“One Battle After Another” (R)
This amazing roller-coaster of a movie is about a father-daughter relationship in which the father’s child mysteriously disappears at the hands of an enemy from his past. The movie deals with racism, environmental issues, and family relationships. “One Battle After Another” stars environmental activist, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and his co- star Sean Penn. You can stream this movie on HBO MAX, Hulu, and YouTube.
Awards Won:
Best picture
Directing- Paul Thomas Anderson
Adapted screenplay- Paul Thomas Anderson
Actor Supporting Role- Sean Penn
Film editing- Andy Jurgensen
Casting- Cassandra Kulukundis
“Sinners” (R)
“Sinners” is about twin brothers moving back to their hometown in Mississippi. However, mysterious presents of evil is waiting for them to return home to give them a proper welcome home party. This movie stars beloved actor Michael B. Jordan and his co-star Hailee Stienfield. You can stream this film now on HBO MAX, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Awards Won:
Actor in a leading role- Michael B. Jordan
Cinematography- Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Original score- Ludwig Göransson
Jason Hilterand, a senior at Damascus High School, has watched “Sinners” and believes that “the main impact of the film was to bring together different cultures through music as a way to connect to the soul whether dead or alive and to rejoice in the freedom you have even if it’s only for one day.” Hilterand also explains how his favorite part of the film was “when the main vampire named Remmick reveals his whole reasoning of wanting the main character named Sammy in the first place.”
“Frankenstein” (R)
An intelligent mad scientist brings a creature to life and suffers the consequences that follow. The movie stars multiple famous actors such as Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Oscar Isaac. You can stream this film on Netflix.
Awards Won:
Costume design- Kate Hawley
Production design
Makeup and hairstyling- Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, and Cliona Furey
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” (PG-13)
A third movie in an amazing ongoing trilogy continues the story of Jake and Neytiri’s family as they encounter an unusual tribe while the fight on Pandora continues. The cast includes Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver. You can only see this film in theaters at this time.
Award(s) Won:
Visual Effects
Jessica Lemus Reyes, a senior at Damascus High School, has been obsessed with the “Avatar” franchise for a while now and just recently watched the latest film. Reyes expresses how amazing it is that “Avatar: Fire and Ash” won an Oscar for Visual Effects. Reyes also informed us that “It took them 13 years just to release the 2nd movie, which allowed for more than enough time to nail all the complexities that come with the Navi and the creatures. Like their movement, facial expressions, and my favorite: the animation of the tulkun (the whales).” Reyes added, “My favorite part of the 3rd movie was the line ‘Your Goddess has no dominion here.’” Reyes believed the main impact of the film was about “recognizing doing the right thing.”
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” (PG)
This animated film is about K-pop idols who are incredibly famous and adore their fans. However, while singing, they are also fighting demons that are discussed as fans with the power of their voice. However, mysterious rival K-pop idols enter their turf and challenge their fame. The lead voice actors include Arden Cho and Liza Koshy. You can watch this film on Netflix.
Award(s) Won:
Animated feature for the original song – “Golden”
