2025 was a very good year for cinema. There were many excellent films nominated, and many which were not recognized with a nomination. In the end, not every deserving movie or performance can be nominated. Hopefully, these other films were, or will be, rewarded at the box office. Last year, I started this blog stating that I hoped more non typical "Oscar Type" movies would get nominated, which I didn't expect to be likely any time soon. However, the 16 nominations for the genre movie SINNERS, and the inclusion of the formulaic sports movie F1, is certainly a step in that direction. Ultimately, I just hope quality movies, of any genre, get the recognition and appreciation they deserve. The theater going movie industry is in trouble, largely due to the surge in streaming options. So, I hope that quality films continue to bring people to the theater. It will be the box office that determines what happens next. Streaming is great, but I continue to encourage everyone to sit in a theater, in the dark, with strangers, to become immersed in this art form I love.
In this blog I review all of the best picture nominees, and rank them, from best to worst. I enjoyed the top three, maybe four, far more than the rest. I struggled a bit with the order of the first two, but the rest fell into place, more or less easily. I try to keep my opinions relatively brief and spoiler free. For example, it often ends up feeling as if I repetitively mention how great an acting performance was, or how visually stunning a film might be. It's probably safe to say, if a movie gets a Best Picture nomination, it's beautiful, well-acted and well-directed. I am not precious about my opinions or tastes. I welcome criticism. That's the beauty of all art forms; I can enjoy a thing another might despise, with neither being wrong.
2025 being the strong year it was, naturally I saw several non-nominated movies that I truly enjoyed and would recommend. A few of these films fell into a typical genre but were executed in a fresh and atypical way. For example, BALLERINA, starring Ana de Armas, follows a female assassin out for revenge. The film is set in the familiar JOHN WICK universe, including a small part for Keanu Reeves. This world conjures expectations of a certain visual style and of a specific type of action and violence. BALLERINA was a far deeper character exploration, still with excellent action, but defied expectations. PREDATOR: BADLANDS obviously evokes images of prior alien Predators in deadly combat with humans. However, in this movie, unexpectedly a predator is the protagonist. Surprisingly there is really only one significant human character (Elle Fanning). The fight scenes, as well as the integration of futuristic technology, were innovative and interesting. BLACK BAG is a unique look at the espionage thriller. It's a beautifully constructed and brilliantly acted spy vs spy. NUREMBERG seemed like an "Oscar Type" but was somehow overlooked. It's a terrific movie depicting the Nuremberg Trials, after WWII, at which Hermann Goring, among others, were put on trial for war crimes. Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon- need I say more? I'm usually too critical of war movies. Having served myself, I'm more easily distracted by inconsistencies or inaccuracies. WARFARE is a terrific film depicting a horrific day or combat in Ramadi, Iraq. Not having seen action myself, it still felt "real". Finally, for reasons I can't fully define or explain, I enjoyed a quirky little film called THE LIFE OF CHUCK. Of course, I haven't seen many of the other highly regarded movies so, as always, I welcome your recommendations.
1) ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER: What can I say, this is a visually beautiful, violently raw, cartoonishly comedic, culturally relevant, wonderfully acted, perfectly directed movie. Leonardo DiCaprio is probably my favorite actor, so it's no wonder I adore this film. He is at the height of his powers, depicting Bob, a stoner, alcoholic, bomb expert, retired, on the run revolutionary, living off the grid, with his daughter Willa. He's the hero who can't seem to do much of anything right, other than love his daughter. Col. Lockjaw, portrayed by Sean Penn, is his arch enemy, hunting Bob and his daughter, each for a different reason. It's a complicated tale, with multiple characters and plots, with "woke" political motivations, and a 2:41 run time. It's visually gorgeous, beautifully scored, and filled with unparalleled acting performances by countless supremely talented actors. Paul Thomas Anderson is at the Directing helm, and as usual his work is extraordinary. THERE WILL BE BLOOD, BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA and PHANTOM THREAD are all among my all-time favorite movies. I've heard this movie called disjointed, overly complicated, too long, and too woke. I couldn't disagree more. I was captivated start to finish, and only wished it were longer. In an odd way I found parallels to Saturday morning cartoons, with flashes of Bugs Bunny and some Coyote chasing the Roadrunner. The obsessed and physically cartoonish Sean Penn character, with lifts in his shoes, a chase scene culminating in a fall off a roof and through a tree, a bumbling stoner, dressed in his bathrobe, hilariously unable to recall a secret password, an escape through a tunnel, all felt somewhat cartoonish, in a great way. There are just too many wonderful aspects to this movie, to go in to them all. Suffice it to say, this is spectacular movie, worthy of all 13 Oscar nominations.
