The 2017 Oscars ceremony will be broadcast this coming Sunday on February 26th beginning at 8:30 P.M. on ABC. Each and every year dating back to 1929, the best movies, directors, and stars of Hollywood take a night to recognize these amazing films and their cinematic achievements hosted and voted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). If you are unaware of the rules, simply put, in order for a film to be nominated for an Oscar by the Academy it must have been released in Las Angeles, California and play for seven consecutive days to be counted for that year. For example, Hidden Figures was wide released in mid-January and would have been eligible for the Oscars in the following year, however, it had a limited release beginning Christmas Day of 2016 making it eligible for this year’s Oscars (the same thing also happened with other Best Picture nominees such as Lion and Fences).
As I’ve said before a number of times, I love movies. I also love God. And when those two things collide – I love them both even more! This year for the first time ever, I committed myself (and a few hours of my “free time”) to watch ALL 9 of the Best Picture nominees. Some of you may have gotten a chance to see some or all of the Best Picture nominees for yourself over the past month leading up to awards night. I find movies to be a window and a mirror into our culture. Movies (and media in general) allows us as viewers to peek into a piece of culture, historical moment, or way of life that we may not be accustomed to while at the same time nudge our minds and hearts to pier inwardly at our own struggles and joys. You may not like all 9 films. You might disagree with the nominations. But what you cannot and should not do is dismiss them out of hand just because they don’t fit your taste. There will always be snubs and shocks (thankfully this year the Academy seems to have learned from its mistake of #OscarsSoWhite), but most of us can agree that a majority of these movies deserve the recognition and attention of us all.
One issue with this year’s nominations and what has been a recurring problem overall is a major disconnect between the Academy and the everyday viewer’s favorite movies. The Academy is looking at thousands of movies each year, many of which are released between September and December in order to lay nomination seeds in the minds of the Academy watchers who nominate films in early January. But here’s where the divide is: name your favorite movie of the past year. Did that movie get nominated for Best Picture? Most likely your answer is no. And look where the money flowed: 2016 domestic office – top 5 movies (information found at Box Office Mojo): (1) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2) Finding Dory (3) Captain America: Civil War (4) Secret Life of Pets (5) The Jungle Book. Any Best Picture nominations? Nope. Actually, only 2 of these movies received ANY nomination of any kind at all! The highest ranked nominee is Hidden Figures which lands at #18 (even though most of that money wasn’t even made until its wide release in January). Arrival, which came out in late November, made most of its money in the 2016 year lands as the 29th highest box office movie. That’s still pretty far down the list! If you average the 9 Best Picture nominees and their respective place in the domestic box office it comes at a whopping median of 57th. And the cherry on top – 1 of these movies isn’t even in the top 100. See the difference? Why weren’t other top movies not represented with more substantial nominations? Even the Hollywood Reporter reported that 60% of people cannot name a single movie nominated for Best Picture this year (for that full article click HERE). It’s something that the Academy needs to adjust when evaluating movies of the past whole year, not just Oscar-themed or Oscar-released movies that fit their scheme.
Starting from the bottom and ending with my favorite of the Best Picture Nominees, I’ll give a brief non-spoiler synopsis along with my likes, dislikes, and a brief picture of the Gospel that I saw. I’ll also give a grade for each movie and a prediction of where I think some of the awards that this movie is nominated for might receive (Best Director, Actor/Actress, Supporting Actor/Actress, etc.). ENJOY!
*Just a quick reminder: there are NO SPOILERS! This, along with any other “The Gospel According To…” reviews are always spoiler-free reviews to help you both understand the show/movie as well as illuminate the Gospel’s presence throughout. So feel free to read without the worry of having the show/movie ruined for you if you have not seen it quite yet. Remember too, these are my own feelings and you might not always agree so feel free to disagree and share your own thoughts about it!
9. Fences – A working-class African-American father tries to raise his family in the 1950s while coming to terms with the events of his life. Adapted from the 1980’s theater and revitalized in 2010 winning the Tony Award for Best Revival, Denzel Washington helms the camera and the on-screen drama with former theater co-star Viola Davis and the other three adult actors reprising their roles in this film adaptation. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Denzel Washington), Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis), and Best Writing [Adapted Screenplay].
