joeygoeshollywood

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2025: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Here are my fantasy winners and nominees of this year’s Oscars. Share yours too!

Best Picture

Winner: Sing Sing

Nominees:

Anora The Brutalist Challengers Conclave Dune: Part Two The Seed of the Sacred Fig September 5 Strange Darling The Substance

Best Actor

Winner: Colman Domingo - Sing Sing

Nominees:

Adrien Brody - The Brutalist Timothée Chalamet - A Complete Unknown Ralph Fiennes - Conclave Sebastian Stan - A Different Man

Best Actress

Winner: Demi Moore - The Substance

Nominees:

Pamela Anderson  - The Last Showgirl Mikey Madison - Anora Angelina Jolie  - Maria June Squibb  - Thelma

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Kieran Culkin - A Real Pain

Nominees:

Nicolas Cage - Longlegs Clarence Maclin - Sing Sing Edward Norton  - A Complete Unknown Denzel Washington  - Gladiator II

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Natasha Lyonne - His Three Daughters

Nominees:

Jamie Lee Curtis  - The Last Showgirl Danielle Deadwyler - The Piano Lesson  Ariana Grande - Wicked Zoe Saldaña - Emilia Pérez

Best Director

Winner: Brady Corbet - The Brutalist

Nominees:

Sean Baker - Anora Edward Berger - Conclave Greg Kwedar - Sing Sing Denis Villeneuve - Dune: Part Two

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Anora

Nominees:

The Brutalist A Real Pain The Seed of the Sacred Fig The Substance

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Sing Sing

Nominees:

A Complete Unknown Conclave I'm Still Here Nickel Boys

Best Cinematography

Winner: Dune: Part Two

Nominees:

The Brutalist Maria Nickel Boys Nosferatu

Best Editing

Winner: Challengers

Nominees:

The Brutalist Dune: Part Two September 5 Strange Darling

Best Production Design

Winner: Wicked

Nominees:

The Brutalist Dune: Part Two Gladiator II Nosferatu

Best Costume Design

Winner: Wicked

Nominees:

Dune: Part Two Gladiator II Maria Nosferatu

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

Winner: The Substance

Nominees:

A Different Man Dune: Part Two Sasquatch Sunset Wicked

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Dune: Part Two

Nominees:

Gladiator II Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Twisters Wicked

Best Score

Winner: Challengers

Nominees:

The Brutalist Dune: Part Two Saturday Night The Wild Robot

Best Original Song

Winner: “Kiss the Sky” - The Wild Robot

Nominees:

“Beautiful That Way” - The Last Showgirl  “Forbidden Road” - Better Man “Like a Bird” - Sing Sing “Piece by Piece” - Piece by Piece

Best Sound

Winner: Dune: Part Two

Nominees:

Alien: Romulus A Complete Unknown Gladiator II Wicked

 

Best Animated Feature

Winner: The Wild Robot

Nominees:

Flow Inside Out 2 Memoir of a Snail Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Best International Film

Winner: The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)

Nominees:

Flow (Latvia) I'm Still Here (Brazil)

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Comedy

Winner: Anora

Nominees:

Babes Between The Temples Dìdi A Different Man Hit Man It's What's Inside My Old Ass A Real Pain Thelma

Best Ensemble

Winner: Conclave

Nominees:

Anora The Brutalist A Complete Unknown Wicked

Best Stunts

Winner: Fall Guy

Nominees:

Deadpool & Wolverine Furiosa: a Mad Max Saga Gladiator II Monkey Man

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker

Winner: JT Mollner - Strange Darling

Nominees:

Minhal Baig - We Grown Now Jesse Eisenberg - A Real Pain Coralie Fargeat - The Substance Megan Park - My Old Ass Dev Patel - Monkey Man Sean Wang - Dìdi

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Jonathan Bailey - Wicked

Nominees:

Ethan Herisse & Brandon Wilson - Nickel Boys Blake Cameron James & Gian Knight Ramirez - We Grown Now Aaron Pierre - Rebel Ridge Isaac Wang - Dìdi

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Mikey Madison - Anora 

Nominees:

Monica Barbaro - A Complete Unknown Willa Fitzgerald - Strange Darling Katy O’Brian - Love Lies Bleeding Maisy Stella - My Old Ass

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2024

Apologies for the delay but I finally finished my to-do list! Here are my 25 favorite films of 2024.

25. Wicked

It's about time Hollywood made musicals great again. Wicked takes the iconic Broadway play onto the big screen in one of the most fun and well-crafted films of the year. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande absolutely shine as Elphaba and Galinda. From the terrific cast, the great costumes, the stellar production design to the wonderful songs, Wicked may have given new life to an underappreciated genre.

24. In a Violent Nature

In a Violent Nature turns slasher horror on its head as the entire film is told from the perspective of the serial killer. For much of the film, you're literally looking over his shoulders as he targets his innocent victims staying in a remote cabin in the woods. The killing scenes are so gross yet so much fun and kind of imaginative. If you're a horror junky, you'll absolutely love this one.

23. Longlegs

Probably the closest thing to Silence of the Lambs since Silence of the Lambs came out in 1991, Longlegs is a disturbing psychological crime thriller borderlining on horror about a young FBI agent's hunt for a serial killer. Nicolas Cage continues his acting Renaissance, this time completely unrecognizable as the deranged killer Longlegs leaving Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) on a cat-and-mouse chase. Writer/director Osgood Perkins, who was probably best known as "Dorky David" in Legally Blonde, may be joining the ranks among the masters or horror in the 21st century.

22. Babes

Good raunchy comedies are few and far between in the modern era, which is why Babes is worth heralding. Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau are a dynamic duo playing best friends and their journey as an expecting mother (following a one-night stand) and young mother respectively. Babes is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny and can be an instant comedy classic.

21. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

In an age of constant sequels, remakes and reboots, very few franchises maintain their quality like the recent Planet of the Apes films. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is yet another strong installment to the franchise with rich new characters and stunning visuals. May the apes continue their reign!

20. A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkan star as estranged cousins who trace the Polish roots of their late Holocaust-surviving grandmother. A Real Pain (which Eisenberg wrote and directed) is a road trip dramedy that certainly hits home. Culkan's amazing performance alone is worth the watch.

19. We Grown Now

We Grown Now is a touching coming-of-age film about two young boys who live in the projects in Chicago's Cabrini-Green neighborhood in the 90s. Very few films can artfully capture childhood innocence like this one can. We Grown Now completely rides on the shoulders of its two young lead actors Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez.

18. Monkey Man

What could be described as an Indian John Wick, Monkey Man is a helluva good time. Dev Patel made a strong directorial debut as well as writes and stars in this action-packed revenge thriller with some of the best fight sequences you'll see all year. If other films he directs are this much fun in the future, then Patel will certainly have a long career in the director's chair ahead of him.

17. His Three Daughters

One of the most overlooked films of the year happens to be on the biggest streaming platform (ahem, Netflix, ahem). His Three Daughters is a family drama fueled by raw emotion that truly feels like you're watching a staged play as virtually the entire film take place in a quaint two-bedroom NYC apartment. Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne play estranged sisters to come together as their ailing father takes a turn for the worse. The trio of actresses are what drive this film, particulary Lyonne's career-best performance.

16. Nickel Boys

There haven't been many films as grounded and intimate as Nickel Boys, which follows to Black boys and the real-life abuse they endured at a reform school. Shot through each of their perspectives throughout the film, Nickel Boys showcases fresh talent from filmmaker RaMell Ross and from up-and-coming actors Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson.

15. I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here is a powerful Brazilian film based on the harrowing real-life story of the 1970 disappearance of Brazilian politician Rubens Paiva under the country's military dictatorship and his wife's mission for answers. Fernanda Torres offers a powerful performance as the determined matriarch trying to shelter her children from danger while becoming a one-woman army against the authoritarian government.

14. A Complete Unknown

Timothée Chalamet continues to prove he's one of the finest actors of his generation, transforming himself into Bob Dylan in James Mangold's A Complete Unknown. The film seamlessly threads Dylan's biography with his iconic music (Chalamet does his own singing!) and is accompanied by a phenomenal ensemble including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and the film's breakout star Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez.

13. The Wild Robot

Easily DreamWorks' best animated film in several years, The Wild Robot is a beautiful tale of self identity and finding family. The talents of Lupita Nyong'o show no bounds bringing life to an expressionless robot and is joined by a wonderful cast of critters. The Wild Robot is full of laughs, will tug at the heartstrings, and is a rare gem that's truly fun for the whole family.

12. Nosferatu

Robert Eggers' chilling reimagining of Nosferatu is yet another example of his ability of turning horror into an art form. Lily-Rose Depp gives a star-turning performance and is joined by a powerhouse cast including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin and Bill Skarsgård, who is unrecognizable as the iconic evil Count Orlok.

11. A Different Man

A Different Man is a brilliant noir-esq comedic tragedy, which seems like an oxymoron but if you see this film you'd understand why. Sebastian Stan of Marvel fame gives the best performance of his career as a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes experimental treatment only for the role he was truly born to play is snatched away from him by another actor with the same condition, leading him to spiral out of control.

10. September 5

September 5 revisits the gut-wrenching horrors of the Munich massacre of the Israeli athletic team in the 1972 Summer Olympics from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew that was there to capture the story ahead of their colleagues in the news division. The film tackles journalistic ethics as what they choose to do (or not) could lead to fatal consequences.

9. The Brutalist

Clocking in at 3 hours and 35 minutes (complete with an intermission!), The Brutalist is, well, brutal- but in the best way possible. Adrien Brody shines as famed Hungarian-Jewish architect László Toth and his life in America following the Holocaust. Actor-turned-filmmaker Brady Corbet masterfully pieced together stunning visuals, a terrific score and a phenomenal cast, cementing himself a true cinematic artist.

8. The Substance

The Substance is gory, uncomfortable, and absolutely delightful. Demi Moore stars as an aging Hollywood starlet desperate to give her flailing career a lifeline. So she turns to take "the substance," leading her to some unwanted side effects. Part body horror and part dark comedy, The Substance offers perhaps the grossest view of showbiz by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat. There'll be an Oscar waiting for Moore at the end of awards season.

7. Conclave

Edward Berger's Conclave is essentially a political thriller about the turmoil that unfolds in the Vatican when selecting a new pope- and it's a lot juicier than one could ever imagine. Ralph Fiennes leads a brilliant ensemble cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini. Conclave is a holy drama you might feel dirty about after, but that's why it's so much fun.

6. Anora

Indie filmmaker Sean Baker has made his mark with his previous films (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket), but Anora has put him on a whole new level. Mikey Madison stars as an escort who gets into bed with the son of a Russian oligarch and drama further ensues when they end up tying the knot. With elements of a heartbreaking drama and a hilarious screwball comedy, Anora is a little film with a lot of spunk and is among the most enjoyable ones in recent memory.

5. Challengers

Who knew tennis could be so hot? Luca Guadagnino's Challengers puts a love triangle on the court led by Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor. Fun, intense, and sexy, Challengers was one of the most memorable trips to the movies this year (that could be thanked to fantastic editing and the iconic score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross).

4. Dune: Part Two

Hollywood rarely makes blockbuster films that are also cinematic achievements. Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two is exactly both. This sci-fi epic is a once in a generation franchise that values storytelling as much as the action. Its climactic sequence rivals The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. From the powerhouse ensemble to the gorgeous cinematography to the iconic score to the incredible effects, Dune: Part Two is a reminder that Hollywood magic still exists.

3. The Seed of the Sacred Fig

By far my favorite foreign film of 2024 is The Seed of the Sacred Fig, an Iranian drama that takes place during the 2022 protests. What's incredible about this film is that it was shot in secret because it's critical of the Iranian regime, so much so that its writer/director Mohammad Rasoulof had to flee the country as he was facing an eight-year prison sentence. Despite the film being Iranian, it was submitted by Germany in the Academy Awards' Best International Film category instead of Iran. Sacred Fig is part political thriller, part family drama featuring a strong cast and an incredible story. The film is more than just art, it's a rebellion.

2. Strange Darling

Perhaps the best film that virtually no one saw in 2024, Strange Darling is a hidden gem that will blow you away, particularly if you go into it blind (so don't look up the plot!). It will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns you'll never expect. Jam-packed with thrills, terror, and even some dark humor, Strange Darling will leave a lasting impression.

Sing Sing

Sing Sing is truly a film for the soul. Rarely does a film consume you with so much emotion from beginning to end that will make you both laugh and cry in between. Sing Sing follows the theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and nearly the entire supporting cast is made up of former inmates who did the program. Colman Domingo gives an Oscar-worthy as one of the leaders of the theater group in a desperate pursuit for clemency. Not only is Sing Sing one of A24's best films to date, it's the best film of 2024.

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2024: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Here are my fantasy winners and nominees of this year’s Oscars. And I encourage you all to share yours!

