OSCAR EDIT 2020 – The one & two time Nominees Part I

In todays Oscar Edit we tackling those films that only got one or two nominations. This happens every year, some films get nominated in just one or category and those are usually hard ones to get DVDs off. This year, I was lucky, and I caught a few at the movie theatre as well…

 

ROCKETMAN

  • Production: Paramount Studios
  • Duration: 121 min.
  • Rating:

I don‘t consider myself much of a fan of Elton Johns. Yes, I grew up with his music and I never not enjoyed it but fan in the classical sense I never was. This very much felt like a Musical to me and there is nothing wrong with that, it just didn‘t speak to me as I had hoped. All in all, I wouldn‘t want to watch it a second time but it‘s wasn‘t a drag to watch. Nominated for BEST SONG I‘m sure Elton has a great shot at winning.

BREAKTHROUGH

  • Production: 20th Century Fox
  • Duration: 116 min.
  • Rating:

A film based on a true story. Religious believes aside, it is a touching film. They „only got nominated for BEST SONG but I think, „I‘m standing with you“ is a very powerful and strong number maybe even a strong contester against the obvious favourites. I did shed a tear watching but it‘s not a film I will be keeping in my collection.

 

“This is such an honour. But the thing that counts the most with me is the friendships, and the love, and the sheer joy we have shared making movies together.”

— Meryl Streep

FROZEN II

  • Production: Disney
  • Duration: 93 min.
  • Rating:

In all fairness, I was sure Frozen II would get nominated in the Animated Features category as well, but I was wrong. In my opinion it should have but that‘s not my decision to make. Nominated for BEST SONG with „Into the unknown“ I doubt their chances to win. It wasn‘t as strong as song as was „Let it Go“ which won the Oscar for Best Song several years prior. Regardless of that, the film was a delight to watch and I do recommend it.

KNIVES OUT

  • Production: Lionsgate
  • Duration: 131 min.
  • Rating:

Nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY only – which is arguably a favourite category of mine as I do love reading screenplays (yes, I‘m odd). This one surprised me – I figured I wouldn‘t like it but it was a standout film in many ways. It was a star-studded reinvention of Clue and I enjoyed it greatly.

MALEFICENT – Mistress of Evil

  • Production: Disney
  • Duration: 120 min.
  • Rating:

Only nominated in the BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING category which I believe the first instalment was too. It was quite entertaining and kept up with what the first part delivered on. I doubt it will win this category, given the strong contestants it is up against but for what it‘s worth the nomination was received for a reason. It‘s not exactly a kid’s film but it is enjoyable to watch.

AD ASTRA

  • Production: New Regency Pictures
  • Duration: 123 min.
  • Rating:

I tried, I really did but somehow, I couldn‘t get into the mood of the film. Nominated for BEST SOUND MIXING this is a rightfully deserved nomination as the sound mixing is truly amazing. The high hopes I had for Ad Astra however weren‘t met and I wouldn‘t want to re-watch it again. If you like quiet and reflecting films about space and galactic travel done realistically than you will enjoy it.

 

 “There’s a few things, about three things to my count that I need each day. One I need something to look up to, another something to look forward to, and another is someone to chase.”

— Matthew McConaughey

 

THE LIGHTHOUSE

  • Production: New Regency Pictures
  • Duration: 110 min.
  • Rating:

Nominated for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY only, this one is a ride and not one for the faint of heart. Loosely threaded with a Poe story this little film took me by surprise. It‘s incredibly intense and by the end you feel like you have been in this lighthouse with them. If for nothing else, then watch it for the cinematography but both Dafoe and Pattinson are incredibly good in the film.

THE LION KING

  • Production: Disney
  • Duration: 120 min.
  • Rating:

I was a child when the OG film was released, it was a favourite of mine and one of the few VHS tapes I had as a child. I was incredibly sceptic of this one, in previous years I often hat a hard time enjoying Disney’s new versions of their animated classics. Nominated in the BEST VISUAL EFFECTS category I have to say, the nomination is well deserved there were moments I had to tell myself that it was animated because it looked so realistic.

STAR WARS – The Rise of Skywalker

This one, I have not seen in theatres nor was I able to purchase a DVD if it. Review will follow.

AVENGERS: End Game

  • Production: Marvel Studios
  • Duration: 181 min.
  • Rating:

Well… what can I say. I never truly warmed up to the Marvel Franchise. I know Martin Scorsese got grief over his lack of enjoyment of these types of films, so I rather tread lightly. Nominated for BEST VISUAL EFFECTS I say it‘s a deserved nomination. Would I fancy re-watching this 3-hour superheroes movie… nope. Is it entertaining – surely if you like these types of films, you will love it.

I hope you have enjoyed this Oscar Edit as much as I have. Please give the other Oscar Edit post a read if you haven’t, share and comment if you like and let me know you Oscar Edit picks this year.

OSCAR EDIT – Best Animated Feature

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