A movie told from one setting spanning almost 2 and a half hours – most viewers could easily find themselves checking out or wondering when it’ll be over. But with the outstanding top-tier performances from Washington and Davis, this movie is a gem for film students and aspiring actors. If they had recast these roles to other actors, I’m not sure it would have been nominated for anything this Oscar season. Their on-screen chemistry and overall development as these complex characters showcase why this movie is nominated for a number of awards.
As I’ve mentioned before, the beauty of this film is in the acting 100% of the time. It certainly helps when you’ve done the routine a few times before getting in front of the camera. Denzel has said that after having performed the play 114 times at the Cort Theatre in New York City in 2010, the adjustments as a Director came fairly naturally to him. Of course when you are that familiar with a character as well as the play as a whole, not much has to be figured out besides slight alterations and camera placements. But the overall story is compelling and worthwhile because we as the audience believe in the characters, the marriage, the drama, and the emotion. The Gospel message is clear as day at the end of this film (I don’t want to spoil anything) but boy does this movie find a way to give you chills as it closes and you’re left with feelings of remorse, forgiveness, and mercy for all parties.
Where this movie begins to slip for me and why it’s at the bottom of my personal list is unfortunately because I don’t think the transition totally works from Theatre to the big screen. Does it work sometimes? Yes indeed! The long and drawn out shots are unmatched by today’s need for 13 cuts for one simple action scene and add a longing sense that feels welcoming. But what I would have done is shave off the first 20-25 minutes of this movie for viewer’s sake. The action/drama doesn’t even begin till about a third of the way through and is so good once it’s there, the audience is just left to wait till the drama can begin. It has those edgy Oscar moments (snot crying and shouting arguments are shoe-ins for Oscar considerations) but there are times when the quick-paced dialogue and overacting for the big screen become glaring when compared to watching this play out under a different set of lights as a play.
Another issue I have with this film is actually separate from the on-screen movie and for one of the nominated awards. Viola Davis’ performance is being campaigned as “Supporting” during these awards season. Her character is in just as much of this film if not more than Denzel’s. This placement has been seen as category fraud by some awards pundits, film critics, and I’d include myself in that category. In an interview with Deadline, Denzel Washington even said that he disagreed with the placement, but that is was Davis’ own decision along with the studio, in order to improve her chances of winning. Let’s be honest, if she was nominated for Best Actress (which I doubt she would have been against the stacked category it already is this year), she wouldn’t stand a chance against the popular pick of Emma Stone (La La Land) and two other major standouts who are possible Cinderellas (Isabelle Huppert in Elle and Ruth Negga in Loving). The ONLY reason she’s being dubbed a “supporting” role is so that she can win an Oscar. Is she deserving of it? Oh yes! Absolutely! But that doesn’t negate the scheming that is going on behind the scenes and might be a legacy of this film in the years to come.
Overall Grade: C+
Projected Awards: Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress)
8. Moonlight – Is a story about a young man dealing with his dysfunctional home life and coming of age in Miami during the “War on Drugs” era. The story of his struggle to find himself is told across three defining chapters in his life (Little, Chiron, and Black) as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love while grappling with his own sexuality. Nominated for Best Picture, Director (Barry Jenkins), Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), Supporting Actress (Naomie Harris), Cinematography, Editing, Music/Score, and Best Writing [Adapted Screenplay].
Probably the most polarizing movie nominated for Best Picture this year, Moonlight, invites us all to experience boyhood, adolescence, and the decisions that come of age through the eyes of Chiron. I knew going into this movie what the premise was about and there is no hiding it – homosexuality. Chiron from an early age is raised by only his mother and realizes that he is unlike the other boys who play sports, talk about the girls they want to be with or have been with and is missing a strong and bold fraternal (or even paternal) figure. He is told to learn it on his own and figure life out without much help leading him down a destructive road.
