Best Picture Nominees — Moonlight


We are just a few days away from this year's Academy Award telecast. Nine films are vying for the top prize in film, and in the run up to the awards I've been taking a look at their chances. We've reached the final two, in this case the films I think have the best shot at winning the top prize. Today is a tale of growing up from the mean streets of Miami.

Moonlight
Starring: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes
Director: Barry Jenkins
Total Nominations: Eight
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ali), Best Supporting Actress (Harris), Best Adapted Screenplay (Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney), Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score
About: "Moonlight" is one of the top contenders, and is a film that could very will win the top prize. From a social and political standpoint,  it's on point. The film is about a young black man coming of age in the streets of Miami. His mother is an addict, his only role model is a drug dealer, and his only friend is subject to the fickle whims of popularity. The film, in three slices, shows the story of this boy and his struggles with growing up. And did I mention he happens to be gay in a time, place, and culture where that could get you beat up or worse? It's a powerful story that centers on a single question, "who are you?" It's oft repeated, and the film is meant to be an exploration of one man's journey to answer that question. I didn't love this film, but I appreciated the craft. And I think it will win a few awards on Sunday night. While I don't see it winning the three technical awards, or Harris coming out on top in the Supporting Actress race, it's a strong contender in the other four. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jenkins win for directing, though I think that likely goes to Damien Chazelle. But I think Jenkins and writing partner McCraney will win for Adapted Screenplay. I also think Ali is the front-runner in the Best Supporting Actor race, and I think he should win. Finally, "Moonlight" has a decent chance at Best Picture. I don't think it ends up on top, but it would be my second-place finisher.
Rating: R for some sexuality, drug use, brief violence, and language throughout.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.
Where to See It: "Moonlight" is now playing nationwide.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju...
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve...
Read more