2022 Oscars Best Picture Nominations

[ 8.6 / 10 ]

Despite its length, every shot in Drive My Car (2021) serves an important purpose, and is sewn together scene by scene in a manner that opens up the opportunity for the viewer to evidently see how the theme develops. Hamaguchi's ability to engage the viewer masterfully without a compelling score and through skillfully employed cinematography is what makes this piece a solid candidate for Best Picture. [ 8.5 / 10 ]

Villeneuve continues to build his strong reputation with directing sci-fi movies with Dune: Part One (2021). In this day and age, any good sci-fi movie needs to come with solid visuals, and this piece does its job in making the settings look closer to reality than fiction. The casting, however, seemed to be geared towards attracting the audience with popular actors instead of settling with actors that may be suited better for some roles, namely Chalamet. I look forward to the release of Dune: Part Two (2023). [ 8.3 / 10 ]

Many know the excellence of the Williams' sisters' playing careers, but King Richard (2021) uncovers the man behind the success. Smith proved to a perfect fit for the role of Richard, and Ellis, Sidney and Singleton proved why they earned their part. The movie follows the recipe of most other sport success stories under fine direction.

Licorice Pizza (2021) beautifully emulates two individuals trying to get a hold of their lives and their feelings for each other. The unique story is creatively written and the characters are compelling. Although the stars of the movie are new in their acting careers, their performances are what really separates this movie from other teenage dramas put forth. [ 8.0 / 10 ]

The Power of the Dog (2021) showcases an interesting power dynamic between an unassuming youngster and a rancher with an absorbing personality. The psychological warfare that the two characters use to get what they want out of their connection is fascinating to watch develop. Campion constructs an engrossing piece, and her brilliance in directing is evident. [ 7.4 / 10 ]

As far as musicals go, West Side Story (2021) hits the right notes with choreography and cinematography when it needs to. The great performances by all actors makes the dialogue, singing, dancing all seem authentic. The story can be emotional and driven, but is mostly superficial. [ 7.0 / 10 ]

Nightmare Alley (2021) is great in depicting the undoing of a man by his own lust for grandeur and purpose. Cooper's performance is enjoyable, and the other characters have depth, but the movie takes too long to set the stage for the rest of the action and then fails to maintain a concrete pace. [ 6.8 / 10 ]

Don't Look Up (2021) adequately satirizes and brings out the ridiculousness of the current social and political ideologies in America. This movie had lots of potential in educating viewers on the danger of living in a society in which politics often obscure truth, but despite the stellar acting ensemble, it's flippancy of the greater issue unfortunately ranks it close to the level of political satire films such as The Dictator (2012). [ 6.5 / 10 ]