What I appreciate most about this film is its deep effort from the frame by frame and feeling by feeling to draw you inward towards a culture that most of us have never experienced. I’m a white, married pastor who’s lived my whole life in conservative Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I’ve never experienced the lifestyle that this young man is raised in but after watching it, my eyes are wide to his perspective and a growing desire to see more films apart from the run-of-the-mill Hollywood industry that places us in environments we are unaccustomed to. Do I agree with what he does? No. But like all movies, I can see the Gospel woven into his messed up story as much as my own. I also loved the portrayals given to Chiron and he develops as a character and you empathize with him on a bevy of different levels. In an interview, Barry Jenkins said that the three actors who play Chiron never met during production. He wanted each of them to build their own persona of Chiron during their respective segments, with no influence from the other portrayals. The Gospel story comes out in full force during this film when Mahershala Ali’s character, Wan, practically adopts and opens Chiron to a world apart from his mother’s destructive nature. He is the fortress and shelter amongst the rainstorms just as God, our Heavenly Father, is that bedrock and stronghold.
The reason this movie falls into the #8 slot is not that of the topic. I do my best in every movie to remain objective when it comes to each movie and its own storytelling. My biggest issue is the whole 3rd Act of this film. From what began in Act 1 as “little” Chiron leans on Wan (Mahershala Ali) to be his father-like figure and closest confidant and the swinging to Act 2 with Chiron dealing with the drama of High School and being bullied, Act 3 is simply boring and predictable. What was a visceral outpouring of raw emotions and struggles turns to a melodramatic daytime soap that leaves you saying at the end, “Really? I waited for that to be the end?” There’s little resolution and what hurts most is it doesn’t tell a convincing final chapter. I’m left with what could have been rather than what was unlike movies of its kind like Boyhood that develop the character fully from start to a satisfying finish.
Overall Grade: B-
Projected Awards: Writing (Adapted Screenplay) and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali)
7. Lion – Based on a true story: In 1986, Saroo, a five-year-old child in India, accidentally gets trapped in a moving decommissioned passenger train that takes him 1500 miles away from home. Now totally lost in an alien urban environment, Saroo is selected to be adopted by a family in Tasmania however as he begins adulthood he finds himself plagued by his memories of his lost family. 25 years later he embarks on the search of a lifetime for his first family on a journey of finding home and steadfast love across a vast planet. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Dev Patel), Best Supporting Actress (Nicole Kidman), Cinematography, Original Score, and Best Writing [Adapted Screenplay].
This was the last of the nine Best Picture nominees that I saw this Oscar season and I assumed that it would rest at the bottom of my list seeing as how nobody has watched this film. But holy smokes, this is an amazing movie that will make you laugh, cry, giggle, and want to run behind the couch because of its whirlwind of emotions. Get ready to have your heart knocked over for a movie that is tailor-made for the Academy’s love for this kind of film and too should be one that opens your heart as well.
What grabbed me most in the movie was its amazing cinematography! Every shot in this movie is marvelous to sit back and see with awe as first time director (yeah you read that right) Garth Davis’ first full-length film delivers straight to your eyes. The captivating shots of India along with the beautiful framing of the camera in every facial shot with Sunny Pawar/Dev Patel’s portrayal of Saroo, you will be astounded with what a great filmmaker can do with just the right shot. The music in this movie is also surprisingly great as there are themes echoed all throughout that play wonderfully with our own ears as we the audience are remembering Saroo’s past as he is on screen. And the director saves all the goodies for the end when right before the credits roll you see the real-life story playing out on screen with the real Saroo – – – here come the waterworks again!
I have to also give high remarks to Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel for their characterizations of Saroo. Sunny does a fantastic job of telling you the story with his eyes and his child-like attitude. He makes you giggle and your heart breaks for him during this tragedy that can only be described as unimaginable. In India, over 80,000 children go missing each year and there are over 11 million children living on the streets. What kid can’t make you smile when he’s got an accident and acts all innocent? Dev Patel (who most people will immediately recognize from Slumdog Millionaire) shows that he is not a one-trick pony either. Dev Patel had to develop a new physique to portray Saroo and spent several hours in the gym to look the part. He also grew a beard and developed an Australian accent (with Tasmanian dialect), visited Saroo’s orphanage in India and wrote a diary while he took the original train ride that young Saroo accidentally took as a child. In total, he spent eight months preparing for the role. That commitment comes across in gold on the big screen by both actors. I also would’ve liked a better name for the film. I get why it’s called Lion (now that the pre-credit text told us after waiting 2 whole hours), but I sort of like the original novel title A Long Way Home written by Saroo himself years after the events we view in the film.