2) MARTY SUPREME: If ONE BATTLE was a stoner paced movie, this movie was all cocaine and chaos. Timothee Chalamet stars in the title role. He is, in my opinion, the best actor of his generation, following DiCaprio who followed DiNiro. His filmography, at such a young age, is truly awe inspiring. Marty is a driven and relentless ping pong player, obsessed with winning, and willing to do whatever it takes to become the best in the world. I anticipated an uplifting tale of "don't give up on your dreams" and "if you try hard enough you can accomplish anything". What we get instead is a tantalizing tale about the super charming Marty Supreme, a win at all costs narcissist who is willing to manipulate and deceive anyone, including friends and family. He lacks empathy, exhibits poor sportsmanship, and is ultimately a criminal. It wasn't at all what I expected, which made it no less extraordinary. While there were many other excellent performances, the movie is carried by Chalamet. He's the focal point in nearly every scene. The pacing is frenetic and the action chaotic and continuous. A lot of the credit belongs to director Josh Safdie. He may not be a household name, but he did direct UNCUT GEMS and the lesser-known GOOD TIME, both of which I particularly enjoyed. It's obvious how much love and attention everyone involved poured into this film. It's a true thrill ride and adrenaline rush kind of movie; worth all the praise it's gotten.
3) HAMNET: Set in 16th century England, this film is essentially a love story; romantic love, love of family, love of work, love of art, and love of nature. It's also about loss and profound grief. I don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that the movie is loosely based on the life and love of Shakespeare, his family, and how their tragedies inform his writing of Hamlet. I can't say that Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes, Will's wife, was previously on my radar, and I haven't particularly cared for prior director, Chloe Zhao's films. However, Jessie steals every scene she's in. She's the absolute heartbeat of this beautiful, gut wrenching, gorgeous bit of cinema. The vast range of her facial expression is remarkable. When her expression changes to a smile, she truly lights up the screen. Of course, Paul Mescal, is a worthy partner for her and the other powerhouse performances supporting him. This is simply an inspired, gorgeous, romantic, emotional and deeply touching movie.
4) SENTIMENTAL VALUE: I am probably rating this movie higher than I suspect others might. This is a Norwegian (sub-titled) family drama, staring Renate Reinsve (Best Actress nominee) and Stellan Skarsgard (Best Supporting Actor nominee). Gustav is a very successful and driven film director. Nora is his emotionally fragile daughter, making her way as an actress. There are several other strong supporting characters, including her sister, played by Inga Lilleaas and Elle Fanning portraying an established "star" actress (both nominated). Another nomination was awarded to the Director, Joachin Trier. Gustav has always been driven by his work, giving it all of his attention. The cost of his singular focus and ultimate success have alienation him from his family, and left has left them damaged, particularly Nora. Now, with advancing age, Gustav attempts to salvage and restore a relationship with his daughters. He's written a new movie script and hopes to enlist Nora for the leading role. Despite his efforts, it seems he's destined to fail. The beauty of this movie is its quiet honesty and nuance. Unlike other family drama's, there is very little actual drama. There are no shouting matches, no name calling, no emotional manipulation. It is raw when it's painful and generous when it's kind. As a father, it's easy for me to relate to a flawed father who's busy working; knowing deep down what a price his physical and emotional absence exacts. I'm sure others will be more able to identify with Nora, or her sister. There is truth, love, and pain in them all. There is a particularly moving scene in which Nora asks her sister why she's so stable, while she herself is an emotional basket case, despite them both having grown up in the same household. I was deeply invested and moved by this sensitive film. This is an "art movie" in the very best sense.
5) SINNERS: Twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, both brilliantly played by Michael B. Jordan, have a criminally checkered past. They return to their hometown, in order to open a nightclub. Of course, things don't go a planned, with violence and horror, in the form of Vampires, hampering their efforts. I couldn't help feeling there were many similarities to Tarantino's style. I mean this more as a compliment than criticism. Call it an homage. The outlandish costumes, the unexpected and extreme graphic violence, the poetic language, the supporting score, and even Vampires attacking a nightclub, all felt very Tarantino-esque. While this is a thrill ride or a movie, wildly entertaining and fun, worthy of praise and nominations, I'm not sure it quite deserved the 16, most ever, nominations it did receive. I am glad the Academy is rewarding this style of film, but the traditionalist in me, couldn't rank is any higher.
