#maceyreviewsbestpicturenominees

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Macey’s Review of Best Picture Nominees 2023*

2022

*Now featuring Crying Factor! 

Women Talking: 10/10

Words cannot describe how I felt watching this movie. It takes place in the span of one day and is literally just women talking, yet it felt like the stakes were higher than any action movie that came out this year. It was my first watch of the season and it is a strong contender. I wish they could have brought August with them.  Crying Level: 3/5 though it was more like I was shell shocked. 

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once: 9.8/10

This movie made me sob. It made me laugh. It made me uncomfortable, but damnit if it didn’t have the best message out of all these movies. Did it top Women Talking for me? YOU CAN’T COMPARE THE TWO, WHOSE IDEA WAS THAT? The ONLY reason is is not getting a solid 10 is because of the butt plug scene and the hot dog fingers in the mouth. Crying Factor 5/5 I was not expecting to bawl my eyes out and want to change my life 

The Banshees of Inisherin: 7/10 

This movie aggravated me to no end at how bleak everything was. What did we learn from this movie? That if you are depressed, ruining someone else’s life isn’t going to make you feel better. That I want a hook on a stick. And if someone threatened to sever a finger every time I talked to them, I would go out of my way to talk to them every time I saw them. I’m not getting hurt, good luck doing things without fingers mate. Crying Factor: 3/5 Friendship breakups are harder than regular ones. And donkey deaths are harder than regular ones too. 

Tar: 4/10

It is important to remind people that I am dumb and some movies are just too psychological for me. Even the internet seems confused about what the purpose of this film was. I was so bored and I don’t trust Cate Blanchet ever. Even in Lord of the Rings. Crying Factor: 0/5 unless you count when I saw how long this movie was

Top Gun Maverick: 8/10 

Don’t be fooled, this is a sports movie. I know what Harry Styles meant now when said “it feels like a movie” cause this sure is a movie. It has drama, romance, great music, Miles Teller; Grade A casting right there, damn that was spot on for Goose’s son. I bet if you grew up watching Top Gun (unlike me) this was equivalent to me watching the Force Awakens in theaters. Is it Oscar worthy? No. But is it a good time? Yes. Crying Factor: 2/5, personally it didn’t hit for me but for others it might

Triangle of Sadness: 5/10

This is parasite all over again. You root for no one, everyone sucks, life sucks and the ending is of course open ended which sucks. Stupid film festival movies. The only character I somewhat liked was YaYa because I felt like she respected the grind. Minus points for making me sea sick, minus points for killing children, and minus a thousand because I could see the dead lady breathing. Crying Factor: So much death, yet you have no one to grieve. 

All Quiet on the Western Front: 7/10         

It’s nice of filmmakers to remind us at least once a year that war sucks. What does this movie have versus others? Daniel Bruhl, and outstanding debut performance by the lead actor, and cinematically amazing. But in a few years will I remember this movie or the greatest beer run ever? I think you know the answer. Crying Factor: 3/5 you don’t love the characters enough to mourn them.

Elvis: 8/10 

It took about twenty minutes to remember that this was a Baz Lurhmann film and I was not having drug induced hallucinations. Luckily it calmed down about halfway through. The ending though, with “Unchained Melody” and the real Elvis footage, that is how you end a biopic people! Crying Factor: 2/5 I really love “Unchained Melody”

The Fablemans 7/10 

#LET MICHELLE WILLAMS BE IN A HAPPY MARRIAGE #AND GET HER INTO THERAPY.  The beginning was just darling when he was a little guy and I kind of wish that the plot focused only on his filmmaking and not the rest of his messed up life. Crying Factor: 1/5, maybe if you can relate to little not Stephen, then you would get misty eyed, but I was just pissed as hell at the mother. 

