A Late-Week Poll
And a quick Oscars take from Brian
Hi all, sorry for the lack of midweek quick-hits this week, we promise we’ll double up next week. But we wanted to reach out to get your opinion on something.
We’re really trying to grow this Substack and can’t tell if posting our longer essays is on Saturday or Sunday is better for people. Perhaps mid-week? We’d love to get your thoughts on which day of the week you’d prefer to read the longer, more involved posts. Also, please sound off in the comments with any other advice or concerns you may have. We want this to be an interactive space that evolves with our readership. Thanks!
A quick one from Brian
Watch: I’m trying to get through all the Best Picture nominees before the Oscars, but it’s tough when your family watches old Survivor episodes every night and you’re too tired to stay up past 10. Thus far I’ve seen six out of ten: F1, Hamnet, Sinners, One Battle After Another, Frankenstein, and Marty Supreme. Out of those, I think my top three are Sinners, OBAA, and Marty. F-1 was fun but kinda crazy that it got nominated. Frankenstein made me feel like I was covered in black goo. And Hamnet felt like an exercise in how much a director can make an audience cry. I really dug One Battle, but it was a little too hyped up— people told me it was the best film of the decade, and I was expecting Magnolia or There Will Be Blood level PT Anderson, but it felt more like a Tarantino film. In my opinion. Which is great, I love Tarantino, I think I was just expecting a little deeper thematic work. There are definitely themes, but they’re kinda on the nose. I also really liked Marty. Little Timmy is proving himself to be a hell of an actor. The pace and the specifics of the film were thrilling. All the small supporting roles were filled by super interesting people and the ping pong scenes were a blast. But as of right now, I think Sinners may be my top choice. It was just such a bold movie with such great acting by Michael B. Jordan, and it was so beautifully shot. Plus, anytime someone takes such a big swing by blending genres like that, I think they automatically get bonus points.
I’m hoping to see all the contenders by next Sunday. But you know… sleep.
What about you? What’s your top choice? Of the ones I haven’t seen, which one is not to be missed?
Oscar voter here and I’ve seen them all (I had to in order to vote - new rule this year - we have to actually watch all the films!! Imagine that!) my favorite hands down was Hamnet and that was a film I was dreading because I have two boys and kids dying in films is, well, hard. But it was so masterfully directed and beautifully performed, my husband and I cried the whole time but also were in awe of the skill and storytelling. The rest in order are One Battle, Sinners, Sentimental Value, Secret Agent (I think you might like both of these). Didn’t care for Marty Supreme.
I totally agree with your movie takes, Brian! Except I did really love Frankenstein. I thought OBAA was over-praised. Sinners is incredible and I agree #1. Really enjoyed Marty Supreme too.