“In the Heights” Grade: A+ (102%)
I’ve only ever given three films a 100%. I’ve NEVER given a film (in twenty years of film grades) above 100%. I can confidently say that “In The Heights” is THE GREATEST film that I’ve ever seen. So meticulously perfect. Soooooo worth your time (and money).
“Don’t Look Up” Grade: A+ (97%)*
I actually watched this film a few weeks ago and I’ve been waiting on writing the review to make sure I digested it and represented it correctly. From a more global, all-encompassing perspective, the film really is brilliant. The basic premise of the film is that scientists (Leo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) discover a comet that is going to wipe out all life on Earth in six months. There is one MAJOR writing flaw that happens fairly early in the film that, at first, really made it difficult for me to get back into the film. The scientists are quickly recalled by the government and then released back out into the public with this knowledge. In the real (non-movie) world, there’s a 0% chance that the FBI/CIA would ever risk letting these scientists back out into the world having such knowledge. Aside from this meteor-sized blunder in writing, the film does almost everything else correctly. In large part, it is directly “spoofing” our current world, and while I normally despise “spoofs” (e.g. “Princess Pride”, “Spaceballs”, “Blazing Saddles”, basically anything Mel Brooks has ever done), this one works because it isn’t making fun of someone’s work directly, it is making fun of aspects of American society, politics, and the nature of our divisive media in general. Cate Blanchett absolutely knocks it out of the park (spoofing Laura Ingraham), and Meryl Streep & Jonah Hill create genuine humor (spoofing Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. respectively). The film creates important and applicable themes related to radical ideology in contemporary life in a humorous way, but that’s also one of my big concerns with the movie. I’ve talked to two different people who literally stopped watching the film because they felt it was too heavy-handed from a “leftist” point of view. The film is being celebrated by “Hollywood” (and I would be surprised if it wasn’t nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards) and those who agree with the criticisms of conservative ideologies in general. My concern is that the film, while brilliant in many different ways, is merely “preaching to the choir” (pleasing those with left-leaning beliefs) and being ignored by those with right-leaning beliefs (when they are the ones who the film is targeting to be more open-minded), only going to amplify the divide between the two perspectives (something the film is criticizing in theme). Overall, and after lots of reflection and debating, it’s a film that I feel comfortable placing on the “All-time Greats” list of rare A+ films in my grade guide, despite the fact that it is polarizing in nature – perhaps…strangely…that is part of the ?brilliance? of the film. Highly recommend watching and discussing, regardless of your individual belief system.
“King Richard” Grade: A (96%)*
An inspirational film that details the upcoming of Venus and Serena Williams under their father’s watchful and often overcontrolling guidance. Will Smith turns in an absolutely amazing performance as Richard Williams and really should take home the Oscar for “Best Actor” on March 27th. A lot of times, these “based on a true story” films bend the truth quite a bit, but in doing some research after viewing the film, “King Richard” doesn’t steer away from the documented true events much at all, which makes the inspirational nature of the film all the more powerful. “King Richard” is worthy of the “Best Picture” nomination that it got and is definitely worth your time and money if you are looking for a great film to watch.
“Dune” Grade: A (95%)*
Wholeheartedly, by and large, I absolutely loved this film. This is what “good” science-fiction/fantasy looks like, and if you were a fan of either “Star Wars: Rogue One” or “Bladerunner 2049,” you’ll likely really enjoy this film as well. It’s dark and complex in storytelling. I was talking to a colleague earlier today about this movie and they were complaining that there wasn’t enough action and they were confused about which character belonged to what house and why certain houses didn’t like each other and what was the Imperium and how does spice work and what is “the voice”? If your idea of “good” science-fiction/fantasy is Marvel garbage, then you’re likely not going to like “Dune” very much. This is more like Game of Thrones in the year ten thousand across multiple worlds. The visuals are stunning, the acting (with the exception of Josh Brolin, which is a shame) was phenomenal, and the storytelling – which is something to behold in terms of mythic story structure and tropes – is second to none. Yes, it is much more drama-centered than action-centered, which apparently disappointed some, but I personally love the political intrigue and character-building. So with all of this praise, why not 100%? Most of the action in the film felt forced with obvious outcomes based on what characters were involved. Also, for as complex as the story was at times, I wished it was a bit longer, devoting more time to fleshing out some of the drama/intrigue a bit further (I know that might sound ludicrous considering the film is two and a half hours long; perhaps “Dune” would have been better served as a series instead of a two-part film?). Overall, it’s a niche film; true hardcore science-fiction/fantasy fans will love it whereas most others will likely have a lukewarm reaction to it due to its complexity and focus on drama instead of action.
