This morning, the nominees for this year’s Oscars were announced. There can be anywhere from five to ten nominations for best picture, but I thought seven films really stood out. Here they are, in order:
The Big Sick. A perfect movie. Easily one of the most realistic portrayals of romance. The screenplay should be taught in every screenwriting class – every character faces obstacles and learns something. My favorite movie of the year.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. I voted for this film for best cast for the SAG Awards, and it won. Every actor shows incredible range, and the film is able to be tragic and funny and you wish it went on even longer.
Logan Lucky. A heist movie that is so much fun. The hilariousness is in the details, like when the one-handed character Clyde is sentenced in court, and two bailiffs give each other a perplexed look when they want to cuff him.
Baby Driver. Entirely stylized. Entirely original. It’s like a folk tale, told in modern times, with a kickass soundtrack. You just have a great time watching it.
Dunkirk. A beautiful, epic war movie told from three points of view: air, land and sea. Writer/director Christopher Nolan asked for an unheard of $20 million and 20% of the gross up front, and no one can argue that he didn’t earn it.
Molly’s Game. No one is better at dialogue than my favorite screenwriter ever, Aaron Sorkin. And this was his first time directing. Jessica Chastain’s scenes opposite Idris Elba (who’s never been better) are electric.
All the Money in the World. Interesting that four of my seven favorite movies are based on true stories. But when the real events are incredibly gripping, they almost have to be retold on film. This is an instant classic.