From the wowing beginning to the heartfelt end, the middle is where this movie can drift apart. I was engaged for the most part but if you aren’t tied in at the start then the center of this film can seem to drag or become emotionless. It’s not that Patel or Kidman’s performances are lack-luster, it just seems that the emotional toll isn’t there to ground the film centrally. But if you’re a mom of boys or if you or know someone who has been through the adoption process – this movie dives deep into those respective topics in ways many films have not done so previously. Adoption isn’t as easy as it looks. And there are heartaches and questions that this film asks that we too need to ponder.
Words like adoption, family, and unconditional love, all play vital roles in the biblical Gospel story and are beautifully captured in this saga. As I watched there were certain parables (Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son, etc.) that flashed in my mind watching the life of Saroo discover who he is at the core. He’s discovering for the first time in his life at early adulthood, you have to answer the Big 3 (“Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my purpose?”) From the moment another student asks him in college about his past, he’s off to the races towards the journey to discover his past life and how it collides with the here and now.
Overall Grade: B+
Projected Awards: none I’d guess (but I’m cheering it on in the category of Cinematography!)
6. Arrival – When mysterious spacecrafts touch down across the globe, an elite team – led by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) – is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers – and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. Nominated for Best Picture, Cinematography, Directing (Denis Villeneuve), Editing, Production Design, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Best Writing [Adapted Screenplay].
The first big Oscar blockbuster lands at #6 on my list, though I wish it were higher. This isn’t your A-typical sci-fi or action/adventure sort of movie. It’s got quite a lot of thinking involved and I believe that’s what makes it so re-watchable (of course I’ve only seen it once thanks to the obscured amount of late Oscar movies at the end of the year). Amy Adams is fantastic, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say Oscar-worthy like some have suggested. Jeremy Renner is perfect in these side roles that allow him to not be the star and yet shine brightly alongside a whole host of others like Adams and Whitaker. And Denis Villeneuve (thank goodness I write because I’d butcher saying his name) is amazing once again as he tops the box office and directs yet another Oscar-worthy movie only padding his great résumé of Prisoners, Sicario, and coming soon a new remake of a classic 80’s Harrison Ford movie: Blade Runner 2049. Arrival a mind-bender that will have you rethinking the whole movie and wondering what it all means.
What makes Arrival so wonderful and thought-provoking are the beautiful visuals and gorgeous sweeping shots. For example, the first moment we meet the aliens ship face-to-face is downright amazing as the colors and visuals are just dripping with excitement. I also really appreciated the way this movie is able to tell a well thought out story with the main subject of language. So often in an alien type movie, the premise centers around lasers, CGI battles, and “welcome to Earth” story-lines (hopefully you got the Independence Day reference there). But in this film, Adam’s portrayal of a linguist whose entire goal of communication seems entirely foreign to the world leaders that it will take her to the edge of all that she knows. Before I say something I shouldn’t (even though I want to) this is the kind of movie where the less I say, the better. As the viewer I want you to get the full experience of the movie and its wonderful and brilliant revelations all throughout.
Where I sort of lost track of the movie was Amy Adams performance and the overall structure of the film. Adams is a fantastic actress and she’s got a track record of standout roles (Nocturnal Animals, Man of Steel) but here in this film when the whole weight of the movie rests on her shoulders, I’m not all that impressed. She has such a bland character and yet you’re told to root for her, but there isn’t much that makes me want to back her. For those of you who have seen it, yes, I get the ending and what that means, however, looking back at Adams’ performance to me it’s a bit shaky. What else bothered me was the tagline of the poster: “Why Are They Here?” Such a great tease! But the issue is, we get to that question about halfway through the film and then the story glosses over that main question and jumps to something else entirely. Huh? I think the pacing is what throws off this film from not just being really good but to become an absolute, hands-down incredible motion picture.
