Stockwell review: Best Picture nominees contend for Oscars

Hard to believe we are halfway through April already. Seems like only a couple weeks ago we had snow on the ground (wait, we did), but the weather is beginning to show signs of spring. Of course, April 15 long has been synonymous with “Tax Day” (this year moved for individuals to May 17), but there have been other major events on this day: the passing of Abraham Lincoln, the sinking of the Titanic, and Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. It is also the golden birthday of one of the most beautiful young women in the world. Happy birthday, Molly.

In regards to movies, all eyes will be on Hollywood on Sunday, April 25, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hands out the annual Oscars celebrating the films of 2020. So, in the first of a two-part series, we look at the Best Picture nominees and next week at the potential winners in all the major categories.

But first, since it is spring, ever wonder why flowers never ride a bike?

Usually because they lost their pedals.

“The Father” (Lionsgate)

Sir Anthony Hopkins stars in this emotionally draining film about a man suffering from dementia and how he loses grips on reality. His daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) tries to help as his erratic behavior makes it more and more difficult. Director Florian Zeller mixes his use of time well (at times quite confusing) to actually put us in the mind of Hopkins. Of course, the acting is fantastic in the PG-13, 97-minute film.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)

Based on true events, Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) and undercover FBI informant Bill O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) become entangled in a web of deception during the civil rights movement in the latter 1960s. Powerful acting and a well-written script, directed by Shaka King, will keep you locked in for the 126-minute run time. Violence rules, however, and the R rating is right on par.

“Mank” (Netflix)

Another semi-biographical film is about the background and events leading up to the making of “Citizen Kane,” Orson Welles’ seminal work. Herman Mankiewicz, aka Mank (Gary Oldman), creates the screenplay that seems to be remarkably similar to the life of William Randolph Hearst. The film plays with time, bouncing between 1940 and different moments in the 1930s. It is shot in black and white, as director David Fincher pays homage to the film that the movie is about. The R-rated, 131-minute film will keep you engaged, both visually and mentally.

“Minari” (Plan B)

The feel-good movie from writer/director Lee Isaac Chung takes place in rural Arkansas, where the Yi family, recently moved from California, sets up a farm in the early 1980s. Jacob (Steven Yeun) and his wife, Monica (Yeri Han), are at odds during the family’s trials and tribulations, and their children take notice. They bring in Monica’s mother, Soonja (Yuh-Jung Youn), who adds to the situation, as neighbor Paul (Will Patton) attempts to help out. The film’s title means “water celery” and is based on Chung’s early life. The 115-minute film will toy with emotions; the PG-13 rating actually might be a bit strong.

“Nomadland” (Searchlight Pictures)

The interesting (and possibly) inspiring film is written, produced and directed by Chloe Zhao. After the death of her husband and the closing of the plant she worked at with him, Fern (Frances McDormand) decides to do her own version of the “Odyssey” and begins traveling the U.S. in a van. She meets a unique cast of characters along the way, discovering the way of the nomad. The 108-minute film is rated R but, outside of a couple references and a “Full Monty” swim that is more for a moment of reflection than anything, that rating is way too strict. This movie certainly is going to make you think.

“Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features)

This one is going to disturb and might be too much to handle for victims of sexual assault; please proceed with caution. Cassie (Carey Mulligan) suffers from the knowledge of a rape of her best friend years ago. When the assailant (who was neither charged nor even investigated by the school or legal system) is about to get married, Cassie goes on a revenge spree to make amends for her friend. The film is violent and very difficult to watch, but is written remarkably well by director Emerald Fennell. The R rating is accurate, and the 113-minute run time is an emotional push, making it extremely hard to sit through.

“Sound of Metal” (Amazon Studios)

Another emotional film will make you feel for the main character, but under a different set of circumstances. Heavy metal drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) discovers a deteriorating hearing loss is making playing in a band with his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke) detrimental to his situation. As he tries a variety of options (as well as overcoming addiction), Ruben has to choose – music or silence. In keeping with the theme of our past year, the two-hour, R-rated film, written and directed by Darius Marder, is intense and often depressing, but well-acted. And its use of sound is tremendous.

“The Trial of the Chicago 7″ (Netflix)

In yet another film based on actual events, the Chicago Seven (Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, John Froines and Bobby Seale) were charged with inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film follows the events surrounding that situation, as well as a crossover to another film in this list (“Judas and the Black Messiah”). Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the 129-minute film is certainly well-acted by an incredible ensemble cast, and is thought-provoking. The R-rating is accurate; a lot of language and some scenes will disturb viewers.

A good list of films has arisen in a year like no other. A few theaters will have them available; check for show times and protocols for the safety measures.

Next week, we’ll look at the categories and offer some predictions. In the meantime, happy viewing!

• Jim Stockwell is a tenured instructor of film and broadcast journalism at McHenry County College, teaching Introduction to Film, Advanced Film and Introduction to Public Speaking.