Poor Things

Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2023)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Whimsical, Sci-Fi, Philosophical, Complex Relationships, Historical Fiction (sort of)

This film is incredible. It is truly something else. Poor Things, much like its main character, is a new kind of film and story. It is quirky and bold, aggressive and offensive, unabashed and unashamed. Poor Things and Bella makes you question and reflect on what it means to be a human being. Bella begins as an experiment and perhaps she shows us that every part of the human experience should be an experiment, as we must try and do --despite the risks-- in order to say that we live.

In addition to the fantastic story, Poor Things has the most memorable and intriguing artistry. The costumes, sets, score, and lighting are all so palpable. And very quirky and weird. At times, even surreal. I loved the Frankenstein and Wizard of Oz references, too. I will certainly eagerly watch this again and again. What a masterful piece of cinema.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Past Lives

Past Lives (Celine Song, 2024)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Romance, Complex Relationships

What if I had chosen a different route home? What if that friend had stayed in the USA? What if I had not gone on that trip? What if I didn't take that class? etc. The concept of In-Yun is one I've thought about a lot since watching Past Lives. The interconnectedness of events and the concept that everything happens for a reason is one I've always subscribed to. I found the story of Past Lives incredibly emotional. Not special or captivating, not particularly interesting even. But it was absorbing because it was real. And it made me cry and think because it is so human. Circumstances do create destiny and change the course of our lives. It's impossible not to think about that boy you used to like and what might have happened if you hadn't immigrated/moved away. A truly beautiful film..

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Holdovers

The Holdovers (2023)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Drama, Coming of Age, Grief, Complex Relationships

The best films I've seen all have an atmosphere that fits the story and meanings so well that the place essentially becomes a character of the film. And this makes the film stick into your memory--you can't shake that effect. It is palpable and immersive. The Holdovers does this for me. The setting of an almost empty prep school with snowy weather and dreary skies contains equally empty, snowy, and dreary people who are stuck...it is so much more than a story about misery loving company or unlikely friendships. This is a story about grief and loss and the very real need for human beings to help each other in their struggles. It is a story of humans who are stuck and need help getting out. Marvelous script and performances.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Oscars 2024: The Results

And the winner is... Oppenheimer! It was another year of long-time actors and directors finally being validated for their work!

Barbie

Barbie (Greta Gerwig, 2023)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Comedy, Adventure, Philosophical

I played with Barbies when I was young, probably not as much as other dolls, but they were still beloved toys that my sister and I could dress and imagine with. We had a lot of them and even borrowed our babysitter's collection from time to time. Now my niece has a bajillion.

When I heard there would be a Barbie movie, I was first a little skeptical--would this be just another money grabbing movie? But then I learned that Greta Gerwig was directing. I knew it would be a big success and that I had to see it eventually. And what a success it was. And still is. I don't think anyone could really anticipate the enormity of the film's impact. It's a fun, satirical, silly film at the start that unravels into something so clever and thought-provoking. This film does everything a film should: entertains, provides escape, has twists and turns, makes you think a lot, leaves you feeling better for watching it. And so many of the lines are brilliant and hysterical and moving. I laughed and I cried. If you haven't watched it, you must.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Oscars 2024: The Nominations

It's that time of year again...The Oscar nominated films were released. Like last year, it's no longer an Oscar Dash for me, but I do hope to watch all the films eventually. And I do plan to post about each one once I do watch, so you can anticipate those throughout the year and beyond. And don't forget to watch the big event on March 10, 2024!

Here are the nominees for best picture:

American Fiction

Anatomy of a Fall

Barbie

The Holdovers

Killers of the Flower Moon

Maestro

    

Oppenheimer

Past Lives

Poor Things

    

The Zone of Interest