“Encanto” Grade: A- (91%)
Disney’s collection of original animated films is starting to rival that of subsidiary giant Pixar (with entries like “Raya and the Last Dragon”, “Luca”, “Soul”, “Moana”, and “Onward”), and with the exception of “Moana”, “Encanto” might be the best of the bunch. But let me get this out of the way up front, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is NOT the best song in the film (“Surface Pressure” is better). The film will undoubtedly walk away with the “Best Animated Feature Film” award at the Academy Awards on March 27th, and it deserves it. Yes, it’s about magical powers, how to use them, and how to realize them, but more importantly, it’s about the “magic” of family – a concept that many in American culture seem bankrupt of, which is why I think the film strikes such a powerful chord with the majority of those who have seen it. I would be lying if I said the film didn’t bring a tear to my eyes a couple of different times. Not one of the “greatest of all time” films, but certainly an “A”-list movie that is worth your time to watch.
“Squid Game” (Season 1) Grade: A- (90%)
Tons of my students have been talking about this, so I decided to check it out. The pros: great acting, phenomenal sets, costumes, lighting, and cinematography. The show does a great job building drama and suspense (as long as you stay away from spoilers) out of a Hunger Games/Lord of the Flies-type narrative that keeps you wanting to watch the next episode. The cons: the gore and violence. Sure, the show has an MA (Mature) rating (meaning 18+), but how many irresponsible parents are out there letting their under-18 children watch this? They say in neuroscience that the brain doesn’t stop growing (in large part) until we are about 25 years old. That’s probably the rating I would put on this show due to its depiction of the value of life. But if you are in the mature demographic, it’s a fun and thought-provoking series.
“Cowboy Bebop” (Season 1) Grade: B+ (89%)
“Coda” Grade: B+ (88%)*
This is a nice feel-good film with some humor mixed in about a high school senior grappling with her own budding self-identity which is in conflict with the expectations of her deaf family. There are a couple of tear-jerker moments at the end of the movie, but some poor writing holds it back from being an all-time great (for instance, in reality, the choir teacher would be fired in five minutes for just about everything he does & doctors are required to provide someone who can sign and interpret for deaf people – although that scene is funny). Overall, it’s not “Best Picture” material, but it might be worth a watch on Apple TV if you are already subscribed.
“No Time to Die” Grade: B+ (87%)
“8-Bit Christmas” Grade: B+ (86%)*
I put an asterisk on this grade because the film has a VERY clear target audience. If you are a white male aged 30-50 and Nintendo was a staple of your childhood, you’ll think the movie is an instant Christmas classic to be watched year after year. If you aren’t in that demographic, there’s a good chance you’d find the film ridiculous and uninteresting. As it is, I would say this movie would be a perfect love child of “A Christmas Story” and “Napoleon Dynamite.” Personally, I really enjoyed the movie quite a bit, but I am in the target demographic.
“House of Gucci” Grade: B (85%)
“Luca” Grade: B (84%)
“Nightmare Alley” Grade: B- (82%)*
Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film is…odd…in a mostly interesting way. Bradley Cooper plays a carney hand who learns some tricks of the trade and tries to branch out on his own for more lucrative opportunities. For starters, the film is simply too long; it’s two and a half hours but it could have easily been two. The narrative itself is a bit strange as it’s really two separate stories (one as the learning carney hand which takes an hour of the film, and another as the independent trickster wanting lots of money which takes the remaining hour and a half of the film) which are presented as years apart. There’s certainly tangible tension throughout the movie, but the “twists” in the story are predictable from far away and fall flat. Like “Coda”, it’s not a bad film per se, and it’s worth a watch if you are already subscribed to HBO Max and have nothing better to do, but not worthy of being “Best Picture.” The nomination is likely Hollywood politics as Del Toro directed “Best Picture” winner “Shape of Water” a couple of years ago and cinema’s elite do like to build stars by boosting resumes with nominations to go along with the occasional win (see Meryl Streep).