Amy Adams’ character and the revelation is the key to seeing the Gospel message of this film. The moment I talk about it, I’ll spoil it for you. So here’s some homework for you! Watch it and find the Gospel in Adams’ character for yourself.
Overall Grade: B
Projected Awards: none
5. Hidden Figures – Based on a true story: As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. These three women quickly rose the ranks of NASA alongside many of history’s greatest minds. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big, beyond anything ever accomplished before by the human race, firmly cemented them in U.S. history as true American heroes. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer), and Best Writing [Adapted Screenplay].
If there is one movie that needed to be told, it had to be Hidden Figures. It’s amazing how these iconic moments of history that many of us hold in such high esteem are missing some of its key characters and this movie looks to rectify those errors. This movie snuck its way in at the end of 2016’s calendar year and deserving so it proudly warrants to be nominated in all three of its categories.
From the opening scene of these three ladies and their broke down car, you know you are gonna be in for quite a ride. I loved how each of these actresses portrayed their real-life counterparts in ways that really hit home for us in today’s culture. The running to the bathroom scene, fighting to take night classes court case, and the moment that Taraji P. Henson’s character puts a room full of white guys in their place is priceless. We as the audience feel their pains, frustrations, and learn to hate Jim Parson’s obnoxious “white-man-supreme” attitude. Aside from these three ladies, I also think Kevin Costner deserves recognition and a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in this film (he probably wouldn’t win against Ali or Bridges, but he’s still so good). His growth and maturity from his opening scene to the finale models the path for a nation to do the same in all roles, for all races, for all people. There’s the Gospel! Galatians adds to that when we read (3:26-28), “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
When it comes to real life stories, I find that when things are taken out of context or added to the film to extend the drama it takes me out of the film. I don’t want to ruin a beloved scene of yours but the issue with the bathrooms was not something Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) experienced, but rather lived by Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). In fact, it was this incident that resulted in Jackson ranting to a colleague which got her placed on the wind tunnel team. Katherine Johnson simply refused to use colored restrooms. It’s the little things like that often get in the way of the true story-line. Away from the film, one small issue I have with the Academy’s nomination is I believe it went to the wrong supporting actress. I felt that Janelle Monáe was the standout star of the film alongside Taraji P. Henson. It’s not that Octavia Spencer was bad – she’s fantastic – she was just out shown by her triad counterpart. Monáe’s character has the better moments and charm that added to an overall better film. But I don’t think that’s the last we’ll see of Janelle Monáe. She also was in Moonlight as Wan’s boyfriend (played by Mahershala Ali who’s also in this film! – What a fun coincidence!)
Overall Grade: A-
Projected Awards: none
4. Hacksaw Ridge – Based on the true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), the conscientious objector who, at the Battle of Okinawa, won the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery and regard for his fellow soldiers. From his upbringing and that shaped his views, especially his religious view and anti-killing stance to Doss’s trials and tribulations after enlisting in the US Army, and overcoming criticisms to become a medic for a battle of hell on Earth that was Hacksaw Ridge. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Andrew Garfield), Director (Mel Gibson), Editing, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing.
It’s been a long time coming to see a gritty war film that combines the heart of Saving Private Ryan with the realistic and horrific mess accompanying war like that of Black Hawk Down. Mel Gibson helms this stunning retelling of Doss’ greatest achievement without firing a single shot. I’m gonna jump ahead here and just instantly praise this film for its beautiful sweeping portrayal of the Gospel in the midst of wartime pain. The central theme revolves around Doss’ fight against the pressures of his fellow comrades to adhere to a “certain” set of rules. But that’s not how Doss sees it. And so the division begins. His passionate line of dialogue while saving his fellow friends and enemies “Lord, help me get one more,” strikes at the heart of viewers and reminds each of us of that saving grace we’ve received even if we did not deserve it. The realism of the battle scenes along with its gripping story make it a must watch for the 2016 year!
