Dune: Part Two (Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.)
This film brings to life the second book of Frank Herbert’s 1960’s Dune series. Paul Atredies, the only son of a noble family, is exiled to the harsh but resource-rich planet of Arrakis. His prescient vision secure his spot as the long-awaited messianic figure of the Fremen, the planet’s native people. Under his command, the Fremen unite to take back their homeland from off-worlders who oppressed them for far too long. Dune: Part Two is unlikely to win best picture, but it will surely collect some of the technical awards, like sound and cinematography.
Anora (Rated R for strong sexual content throughout, graphic nudity, pervasive language, and drug use.)
A raunchy film about an adult dancer (Ani) who impulsively marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch (Vanya). Shortly after their Vegas wedding, the couple find themselves in trouble. Vanya’s parents are not thrilled with the idea of their son marrying an exotic dancer, and demand the marriage be annulled. Ani has to navigate a cut-throat side of life completely unknown to her and the people around her aren’t much help. Anora’s blatantly provocative imagery and storyline is a reflection of the lives of sex workers from their own perspective, rather than the media’s often demoralizing portrayal. While Anora is a well rounded film with a good message, it simply lacks the “it” factor needed to win Best Picture.
A Complete Unknown (Rated R for language)
A beautiful piece of American art, dedicated to an American artist. The film celebrates the life and work of the ground breaking folk singer, Bob Dylan. It documents his rise to fame, his struggles to find his sound, and his rocky relationships. Timothee Chalamet takes his role as Dylan very seriously, transforming himself into a picture perfect version of the man. From his nails to his hair to his… distinctive voice. Even if A Complete Unknown doesn’t win best picture, Chalamet surely deserves to go home with “Best Actor in a Leading Role” in his pocket.
Emilia Perez (Rated R for language, some violent content and sexual material.)
Emilia Perez is stirring up controversy this Oscar season. It is certainly favored by the Academy, with thirteen nominations and endless praise, but public opinion has been completely cratered in the wake of racist comments from its star and the admission by its director that he purposefully didn’t learn anything about Mexico before making a film about Mexico. Nevertheless, the subject matter is quite unique – a Mexican lawyer hired is hired to facilitate the gender transition of a dangerous cartel leader. Oh, and it’s a musical. Though the premise is rather fantastical and absurd, the film highlights the ongoing epidemic of very real cartel-related violence ravaging Mexico. Emilia Perez was positioned to sweep at the awards, but more recent controversies concerning the cast and crew will most likely hurt the film’s chances.
Conclave (Rated R for thematic material and smoking.)
The Pope is dead and the Vatican is in disarray. Conspiracy seeps through the cracks in the thousand year old walls while an intricate dance of politics and tradition plays out in the background. Cardinal Lawrence is charged with leading the conclave that will elect the Pope’s successor. Conclave explores religion through a contemporary lens, examines the clash between the Catholic Church and modern society. As each Cardinal makes his case for why he should be the next Holy Father, their flaws come glaringly into light. Conclave dares to ask the sticky questions about doctrine, faith and politics that the Catholic Church has been voiding for decades. Conclave is probably a safe bet for best picture, and if it does win, it would not be a miracle.
Wicked: Part 1 (Rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material)
Wicked is the adaptation of the popular book and stage musical based on the world of Oz. This film rocked the domestic box office. It follows the lives of the Good Witch (Glinda) and the Wicked Witch (Elphaba). The two were enemies in college, but soon found that they had a lot more in common than initially thought. Elphaba is summoned to see The Wizard of Oz and discovers that he is a trickster and a fraud. This drives Elphaba to go off on her own, leaving Glinda behind. The second part of the film will be released later this year, Wicked is an enjoyable, lighthearted watch, but it steps on its own laces with an egregious three hour runtime. The film is positioned to win a handful of well-deserved awards.