Avatar Way of Water: 7/10 

You go through a lot of phases watching this movie. First you are unerved from the CGI. Then you get used to it and you are like okay this is a compelling story. Then you get unnerved because wtf the whales speak sign language? Then you accept that because this movie is literally whack, of course they speak sign language. Then the last 45 minutes you go back and forth between wow this is a good final battle to wait it’s still not over? But one things stay the same the whole 3 Hours: the feeling to scream JAKE YOU DUMBASS at your screen. Crying Factor: 4/5 That scream from Zoe Saldana tears you in two, even if it is coming from a computer generated alien

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Macey Reviews Best Picture Nominees 2024

Barbie: 7/10

I think I need to watch this movie again. I saw it when it first came out and went in looking for "Lego Movie" vibes. I should have watched in with "Oscar Movie" vibes. What I liked: Colorful, music, experience of people dressing up to go. What I didn't like: the founder being a ghost (?), the real world didn't follow real world rules, the plot being here, there, and everywhere. I have so many mixed feelings.

Oppenheimer: 10/10

I knew so very little going into this movie, and now I can tell you everything about this guy. Non-linear movies when done correctly are my favorite, because the smallest things become plot twists. And the scene where they test the bomb? AMAZING. That is CINEMA.

The Holdover: 7/10

It was a good movie, don't get me wrong. There funny moments, there were heartwarming moments. But was it stand out? Did it meet the standards of an extraordinary movie? Not really.

Maestro: 5/10

Don't be fooled; it is neither a romance nor a musical nor about Leonard Cohan that someone made me believe. This movie is pure Oscar bait, and as a world, there are some people that we don't need to make biopics about. This composer who yes was gay but also cheated on his wife a shit ton is not the story we need to hear. Here's what this movie does have going for it: the leads. Bradley Cooper proves again that I don't know what his real voice sounds like, and Carey Mullinger proves that I don't know what she actually looks like. Now Maya Hawke...is not like that. Sorry Maya, you brought me out of the movie.

The Zone of Interest: 7/10

It's one of those movies were you don't want to say "that was a good movie" because...it's deeply unsettling. The pace is soooo slow that I struggled to keep focused. Yet this movie is very poignant and speaks loudly. The fact that you never see any horrors, yet is easily one of the most sickening holocaust movies you'll see makes this movie worth the watch.

American Fiction: 9/10

Me the first twenty minutes: "Ahaha this movie is funny-wait what." I liked this movie a lot; it's humorous, it's got heart, and lots of things to think about. You will every piece of media you have ever consumed as a white person, even a movie on this list...but that is how you end a movie!

Past Lives: 8/10

This movie was so incredibly real, if that makes sense. Not relatable to me AT ALL, but I'm like yep. That's life. I shed a tiny tear, I did. And the cinematography was just perfect. But also...I don't like real life. I want movies where I can pretend that real life does have big, dramatic, love stories. GIVE ME DRAMATIC HAPPY LOVE STORIES DAMNIT.

Poor Things: 9/10

This movie was unhinged, I loved it. The Steampunk-esque setting was a real vibe. The entire plot was new and exciting. HOWEVER there was too much sex, and Europe had it right to cut that scene with the young boys. Very unnecessary . And the last like thirty minutes felt excessive.

Killers of the Flower Moon: 10/10

This movie is long, yet I felt like it went at such as pace that you don't notice it as much. I mean it was years worth of murders they needed to cover. The acting all around was amazing, and I want to stay away from white men now.

Anatomy of a Fall: 9/10

Another movie that is labeled something it is not; it is not a thriller. It is slow, but very tense crime drama. I actually forgot I was watching an oscar movie for a little bit and I was like thinking of all these plot twists. Yeah don't overthink it, it's not a criminal minds episode. Still, very well done and that child actor was amazing!

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Macey Reviews Best Picture Nominees 2020

(in the order that I watched them)

Jo Jo Rabbit: Hilarious but gut wrenching, I mean actually gut wrenching.  What other movie does that?  It was my first watch, but I already know it will be my pick 25/10

The Irishman: Two hours too long. Mobster movies are so dull to me even though they are supposed to be so violent.  We get it already Hollywood.  Mobsters are supposed to mean well but they are the worst. 4/10

Parasite: What was this movie? Who cam up with this idea? Did he actually get the house in the end or was it his imagination? Is there a moral to this story? Is it to earn your keep the hard way and not cheat? Is it to always background check all your employees?  WHAT THE HECK? 6/10 