Best Picture

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

All of Us Strangers The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Past Lives Polite Society Saltburn Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Zone of Interest

Best Actor

Winner: Paul Giamatti - The Holdovers

Nominees:

Nicolas Cage  - Dream Scenario Bradley Cooper  - Maestro Cillian Murphy  - Oppenheimer Andrew Scott  - All of Us Strangers

Best Actress

Winner: Emma Stone - Poor Things

Nominees:

Annette Benning  - Nyad Lily Gladstone - Killers of the Flower Moon Carey Mulligan  - Maestro Teyana Taylor  - A Thousand and One

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Robert Downey Jr. - Oppenheimer

Nominees:

Willem Dafoe - Poor Things Ryan Gosling  - Barbie Glenn Howerton  - BlackBerry Charles Melton  - May December

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Da’Vine Joy Randolph - The Holdovers

Nominees:

Emily Blunt  - Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks - The Color Purple Nimra Bucha - Polite Society Jodie Foster - Nyad

Best Director

Winner: Yorgos Lanthimos - Poor Things

Nominees:

Jonathan Glazer  - The Zone of Interest Nida Manzoor - Polite Society Christopher Nolan - Oppenheimer Martin Scorsese  - Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: The Holdovers

Nominees:

Anatomy of a Fall Past Lives Polite Society Saltburn

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

American Fiction Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Oppenheimer Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Cinematography

Winner: Oppenheimer

Nominees:

Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Poor Things Saltburn

Best Editing

Winner: Oppenheimer

Nominees:

Maestro Polite Society Poor Things Saltburn

Best Production Design

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

Asteroid City Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Saltburn

Best Costume Design

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

Barbie The Color Purple Killers of the Flower Moon Wonka

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

Maestro Priscilla Renfield Society of the Snow

Best Score

Winner: Oppenheimer

Nominees:

Killers of the Flower Moon Poor Things Rustin Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Original Song

Winner: "I'm Just Ken" - Barbie

Nominees:

"Am I Dreaming"  - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse “Camp Isn’t Home”   - Theater Camp “Dance the Night”  - Barbie “A World of Your Own”   - Wonka

Best Sound

Winner: The Zone of Interest

Nominees:

Ferrari Maestro Napoleon Oppenheimer

Best Visual Effects

Winner: The Creator

Nominees:

Godzilla Minus One Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Napoleon Oppenheimer

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Nominees:

The Boy and the Heron Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Leo The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Best International Film

Winner: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)

Nominees:

Godzilla Minus One (Japan) Society of the Snow (Spain) The Taste of Things (France) The Teachers' Lounge (Germany)

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Comedy

Winner: Polite Society

Nominees:

BlackBerry Bottoms The Holdovers Joy Ride Poor Things Rye Lane Somewhere in Queens Theater Camp You Hurt My Feelings

Best Ensemble

Winner: Poor Things

Nominees:

All of Us Strangers Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Saltburn

Best Stunts

Winner: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

Nominees:

The Creator Napoleon Polite Society Sisu

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker 

Winner: Celine Song - Past Lives

Nominees:

Kristoffer Borgli  - Dream Scenario Matt Johnson - BlackBerry Adele Lim - Joy Ride Nida Manzoor  - Polite Society

Best Breakthrough Actor 

Winner: Dominic Sessa - The Holdovers

Nominees:

Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp - Dicks: The Musical  David Jonnson - Rye Lane Xolo Maridueña - Blue Beetle Dar Salim  - The Covenant

Best Breakthrough Actress 

Winner: Sandra Hüller - Anatomy of a Fall

Nominees:

Sherry Cola - Joy Ride Abby Ryder Fortson - Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Madison Tevlin - Champions Sophie Wilde  - Talk to Me

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2023

It's that time of year again! Here are my top 25 films of 2023.

25. Joy Ride

Following in the footsteps of Bridesmaids and Girls Trip, Joy Ride offers some of the biggest laughs of 2023 proving once again women can be just as raunchy as men. The cast includes up-and-comers Ashley Park, Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu, and a scene-stealing breakthrough performance from Sherry Cola. Joy Ride marks a strong debut from writer-director Adele Lim.

24. Theater Camp

Anyone who had aspirations of becoming an actor can relate to Theater Camp, a mockumentary about the staff of a theater camp struggling to keep it afloat. Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, and Noah Galvin lead both behind and in front of the camera in this superb comedy that will leave you singing from the rooftops.

23. A Thousand and One

A Thousand and One is a heartbreaking indie film about a mother's desperate effort to form a bond with her estranged son by kidnapping him from the foster care system following her stint in prison. Teyana Taylor packs an emotional punch with her crushing performance with the help of A.V. Rockwell in her feature debut as a writer-director.

22. Thanksgiving

Eli Roth's filmography in horror is a mixed record, but his latest flick Thanksgiving may be his best work yet. Not only is it a solid slasher with great over-the-top killings, its brilliantly hilarious. In a time where horror franchises can be tiresome, Thanksgiving is one that could call for a second or third helping.

21. Somewhere in Queens

TV icon Ray Romano makes his feature directorial debut in the family comedy Somewhere in Queens. He stars as the father of a promising high school basketball player who goes through perhaps desperate means to assure he lands a college scholarship. Joined by the wonderful Laurie Metcalf, Somewhere in Queens has plenty of laughs as well as plenty of heart.

20. Dream Scenario

The remarkable comeback of Nicolas Cage continues with his brilliant performance in Dream Scenario, a dark fantasy horror comedy in which he plays a college professor who inexplicably starts appearing in everyone's dreams, sparking a national phenomenon that will ultimately take a personal toll. Cage balances the absurdity of the situation his character is in with emotional heft that comes with it. This marks Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli's first English-language film and based on how well-executed Dream Scenario is, hopefully it won't be his last.

19. The Covenant

Guy Ritchie's latest The Covenant is a heart-pounding war film based on the true story of Sgt. John Kinley's rescue effort of his Afghan interpreter Ahmed. Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim make a perfect duo in this dramatic, suspenseful film that may be Ritchie's strongest work to date.

18. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume's 1970 adolescent classic Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. finally made its way to the big screen this year in the heartwarming coming-of-age tale of a girl's awkward journey from childhood to adulthood as well as the complexities that come from being an interfaith household. Abby Ryder Fortson shines as the titular Margaret in an outstanding performance not often seen from child actors. Also, we need more Rachel McAdams.

17. BlackBerry

Arguably the biggest surprise of 2023, BlackBerry offers some of the best laughs in the comedic retelling of the rise and fall of the iconic BlackBerry device. BlackBerry is a showcase of talent of its star Jay Baruchel, Matt Johnson (who also directed and co-wrote the film), and Glenn Howerton of It's Always Sunny fame, easily giving one of the best on-screen performances of the entire year.

16. You Hurt My Feelings

Writer-director Nicole Holofcener reunites with her Enough Said star Julia Louis-Dreyfus with You Hurt My Feelings, which centers a turbulent chapter in a couple's marriage after a novelist overhears her husband mocking her latest book. The dramedy examines the thought-provoking nuances of how fully honest one actually should be with their spouse (the answer may surprise you!). The greatest strength from Holofcener's latest is how its humor comes naturally from the reality of relationships.

15. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

Mission: Impossible does the unthinkable in Hollywood: keeping a franchise in top-notch shape. Dead Reckoning Part One, the whopping *seventh* installment of the Ethan Hunt saga, delivers on a compelling plot and incredible action sequences, all of which is cemented by the star power of Tom Cruise, who has carried this spy franchise for nearly 20 years. There have been hints that Dead Reckoning may be the beginning of the end for Mission: Impossible, and if that's the case, it's going out with a bang.

14. Talk to Me

The best horror movie of 2023, Talk to Me is a chilling film about a group of teenager's ill-fated decision of doing a viral challenge of interacting with the dead, only to mistakenly leave the portal open between the living and the spirit world. What makes Talk to Me work is the family drama at the core of the film and the powerful performance from its troubled heroine Sophie Wilde.

13. Sisu

Inglorious Basterds meets Mad Max: Fury Road meets John Wick, Sisu is a WWII-era revenge action flick about a gold prospector's quest to retrieve the gold that was stolen from him from a group of Nazis. Full of brutal, bloody fight sequences with a twisted sense of humor, Sisu is one helluva ride.

12. Creed III

Creed III is a throwback to the era where Hollywood blockbusters were able to provide complete satisfaction. The latest installment of the Rocky spin-off franchise marked the strong directorial debut of its star Michael B. Jordan and also may have sadly marked the final film of the incredibly talented Jonathan Majors, whose recent assault conviction may be a knockout punch to an otherwise booming career.

11. May December

Often having vibes of a soap opera, Todd Haynes' May December is a compelling and at times disturbing film of an actress (played by Natalie Portman) who shadows the woman she's depicting in a film (played by Julianne Moore) famous for her 90s love affair with a then 13-year-old, who later became her husband. Despite the powerhouse performances from the two Oscar winners, the film really belongs to rising star Charles Melton, whose character finally comes to grips with the trauma he unknowingly endured as a child. And Melton's performance is among 2023's best.

10. Anatomy of a Fall

We don't often get great courtroom dramatic thrillers these days which is why Anatomy of a Fall really stands out. German actress Sandra Hüller gives a breakthrough performance as a wife and mother who becomes the prime suspect in what authorities believe is the murder of her husband, who had fallen to his death from the attic window. With plenty of twists and turns, Anatomy of a Fall will keep viewers guessing throughout.

9. Maestro

Not only does Bradley Cooper give the performance of his career, he has also shown his ability to direct is no fluke. Maestro, a biopic that spotlights the personal drama of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, is a beautifully-shot, well-acted film that solidifies Cooper as one of Hollywood's newest talented filmmakers.

8. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

One would assume that a Spider-Man cartoon would solely be geared towards children but Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is such a sophisticated film between its complex plot and the remarkable animation that are a continuation from its 2018 Into the Spider-Verse predecessor. Between a strong voice cast, an amazing score and a brilliant cliffhanger, Across the Spider-Verse was the shining gem of the many superhero duds 2023 had to offer.

7. Killers of the Flower Moon

At 81-years-old, legendary director Martin Scorsese hasn't lost his step with Killers of the Flower Moon, his best film in at least a decade. The crime drama is based on a true story on the 1920s murders of members of Osage Nation and its ties to the marriage Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, played by the reliably gifted Leonardo DiCaprio and powerful newcomer Lily Gladstone.

6. Saltburn

Following her strong debut with 2020's Promising Young Woman, filmmaker Emerald Fennell makes a valiant return with her twisted comedic psychological drama Saltburn, which surrounds an Oxford student who is quickly embraced by the wealthy family of a classmate and the jarring fallout as a result. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Irisherin, Dunkirk) proves he's more than capable of being the leading man and is joined by rich ensemble including Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant and Carey Mulligan. With stunning visuals and some of the most shocking things you'll see onscreen in 2023, Saltburn is a stirring work of art.

5. The Holdovers

It's been a long time since a new Christmas movie can live up to beloved holiday classics and Alexander Payne makes the closest effort with The Holdovers, a 1970-set dramedy about a miserable teacher at a boys academy who is stuck essentially babysitting the "holdover" students who didn't go home for the holidays. Joining the always-brilliant Paul Giamatti is newcomer Dominic Sessa as his troublesome student and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who gives a powerful Oscar-worthy performance as the cook mourning over the loss of her son. The Holdovers is the perfect film to warm your heart over the holidays this year and every year going forward.

4. Past Lives

Perhaps one of the more unsung heroes of 2023 cinema, Past Lives is a touching story about love and what if. Greta Lee stars in a breakout role as a married woman who rekindles a relationship with a childhood friend from South Korea but rather than going down the typical "will they, won't they" or "love triangle" paths this film easily could've taken, Past Lives delves into the emotional complexities with such tenderness that only writer/director Celine Song could've told (the film is semi-autobiographical).

3. Oppenheimer

If anyone knows how to make a biopic an epic, it's Christopher Nolan. Oppenheimer is essentially two films rolled into one- a tick-tock thriller about the creation of the atomic bomb as well as a political drama that J. Robert Oppenheimer endured. Cillian Murphy gives the performance of his career and leads a gigantic ensemble cast in a film that despite its 3-hour running time goes by fast. And while Barbie may have won the box office battle, Oppenheimer certain won the war in more ways than one.

2. Polite Society

Polite Society is a brilliant action comedy following an aspiring stuntwoman who believes her sister is marrying into a sinister family. In the style of a Tarantino movie, up-and-coming filmmaker Nida Manzoor makes a strong feature debut that is the epitome of a fun popcorn movie, which have been in short supply in recent years.

Poor Things

Yorgos Lanthimos has quickly risen as of the strongest filmmakers of this generation, proving so once again with his latest film Poor Things. Emma Stone gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a woman brought back to life who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and autonomy and is accompanied by an excellent supporting cast. Like a modern-day Tim Burton, Lanthimos was able to create a mesmerizing universe with incredible production design, a whimsical music score, and stunning cinematography. Going to the movies is meant to be an escape, and Poor Things perfectly encapsulates that.

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2023: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Here are my fantasy winners and nominees of this year’s Oscars. And I encourage you all to share yours!

