfect look at family and life from a child’s perspective. Very often, films that try to have the point of view of a child are often incorrect or feel inauthentic, but this film escapes that by incorporating interviews with children who are non-actors about real-life issues such as death, love, fear, etc. Also, refreshingly, most of these children are children of color. The structure of the film is excellent. The main story is intercut with voiceover passages from readings about parenthood or childhood and these amazing interviews. The main story about an uncle and his unfounded relationship with his nephew is also very touching. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic here, but the standout performance for me was that of Woody Norman who plays Jesse, the nephew. I was in AWE of his performance here, and I usually HATE child actors. The film is a little too long for what it wants to be and can come off as preachy, but if you just sink into the film as I did, you’ll find nothing but bliss. This is not a happy film, but it is an endearing one and it earns a lot of points with me for that. 

The Tragedy of Macbeth (4 out of 5)

If you have not read Macbeth, or are unfamiliar with the story, go take an English class before you see this film. If I had not read Macbeth in 9th grade, I would be so lost and confused as to what is going on here as the film maintains the Shakespearean dialect. It’s HARD to understand but if you’ve already done the work, the barrier is mostly removed. It’s almost like you need subtitles watching this LOL. But outside of that, this film is stunning. Visually, this is one of the most striking and arresting films of the year. The production design and cinematography work together to creat this Uber-theatrical but still cinematic experience that should be had on a big screen. The performances were excellent, particularly from Denzel Washington in the lead role and Kathryn Hunter as the Witches/Weird Sisters. I love Frances McDormand here (and always) but I feel like I’ve seen her do more memorable work. This will become every English teachers’ new favorite movie so high schoolers, get ready!