90th Oscars Best Picture Impressions

Can we just pretend that this group includes I, Tonya? And The Big Sick? And Mudbound? And Blade Runner 2049? And Coco? And…

Today, I finally caught up and watched the last of the Best Picture nominees. I’d like to re-watch and review each one before the actual Oscar telecast but in the meantime, here are my Tweet-length impressions of this year’s nominees:

Call Me by Your Name

If you don’t cry, you are dead inside. Michael Stuhlbarg steals the film and Timothee Chalamet should win the Best Actor Oscar. Beautifully directed by Luca Guadanino, this film sticks with you.

Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman WILL win the Oscar for his terrific tour-de-force performance. Director Joe Wright captures some of my favorite shots of the year. Such a solid film.

Dunkirk

Once again, Christopher Nolan proves why he’s the only director whose name can put butts into seats. A gripping, tense look into the psychological battles in war.

Get Out

The most important film of the year, Jordan Peele created an instant classic. An incredible thriller that escalates and never stops.

Ladybird

Greta Gerwig captures real life on film. Saorise Ronan, reminds us that she’s one of the best young actresses out there. And can we please give Laurie Metcalf the Oscar?

Phantom Thread

Imagine if 50 Shades of Gray was actually good. A film that twists and turns, leaving the viewer guessing until the final frame. Paul Thomas Anderson delivers a masterpiece.

The Post

Stephen Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. It’s as good as you would expect.

The Shape of Water

Pure movie magic. Guillermo del Toro takes you into a modern day fairy tale that’s riveting, enchanting and even frightening. This is a film where all the pieces fit perfectly.

Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri

Fun fact, I cried during this movie. Also, it’s one of the funniest movies of the year. No one can make a film so witty and resonant like Martin McDonagh.