Best Picture

Winner: Everything Everywhere All at Once

Nominees:

The Banshees of Inisherin Barbarian Emergency The Fabelmans Good Luck to You, Leo Grande The Northman RRR Top Gun: Maverick Triangle of Sadness

Best Actor

Winner: Brendan Fraser - The Whale

Nominees:

Austin Butler - Elvis Nicholas Cage - The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Colin Farrell  - The Banshees of Inisherin Paul Mescal  - Aftersun

Best Actress

Winner: Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Nominees:

Cate Blanchett - TÁR Viola Davis - The Woman King Danielle Deadwyler  - Till Emma Thompson  - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Ke Huy Quan -  Everything Everywhere All at Once

Nominees:

Paul Dano - The Fabelmans Brandon Gleeson - The Banshees of Irisherin Barry Keoghan - The Banshees of Irisherin Rory Kinnear - Men

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Dolly De Leon -  Triangle of Sadness

Nominees:

Hong Chau - The Whale Kerry Condon - The Banshees of Irisherin Jamie Lee Curtis - Everything Everywhere All at Once Stephanie Hsu - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Director

Winner: The Daniels -  Everything Everywhere All at Once

Nominees:

Robert Eggers - The Northman Martin McDonagh - The Banshees of Irisherin Ruben Östlund - Triangle of Sadness Steven Spielberg - The Fabelmans

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: The Banshees of Irisherin

Nominees:

Everything Everywhere All at Once Good Luck to You, Leo Grande TÁR Triangle of Sadness

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Women Talking

Nominees:

All Quiet on the Western Front Emergency She Said The Whale

Best Cinematography

Winner: The Batman

Nominees:

All Quiet on the Western Front Empire of Light The Northman Top Gun: Maverick

Best Editing

Winner: Everything Everywhere All at Once

Nominees:

Elvis The Fabelmans The Northman Top Gun: Maverick

Best Production Design

Winner: Babylon

Nominees:

The Batman Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Elvis Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Costume Design

Winner: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Nominees:

Babylon Elvis Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris The Woman King

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

Winner: Elvis

Nominees:

The Batman Blonde Crimes of the Future The Whale

Best Score

Winner: The Batman

Nominees:

Babylon The Banshees of Irisherin Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio Women Talking

Best Original Song

Winner: “Naatu Naatu” - RRR

Nominees:

“Ciao Papa” - Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio "Hold My Hand” - Top Gun: Maverick "Lift Me Up” - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever “Still Holding My Hand” - Ronald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Best Sound

Winner: Top Gun: Maverick

Nominees:

All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Avatar: The Way of Water

Nominees:

The Batman Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Nope Top Gun: Maverick

Best International Feature

Winner: RRR (India)

Nominees:

All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany) Close (Belgium)  Petite Maman (France)

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

Nominees:

The Bad Guys Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Minions: The Rise of Gru Turning Red

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Ensemble

Winner: Triangle of Sadness

Nominees:

Babylon Everything Everywhere All at Once The Menu Women Talking

Best Comedy

Winner: Emergency

Nominees:

Bodies Bodies Bodies Brian and Charles Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Triangle of Sadness Vengeance 

Best Stunts

Winner: RRR

Nominees:

The Batman Bullet Train Everything Everywhere All at Once The Woman King

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker 

Winner: Cooper Raif - Cha Cha Real Smooth

Nominees:

Zach Cregger - Barbarian BJ Novak - Vengeance S.S. Rajamouli - RRR Charlotte Wells - Aftersun

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Donald Elise Watkins - Emergency 

Nominees:

Daryl McCormick - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Paul Mescal - Aftersun Brandon Perrea - Nope Michael Ward - Empire of Light

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Alisha Weir - Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Nominees:

Vanessa Burghardt - Cha Cha Real Smooth Charlbi Dean - Triangle of Sadness Li Jun Li - Babylon Thuso Mbedu - The Woman King

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2022

Here are my 25 favorite films of 2022:

25. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ever since Marvel announced they were moving forward with a Black Panther sequel following the passing of Chadwick Boseman, the world wondered if it can be pulled off. Ryan Coogler, the writer/director behind the first film, managed to nurture the second installment with Wakanda Forever, which is essentially an emotional epilogue of a country’s mourning of its fallen King T'Challa. In Marvel’s strongest outing since End Game, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever strikes a balance of being a grieving process for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its audience while also maintaining an action-packed story. 

24. The Whale

The #Brenaissance is officially here to stay. Brendan Fraser gives the performance of a lifetime as Charlie, a reclusive morbidly obese English teacher who tries to rekindle a relationship with his estranged teenage daughter before his health takes a turn for the worse. Based off a play, The Whale is a tragedy directed by Darren Aronofsky (his best film since Black Swan) that rides on Fraser’s transformation as a broken man who both literally and metaphorically carries so much weight. Don’t be shocked if/when he accepts his Oscar. He’s joined by Hong Chau and Sadie Sink, both who give strong supporting performances.

23. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio 

Only a movie mastermind like Guillermo del Toro can reinvent a fairytale as well-known as Pinocchio and provide Geppetto a tragic backstory and have it take place in the height of World War I Italy. While his interpretation of the story of the wooden puppet is more mature and has more emotional weight than its predecessors, his Pinocchio also maintains its child-like innocence and has enough charm and music to entertain the whole family. A beautiful stop-motion production, del Toro’s feature debut in animation was a huge success. 

22. Vengeance 

BJ Novak, best known as Ryan from The Office (which he also a writer and producer), makes his feature debut as a writer/director with Vengeance, a film he stars in as a New York City writer who gets swept up in the aftermath of a Texas girl he hooked up with her family suspects was murdered, which inspires him to launch a podcast about whether it’s merely a conspiracy or there was foul play. Novak masterfully captures the cultural clash between costal and rural America in one of the most laugh-out-loud comedies of the year. 

21.  All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front belongs in the came caliber of war films as Saving Private Ryan, Dunkirk, and 1917. The incredible filmmaking gives the source material a new life with remarkable action sequences, stunning cinematography, and a strong cast. This German-spoken adaptation is brutal and gut-wrenching but cinematically rewarding. 

20. Cha Cha Real Smooth

Cooper Raiff writes, directs and stars in his breakout film Cha Cha Real Smooth, which follows a post-college grad’s journey to find a purpose while spontaneously taking on a career in emceeing Bar Mitzvah parties. It’s rare for a comedy to establish such a fundamentally flawed yet completely charismatic and good-hearted protagonist as well written as Raiff’s. Cha Cha Real Smooth is likely to be a launching pad for what will likely be a long career for the 25-year-old filmmaker. 

19. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson has proven himself to be a modern-day Agatha Christie with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, a sexy followup to his 2019 murder mystery flick. Daniel Craig returns as famed detective Benoit Blanc and is joined by another star-studded cast including Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista and Janelle Monáe (perhaps the film’s MVP). Beautifully shot and extremely well-written, Glass Onion solidifies the prospects of a thriving Knives Out franchise.

18. The Batman

It’s difficult for any filmmaker to reboot a superhero franchise that’s been done over, and over, and over again, but Matt Reeves lays the groundwork for a promising new Batman with The Batman. People were skeptical that Robert Pattison could pull off the Caped Crusader since most people know him as the glittery vampire from the Twilight saga, but he pulled it off. What Reeves does brilliantly, perhaps even more so than his predecessors, is how he creates the universe of Gotham City, which managed to be even more grim and visually striking than past depictions, and he already has a stockpile of villains from Batman’s rogues gallery. From the stunning cinematography of Greig Fraser to the instantly iconic music score from Michael Giacchino, The Batman satisfies fans and leaves them wanting more.

17. TÁR

Cate Blanchett is a world-class music conductor whose past creeps in to upend her life. TÁR is essentially a psychological drama from Todd Field (his first feature since 2006), who wrote an unsettlingly brilliant screenplay. But it’s a film that thrives in large part to Blanchett’s stellar performance that could give her a third Oscar trophy. 

16. The Menu

If you have a healthy appetite for thrills, violence, and dark humor, then you ought to order The Menu. Ralph Fiennes gives a chilling performance as the chef of an exclusive restaurant who ambushes his diners with a night full of shock, horror, and marvelous dishes. What makes The Menu work so well is its self-awareness and a terrific ensemble cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, and rising star Hong Chau. 

15. Bodies Bodies Bodies

A satirical murder mystery, Bodies Bodies Bodies is yet another winner from A24 about a group of 20-somethings whose mansion party turns upside down after one of them winds up dead. The cast of A-list and rising star millenials includes Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Rachel Sennott and SNL alum Pete Davidson, who is at his most hilarious. Bodies Bodies Bodies is fun and unpredictable with an ending to die for. 

14. Nope

Following the critical success of Get Out and Us, Jordan Peele gives us his first big-budget summer blockbuster. Nope is like a captivating and unsettling mashup of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jaws. Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea and Steven Yeun round out the strong cast. With terror in the skies, Peele proves his funnyman days are behind him and is thriving as a master of suspense. 

13. X

X is the textbook definition of a great popcorn slasher flick. Up and coming filmmaker Ti West was able to use the decades-old horror formula of a group of hotties being stranded in the middle of nowhere with psycho killers on the loose and lean into absurdity for good scares and even great laughs. X is a helluva good time that has already spawned a franchise with the release of the prequel Pearl, a strong prequel companion with Mia Goth offering amazing performances in both films. 

12. Brian and Charles

Brian and Charles is a heartwarming mockumentary buddy comedy about a quirky, reclusive British inventor who builds a robot out of a washing machine that ends up coming to life. Its stars David Earl and Chris Hayward, who co-wrote the film, will make you laugh out loud and perhaps help you restore your faith in humanity just a tiny bit. 

11. The Woman King

Viola Davis never kicked so much ass. The Woman King is a historic epic based on the events of the female warriors of the Dahomey kingdom in 19th century Africa. In addition to the great action and stunts are a rich plot and strong performances by the ensemble cast. 

10. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

One of the most overlooked films of the year, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is a romantic dramedy of sorts that follows a widow who meets with a male escort to help her explore her sexuality. The film feels like a staged play as it almost entirely takes place in a hotel room and the dialogue is incredibly sharp. Emma Thompson gives one of the daring and greatest performances of her career as the witty but vulnerable Nancy as newcomer Daryl McCormack shines as the dashingly smooth yet nuanced titular character Leo Grande. This Hulu gem tackles the taboo subject of sex, tugs at the hearts, and provides plenty of laughs.

9. The Fabelmans 

No director can capture movie magic quite like Steven Spielberg. The Fabelmans is loosely based on his own childhood which chronicles his early love for filmmaking. For movie fans, this is an ode to cinema and Spielberg’s career. But in the end, The Fabelmans is about a child and his pursuit of his dream, something we can all relate to. 

8. RRR

Hollywood could take a page from Bollywood. RRR is a spectacle in every sense of the word where everything from the dramatic performance, slow-motion action, to the over-the-top musical numbers. It’s a sensational historic epic about two warriors who form a brotherhood while taking on the British empire.  Despite its 3-hour running time, there’s never a dull moment. So heat up the popcorn and enjoy this adrenaline rush of a movie. 

7. Triangle of Sadness

A satire that skewers beauty and class, Triangle of Sadness is the genius comedy from Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund about the disaster that unfolds on a luxury yacht and the dynamics that emerge between the elite guests and the crew (the banter alone between a Russian capitalist and an American communist played by Zlatko Buric and Woody Harrelson alone is so rich- pun intended). While the entire cast is stellar, Dolly De Leon gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a member of the cleaning staff who takes command when things go south. Triangle of Sadness is one of the best times I’ve had at the movies this year. 

6. Barbarian

No horror film has filled its audience with more dread in recent years than Barbarian. Zach Cregger makes a stellar feature debut as writer/director who masterfully defies the rules of what to expect the way Alfred Hitchcock did with Psycho. Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård learned they’ve accidentally booked the Airbnb from hell. This is one of those films that you benefit when going in completely blind. The thrills, disturbing sights, and even laughs are not in short supply in one of the best horror films in recent memory. 

5. The Northman

Robert Eggers, the director behind The Witch and The Lighthouse, returns with his largest-scale film to date. The Northman is a blood-soaked Shakespearian-like Viking epic about revenge and destiny with a remarkable cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, and Willem Dafoe. When you’re watching it, it feels like you’re witnessing something bigger than what you expect from most films these days. And it will keep your heart pounding and on the edge of your seat from start to finish. 

4. Top Gun: Maverick

Sequel-Reboots are rarely good. It was 36 years ago that the first Top Gun came out (and upon seeing it for the first time this year, one can see why it’s culturally beloved but also very dated). Remarkably, Top Gun: Maverick is superior in almost every way. The filmmaking is better, the writing is better, and Tom Cruise has barely aged. It’s a movie that everyone can rally behind and chant “USA! USA!” as the credits roll. It was the epitome of a summer blockbuster that was both nostalgic and refreshing. For a movie that was supposed to come out in July 2019 and was postponed six times due to COVID, Top Gun Maverick was worth the wait.

3. Emergency

Ever imagine what a combination of Superbad and Crash might look like? Emergency would be it. RJ Cyler and Donald Elise Watkins star as two best friends on the cusp of graduating college who want to make history with a legendary night of partying, which quickly gets derailed by due to unforeseen circumstances. The first two acts are frickin’ hilarious but the final act takes a dramatic turn, something that rarely works but does in this case. Emergency is a coming-of-age comedy that takes tackles race and identity in a way that neither feels like lecturing nor pandering. It’s easily one of the biggest surprises of the year. 

2. The Banshees of Inisherin

The plot is bizarre yet simple: One man abruptly ends his lifelong friendship with the other without warning, leaving the other man perplexed and demanding answers, which only leads to trouble for the both of them. The Banshees of Inisherin is the latest gem from writer/director Martin McDonagh that balances humor and discomfort led by outstanding lead performances from Colin Ferrell and Brendan Gleeson. The Banshees of Inisherin is a well-written dramedy that will make you laugh just as much as it will make you cringe. 