Marriage Story: I knew this story was about divorce.  Why was I crying about the fact that they get a divorce? They are both assholes! 5/10 

Joker: and this movie is supposed to be taking place in the same universe as time travel, aliens, and other cool shit....yeah ok. To quote Brooklyn Nine-Nine: “Cool motive, still murder.” 6/10 

Ford vs Ferrari: I am 100% a sucker for these kinds of movies. This movie made me have a lot of feelings. First of all, I didn’t realiaze that was Christian Bale until the 59 minute mark and that’s because I was looking at IMDb for the wife. Christian Bale scares me, that chameleon of a man. Second of all, I know it’s a true story but they could have ended it early. Spare me. 10/10 

1917: Yep. Twas a war movie. 8/10 for Richard Madden and Tommen being brothers. 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: I found it kind of dull until the end and the flamethrower. It was just...alright? I didn’t find any of it special, but it did like that it had one last FUCK YOU to Charles Manson 7/10 

Little Women:  Full disclosure, I had not read Little Women. I am ashamed.  HOWEVER, it was quite an enjoyable movie.  Great casting, wonderful blending of two spots in time (from what I understand the two parts of the book).  Jo and Laurie’s friendship was everything.  9/10 

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Macey’s Reviews Best Picture Nominees 2019

(In no particular order cause they were all lovely)

BlackKKlansman: Who knew that Adam Driver playing a dull white guy could be so much fun? 7/10 

Roma: Beautiful film and I love it I really do, but naked man doing martial arts was not something I ever wanted to see. 9/10 

Bohemian Rhapsody: I love Rami Malek so much, and even I forgot that he wasn’t Freddie tbh, are we sure that they are not actually Queen and we used a time machine to get them? 9/10 

Green Book: Lets get this out of the way. Yes that was Arwin from Suite Life of Zack and Cody, where you been dude? Problematic to some, but I thought it was alright.  9/10

Black Panther: Bro you know that this one would be the only 10/10 on this list, Wakanda Forever 10/10

Vice: I am starting to think that Christian Bale is some kind of shapeshifter. What does he even look like for real? Least favorite probably, 5/10.

The Favourite: The cast was great, I can see why they dominating the worlds. But Emma Stone was rude AF in this movie and it made me uncomfortable like she should never take roles like that because she is an angel. 7/10

A Star Is Born: I’ll be honest, this movie was triggering for me so I did not watch the full thing.  But like it was OK I guess, I like the music 6/10. 

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Macey Reviews Best Picture Nominees 2022

(In order that I watched them)

2018 2019 2020 2021

I used to keep these shortened to one or two sentences but whatever here we are

DON''T LOOK UP:

I could go one about how this was a great commentary on how society works in this day and age. OR I could rant about how Leo's wife was so supportive and he did no deserve her forgiveness. But instead I will say that I once again fell in love with Timothee Chalamet's character and at this point I am worried for my mental health. 8/10

THE POWER OF THE DOG:

A surprising strong contender! It left many questions and after doing some research I believe that if I were to read the book, some would be answered. BUT I was not expecting a western drama with homoerotic tones and a lovable sociopath when I started this movie. 8/10

NIGHTMARE ALLEY:

Very bleak movie. Bradley Cooper's acting ability scares me. All I can say that is I too would fall in love with a carnie if he slow danced with me in the middle o the night on a carousel. Also revenge is never the answer, but good for her. 7/10

DUNE:

I honestly could not tell you how I feel about this. It makes me want to read the book and then watch it again to appreciate what is happening. But as stated before, if Timmy is in it, that earns five points automatically. 7/10

WESTSIDE STORY:

It's a musical, of course I loved it! Though it feels like cheating because it was obviously very similar to the original. I wish they would have changed it so instead of her brother getting killed it was a cousin. Because I would not sleep with someone who just murdered my brother. It wasn't even manslaughter, it was clearly murder. But if it was my cousin who he murdered...different story. Especially if the murder scaled my fire escape to sing to me. Damn that was attractive. 9/10

LICORICE PIZZA:

The plot made no sense; there was no point to the movie which was hella annoying. The aesthetic of the 70s was nice. BUT LET'S ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. That age gap. Was. Disgusting. Why make him 15? Why her 25? It could have been the same movie with her 17. WTF. It also feels almost wrong giving it a 5, but it was somewhat entertaining so 5 is the highest I will go. 5/10

BELFAST

This movie grows on you as you watch! It was beautiful, cinematically, and I quite liked it. The child was adorable. BUT this movie is supposed to be *based* on Kenneth's childhood right? HE HAS A SISTER. IMAGINE BEING HER. His older brother gets a character based on him but nope not her. WTF KENNETH. 8/10

KING RICHARD

I was uneasy going into this movie because I have a lot of feelings about overbearing sports parents. This movie did not change that. And after googling some stuff, you find out Richard abandoned his other kids and also is no longer with their mother. And he had another child in 2012. Lost a point for all of that. 7/10

CODA

It comes as no surprise that I bawled at this movie. When she sang to her dad and he put his fingers on her throat to feel it? Beautiful movie and I would 100% watch it again. 10/10

DRIVE MY CAR

This movie is the most Oscar-esque movie of the list. It’s a little two long. It’s got great quotes like “I hated her but I felt other things too”. It’s got very little color. It’s got characters that do not act like real people should. I mean I haven’t been to Japan, but I believe theater people everywhere are similiar and there is no way they wouldn’t be freaking the fuck out if a castmember got arrested for murder that close to opening night. And it’s got an ambigious ending that you are totally going to google to try and make sense of. 9/10 

BONUS MOVIE: Tick, Tick....Boom! 

Wow, I am going to see if Jonathon and Susan ever got back together in real life. *Susan and Michael were fictionalized characters* I AM SO DONE WITH THESE FAKE ASS BIOGRAPHIES 10/10 

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Macey’s Best Picture Nominee Reviews 2021

No one reads these but I post anyways 

Trial of the Chicago 7: How I love a good courtroom drama. I loved watching it, but they reallllly took some liberties with the real story.  Solid movie but...so much was fictionalized. 7/10 

Mank: Cool aesthetic, made me sleepy. Historical accuracy was a little rough there in the middle 6/10 

Nomadland: Was there some cool shots? Yes. But it was so boring, I spaced out so much. Like I can’t express how bored I was. 3/10  

The Sound of Metal: Such a great concept! I don’t like the whole hearing vs cochlear implant in irl either but we won’t get into that. It was an 8/10 but due to how nothing really wrapped up at the ending and personally I like nice little ribbons it gets a 7/10 

The Father: Look up premises before watching movies, it helps with understanding. I cried many tears, Anthony Hopkins was amazing. 8/10 . 

Minari: I’m not a fan of artsy films, I’m just not entertained. David and Grandma together is the reason this movie get a higher score 6/10 

Judas and the Black Messiah: I mean...I don’t want to say I liked it because it’s not a happy story, it really makes you sick that so much has not changed since then. Also they fail to mention that the snitch guy was 17 in real life. A literal child. That FBI guy sucked. 9/10 

Promising Young Woman: At first I was like oh she’s a badass. Then I was like Bo Burnham?!? And then I was like wait I don’t like her tactics. Then I was like nevermind that’s okay. Then I was like Bo Burnham. Then I was like WHAT A BADASS. 9/10. 

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Macey Reviews of Best Picture Nominees 2018

*shortened for the sake of everyone reading to one statement

LADYBIRD: This poor girl just cannot catch a break with these guys, she should date her best friend. 8.5/10

DARKEST HOUR: Gary Oldman gets all the awards. 8/10

SHAPE OF WATER: A good movie but uhmmm also WHAT THE FUCK?!? 7/10 for A+ friends

GET OUT: did i just accidentally take acid. 7.5/10

THE POST: How do they make newspapers so exciting? What?  7/10 

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME: This is slow burn smut that someone got published. 9.5/10

DUNKIRK: The only time I wouldn’t of mind Harry Styles had died (RIP MY FRENCH DUDE). 6/10.

3 BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI: The law enforcement in this town all suck, what kinda town is this? 6/10

PHANTOM THREAD: Oh you think this is just another story of the sweet girl changing the douche guy PSYCH THINK AGAIN!!!!!! 5.5/10