You can tell a good movie when you feel yourself debating what you believe as the film progresses. One moment you support the antagonist and before you know it you’re pulling for the protagonist – great films will do that. At the start, it’s very easy to side with Doss, because we as the audience feel we should and Garfield does a phenomenal job being lovable while also displaying humility, boldness, courage, and faithfulness against all odds. But as the story unfolds, I found myself saying, “Yeah Doss! Your stance is hurting your fellow man who’s willing to die for you. Why won’t you fight for him!?!?” That tension comes from stellar characters, well thought out directing, and wonderful supporting roles that fill in the gaps. Vince Vaughn and Hugo Weaving deliver standout performances that add to the richness of the overall story.
Not much goes wrong here in this film from my opinion. I’ve heard and read some complaints that the theme of faith overwhelms the broader story, but in my opinion, it is as integral as any other major theme in the film. It stands out because Doss stands out as a person of hope for all who see him coming to save their lives. “No greater love than this: that a man would lay down his life for another.” Others are put off and turned away due to the extremely graphic nature of war that Mel Gibson portrays. That shouldn’t be a surprise though – It’s Mel Gibson. Have you seen Braveheart? Apocalypto? The Passion of the Christ? Notice a trend of blood and violence? That’s Gibson’s style and yes it should make us say “Eww!” Welcome to the brutality of war and cost of freedom. The battle scenes in Hacksaw Ridge are among the most violent captured on film – and also the most urgent. This movie is easily a top 5 war movie of all time due in major part to Gibson’s stirring camera work and practical effects.
Overall Grade: A
Projected Awards: none (might grab one of the Sound awards but it’d be a surprise)
3. La La Land – Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars. As success mounts for each of them in their own separate worlds they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair. The dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart. Nominated for (a whole lot): Best Picture, Best Actor (Ryan Gosling), Best Actress (Emma Stone), Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing (Damien Chazelle), Editing, Best Score, Best Song [2 nominations], Production, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and finally Best Writing [Original Screenplay].
A love letter to the Hollywood of old this is the odds-on favorite to win just about every single award at the Oscars this coming Sunday night. This epic found a way to grab 14 nominations (some of which are multiples in a single category) tying the all-time record held by Titanic and All About Eve. It even has a chance to etch its name in the record books if it can grab 11 wins currently shared by Ben-Hur, Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Who knows, it might win 12 and become the new standard! But honestly, as my wife and I watched this love story unfold I’m blown away and shocked by the sheer number of nominations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful story with amazing camera work, elaborate dance scenes, and music that will make you hum all day long, but it falls under the same blemishes Slumdog Millionaire did – over-hyped to a fault that is beginning to hurt the image of this masterpiece. It’s great, even amazing. But it’s not the best film ever made, not even close.
The positives begin the moment this movie begins. A wondrous single shot of fun, love, and a call-back to the roaring 20’s of music sets the stage for excitement. After the big opening, we’re drawn into our two main characters whose chemistry between Stone and Gosling bubbles and drips every moment they are together. What an amazing pairing and to think that at one point the pairing was set to star Miles Teller and Emma Watson. Teller was dropped from the project in favor of Ryan Gosling, while Watson dropped out to pursue other projects (Beauty and the Beast). Teller previously starred in director Damien Chazelle’s first Oscar-winning feature Whiplash (2014) which I honestly believe is a better film than La La Land and is more rewatchable. This movie deserves a heaping of praise for its ingenuity, storytelling, and memorable moments (Stone’s Audition scene is haunting, spine-tingling, and magical all at the same time). Be ready to be swept up in a magical story that reminds us of loves first budding.
The Gospel can be a bit muddled in this film because it doesn’t end the way a romance or musical should end. Where I felt my heart leading was the story of Sebastian’s (Gosling) love of jazz. I played jazz music in high school and enjoy from time to time my jazz Pandora station while working at my desk. Sebastian though knows jazz music is dying and his heart aches to reorient the eyes of the culture towards the love they once had. Our culture has done the same to Christianity. My heart aches for the lackluster of a culture that admits to wanting something more yet too often the church plays the same old tune rather than be fresh. We have to find a way to use the timeless story of God’s love and practically provide steps towards a thriving life in Christ.
