Cinema and Popcorn

CRITICS' CHOICE AWARDS The organization that tries too often to be an Oscar predictor rather than a critics group that really goes for their very favorites, but I must say I am quite pleased with their choices this year - I believe they show here the general consensus from critics. With Everything Everywhere All At Once winning here, beating some big favorites (and much more "made for Oscar taste" contenders) it takes the lead in the Oscar race. What a joy it is to see a small production with an early release going this far in the awards season! A note about a couple of speeches: Brendan Fraser 's acceptance speech earned him an instant Oscar nomination (moving, personal, inspiring!) and it generate even more goodwill towards him, which might lead to an actual Oscar win some months from now; and Cate Blanchett who had some negative words and made fun of prizes saying it is for competition purposes (and not for the recognition of quality)... is she too confortable t...

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER The second installment can't quite match the high bars estabilished by its predecessor. The narrative is not as engaging and the absence of the charismatic Chadwick Boseman (RIP) is deeply felt by the audience. The movie explores the geopolitic position of Wakanda after the "discovery" of vibranium while it also deals with the surge of a new (underwater) kingdom that threats to disrupt the fragile balance of the Wakanda kingdom. Nonetheless, Wakanda Forever feels like the best movie Ryan Coogler could ever directed after the tragic death of its lead actor Boseman - it works as a cinematic vehicle that explores grief and how people experience it differently. The production design and costume design works are incredible and so are the visual effects and cinematography, but the movie's major highlight is Angela Bassett who totally sells this installment thanks to her performance as Queen Ramonda. It's a powerhouse performance as the gr...