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Multiverse films are all the rage in Hollywood these days but Everything Everywhere All at Once is the one that tops them all. Michelle Yeoh gives the performance of her career as a struggling laundromat owner who learns about the existence of other universes and how it is up to her to save them all. She’s joined by Ke Huy Quan (of Goonies/Temple of Doom fame), who will likely launch a major comeback, newcomer Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis, rounding out a remarkable cast. The Daniels (Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) wrote and directed a mind-blowing, genre-bending film full of laughs, action, family drama. and suspense. Not since The Matrix has a sci-fi/fantasy film been able be so confident in the universe it has created and in such an entertaining way. Everything Everywhere All at Once is everything you want in a movie, which is why it’s the best of 2022.  

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2022: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Here are my fantasy winners and nominees of this year’s Oscars. And I encourage you all to share yours!

Best Picture

Winner: CODA

Nominees:

Belfast Dune King Richard Last Night in Soho Licorice Pizza Mass tick, tick... BOOM! West Side Story Zola

Best Actor

Winner: Andrew Garfield - tick, tick... BOOM!

Nominees:

Nicholas Cage - Pig Benedict Cumberbatch - The Power of the Dog Simon Rex - Red Rocket Will Smith - King Richard

Best Actress

Winner: Jessica Chastain - The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Nominees:

Olivia Colman - The Lost Daughter Alana Haim - Licorice Pizza Emilia Jones - CODA Kristen Stewart - Spencer

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Troy Kotsur - CODA

Nominees:

Robin de Jesus - tick, tick... BOOM! Ciarán Hinds - Belfast Jason Isaacs - Mass Kodi Smit-McPhee - The Power of the Dog

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Riley Keough - Zola

Nominees:

Caitriona Balfe - Belfast Ariana DeRose - West Side Story Ann Dowd - Mass Marlee Matlin  - CODA

Best Director

Winner: Kenneth Branagh - Belfast

Nominees:

Janicza Bravo - Zola Lin-Manuel Miranda - tick, tick... BOOM! Denis Villeneuve - Dune Edgar Wright  - Last Night in Soho

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Licorice Pizza

Nominees:

Being the Ricardos Belfast Mass Nine Days

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: CODA

Nominees:

Passing The Power of the Dog The Tragedy of Macbeth Zola

Best Cinematography

Winner: Dune

Nominees:

The Green Knight The Power of the Dog The Tragedy of Macbeth West Side Story

Best Editing

Winner: tick, tick... BOOM!

Nominees:

Belfast Dune Last Night in Soho West Side Story

Best Production Design

Winner: Dune

Nominees:

The French Dispatch Nightmare Alley The Tragedy of Macbeth West Side Story

Best Costume Design

Winner: Cruella

Nominees:

Cyrano House of Gucci Last Night in Soho Spencer

Best Hair & Makeup

Winner: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Nominees:

Cruella House of Gucci Nightmare Alley The Suicide Squad

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Dune

Nominees:

Free Guy Godzilla vs. Kong Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Spider-Man: No Way Home

Best Sound

Winner: Dune

Nominees:

Belfast No Time to Die tick, tick... BOOM! West Side Story

Best Score

Winner: Dune

Nominees:

Don’t Look Up The French Dispatch Parallel Mothers The Power of the Dog

Best Original Song

Winner: “Be Alive” - King Richard

Nominees:

“Here I Am” - Respect “No Time to Die” - No Time to Die ”So May We Start” - Annette “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” - Encanto

Best Animated Feature

Winner: The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Nominees:

Encanto Luca Raya and the Last Dragon

Best International Film

Winner: Drive My Car

Nominees:

Lamb Parallel Mothers Titane The Worst Person in the World

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Ensemble

Winner: Mass

Nominees:

Belfast CODA The Harder They Fall West Side Story

Best Comedy

Winner: Zola

Nominees:

Bad Trip Free Guy Red Rocket Werewolves Within

Best Stunts

Winner: Nobody

Nominees:

The Harder They Fall No Time to Die Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings The Suicide Squad

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker

Winner: Sian Heder - CODA

Nominees:

Janicza Bravo - Zola Maggie Gyllenhaal - The Lost Daughter Edson Oda - Nine Days Michale Sarnoski - Pig

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Cooper Hoffman - Licorice Pizza

Nominees

Daniel Durant - CODA Amir El-Masry - Limbo Jude Hill - Belfast Woody Norman - C’mon C’mon

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Rachel Zegler - West Side Story

Nominees:

Patti Harrison - Together, Together Alexis Louder - Copshop Taylour Page - Zola Saniyya Sidney - King Richard

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2021

I’ll be honest... 2021 was a pretty terrible year, but there were plenty of good movies.

 Here are my 25 favorites of 2021:

25. Nobody 

No one could ever imagine Bob Odenkirk starring in an action flick, but he defied all odds in Nobody. He manages to bring humor to a gun fight as a family man who gets tangled with the Russian mob. With the well-choreographed fight scenes and the unapologetic violence, Nobody is one the most bad-ass films of the year. 

24. Red Rocket

Indie filmmaker Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project) is back with perhaps his best film yet. Red Rocket follows a washed-up porn star trying to reboot his life in his Texas hometown. Simon Rex returns out of nowhere in a potential comeback role as the selfish but charming Mikey Saber who tries taking every advantage of the people in his life to get ahead. Red Rocket is wild, raunchy, and quite memorable. 

23. Free Guy

One of the only imaginative blockbusters of 2021, Free Guy takes audiences into the video game world where avatars discover the infinite possibilities of free will. Ryan Reynolds stars in his best film in years as the happy-go-lucky Guy who realizes that he’s more than just a background character. This film offers a  ton of action and a ton of laughs the whole family can enjoy. 

22. In the Heights

The perfect summer movie of 2021, In the Heights is a fresh film adaption from musical giant Lin-Manuel Miranda. Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) managed to take the lively music from the Broadway hit and match it with dazzling visuals plus he put together such a strong ensemble. In the Heights will put a smile on your face and have your feet tapping. 

21. Werewolves Within 

A rare successful video game-to-film adaptation, Werewolves Within is a fun murder mystery comedy where a classic whodunnit is given a supernatural spin. Sam Richardson is widely known for his comedic supporting roles in various projects, but rarely is he given the chance to be the leading man, which this comedy proves he can certainly do. He does benefit from a rich ensemble cast that will keep you laughing throughout. 

20. The Tragedy of Macbeth

It’s no surprise that Joel Coen, Shakespeare, and Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand are a winning combination. The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of the year’s most visually striking films. Between the stunning cinematography, the haunting production design and a pair of powerhouse performances from two of the greatest actors of our generation, this is perhaps one of the greatest film adaptation of any Shakespearian play. 

19. The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind The Piano, returns to the film director’s chair after over a decade with The Power of the Dog, a haunting western drama filled with powerhouse performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and rising star Kodi Smit-McPhee.

18. C’mon C’mon

Joaquin Phoenix and newcomer Woody Norman both give raw performances in a road-trip family drama masterfully written by Mike Mills (Beginners, 20th Century Women). Phoenix plays a journalist who rekindles a relationship with his estranged nephew during a family emergency. C’mon C’mon almost feels philosophical the way it tackles complicated family dynamics, which Mills handles tenderly as the director. 

17. The Harder They Fall

The Harder They Fall is a bold, fun, exciting western featuring a powerhouse cast of nearly every trending Black actor in Hollywood from Idris Elba, Regina King, Jonathan Mayers, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield to Delroy Lindo. This Netflix film is an adrenaline rush from start to finish with some of the year’s best choreographed action sequences. It appears filmmaker Jeymes Samuel may have gifted the streaming giant with a promising new franchise. 

16. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The fans have spoken and they finally received the long-awaited “Snyder Cut” of Justice League, which was utterly butchered in 2017 by Warner Bros. and Joss Whedon. Zack Snyder’s artistic vision was able to flourish in what was really a superhero epic. And the inclusion of Superman’s supergalactic foe Darkseid, who was completely cut out from the original release, makes Thanos look like he came from Sesame Street. The Snyder Cut is an Olympian triumph that sadly did not get the proper treatment it deserved years ago. And if you watched the four-hour film uninterrupted like I did, pat yourself on the back. 

15. Pig

Nicholas Cage gives his best performance in decades as a truffle hunter in search of his beloved pig who was kidnapped from his secluded home in the wilderness. While comparisons to John Wick are common, Pig is actually quite a moving drama from newcomer Michael Sarnoski. 

14. The Green Knight

The Green Knight is a visually-stunning medieval fantasy adapted from a 14th-century poem about the nephew of King Arthur and his quest to confront a life-or-death challenge from a mythical being. Dev Patel reminds audiences that he is an actor capable of any genre. 

13. Nine Days

One of the most underrated films of the year was Nine Days, a thought-provoking drama that tackles the concept of life itself. Winston Duke proves he has the dramatic chops to be a leading man playing a man who interviews candidates to become human souls to be born. He’s joined by a strong ensemble which includes Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, and Bill Skarsgârd. Nine Days is a deep, emotionally-enriching feature debut from writer-director Edson Oda. 

12. The Suicide Squad

Never has a film franchise go from absolutely horrible with its first installment with truly awesome with its sequel. The Suicide Squad is an unpredictable, action-packed hilarious entry into the DC Cinematic Universe thanks to writer-director James Gunn, who helmed the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Margot Robbie returns with her best outing yet as Harley Quinn and is joined by a brilliant roster of B-list villains with standout performances by Edris Alba, John Cena, and Sylvester Stallone. 

11. Bad Trip

Laugh-out-loud comedies have sadly become so rare, but Netflix’s Bad Trip filled the void this year that replicates the formula made famous by Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, where a central plot weaves together real-life pranks on unsuspecting individuals. Eric André and Lil Rel Howery star in this cross-country buddy comedy which also features a hilarious Tiffany Haddish. If you’re looking to cry with laughter, look no futher. 

10. Last Night in Soho

Edgar Wright is back with yet another imaginative gem. Last Night in Soho is a psychological murder mystery thriller about an aspiring fashion designer who somehow transports herself into 1960s London where she begins living vicariously through an aspiring singer, putting both their lives in danger. Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy anchor this film from beginning to end and the late Diana Rigg blessed the world with one final brilliant performance. Between a wonderful soundtrack and nonstop intrigue, Last Night in Soho will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

9. Dune

Dune is the latest example that filmmaker Denis Villeneuve should be entrusted to every sci-fi franchise in Hollywood. He managed to adapt a film that had a semi-hokey 1980s predecessor into a beautifully-crafted work of art that would make Star Wars blush.  The extemely-high production value and the intense action only increase the anticipation for Part Two.

8. West Side Story

Steven Spielberg successfully revived West Side Story in modern age of cinema with his signature filmmaking style. The stunning cinematography and well-paced editing enhance one of the greatest American musicals. The ensemble is filled with fresh talent including outstanding performances from Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose as well as Rita Moreno, who won the Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film and returns as a new character, the widow of the drug store owner who serves as a mother figure for Ansel Elgort’s Tony. 

7. King Richard

Will Smith gives the performance of his career in King Richard as the father of two tennis prodigies in the making, Venus and Serena Williams. The pursuit of the American dream is at the center of this sports drama. Even clocking it at nearly 2.5 hours, King Richard keeps you captivated from beginning to end.

6. Mass

Mass is a devastating yet brilliant film about two sets of parents, one whose son died from a school shooting, the other whose son pulled the trigger. Martha Plimpton, Jason Isaac, Ann Dowd, and Reed Birney all give heartbreaking performances balancing grief and and anger with realistic restraint that prevented this sensitive film from feeling melodramatic. What feels like a one-act play, Mass is takes a difficult subject and allows the human condition to flourish naturally, thanks to actor-turned-filmmaker Fran Kranz. 

5. Licorice Pizza

Part coming-of-age comedy and part period romance, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza is refreshing in so many ways, one of them being that it stars two non-movie stars, one being Cooper Hoffman, the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing charismatic teenage child actor Gary Valentine, and Alana Haim (of the band Haim) who plays a fiery twenty-something who tries fending off his unrelenting effort to win her heart. Licorice Pizza is a charming film that features big names like Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, and Maya Rudolph, but Hoffman and Haim brilliantly carry it on their shoulders, a rare feat for two leads making their acting debut. 

4. Zola

Zola was one of 2021′s rare pieces of truly unique filmmaking and perhaps made history as the first-ever feature based off of a viral Twitter thread. Director-writer Janicza Bravo’s sophomore film is trippy, dark, unpredictable, and down-right hilarious. Taylor Paige gives a strong breakthrough performance as the title character, Colman Domingo steps in as a chilling villainous X, Nicholas Braun (of Succession fame) provides amazing comic relief and Riley Keough continues to be a rising star in a role that should (but will unlikely) earn an Oscar nomination as the manipulative Stefani. 

3. Belfast

Kenneth Branagh’s greatest film is also his most personal. Belfast is essentially his childhood memoir about his upbringing in war-torn Northern Ireland and how the cinema was true escapism for young Buddy as his parents strive for a better life for the family. Beautifully shot and terrifically acted, Belfast is a remarkable time capsule that also serves as a love letter to both Branaugh’s hometown and to film itself. 

2. tick, tick... BOOM!

Perhaps the most surprising film of the year is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature debut. tick, tick... BOOM! is an adapted autobiographical musical from Jonathan Larson, best known for his Broadway smash hit Rent, but the focus is on struggles of getting his unproduced musical off the ground. Andrew Garfield gives the performance of his career as the genius playwright and composer who is also a remarkable singer. tick, tick... BOOM! is an inspiring film that benefits from Miranda’s artistic vision, a talented ensemble, and really good music.