“West Side Story” Grade: B- (80%)*
Critics love Spielberg’s iteration of this classic Broadway play and have it pegged in the early “Best Picture” conversation, but…meh. It’s certainly not a waste of time or money, but I wouldn’t put it in such high regard. Maybe it’s because as an English professor, I’ve been overexposed to West Side Story over the years, maybe it’s because I’m not a big fan of musicals, or maybe it’s because Tony and Maria’s romantic story arc had no early development whatsoever. To be sure, the costumes, choreography, sets, and Ariana DeBose’s performance as Anita are phenomenal, but if you are looking for an amazing musical (from this year nonetheless), go watch “In the Heights” instead.
“Flee” Grade: C+ (79%)
From a completely objective, non-Hollywood image-conscious standpoint, I’m not sure why this film is nominated for so many awards. It chronicles the true story of a gay illegal immigrant in animated fashion. It wasn’t a bad film (I did grade it slightly above average), it’s just VERY anti-climactic and leaves you with a deflated “so what?” feeling at the end, which is too bad because homosexuality and illegal immigration are two topics that absolutely need and deserve more recognition and critical consideration in the public spotlight. A lot of lost potential with this one, unfortunately.
“The Book of Boba Fett” (Season 1) Grade: C+ (78%)
This 7-episode foray into how Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit in “Return of the Jedi” and became one of the warlords of the desert planet of Tatooine had some bright spots, but overall, suffered from being too “Marvelized.” After 4 so-so episodes to start the season, episodes 5 and 6 are where BoBF makes its bacon as it essentially transforms into “The Mandalorian Season 2.5.” Both of those episodes are surely must-watch prior to Season 3 of “The Mandalorian” later in 2022 as they move the story arc of that show in significant ways. The season finale of BoBF, however, was an unmitigated disaster. While Mandalorian fans will have to watch it for that show’s plotline, a CGI rancor going King Kong (complete with the famous King Kong shot of the ape at the top of the Empire State Building) through the city of Mos Espa was cringeworthy (plus the nonsensical fact that if Boba Fett went back to the palace to get something to turn the tide of the battle, why would he get his baby rancor instead of his starship that is 10x more powerful?). Some interesting cultural depth to Tusken Raiders in the first 4 episodes, straight-up Mandalorian for episodes 5 & 6, and Marvel meets Star Wars disaster in episode 7. Overall, slightly above average viewing to hold Star Wars fans over until the Obi-Wan miniseries premieres in May.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” Grade: C+ (77%)
“Belfast” Grade: C (75.5%)*
Yet another “meh” Academy Award Best Picture nominee. “Belfast” chronicles religious-based violence in Northern Ireland during the 1960s and is inspired by the Director’s own childhood. It’s not a “bad” film, but there’s nothing inherently remarkable nor any deeper reflective takeaway here. If you are wanting to work your way through all of the Best Picture nominees before March 27th, you really could skip this one and save yourself time and money.
“The Power of the Dog” Grade: C (75%)*
I’m honestly not sure why this is nominated for “Best Picture” in the upcoming Academy Awards. It has some decent tension-filled scenes here and there, and some above-average acting from Benedict Cumberbatch, but the pacing of the film is dreadfully slow. Like…paint might dry faster. Kirsten Dunst getting a nomination for “Best Supporting Actress” is laughable as I would argue she doesn’t do a lick of acting in the entire film. When the film first started, I thought we were about to get a Daniel Day-Lewis type of antagonist (ala Bill the Butcher from “Gangs of New York”) out of Benedict Cumberbatch, but as the film wears on, Cumberbatch’s antagonistic character mostly lurks in the background and never provides the kind of payoff to the tension his looming character constantly causes. Unless you enjoy a snail’s paced movie with very little dialogue, then I would recommend skipping this one.