6) BUGONIA: Talk about an actor/performance driven film! Emma Stone (2 prior Oscar wins and 2 other nominations) and Jesse Plemons (1 other nomination) star in this Yorgos Lanthimos (2 other Best Director nominations) Directed conspiracy, alien, thriller. She's a high-powered CEO, and he's a grubby looking conspiracy theorist, living off the grid. He kidnaps her, obsessed with proving that she's actually an alien being. It's wild and crazy in ways Lanthimos seems to have mastered. It's also gripping, tense, suspenseful, sometimes shocking and sometimes hilarious. BUGONIA was extremely entertaining and a joy to watch. I did feel that the final act had a complete change in tone, pacing, and overall feel. It seemed almost as if someone else Directed the ending, leaving it feeling somewhat disjointed.
7) FRANKENSTEIN: I wasn't at all surprised to see this monster movie nominated. I'm sure it's not easy making an original movie about a character we are all so familiar with. That being said, if anyone can Direct a great creature film it's Guillermo del Toro. The movie is absolutely stunning to look at. The visual beauty includes nature, the performers and their costumes, as well as the sets surrounding them. While I enjoyed it overall, it did feel a little empty. I also felt that much of the movie felt "over-wrought" and breathless. Even low stakes conversations seemed loud and unnecessarily argumentative or aggressive. The only tender or subtle scenes were those with an old man in a cabin.... until the wolves show up anyway. In one sequence there is a spotlight on the beauty of a butterfly, which ultimately ends up captured in a jar, under glass. Beauty, it seems, is not allowed to exist. Jacob Elordi is clearly a rising star and excels as the monster. He's worth the price of admission. There is a lot to like about this version of Frankenstein, but in the end, it was a bit lacking.
8) TRAIN DREAMS: It's the early 20th Century and the railroads are cutting their way through the country. Joel Edgerton masterfully portrays Robert, a logger, who is forced to travel, wherever railroad construction takes him. Whenever his funds run dry, he is forced to leave his remote cabin home, his adoring wife, Gladys, played by Felicity Jones, and their darling daughter. At the job site he meets several interesting characters and is put in challenging or dangerous situations. Wiliam H. Macy, in particular, gives a strong, memorable, performance, as one of these incidental fellow loggers. There is a deep sense of isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, and grief. There is limited dialogue but considerable voice over narration. While it's a beautiful and emotional film, in a sense it plays like a poem when I feel a movie should play more like a novel. If you are inclined to deeper "art" films, this one is for you!
9) F1: I enjoyed this movie. It was very entertaining, I didn't check my watch once, and I left the theater with a smile. I really shouldn't complain, after arguing for more "non-Oscar types", but this simply isn't and shouldn't be (in my opinion) an Oscar type. I can't help wondering if there wasn't some other motivation for including F1 in the Best category. The F, in F1, stands for Formula, which is exactly how I would describe this movie. I've said in prior reviews, that the formula exists for a reason, and that is because the formula works. Rom Com and sports movies in particular lend themselves to a formula, which typically starts with some initial excellence, followed by downfall or failure, followed by a grand gesture or effort which then leads to redemption or victory. The strength of performance and action sequences carry this movie, but it just doesn't have the gravitas or excellence a best picture nominee should have...... in my opinion.
10) THE SECRET AGENT: Some movie has to be ranked last, and this was an easy choice. This foreign language film, set in 1977 Brazil, is 2 hours and 41 minutes long. The pacing is very deliberate (read slow), making the run time particularly bothersome. There also seemed to be a lack of a clear plot or character development. It's roughly about a professional man, on the run, seeking refuge in his hometown. After about an hour, I mouthed to my daughter "what is going on?" She replied with a shrug and "I have no idea". The acting was fine, but unremarkably so. In the end it was simply confusing, slow, and boring. I hope someone calls me out and explains why this film is actually worthy.
As always, I welcome your opinions, regardless of if you are in agreement with my opinions or not. I also welcome your thoughts about what else should or maybe should not have been nominated.