1. CODA

AppleTV+ has gotten a lot of praise for its Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso, but its film CODA is by one of the best things on the streaming service still in its infancy. The title, which is an acronym for “child of death adults,” follows a high schooler struggling to achieve her dream of becoming a singer as her family, all who are deaf, rely on her to keep their fishing business afloat. CODA is soul-nurturing with good laughs and tugs at the heartstrings. Emilia Jones leads the cast with a remarkable breakthrough performance while Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, Tony Kotsur, and Daniel Durant all elevate the film. CODA will renew your faith in good story-telling, which is what movies should be about. 

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2021: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Here are my fantasy winners and nominees of this year’s Oscars. And I encourage you all to share yours!

Best Picture

Winner: The Climb

Nominees:

Another Round The Assistant Da 5 Bloods The Father I’m Thinking of Ending Things Minari Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal

Best Actor

Winner: Riz Ahmed - Sound of Metal

Nominees:

Chadwick Boseman - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Anthony Hopkins - The Father Delroy Lindo - Da 5 Bloods Steven Yeun - Minari

Best Actress

Winner: Carey Mulligan - Promising Young Woman

Nominees:

Viola Davis - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Julia Garner - The Assistant Vanessa Kirby - Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand - Nomadland

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Daniel Kaluuya - Judas and the Black Messiah 

Nominees:

Hugh Grant - The Gentlemen  Leslie Odom Jr. - One Night in Miami Paul Raci - Sound of Metal LaKeith Stanfield - Judas and the Black Messiah

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Yuh-jung Youn - Minari

Nominees:

Ellen Burstyn - Pieces of a Woman Glenn Close - Hillbilly Elegy Olivia Colman - The Father Lesley Manville - Let Him Go 

Best Director

Winner: Chloé Zhao - Nomadland

Nominees:

Michael Angelo Covino - The Climb Emerald Fennell - Promising Young Woman Spike Lee - Da 5 Bloods Florian Zeller - The Father

Best Original Screenplay

Winner:  The Climb

Nominees:

Another Round Mank Minari Promising Young Woman

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner:  The Father

Nominees:

I’m Thinking of Ending Things Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Nomadland One Night in Miami

Best Cinematography

Winner:  Nomadland

Nominees:

The Climb Mank Tenet Wendy

Best Editing

Winner:  The Trial of the Chicago 7

Nominees:

The Father Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal

Best Production Design

Winner:  Mank

Nominees:

Emma The Father I’m Thinking of Ending Things The Personal History of David Copperfield

Best Costume Design

Winner:  Emma

Nominees:

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank The Personal History of David Copperfield The United States vs. Billie Holiday 

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner:  Hillbilly Elegy

Nominees:

Birds of Prey Emma Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom Mank

Best Original Score

Winner:  Soul

Nominees:

Da 5 Bloods Let Them All Talk Mank The Midnight Sky

Best Original Song

Winner: “Io sì”  - The Life Ahead

Nominees:

“Fight For You”  - Judas and the Black Messiah “Hulsavik (My Home Town)” - Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga “I Ain’t Going Down” - Yellow Rose “Wuhan Flu”  - Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Best Sound

Winner:  Sound of Metal

Nominees:

Da 5 Bloods Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom News of the World The Outpost

Best Visual Effects

Winner: The Midnight Sky

Nominees:

Birds of Prey  The Invisible Man Tenet Wonder Woman 1984

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Wolfwalkers

Nominees:

Onward A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Soul

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Ensemble

Winner: The Trial of the Chicago 7

Nominees:

Da 5 Bloods One Night in Miami Mank Minari

Best Comedy

Winner: The Climb

Nominees:

Emma The Kid Detective Palm Springs The Wolf of Snow Hallow

Best Stunts

Winner: Birds of Prey

Nominees:

Da 5 Bloods The Hunt Tenet Wonder Woman 1984

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker

Winner: Emerald Fennell  - Promising Young Woman

Nominees:

Kirby Green  - The Assistant  Regina King  - One Night in Miami Darius Marder - Sound of Metal Florian Zeller - The Father 

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Alan Kim - Minari

Nominees:

Owen Asztalos - Hillbilly Elegy  Jim Cummings - The Wolf of Snow Hollow Winslow Fegley - Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Kyle Marvin - The Climb

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Maria Baklova - Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Nominees:

Andra Day - The United States vs. Billie Holiday Sidney Flanigan - Never Rarely Sometimes Always Eva Noblezada - Yellow Rose Jo Ellen Pellman - The Prom

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2020 (UPDATED)

Well, this was quite the crazy year, especially for movies. While many films that were slated to be released this year were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year still provided some laughs, tears, and thrills both in theaters and in the living room.

Here are my 25 favorite films of the year:

25. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin sits in the director’s chair once again in this courtroom drama about the real-life protesters who showed up in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. With themes that resonate today, The Trial of the Chicago 7 benefits from its sharp screenplay, well-paced editing, and an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Yahoo Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton.

24. Unhinged

In a year plagued by the pandemic, Unhinged led the way to the revival of movie theaters back in August and perhaps in some ways it was meant to be the film to do so as the themes of a rage-fueled society and the lack of human connection carry weight. Russell Crowe stars, as the title suggests, as an unhinged psychopath whose road rage torments a woman and her adolescent son. Unhinged is the epitome of pure entertainment and is why we go to the movies. While it’s not quite the most sophisticated thriller of the year, it’s still one helluva ride.

23. Emma

Anya Taylor-Joy has had quite the year with both highs (The Queen’s Gambit) and lows (The New Mutants). But it began before the pandemic with the release of Emma, which she stars as the iconic Jane Austen title character, a socialite who meddles in the love life of others while refusing to acknowledge her own shortcomings in that department. Supported with a strong ensemble cast, beautiful production design, and comedic charm, Emma is not to be missed.

22. One Night in Miami

Regina King makes her directorial debut adapting a stage play about a fictionalize meeting of Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Jim Brown. One Night in Miami is one of those films that’s completely carried by its cast and Leslie Odom Jr., Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, and Aldis Hodge all deliver with powerhouse performances as four American icons. 

21. The Invisible Man

ln the era of remakes and reboots, very few are as good as Universal’s latest monster flick revival of The Invisible Man. Elisabeth Moss stars as a woman who believes she’s being haunted by her abusive ex-husband, someone she becomes convinced faked his own death and is stalking her without being able to be seen. Filmmaker Leigh Whannell, the writer behind the Saw and Insidious horror franchises, generates good thrills and high-wire tension with the help of high production value and a terrifyingly-good performance from Moss.

20. Dick Johnson is Dead

Documentarian Kirsten Johnson filmed a beautiful, intimate tribute to her father Dick Johnson, who has been suffering from Alzheimer's in the final years of his life. However, instead of dreading his death, both daughter and father embrace it by having him acting out several scenes of his over-the-top demises. Dick Johnson is Dead may focus on the subject manner of death, but this documentary actually celebrates life and the laughs that happen along the way.

19. The Wolf of Snow Hollow

Perhaps one of the littlest-known films of the year, The Wolf of Snow Hollow is not your conventional indie comedy horror flick. Writer/director Jim Cummings stars as an overly-heated police officer who attempts to get to the bottom of a string of murders in his small, snowy Utah town by what appears to be some sort of werewolf, though he remains unconvinced. Featuring one of the final performances from veteran actor Robert Forster, The Wolf of Snow Hollow uses its quirky sense of humor to stand out from the rest of the pack.

18. The Gentlemen

The Gentlemen is a fun, action-packed, crime caper from Guy Ritchie about the London turf war of drug kingpins. Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Goulding, Michelle Dockery, and Colin Ferrell all round out the strong cast, but its Hugh Grant that really steals the show as the comedically manipulative Fletcher, whose only allegiance is to himself. If you like a stylish film with well-choreographed violence and a fast-paced plot, The Gentlemen should be your cup of tea.  

17. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Some of the best play-to-film adaptations are the films that feel like you’re watching a play, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is one of them. Produced by Denzel Washington, Viola Davis gives a transformative performance as Ma Rainey, known as the “mother of the blues” and the clash she had with a pair of White music producers, but she also butts heads with her trumpet player (played by the late Chadwick Boseman), who also has his own music ambitions. While Davis obviously gives other Oscar-worthy performance, it was Boseman who was able to show how incredibly gifted he was as an actor. And while the world lost him far too soon, at least his last role ended up being his greatest.

16. Boys State

Boys State is a fascinating documentary about an annual program that brings a thousand 17-year-old Texan boys together where they’re divided into two groups to form their own parties and election campaigns. The biggest takeaway from this teenage social experiment is how much these youngsters pickup the tactics of actual politicians (which in some ways is horrifying). What really carries the film are the select few it focuses on who are still young enough to be humble but cunning enough to know how the game is played. For better or worse, they make great politicos someday. 

15. Mank

Citizen Kane is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and Mank is a worthy tribute. Gary Oldman stars as the title character Herman “Mank” Mankiewicz, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the iconic film. David Fincher (The Social Network, Gone Girl) managed to capture the epic scale of the 1941 classic that would make Orson Welles proud.

14. Soul

Soul is one of those rare existential Pixar films that goes beyond being children’s entertainment. Following in the footsteps of 2015′s Inside Out, Soul depicts what happens to the soul of a jazz musician who’s convinced his time on Earth isn’t over. While the universe created to explain how souls work and the plot that went along with it falls short of its emotions predecessor, Soul is still high-caliber among Pixar films and a great movie for both kids and adults alike.

13. The Kid Detective

One of the biggest surprises of the year was how good a movie starring and produced by Adam Brody was. Brody plays a washed up former kid detective who attempts to revive his once-celebrated career of solving mysteries by getting to the bottom of a murder in his hometown. The Kid Detective is a brilliant dark comedy from newcomer writer/director Evan Morgan with good laughs, plenty of plot twists, and a career-best performance from Brody, who proves he’s more than just the pretty face from The O.C. we all know him as.

12. Judas and the Black Messiah 

Judas and the Black Messiah is an intense historical drama about FBI informant Bill O’Neal who infiltrates a branch of the Black Panther Party led by Fred Hampton, played by an Oscar-worthy Daniel Kaluuya. What felt like a high-wire thriller, filmmaker Shaka King shows he’s full of talent with likely a long, successful career ahead of him. 

11 . Wolfwalkers

From the Irish filmmakers behind the Oscar-nominated films The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea comes their greatest animated feature yet. Wolfwalkers is a touching fantasy of an aspiring hunter Robyn who befriends a girl who can magically turn into a wolf in her sleep (aka a wolfwalker), but their relationship faces hurdles as Robyn’s father is hired to wipe out the wolves who live in the woods outside of the town’s perimeter. Wolfwalkers is gorgeous, riveting, and far more sophisticated than the average cartoon. It’s also easily the best animated film of the year.

10. Another Round

Perhaps the greatest work from Danish director Thomas Vinterberg to date, Another Round follows four unsatisfied middle aged men who decide to take a theory of task from a Norwegian psychiatrist, who concluded that maintaining a blood alcohol level of 0.050 will enhance their mental and psychological state. Mads Mikkelsen, who’s best known to American audiences as Hannibal Lecter in the short-lived NBC series Hannibal and the Bond villain in Casino Royale, offers a strong, nuanced performance as one of the four educators who embraces this drinking challenge in a film that provides an equal balance of chuckles, cringes, and emotional gut punches.

9. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

From the crazy mastermind of Charlie Kaufman, the writer behind Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Anomalisa, his latest on Netflix is too a mind-bender. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a surreal, zany, and at times disturbing examination of the human condition as the nameless female protagonist played by an incredible Jessie Buckley mulls over breaking up with her boyfriend (played by Jesse Plemons) while visiting his parents’ house. Accompanied with a stellar production design and a crazy-good performance from Toni Collette as “Mother,” Kaufman newest cerebral feature lives up to his iconic reputation of filmmaking.

8. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee is one of the few genius filmmakers who is able to blend multiple genres together and his latest film is no different. Da 5 Bloods is an action adventure, buddy comedy, dramatic character study, and war movie all wrapped up into one about a group of Vietnam War veterans who return to the former battlegrounds to find the remains of one of their fallen soldiers as well as some treasure that they kept hidden years ago. With a strong ensemble cast that includes the late Chadwick Boseman, its longtime character actor Delroy Lindo who steals the show with his powerful performance. Da 5 Bloods is easily one of Netflix’s strongest films to date.

7. The Assistant

One of the first #MeToo-era films, The Assistant offers the day in the life of a low-level female staffer of a production company who is haunted by the presence of her Harvey Weinstein-like boss (who never actually appears in the film). However, rather than depicting the dramatics of sexual misconduct, The Assistant uses the common subtleties and nuances of the workplace yet maintains the same tension and heartbreak. Anchored by the remarkable, devastating performance by up-and-comer Julia Garner (Ozark), The Assistant is as important as it is well-done.

6. Minari 

No film this year captures the pursuit of the American dream better than Minari. A Korean man moves his family from California to Arkansas to build a farm, which causes strain on his marriage. Writer/Director Lee Isaac Chung delivers a fulfilling and intimate film that is family drama and part coming-of-age with humor sprinkled throughout. Minari also benefits from a strong cast led by Steve Yeun of Walking Dead fame as the aspiring farmer desperate to provide for his kids, Yeri Han as the mother who struggles to adjust to the new lifestyle, and Youn Yuh-jung as the loose cannon grandmother who desperately tries to seek her grandson’s love and approval after she moves in with her daughter’s family.