Overall Grade: A
Projected Awards: *10 WINS* including BEST PICTURE, Best Actress (Emma Stone), Cinematography, Director (Damien Chazelle), Editing, Best Score, Best Song (“City of Stars” – though I like “Audition” better), Production, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Writing [Original Screenplay]
2. Manchester By the Sea – After the death of his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler), Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked to learn that Joe has made him sole guardian of his nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Taking leave of his job, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea to care for Patrick, a spirited 16-year-old and is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife Randi (Michelle Williams) and the community where he was born and raised. Bonded by the man who held their family together, Lee and Patrick struggle to adjust to a world without him. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Casey Affleck), Best Supporting Actor (Lucas Hedges), Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams), Directing (Kenneth Lonergan), and Best Writing [Original Screenplay].
If you or someone you love has been through a major heartache in their life and/or suffers from Depression – this movie will hit home and hit hard. I heard about this movie when it first came out that critics and audience members left the theaters many times in absolute silence. It’s not often that a movie can emotionally affect people the way that Manchester By the Sea does. This film delivers affecting drama and is abundantly filled with full-bodied characters from Affleck, Williams, Hedges, and a host of others who create a well rounded somber heart, marking another strong step forward for writer-director Kenneth Lonergan. A fun fact about this film: Affleck’s character was originally going to be played by Matt Damon (The Martian, Bourne series) but Damon had to drop out as the lead because of a slew of other commitments that would have delayed production for years. He recruited his childhood friend and former co-star in Good Will Hunting, Casey Affleck, to take his place and stayed on as a producer to assist Lonergan.The Gospel message rings true with themes all throughout of forgiveness, mercy, support, and family. The flashback scenes of Chandler and his brother lay the foundation for what happens when we lose someone close to us.
What I loved most about Manchester is Affleck’s performance and its genuine transparency we as the viewers are permitted into this intimate trauma. As the film starts, we are introduced to the hard-to-like Lee Chandler (Affleck) and are shown visuals that tell us we are to like him. But in the first hour, I found myself saying, “Why should I like him? He’s a jerk to everyone he meets including his own family.” And then it hits you – a 10-minute scene halfway through that breaks your heart. It’s disturbing, heartbreaking, and horrific. From that moment on your view of Chandler changes from apathetic to empathetic. The detail to which we are allowed into this sorrowful drama feels like we as the audience are intruding and almost too close, but that’s what Lonergan wants. I LOVED this movie; what it did to my soul still sits with me. However, I’m not sure I want to watch it again.
Who wants to subject themselves to watching this movie, again and again, knowing what hurt they’re about to witness? With a hurtful storyline and a torturous (in a good way) performance by Affleck, I find myself staying away from a second viewing because I know it wrecked me the first time. Maybe this illustration will paint a better picture: I remember when I was in college and binging my way through the NBC drama ER, I came across an episode called “Love’s Labor Lost” (1.19) where Dr. Mark Greene encounters the case of a pregnant woman suffering from complications that severely threaten her life as well as her unborn baby. And the results are bad…really bad. I mentioned to my parents that I had finished that episode and was floored. Immediately I could see in their eyes all the emotions of what that episode had done to me and still did to them. They said they couldn’t watch it again because it still makes them emotional just thinking about it. That’s what Manchester By the Sea does to its viewers. It’s painful and tragic, yet it’s cut with elements of humor and laughter. Just like life.
One brief gripe I had with this film – I want more Michelle Williams! She was AMAZING in this role and I wish she could have had more screen-time then what she got. She’s maybe on screen for 10 minutes in total. If her role was double than what it is now she could easily be the front-runner for Best Supporting Actress.
Overall Grade: A+
Projected Awards: Best Actor (Casey Affleck) and I’m pulling for Michelle Williams to pull an upset.