“Harry Potter 20-year Reunion” Grade: C (74%)
“Hard Knocks: Dallas Cowboys” Grade: C- (73%)
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” Grade: C- (71%)
My favorite line in the MCU comes from this film. MJ says over and over that “If you expect disappointment, then you can never really be disappointed.” That’s how I’ve been conditioned to think before seeing any Marvel movie, and surprisingly, it works. Whenever I see a Marvel film, I always anticipate that I’m about to watch a heaping pile of sewage, and then when it is merely just a cow pie or a cat turd buried in the litter box, I’m pleasantly surprised. A Marvel movie making anything higher than a ‘D’ in my grade guide is an accomplishment. Sure, “No Way Home” is A LOT of fun visually, but the writing is an absolute trainwreck. The film’s premise is based on Peter Parker wanting to change the whole universe because he, MJ, and Ned didn’t get into college. Instead of being the rational, intelligent wizard that Marvel has set him up to be, Dr. Strange doesn’t question it and begins the time-altering spell before going over the details first. Peter then has Strange start altering the spell mid-cast and it messes everything up. It’s such a mind-numbingly bad and laughable premise that hopefully even superhero enthusiasts who easily suspend reality can agree is ridiculous. But it’s Marvel, so who cares about the sensical details, right? Anyway, the MCU is messed up and Marvel meets Super Smash Bros. ensues with tons of classic villains and multiple Spider-mans clashing. I enjoyed some of the nostalgia as I’m actually a fan of Tobey Maguire and it was good to see him back, as was also the case with Doc Ock and the Green Goblin. Without explaining anything (per Marvel’s MO), Spider-Man magically creates a gun that can instantly “cure” the bad guys from being “bad” and good triumphs over evil in the end. There are, to be sure, A LOT of worse Marvel movies out there, but there are also a handful that are better. As long as you temper your expectations and channel your inner MJ, you’ll walk out of the movie theater feeling like No Way Home was a lot of fun, as I did. Not a “good” movie at all, but definitely fun.
“Licorice Pizza” Grade: D+ (67%)*
It’s billed as a “Best Picture”-caliber teenage coming-of-age movie, but it turns out that a 25-year-old and a 15-year-old falling in love while acting like 6-year-olds (think Napolean Dynamite-esque) isn’t actually that good at all. Is it because the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s son is the primary male actor in the movie? Is it because Alana Haim has major connections in Hollywood? I don’t know why it’s a “Best Picture” contender…it’s not good.
“Drive My Car” Grade: D (65%)*
This film is nominated for “Best Picture” and “Best International Film” and has garnered heaps of praise and excellent critical acclaim, and I don’t know why. It’s a 3-hour film that feels more like 5 due to the repetitive nature of the main character listening to dialogue in his car. Technically speaking, from a filmmaker’s standpoint, there are some extremely well-done elements (like cinematography, editing, and sound mixing), but narratively speaking, it’s dry and boring and feels more like a documentary that follows a mundane person living a fairly regular life. Highly recommend skipping this and saving yourself a chunk of time.
“The Matrix Resurrections” Grade: D (64%)
There’s this continuing trend in Hollywood to butcher nostalgic cash cows, and I suppose it was The Matrix’s turn. From a business and psychological standpoint, it makes sense. Those who experienced the greatness of the original now have their own kids and want to “share” that with them. The nonsensical “reset” of the timeline (via an alternate timeline or via the “next generation” of the original character’s children) matters not to big studio executives as we see it done time and time again (think Star Wars, Star Trek, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, Terminator, and on and on). In this film, Neo is straightforward in observing the obvious in the idea that the machines “reset” the Matrix: “So, everything I did before didn’t matter. I’m back where I began.” Oh, it mattered Neo. Some Warner Bros. bigwigs are getting some nice private jets, yachts, or seventeenth vacation homes out of you. Here’s a novel concept Hollywood: why don’t you come up with some original ideas instead of this lazy formula that craps all over something nostalgic and ruins it for the sake of profit? Needless to say, this “new” iteration of The Matrix is hot garbage. Save yourself ten bucks and leave intact whatever love you have for the original and skip this.
“The Tomorrow War” Grade: D- (60%)