5. The Father

The Father is a remarkable drama about an aging man named Anthony who refuses his daughter’s desire to hire a caretaker, but there’s a surprise element of suspense as the audience is essentially in the mind of Anthony, whose sense of reality is on shaky grounds. Anthony Hopkins gives his greatest performance in decades as a vulnerable man who simply wants to be left alone in his flat while Olivia Colman offers a painfully brilliant portrayal of a daughters who feels obligated to take care of her ailing father. With sharp writing and superb editing, The Father is one of the few films of the year that resonates after viewing. 

4. Nomadland

Nomadland is an enriching, emotional, beautifully-made film from writer/director Chloé Zhao. Frances McDormand gives yet another stellar performance as a widow who embraces the nomad lifestyle and embarks on a self-discovery journey on the road. The cinematography is so stunning, nearly every shot looks like a painting. Nomadland is full of heart and one the year’s most standout films.

3. Promising Young Woman

What can be described as a #MeToo revenge thriller, Promising Young Woman is a heart-pounding rollercoaster with a dark, biting sense of humor.  Emerald Fennell has proven to be a promising young filmmaker with her unique vision that resulted in a smooth, stylish feature debut. Carey Mulligan truly shines in the role she was born to play as the cunning, relentless Cassandra seeking vengeance on behalf of her best friend. Promising Young Woman is one of those rare films so satisfying yet keeps you begging for more even when it’s over. 

2. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed gives the performance of his career as a heavy metal drummer and former addict whose sudden battle with going deaf upends his life. Sound of Metal is an incredible experience that gives a rare glimpse in the American deaf community which is enhanced by the remarkable sound design that helps the audience actually hear what the musician is going through. It’s truly one of the most rewarding films of the year.

1. The Climb

The Climb takes the generic “man sleeps with his best friend’s fiancé” storyline and turns it on its head. In his feature debut as writer and director, Michael Angelo Covino leads as the not-so-apologetic adulterer Mike and Kyle Marvin, who co-wrote the film, is the good-hearted Kyle who struggles to whether or not to forgive his best friend’s ultimately betrayal. Not only is The Climb is quirky and hilariously written, it’s a remarkably well-made comedy with some of the year’s best cinematography. Between a strong cast, a superb screenplay, and the extremely-high production value, The Climb is at the top of the mountain of 2020′s best films.

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2020

Well, this was quite the crazy year, especially for movies. While many films that were slated to be released this year were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year still provided some laughs, tears, and thrills both in theaters and in the living room. 

(NOTE: Due to the delayed awards season calendar and postponed Oscar bait films that are unavailable to be seen before the end of 2020, this list will eventually be updated after having seen the following films: The Father, Minari, News of the World, Nomadland, One Night in Miami, Pieces of a Woman, Promising Young Woman)

Here are my 25 favorite films of the year:

25. Kajillionaire 

Quirky filmmaker Miranda July is back with her first feature in nearly a decade. Kajillionaire is a bizarre but captivating tale about a family of criminal grifters and how the daughter reevaluates her strained relationship with her parents after an outsider is welcomed into the fold. Evan Rachel Wood takes what could have easily been dismissed as a goofy caricature in Old Dolio (yes, that’s her name) and turns into a heartfelt portrayal of a woman whose lifestyle of freeloading dictated by her parents (played by Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) becomes her own crisis. In many ways, Kajillionaire feels like a fantasy that keeps people asking, “What on earth is going on?” And this time, it’s for the best. 

24. Freaky

Revamping decades-old plots like the body-swapping antics from Freaky Friday can either result in a predictable failure or a surprising success. Thankfully, Freaky falls into the latter category. In this horror comedy, a deranged serial killer (played by Vince Vaughn) swaps bodies with his victim, a timid teen girl (played by Kathryn Newton). What makes the film work though are the dedicated lead performances, particularly by Vaughn, who is pretty convincing as young girl trapped in a grown man’s body. With a few good laughs and decent thrills, Freaky is worth the watch. 

23. The Outpost

The Outpost is an intense film about the real-life story of small group of US troops isolated by surrounding mountains in Afghanistan, under the constant threat of the Taliban, which ultimately comes to a head in the Battle of Kamdesh. The film captures the harrowing experiences of these soldiers with heart-pounding action sequences, which are fueled by a solid cast including Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, and Orlando Bloom. 

22. Uncle Frank

Paul Bettany may be best known for playing The Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he should be celebrated as his title character in Uncle Frank, a touching dramedy set in 1973 about an NYU professor who returns home to his estranged family for his father’s funeral while his niece, played by rising star Sophia Lillis, idolizes him for teaching her to be her authentic self while he keeps his sexuality a secret. Bettany brilliantly balances the coolness of his stature with the internal agony that ultimately hits a boiling point, which is counterbalanced by Peter Macdissi’s fun performance as Frank’s happy-go-lucky lover who accompanies him back home despite his wishes. 

21. Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy was panned by critics over politics that had absolutely no role the film. Based on the best-selling memoir by J.D. Vance, the newest feature from Ron Howard shows the journey of a boy who despite all odds growing up in a poor family that constantly struggled with abuse and addition managed to get into Yale Law School and achieve the American dream. While both Gabriel Basso and Owen Asztalos hold the film together as the younger and older Vance in the present and flashback scenes, Amy Adams as the impulsive, irresponsible mother and an unrecognizable Glenn Close as the no-nonsense inspiring grandmother that turn Hillbilly Elegy into an acting tour de force. 

20. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin sits in the director’s chair once again in this courtroom drama about the real-life protesters who showed up in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. With themes that resonate today, The Trial of the Chicago 7 benefits from its sharp screenplay, well-paced editing, and an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Yahoo Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton. 

19. Yellow Rose

Broadway actress Eva Noblezada makes her film debut as an aspiring country singer on the run after her mother, an illegal immigrant, is obtained for deportation. Yellow Rose presents a nuanced depiction of US immigration, but at the heart of it is a heartbreaking story of a young woman who struggles between putting her family or her dreams first. Between Noblezada’s powerful performance and solid original music, Yellow Rose hits all the right chords. 

18. Palm Springs

Move over, Groundhog Day. While the Bill Murray classic has largely monopolized the time loop film genre, Palm Springs gives it a run for its money. Andy Sandberg and Cristin Milioti star as the unlikely duo who are stranded reliving the same dreaded wedding day involving mutual acquaintances and their desperate efforts to escape the seemingly inescapable. The Hulu comedy stands on its own two feet for the good laughs, the chemistry between the two leads, and the film’s emotionally-grounded plot.  

17. Let Him Go

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane reunite on the big screen after playing farmer parents in Man of Steel to rancher grandparents in Let Him Go, although this time they are able to display their full acting chops. In this period dramatic thriller, they set out to find their only grandchild following the death of their son only to discover that the widowed daughter-in-law remarried into an infamous crime family. While both Costner and Lane tug at the heartstrings, it’s Lesley Manville, who plays the ruthless matriarch of the family, that really takes command of the screen. Ultimately, Let Him Go is all about family and the lengths one is willing to go to protect it. 

16. Unhinged

In a year plagued by the pandemic, Unhinged led the way to the revival of movie theaters back in August and perhaps in some ways it was meant to be the film to do so as the themes of a rage-fueled society and the lack of human connection carry weight. Russell Crowe stars, as the title suggests, as an unhinged psychopath whose road rage torments a woman and her adolescent son. Unhinged is the epitome of pure entertainment and is why we go to the movies. While it’s not quite the most sophisticated thriller of the year, it’s still one helluva ride. 

15. Emma

Anya Taylor-Joy has had quite the year with both highs (The Queen’s Gambit) and lows (The New Mutants). But it began before the pandemic with the release of Emma, which she stars as the iconic Jane Austen title character, a socialite who meddles in the love life of others while refusing to acknowledge her own shortcomings in that department. Supported with a strong ensemble cast, beautiful production design, and comedic charm, Emma is not to be missed. 

14. The Invisible Man

ln the era of remakes and reboots, very few are as good as Universal’s latest monster flick revival of The Invisible Man. Elisabeth Moss stars as a woman who believes she’s being haunted by her abusive ex-husband, someone she becomes convinced faked his own death and is stalking her without being able to be seen. Filmmaker Leigh Whannell, the writer behind the Saw and Insidious horror franchises, generates good thrills and high-wire tension with the help of high production value and a terrifyingly-good performance from Moss. 

13. Dick Johnson is Dead

Documentarian Kirsten Johnson filmed a beautiful, intimate tribute to her father Dick Johnson, who has been suffering from Alzheimer's in the final years of his life. However, instead of dreading his death, both daughter and father embrace it by having him acting out several scenes of his over-the-top demises. Dick Johnson is Dead may focus on the subject manner of death, but this documentary actually celebrates life and the laughs that happen along the way. 

12. The Wolf of Snow Hollow

Perhaps one of the littlest-known films of the year, The Wolf of Snow Hollow is not your conventional indie comedy horror flick. Writer/director Jim Cummings stars as an overly-heated police officer who attempts to get to the bottom of a string of murders in his small, snowy Utah town by what appears to be some sort of werewolf, though he remains unconvinced. Featuring one of the final performances from veteran actor Robert Forster, The Wolf of Snow Hollow uses its quirky sense of humor to stand out from the rest of the pack. 

11. The Gentlemen 

The Gentlemen is a fun, action-packed, crime caper from Guy Ritchie about the London turf war of drug kingpins. Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Goulding, Michelle Dockery, and Colin Ferrell all round out the strong cast, but its Hugh Grant that really steals the show as the comedically manipulative Fletcher, whose only allegiance is to himself. If you like a stylish film with well-choreographed violence and a fast-paced plot, The Gentlemen should be your cup of tea.  

10. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Some of the best play-to-film adaptations are the films that feel like you’re watching a play, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is one of them. Produced by Denzel Washington, Viola Davis gives a transformative performance as Ma Rainey, known as the “mother of the blues” and the clash she had with a pair of White music producers, but she also butts heads with her trumpet player (played by the late Chadwick Boseman), who also has his own music ambitions. While Davis obviously gives other Oscar-worthy performance, it was Boseman who was able to show how incredibly gifted he was as an actor. And while the world lost him far too soon, at least his last role ended up being his greatest. 

9. The Kid Detective

One of the biggest surprises of the year was how good a movie starring and produced by Adam Brody was. Brody plays a washed up former kid detective who attempts to revive his once-celebrated career of solving mysteries by getting to the bottom of a murder in his hometown. The Kid Detective is a brilliant dark comedy from newcomer writer/director Evan Morgan with good laughs, plenty of plot twists, and a career-best performance from Brody, who proves he’s more than just the pretty face from The O.C. we all know him as. 

8. Mank

Citizen Kane is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and Mank is a worthy tribute. Gary Oldman stars as the title character Herman “Mank” Mankiewicz, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the iconic film. David Fincher (The Social Network, Gone Girl) managed to capture the epic scale of the 1941 classic that would make Orson Welles proud. 

7. Soul

Soul is one of those rare existential Pixar films that goes beyond being children’s entertainment. Following in the footsteps of 2015′s Inside Out, Soul depicts what happens to the soul of a jazz musician who’s convinced his time on Earth isn’t over. While the universe created to explain how souls work and the plot that went along with it falls short of its emotions predecessor, Soul is still high-caliber among Pixar films and a great movie for both kids and adults alike. 

6. Another Round

Perhaps the greatest work from Swedish director Thomas Vinterberg to date, Another Round follows four unsatisfied middle aged men who decide to take a theory of task from a Norwegian psychiatrist, who concluded that maintaining a blood alcohol level of 0.050 will enhance their mental and psychological state. Mads Mikkelsen, who’s best known to American audiences as Hannibal Lecter in the short-lived NBC series Hannibal and the Bond villain in Casino Royale, offers a strong, nuanced performance as one of the four educators who embraces this drinking challenge in a film that provides an equal balance of chuckles, cringes, and emotional gut punches. 

5. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

From the crazy mastermind of Charlie Kaufman, the writer behind Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Anomalisa, his latest on Netflix is too a mind-bender. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a surreal, zany, and at times disturbing examination of the human condition as the nameless female protagonist played by an incredible Jessie Buckley mulls over breaking up with her boyfriend (played by Jesse Plemons) while visiting his parents’ house. Accompanied with a stellar production design and a crazy-good performance from Toni Collette as “Mother,” Kaufman newest cerebral feature lives up to his iconic reputation of filmmaking. 

4. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee is one of the few genius filmmakers who is able to blend multiple genres together and his latest film is no different. Da 5 Bloods is an action adventure, buddy comedy, dramatic character study, and war movie all wrapped up into one about a group of Vietnam War veterans who return to the former battlegrounds to find the remains of one of their fallen soldiers as well as some treasure that they kept hidden years ago. With a strong ensemble cast that includes the late Chadwick Boseman, its longtime character actor Delroy Lindo who steals the show with his powerful performance. Da 5 Bloods is easily one of Netflix’s strongest films to date. 

3. The Assistant

One of the first #MeToo-era films, The Assistant offers the day in the life of a low-level female staffer of a production company who is haunted by the presence of her Harvey Weinstein-like boss (who never actually appears in the film). However, rather than depicting the dramatics of sexual misconduct, The Assistant uses the common subtleties and nuances of the workplace yet maintains the same tension and heartbreak. Anchored by the remarkable, devastating performance by up-and-comer Julia Garner (Ozark), The Assistant is as important as it is well-done. 

2. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed gives the performance of his career as a heavy metal drummer and former addict whose sudden battle with going deaf upends his life. Sound of Metal is an incredible experience that gives a rare glimpse in the American deaf community which is enhanced by the remarkable sound design that helps the audience actually hear what the musician is going through. It’s truly one of the most rewarding films of the year. 

1. The Climb

The Climb takes the generic “man sleeps with his best friend’s fiancé” storyline and turns it on its head. In his feature debut as writer and director, Michael Angelo Covino leads as the not-so-apologetic adulterer Mike and Kyle Marvin, who co-wrote the film, is the good-hearted Kyle who struggles to whether or not to forgive his best friend’s ultimately betrayal. Not only is The Climb is quirky and hilariously written, it’s a remarkably well-made comedy with some of the year’s best cinematography. Between a strong cast, a superb screenplay, and the extremely-high production value, The Climb is at the top of the mountain of 2020′s best films. 

[joeygoeshollywood]

The Ten Best Films About Being Quarantined

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you have probably been told to stay home amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, instead of freaking yourselves out by watching Contagion, here are the ten best films about being quarantined. 

1. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

What was initially framed as a “spirit sequel” of the 2008′s Cloverfield, this film stands tall on its own.  Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Michelle, a young woman who finds herself in an underground shelter after a car accident and is told by her apparent rescuer (played by John Goodman) that the outside world was hit by some sort of attack. It’s a well-crafted, unpredictable psychological thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat and with your heart pounding from start to finish.

2. Take Shelter (2011)

The breakout film from writer/director Jeff Nichols (Mud, Loving, Midnight Special), Take Shelter follows a man plagued by apocalyptic visions and becomes so frightened that he builds his own underground shelter despite the doubts from the rest of the people in town. This is Michael Shannon’s greatest performance of his career (accompanied by a strong Jessica Chastain, who plays his wife). The film keeps you guessing as to whether his visions are right or if he is simply driven into madness. 

3. The Shining (1980)

There’s nothing like being snowed in at a haunted hotel for an entire season. The Shining is a classic horror film that’s perfect during a quarantine. Hopefully ours won’t nearly last as long, but between the nearly dozen iconic scenes, the stellar filmmaking from Stanley Kubrick, and Jack Nicholson’s frightening performance, it’s hard to go wrong with The Shining. 

4. It’s a Disaster (2013)

It’s a Disaster is probably the one film on this list that you’ve probably never heard of, but it was a hidden gem among 2013 indies about a couples’ brunch that goes awry when they learn that the country had been attacked by chemical weapons. This dark comedy has an ensemble cast of familiar faces including Julia Stiles, America Ferrera, and Arrested Development’s David Cross. You’ll find yourself laughing at expense of their misery, and that’s the genius of this film.

5. Beetlejuice (1988)

You may be wondering why Beetlejuice is on this list, but you should recall that the protagonists of this film are Adam and Barbara (Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis), who quickly realize they’ve been quarantined to their house after their untimely demise. A quintessential film of the 1980s, Beetlejuice is not your ordinary comedy. It’s classic Tim Burton, classic Michael Keaton, and a classic good time. 

6. The Mist (2007)

Another classic from Stephen King, The Mist is not just about the horrors that are waiting in the unknown outside but the societal breakdown of those trapped inside the grocery store. It’s sort of one of those “What would you do?” type of suspense. But hey, if you’re going to be quarantined anywhere, a fully-stocked grocery store ain’t too shabby. 

7. Dawn of the Dead (1978, 2004)

From the mastermind of George A. Romero, Dawn of the Dead is arguably superior to his own zombie trailblaze\ Night of the Living Dead. Not only is it scary as hell, Romero knows how to have fun with the horror sub-genre, particularly at a time when the shopping mall was becoming the go-to place to be across America (even for zombies). It’s 2004 remake, which was the feature debut of Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Batman v Superman), managed to stand on its own two legs as an action-packed bad-ass zombie flick while paying homage to its cherished predecessor. 

8. The Birds (1963)

The Birds may not be as much of a Hitchcock classic as Psycho, but it’s just as frightening, perhaps more. The feathered creatures quickly went from a societal presence to a societal danger as an unexplained plague of birds begins to attack people, forcing them to stay inside. Beware, if you go out for essentials, just leaves the crackers behind. 

9. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

A horror film that comically spoofs other horror films, The Cabin in the Woods keeps five unsuspecting teenagers fighting for they lives as outside forces torment their physical and psychological safety. It was a genius film for its time. Plus, it features then up-and-comer Chris Hemsworth. 

10. It Comes at Night (2017)

Another one of those “What would you do?” suspenseful dramas, It Comes at Night follows a man, his wife, and son who are secluded in a house in the wildness with limited supply after some sort of biological threat had plagued the world. But when a young family seeks refuge, the patriarch must decide what is best for his family and whether that means he has to go against other morals. Waves writer/director Trey Edward Shults’s debut film is heart-wrenching, chilling, and a thought-provoking quarantine favorite. 

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2020: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

If you were like me, then you were completely pissed about this year’s nominees, particularly all the snubs that the Academy made. Well, here are my fantasy winners and nominees. And I encourage you all to do the same!

Best Picture

Winner: Parasite

Nominees:

1917 The Farewell Hotel Mumbai Jojo Rabbit Joker Richard Jewell Rocketman Uncut Jems Us

Best Actor

Winner: Joaquin Phoenix - Joker

Nominees:

Adam Driver - Marriage Story Taron Egerton - Rocketman Paul Walter Hauser - Richard Jewell Eddie Murphy - Dolemite is My Name Adam Sandler - Uncut Gems

Best Actress

Winner: Lupita Nyong’o - Us

Nominees:

Awkwafina - The Farewell Cynthia Erivo - Harriet Scarlett Johannson - Marriage Story Renée Zellweger - Judy

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Alessandro Nivola - The Art of Self-Defense

Nominees:

Willem Dafoe - The Lighthouse  Zack Gottsagen - The Peanut Butter Falcon Tom Hanks - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Brad Pitt - Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood Kang-ho Song - Parasite

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Jennifer Lopez - Hustlers

Nominees:

Laura Dern - Marriage Story Da'Vine Joy Randolph - Dolemite is My Name Zhao Shuzhen - The Farewell Julie Walters  - Wild Rose

Best Director

Winner: Bong Joon Ho - Parasite

Nominees:

Sam Mendes - 1917 Jordan Peele - Us Todd Phillips - Joker Taika Waititi - Jojo Rabbit

Best Original Screenplay

Winner:  Parasite

Nominees:

The Farewell Knives Out Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood Us

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner:  Jojo Rabbit

Nominees:

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Joker Little Women Richard Jewell

Best Cinematography

Winner:  1917

Nominees:

Joker The Last Black Man in San Francisco  The Lighthouse Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Waves

Best Editing

Winner:  Ford v Ferrari

Nominees:

Hotel Mumbai Parasite Joker Uncut Gems

Best Production Design

Winner:  Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Nominees:

1917 Little Women Midsommar Parasite

Best Costume Design

Winner:  Rocketman

Nominees:

Dolemite is My Name Judy Little Women Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner:  Bombshell

Nominees:

Dolemite is My Name Joker Judy Rocketman

Best Original Score

Winner:  1917

Nominees:

Joker Little Women The Last Black Man in San Francisco Us

Best Original Song

Winner: “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)”  - Wild Rose

Nominees:

“Catchy Song”  - The LEGO Movie: The Second Part “I’m Gonna Love Me Again”  - Rocketman “Into the Unknown” - Frozen II “Stand Up”  - Harriet

Best Sound Editing

Winner:  Hotel Mumbai

Nominees:

1917 Avengers: Endgame Ford v Ferrari Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Best Sound Mixing

Winner:  Rocketman

Nominees:

1917 Avengers: Endgame Ad Astra Ford v Ferrari

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Avengers: Endgame

Nominees:

1917 The Irishman The Lion King Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Best Animated Feature

Winner: The Missing Link

Nominees:

Frozen II How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Toy Story 4

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Ensemble

Winner: Knives Out

Nominees:

Jojo Rabbit Little Women Marriage Story Parasite

Best Stunts

Winner: Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Nominees:

1917 Avengers: Endgame Jumanji: The Next Level Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker

Winner: Lulu Wang - The Farewell

Nominees:

Anthony Maras - Hotel Mumbai Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz  - The Peanut Butter Falcon Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie - Uncut Gems Lorene Scafaria  - Hustlers Joe Talbot - The Last Black Man in San Francisco 

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Kelvin Harrison Jr. - Waves

Nominees:

Roman Griffin Davis  - Jojo Rabbit Jimmie Fails - The Last Black Man in San Francisco Viveik Kaira - Blinded By the Light Archie Yates - Jojo Rabbit

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Jessie Buckley - Wild Rose

Nominees:

Julia Fox - Uncut Gems Florence Pugh - Little Women Taylor Russell - Waves Samara Weaving - Ready or Not

Best Comedy

Winner: Jojo Rabbit

Nominees:

Booksmart Dolemite is My Name The Peanut Butter Falcon Ready or Not

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2019

Now that 2019 is coming to an end, here’s my 25 favorite films of the year!

25. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is full of surprises. A love letter to the film industry in the 60s, Quentin Tarantino's latest takes creative liberties on the Charles Manson saga and uses it as a backdrop while telling the story of Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his loyal stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). While Margot Robbie was criminally underutilized as Sharon Tate, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood has the classic, violent action and the wicked humor Tarantino built a career on.   

24. The Lighthouse

Writer/director Robert Eggers, the mastermind behind 2015′s horror flick The Witch, is back with another WTF of a movie. The Lighthouse is stylized like a 1920s relic found in a time capsule and follows the deteriorating relationship of two lighthouse keepers who struggle to keep their sanity while isolated on a New England island. Robert Pattinson yet again shows his acting abilities have evolved greatly from his Twilight days and Willem Dafoe gives yet another beautifully deranged performance as the seasoned lighthouse keeper who perhaps takes his role a bit too seriously. This suspenseful thriller will make you squirm and ask “what is going on,” but in a good way. 

23. Hustlers

One of the year’s best scenes belongs to Jennifer Lopez’s entrance onto the stage as Ramona, giving a seductive, commanding dance to a fitting song, “Criminal” by Fiona Apple. Hustlers follows the real-life story of a group of strip club employees who form a mini criminal enterprise that involves drugging gullible men and maxing out their credit cards. Constance Wu continues to display her chops as a lead, playing Ramona’s protege Destiney. And while there’s plenty of fun performances from others including Keke Palmer, Lizzo and Cardi B, this movie belongs to Lopez.

22. Wild Rose

Having similar themes to A Star is Born, Wild Rose is a superior film starring up-and-comer Jessie Buckley (best known in the HBO miniseries Chernobyl) as Rose-Lynn a Scottish mother just released from jail who revives her far-fetched dream of becoming a country singer in Nashville. Grounded, gritty, and raw, Wild Rose was one of the strongest indie films of the year featuring a heart-wrenching performance by Julie Walters, who plays Rose-Lynn’s mother and caretaker of her grandchildren who struggles to knock some sense into her daughter, as well as one of the year’s best original songs,“Glasgow (No Place Like Home).”

21. Pain and Glory

Spanish writer/director Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film is largely inspired by his own life. Antonio Banderas stars as a film director who reflects on his upbringing, career, and relationships while facing a mid-life crisis of sorts. What is clearly a personal film for Almodóvar, Pain and Glory is a touching drama about life choices that anyone can identify with. And despite playing someone who’s past their prime, Banderas knocks this role out of the park. 

20. Dolemite is My Name

Talk about a comeback. Eddie Murphy makes his big return to the big screen “or small screen if you watch on Netflix” as Rudy Ray Moore, an aging entertainer who, like Murphy, seeks to revive his career. Dolemite is My Name is a charming biopic that has plenty of laughs and plenty of heart. Joining Murphy in a strong supporting cast includes Craig Robinson, Keegan Michael-Key, Mike Epps, Tituss Burgess, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who gives a breakthrough performance.

19. Little Women

Marking its eighth adaptation of the classic novel, Greta Gerwig gave Little Women a modern feel with its non-linear storytelling. While her second solo outing falls short of her splendid Lady Bird, everything about Little Women was top-notch including the production design, the sharp writing, and a stellar cast that includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Florence Pugh, who gives the most memorable performance as the youngest March sister, the naive and mischievous Amy. 

18. The Art of Self-Defense

There are dark comedies that go dark... and then there are those that get really dark. Riley Stearns’s breakout film The Art of Self-Defense is the perfect combination of uncomfortably funny and shockingly suspenseful. It follows a defenseless loner who takes on karate after being assaulted on the street, but it’s what goes on after karate class snowballs into a deadly situation. Jesse Eisenberg gives his strongest performance since The Social Network as a timid individual desperate to become more tough and masculine and Alessandro Nivola is wonderfully twisted as the sociopathic karate sensei with a grim sense of humor that’s worthy of an Oscar trophy. 

17. Midsommar

Ari Aster set the bar extremely high with his 2018 debut film Hereditary. And his followup definitely stands on its own shoulders. Midsommar follows a group of young Americans who journey to a rural town in Sweden where they are holding an ancient festival, but was supposed to be a vacation quickly becomes a bizarre nightmare. Florence Pugh gives a terrifying performance as the emotionally-broken Dani, who is the only one who raises legitimate concerns about the peculiar townspeople that welcomed her and her friends. Midsommar is the perfect combination of disturbing and artistic  If his third film is just as fantastic as his first two, Aster may be earning the title of the contemporary master of horror. 