1. Hell or High Water – Texas brothers -Toby (Chris Pine), and Tanner (Ben Foster), come together after years divided to rob branches of the bank threatening to foreclose on their family land. Justice seems to be theirs until they find themselves on the radar of Texas Ranger, Marcus (Jeff Bridges) looking for one last grand pursuit on the eve of his retirement. As the brothers plot a final bank heist to complete their scheme, and with the Rangers on their heels, a showdown looms at the crossroads where the values of the Old and New West murderously collide. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Jeff Bridges), Editing, and Writing [Original Screenplay].
The most underrated movie of this Oscars season, in my opinion, should be recognized as the best film of this stellar bunch. This movie was hardly talked about when it came out at the end of the summer blockbuster season in August. I didn’t get a chance to see it till later on, but the moment I sat down I felt like I was a kid again watching old slow-burn dramas with amazing storytelling with my dad. The acting is some of the best you’ll see all year on the big screen which makes Hell or High Water a splendid contemporary western on wheels – dramatic, sensitive and humane by all accounts.
What makes this film so stunning and landing at #1 overall in my Best Pictures is the emotional richness of all the main characters performances. I’ve loved Chris Pine in just about everything he does from his work as Captain Kirk in the new Star Trek series along with smaller movies like Unstoppable. Here his emotionless tone and yet strong family obligational feelings tie in so well to make him likable. Ben Foster also gives a transformational performance where I completely bought who he was from the first moment till the end credits. Jeff Bridges is just downright awesome in this movie as the almost retired Texas Ranger who’s got one last ride in him. He’s still got that True Grit accident that I’m gonna need subtitles for, but he is hilarious nonetheless while at the same time passionate about his work and his partner who’s gonna be sore after all of the jabs from Bridges. In each of these duos (Pine-Foster & Bridges-Birmingham), there’s an undercurrent of depth that has a slow-burn feel of love to it all. They each have care, compassion, and commitment to their partner and it takes them to places where only family is allowed to go.
The other great part about Hell or High Water is the attention to a great story. The writing in this piece is phenomenal and I wish the Academy would recognize that come Oscar night, but that’s doubtful against the high and mighty La La Land. Some people may not like a slower story, but for me, it completely works and the ending emotional climax is earned because of the friendships you’ve bared witness to all throughout. It’s a film that’s got everything from action-packed scenes that leave you breathless to wonderful storytelling and dialogue that’ll bust your gut from laughter. The Gospel story is essentially “how far would you go for the ones you love?” What a great question that can easily be tied into an illustration of Jesus and the depth of his love.
To me it’s no issue, but like I said the slow pace could hinder some viewers come replay. It’s not your A-typical popcorn stuffing blockbuster and many saw this film sort of dangle at the end of down summer season wondering if it’d be the same old shtick as before. But this movie delivers on all points to me and many more people should add this to their watch-list because it’s probably the best film of this past year. I’d absolutely recommend this film not only for those who like bank robberies and persecutions, but also those who enjoy a good, well-narrated film with a clever script and fantastic direction.
Overall Grade: A+
Projected Awards: none (but don’t count out Bridges as the Academy could see this Supporting Actor award as a lifetime achievement)
More Reviews:
What do you think of the Best Picture Nominees? Is there one that you thought should have been nominated over the others? My biggest snub is I believe John Goodman should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 10 Cloverfield Lane. (Who cares if it came out in March and not during “Oscar season”!?!)
What about the other categories: What’s your favorite animated picture from this year’s nominees? Mine is Zootopia but I’d love to hear your thoughts about what you liked.
What have you recently seen where you saw the Gospel? Feel free to share your thoughts on this show as well as other likes/dislikes/Gospel moments you saw in the film (remember don’t spoil it for others who haven’t seen it yet). And SHARE this post with others to keep the conversation going! Plan a movie night and then talk about your thoughts over dessert or extra popcorn!
Don’t forget to stay in touch here on our website as well as at our church! Feel free to comment AND SHARE on what you agree with, what challenges you here, or push back a little on what I’ve said. Don’t want to miss out on new posts? Be sure to check back for more Monthly Snapshots (always on the 1st of the month), “The Gospel According to…” reviews, and lots of other great things here on our church website and blog!
Leave a Reply