All Quiet on the Western Front

And the winner is (in my opinion)… “All Quiet on the Western Front”.

The German film “All Quiet on the Western Front” captivates the viewer for all two hours and twenty-three minutes. The film is set during WWI and follows Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer), a member of the German army. Throughout the film, the audience watches as the violence turns Bäumer from an idealistic teen to a worn soldier. The film does an excellent job of visually and audibly capturing the trench warfare, and expressing the devastating effects war has on the human outlook on life.  “All Quiet on the Western Front” was nominated for six categories relating to mood and authenticity (cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, music, production design, sound, and visual effects). Several other war films have comparable visuals to “All Quiet on the Western Front”, however, none capture war the way this film does. Audiences can empathize with Bäumer as he charges enemy lines, scrounges for food and collects dog tags from his fallen comrades. Though the film is heavily action based, it also conveys the hopelessness and apathy soldiers like Bäumer experience like no other movie I have ever seen.

Nominations:

• Cinematography
• International feature film
• Makeup and hairstyling
• Music (original score)
• Best picture
• Production design
• Sound
• Visual effects
• Writing (adapted screenplay)

The Banshees of Indersherin

Set on Indersherin, a small Irish island, “The Banshees of Indersherin” is an exciting and amusing movie. The film starts as Pádraic Súilleabháin’s (Colin Farrell) best friend, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), decides to abruptly ignore him, hoping to never have to interact with Pádraic again. The rest of the film follows Pádraic as he tries to repair his damaged relationship with Colm. Though the film may appear boring due to its mundane setting and basic plot, it is the opposite. The movie becomes increasingly tense as it progresses, and will keep viewers engaged for its duration. Although the film is primarily a drama, it is also comedic which helps lighten the film’s intensity, making it a more enjoyable watch. With all these factors in mind, “The Banshees of Indersherin” certainly deserves its nomination for original screenplay. The film is also notable for its exceptional acting which is evident in its four acting nominations (Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Kerry Condon). Though I expected to be bored by “The Banshees of Idersherin” I was instead captivated by its intense yet comedic plot and remarkable acting which has made it one of my favorite movies of the year.

Nominations:

• Actor in a leading role (Colin Farrell)
• Actor in a supporting role (Brendan Gleeson)
• Actor in a supporting role (Barry Keoghan)
• Actress in a supporting role (Kerry Condon)
• Directing
• Film Editing
• Music (original score)
• Best picture
• Writing (original screenplay)

Everything Everywhere all at Once

With a total of 11 Oscar nominations, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is all over the place, in the best way possible. The film follows Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), an ordinary woman whose life is deteriorating around her; her laundromat is on the brink of bankruptcy, her marriage to Waymond Wang (Ke Huy Quan) is in jeopardy, and she’s dealing with a strained relationship with her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu). Evelyn discovers she is the key asset in a trans-universal fight against Jobu Tupaki, who threatens to destroy the multiverse. As she fights to save the multiverse, Evelyn also works towards repairing her fragmented life. The film includes aspects of action, sci-fi, drama, and comedy, and does so in a way that is not too chaotic or disorganized. The fast-paced film will have audiences laughing, crying, tense in their seats, and questioning the extent of the universe. The film is notable for its exceptional acting, racking in four leading and supporting role nominations (Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu). The film focuses on the question “What does it mean to live?” Though we do not have the same sci-fi technologies that are included in the movie, it can still help viewers find meaning in our ever-advancing society.

Nominations:

• Actor in a supporting role (Ke Huy Quan)
• Actress in a leading role (Micelle Yeoh)
• Actress in a supporting role (Jamie Lee Curtis)
• Actress in a supporting role (Stephanie Hsu)
• Costume design
• Directing
• Film editing
• Music (original score)
• Music (original song) (This is a Life)
• Best picture
• Writing (original screenplay)

Top Gun: Maverick

Sequel to the classic “Top Gun”, “Top Gun: Maverick” does not disappoint. Released 36 years apart, Tom Cruise still stars as Pete Michell, the protagonist in this action movie. Memorable quotes, sequences, and characters from “Top Gun” are recalled in the sequel, however, new plot lines and characters are also introduced, creating a satisfying balance of familiar and original. Since aerospace technology has developed so much over the past couple of decades, the style of dogfighting seen in “Top Gun” is outdated. Nonetheless, the film creatively incorporates this style of combat in a modern setting. Similar to the original film, “Top Gun: Maverick” includes several dogfighting sequences in which audiences feel as if they are really inside the plane, due to the film’s high-quality sound, visual effects, and editing. The film is a fun and nostalgic watch and is very visually and audibly striking. Although I don’t believe it holds the same depth and quality as “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “All Quiet on the Western Front”, I would recommend “Top Gun: Maverick” if you are looking for a fun action movie.

Nominations:

• Film editing
• Music (original song) (Hold my hand)
• Best Picture
• Sound
• Visual effects
• Writing (adapted screenplay)