16. Knives Out

There isn’t a genre that writer/director Rian Johnson can’t handle. Knives Out is the best whodunnits in recent memory featuring one of the greatest casts in recent memory, including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Christopher Plummer, and Daniel Craig, who plays the murder mystery’s esteemed detective Benoit Blanc (although the MVP goes to newcomer Ana de Armas). What’s brilliant about Knives Out are the unexpected twists and turns the plot makes as it unravels as well as the laughs along the way. With sharp writing and an A+ cast of characters, Knives Out is a movie to die for. 

15. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Perhaps the best movie almost nobody saw, The Last Black Man in San Francisco tells the heartbreaking story of Jimmie Fails (played coincidentally by Jimmie Fails, making his feature debut) and his never-ending dream of restoring and residing in his childhood home, which no longer belongs to him. Both he and up-and-comer Jonathan Majors, who plays Jimmie’s best friend Montgomery, give passionate performances. The Last Black Man in San Franciso is an artistic love letter to the Golden Gate City and of this year’s most beautifully-shot films. 

14. Ready or Not

One of the most fun movies of the year, Ready or Not is an outrageously funny horror flick that surrounds a newlywed wife who must win a game of Hide and Go Seek in order to officially be accepted into her husband’s family, but little does she know that she married into a family full of satanic nutjobs who are out to kill her. If you’re looking for dark humor, well-choreographed fight scenes, and Samara Weaving kicking a lot of butt in a wedding dress, look no further than Ready or Not. 

13. Marriage Story

A modern-day Kramer vs. Kramer, Marriage Story depicts both sides of a painful divorce. Indie favorite Noah Baumbach wrote and directed his finest film yet starring Adam Driver, who plays an off-Broadway theater director, and Scarlett Johannson, an actress seeking to define her own career in Los Angeles beyond her husband’s shadow. Both give superb performances (Driver’s best performance ever) and are accompanied by a stellar cast including Laura Dern, who plays a feisty, cutthroat divorce attorney for Johannson’s Nicole and Julie Hagerty as Nicole’s overbearing mother who continues to comedically express devotion for her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. 

12. Waves

Waves is one of the most surprising films of the year... and quite the emotional rollercoaster.  What on the outset looks like a picture-perfect, upper-middle-class family is actually a household with growing cracks in its foundation. Kelvin Harrison Jr. landed two breakout roles in 2019 (the other being Luce) but shows so much range in this film as a star athlete whose life spirals out of control with pressure from his demanding father (played by Sterling K. Brown of This is Us fame), substance abuse, and a turbulent romance. Taylor Russell also shines as the loving daughter who desperately tries to be the glue that keeps the family together amid chaos. Sharply written and beautifully shot, Waves is one of the strongest family dramas to hit the big screen in some time. 

11. The Peanut Butter Falcon

No film may tug at the heartstrings more this year than the road trip comedy The Peanut Butter Falcon. Newcomer Zack Gottsagen stars as “Zak,” a man with Downs Syndrome who escapes a nursing home so that he can attend a wrestling camp and fulfill is lifelong dream of going professional in the sport. Gottsagen, who himself has Downs Syndrome, is one of this year’s biggest breakout performers and is joined by Shia LaBeouf, who plays a man on the run who reluctantly helps Zak on his journey and Dakota Johnson, who plays Zak’s caretaker and attempts to do her job by bring him back to the home. The Peanut Butter Falcon is one of those rare films that may restore your faith in humanity.

10. Rocketman

Sparking plenty of comparisons to 2018′s Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman exceeds its predecessor in virtually every category. Taron Egerton shows that he’s a multi-talented performer not just with his terrific portrayal of Elton John but with his surprising good singing (take note, Oscar winner Rami Malek). What’s really a jukebox musical, Rocketman is a fun, stylish journey of the life and career of one of music’s biggest living legends that’s aided by fantastic hit songs, flashy costumes, and a touch of fantasy.  

9. The Farewell

Imagine finding out your grandmother is dying of cancer but she herself doesn’t know that she is and everyone around her pretends like everything is normal. That’s basically the plot of The Farewell. Writer/Director Lulu Wang carefully walks the tightrope of comedy and drama with a “What would you do?” situation storyline. Awkwafina gives a moving performance as the emotionally-conflicted Billi who struggles to say goodbye to her closest loved one and Shuzhen Zhao is brilliant her the scene-stealing, loose cannon, full-of-life grandmother. 

8. Jojo Rabbit

Taika Waititi has quickly emerged as one of the best up-and-coming filmmakers (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do in the Shadows), this time with his World War II satire Jojo Rabbit, which follows a young German boy who aspires to become a brave Nazi soldier, but whose world turns upside down when he discovers a Jewish girl hiding in his house. Waititi himself earns some of the films biggest laughs playing the boy’s imaginary friend and personal hero, a flamboyant Adolf Hitler. But he also recruited a group of fantastic young actors; Roman Griffin Davis, who plays a self-confident but growingly insecure Jojo, Archie Yates, who plays his adorable best pal Yorki, and Leave No Trace’s Thomasin McKenzie, who plays the witty and combative Elsa who helps Jojo open his eyes and his heart. Jojo Rabbit is not only humorous, it packs a thought-provoking and emotional punch and it’s one of this year’s standout films. 

7. Hotel Mumbai

Perhaps the most emotionally distressing film of the year, Hotel Mumbai depicts  the real-life events of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks that left over 160 dead including at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Dev Patel leads a strong ensemble cast of hotel staff and guests who fight for survival as evil attempts to gun down every innocent soul. What could be compared to United 93, Hotel Mumbai is a gut-punch of a film that makes you feel like you’re truly experiencing the attack. Those who cannot stomach brutal violence may have to sit this one out, but for those who can, Hotel Mumbai is an unforgettable film. 

6. Richard Jewell

There may not be a more relevant film to come out this year than Richard Jewell. Inspired by the true story, a security guard becomes a national hero after discovering a bomb at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but is quickly demonized as the potential terrorist after a local paper reported that the FBI had been targeting him as a suspect. Paul Walter Hauser, a 2018 breakout from I, Tonya and BlacKkKlansman, gives an outstanding lead performance as a good-natured, socially-awkward man caught in an untenable situation and is joined by a terrific Sam Rockwell, who plays his no-nonsense defense attorney. Clint Eastwood proves that at 89 years old, he’s still a Grade-A filmmaker presenting his best film since American Sniper. In an era where distrust in the media and law enforcement are part of the national discussion, Richard Jewell is a reminder that these problems have existed for decades and they’ll likely not be solved anytime soon. 

5. Joker

There was lots of skepticism when Warner Bros. announced that comedic director Todd Phillips (Old School, The Hangover films) was helming a standalone film about Batman’s arch-nemesis, but Joker emerged as a comic book movie like no other. Joaquin Phoenix deserves the Oscars as a damaged, mentally-ill loner who slowly transforms into the Clown Prince of Crime. Sparking many comparisons to Taxi Driver, Joker is proof that in the era of superhero blockbusters, there’s still room for a refreshing spin on a beloved comic book genre. 

4. Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler scored the role of a lifetime as a jeweler with spiraling debts in the intense thrill ride, Uncut Gems. What could be considered a modern noir, every single minute of this film ups the ante as Sander’s Howard Ratner struggles to fend off hungry collectors, usually resorting to gambling. Featuring a solid cast including Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel, and Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett in his debut role (as himself), this adrenaline rush of a movie will certainly put the newcomer director team the Safdie Brothers on the map.  

3. 1917

1917 is not just a movie; it’s a cinematic achievement. Using the “single-shot” style storytelling brings a sense of realness we haven’t seen since 2014′s Birdman. Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall), crafted his best film yet, aided with incredible cinematography from living legend Roger Deakins, a beautiful score from Thomas Newman, a heart-pounding story, and powerful performances from up-and-comers Joe MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman. 1917 is the greatest war film since Saving Private Ryan, possibly ever. 

2. Us

Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort did not disappoint following his Oscar-winning debut feature Get Out. Us feels like an incredible two-hour episode of The Twilight Zone (coincidently Peele has produced a TV reboot) that has the Wilson family in a fight for survival from their evil counterparts. Lupita Nyong’o gives the (dual) performance of her career as both the film’s matriarch hero and villain. With an incredible score from Michael Abels and the return of Peele’s social commentary, Us will have your heart pounding from beginning to end. 

1. Parasite

There was truly no other film this year like Parasite. From South Korean writer/director Bong Joon Ho (Snowpiercer, Okja), it follows a struggling, poor family that entangles itself with the lives of a wealthy family in a dynamic that begins with uncertainty and erupts into chaos. Part comedy, part drama, and part thriller, Parasite is a stylish, one-of-a-kind film that takes so many unexpected turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. In short, it’s a masterpiece. 

[joeygoeshollywood]

We all know this is meant to be.

[joeygoeshollywood]

Oscars 2019: My Fantasy Winners and Nominees

Do you ever watch the Oscars and are disappointed with the winners and the snubs? I know I do, which is why I have my own Fantasy Oscars. Here are my picks and I encourage you to do the same!

Best Picture

Winner: The Favourite

Nominees:

American Animals Annihilation Crazy Rich Asians The Death of Stalin Eighth Grade Hereditary  If Beale Street Could Talk Roma Widows

Best Director

Winner: Alfonso Cuarón - Roma

Nominees:

Ari Aster - Hereditary Barry Jenkins - If Beale Street Could Talk Yorgos Lanthimos - The Favourite Bart Layton - American Animals

Best Actor

Winner: Ben Foster - Leave No Trace

Nominees:

Christian Bale - Vice Bradley Cooper - A Star is Born Rami Malek - Bohemian Rhapsody  Joaquin Phoenix - You Were Never Really Here

Best Actress

Winner: Glenn Close - The Wife

Nominees:

Toni Collette - Hereditary Olivia Colman - The Favourite Lady Gaga - A Star is Born Regina Hall - Support the Girls Melissa McCarthy - Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Mahershala Ali - Green Book

Nominees:

Timonthée Chalamet - Beautiful Boy Richard E. Grant - Can You Ever Forgive Me? Hugh Grant - Paddington 2 Josh Hamilton - Eighth Grade Evan Peters - American Animals

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Regina King - If Beale Street Could Talk

Nominees:

Amy Adams - Vice Claire Foy - First Man Emma Stone - The Favourite Rachel Weisz - The Favourite

Best Original Screenplay

Winner:  The Favourite

Nominees:

Eighth Grade Green Book Hereditary Sorry to Bother You

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner:  American Animals

Nominees:

Annihilation  BlacKkKlansman Can You Ever Forgive Me? The Death of Stalin

Best Cinematography

Winner:  Roma

Nominees:

The Favourite First Man A Star is Born We the Animals

Best Editing

Winner:  American Animals

Nominees:

Bad Times at the El Royale The Favourite We the Animals Widows

Best Production Design

Winner:  The Favourite

Nominees:

Bad Times at the El Royale Black Panther Crazy Rich Asians First Man

Best Costume Design

Winner:  The Favourite

Nominees:

Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody  Mary Poppins Returns Vox Lux

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner:  Vice

Nominees:

Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Stan & Ollie Vox Lux

Best Original Score

Winner:  Black Panther

Nominees:

Crazy Rich Asians First Man Isle of Dogs Mary Poppins Returns

Best Original Song

Winner: “Shallow”  - A Star is Born

Nominees:

“Break Away”  - Anna and the Apocalypse “Can You Imagine That?”  - Mary Poppins Returns “Pray For Me”  - Black Panther “Wrapped Up”  - Vox Lux

Best Sound Editing

Winner:  A Quiet Place

Nominees:

Black Panther First Man Overlord Widows

Best Sound Mixing

Winner:  Bohemian Rhapsody

Nominees:

Black Panther First Man Overlord A Star is Born

Best Visual Effects 

Winner: Annihilation 

Nominees:

Aquaman Avengers: Infinity War First Man Ready Player One

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

Nominees:

The Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Ralph Breaks the Internet Teen Titans Go! to the Movies

ORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Best Ensemble 

Winner: The Favourite

Nominees:

Crazy Rich Asians The Death of Stalin Vice Widows

Best Stunts

Winner: Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Nominees:

Aquaman Black Panther Deadpool 2 Overlord

Best Breakthrough Filmmaker 

Winner: Bo Burnham - Eighth Grade

Nominees:

Ari Aster - Hereditary Bart Layton - American Animals Boots Riley - Sorry to Bother You Jeremiah Zagar - We the Animals

Best Breakthrough Actor

Winner: Alex Wolff - Hereditary

Nominees:

Julian Dennison - Deadpool 2 Henry Golding - A Simple Favor Alessandro Nivola - Disobedience  Evan Rosado - We the Animals

Best Breakthrough Actress

Winner: Elsie Fisher - Eighth Grade

Nominees:

Yalitza Aparicio - Roma Awkwafina - Crazy Rich Asians Thomasin McKenzie - Leave No Trace Haley Lu Richardson - Support The Girls

Best Comedy

Winner: Crazy Rich Asians

Nominees:

The Death of Stalin The Favourite Game Night Support the Girls

[joeygoeshollywood]

My dream cast for Disney’s live-action Hunchback remake.