Marsha On the Move: 2020 Oscars Best Pic Recaps
Like many, I can’t wait for this month’s Academy Awards. As I review my thoughts on the Best Picture nominees, I thought you would all enjoy a recap of some of my reviews for the Best Pics. Here’s a snippet of some of my favorites along the way this year. Some of the nominations, I agree with, and some I don’t. Happy Watching!
Like many, I can’t wait for this month’s Academy Awards. As I review my thoughts on the Best Picture nominees, I thought you would all enjoy a recap of some of my reviews for the Best Pics. Here’s a snippet of some of my favorites along the way this year. Some of the nominations, I agree with, and some I don’t. Happy Watching! Ford v. Ferrari:
Vroom Vroom. This is an adrenaline- and testosterone-fueled film, with a captivating plot and an edge-of-your-seat experience for a viewer, that looks at the history of the automobile industry: American vs European, the psychology of the racers and the cut-throat realities of the corporate culture at the time.
Joker:
Although there are other actors in the film, this is really a solo tour de force by Joaquin Phoenix, with incredible personality and physical transformation – and for those of us who are Batman fans, it provides an interesting and engaging perspective on how the Joker came to be the Joker.
Little Women:
This story accomplishes it all. The wonderful acting, gorgeous scenery and costumes, and a stunning musical score transported me to a time in history that was long ago and also so very now. I will be rooting very loudly for Little Women on Oscars night.
Marriage Story:
The pain of divorce… escalation of emotions fueled by lawyers, who greedily add fuel to the fire and depict distorted untrue lives just to win … and most of all, the disruption of parental relationships that inevitably cause pain to children… This well-acted film makes you feel the bitterness, anger and just plain sadness inherent in such situations… even ” good ” ones.
The Irishman:
I regret to say that despite having fantastic acting and historical interest, and being a film true to the time period represented, this way-too-long movie did very little to capture me. It’s worth seeing for the aforementioned, especially DeNiro, Pesci and Pacino… but it follows too many great movies of this genre to really make it.
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood:
This is a multidimensional film – the change in Hollywood, the friendship of two men, professional self-doubt, and especially 50 years after the Manson murders, a fascinating twist. Most of all, it was a treat to see Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt together. I did feel like I was back in the late 1960s, and the 2.5 hours-plus was captivating and entertaining.
Jojo Rabbit:
Despite a clever approach and a wonderful performance by young actor Roman Griffin Davis, this movie didn’t touch my heart or soul the way I really hoped it would. For me personally, it gets a thumbs-down, while recognizing that as a film, it probably deserves a thumbs-up.
Parasite:
A stark representation of the haves and have-nots and what seemingly good people will do to change their life’s path. Many different levels in this rich and artistic movie.
1917:
This is an edge-of-your-seat movie, bringing the watcher into the experience of the location, the conditions and the people. Beautiful cinematography and music, and strong acting. You are with these men in the trenches, and they become part of your heart. Dr. Marsha Gordon is President/CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. When she is not advocating for business, building the economy or creating job opportunities, you can find her at the movie theatre enjoying many different film genres. Most of the time, her husband Eli is with her… except if it is football season or if it is a very slow, sappy movie.
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About Marsha Gordon
When Business Council of Westchester President Marsha Gordon is not advocating for businesses in the County, she can be found at the cinema or theater. Her “Marsha on the Move” column appears monthly in ArtsNews.
