In case you didn't know, the Academy Awards are approaching. So if you're still not sure who to root for on Sunday, 28 February, we provide you with a neat collection of all our reviews on films that were able to grab a nomination this year. Just follow the links below and you'll be sure to hold your ground on every Oscar-themed watching party. Additionally, you can find our full list of all the nominees here.
Brooklyn
Nominated for 3 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay
Nominated for 10 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design
Nominated for 12 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design
Writing: Ryan Googler, Aaron Covington; based on characters by Sylvester Stallone
Cinematography: Maryse Alberti
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
Rocky's back and he's got a new protégé to lead to sportive success and, most importantly, self-respect. In the newest edition of our Philosopher's Corner, we discuss how Ryan Coogler's spin-off of the popular boxing franchise treads new paths while handling nostalgia, how Michael B. Jordan further proves his leading man status, how Sylvester Stallone is an underrated actor and how Adrian is dearly missed. Prop up your feet, BSPeeps, and press play!
With Creed now out in European cinemas, I thought it's the perfect time to go back to the roots and have a closer look at the movies that inspired Ryan Coogler's spin-off: the Rocky franchise. Six films, all starring Sylvester Stallone in the lead, were released somewhere between 1976 and 2006, and you can read my mini-reviews for them below.
Many people associate the Rocky cinematic universe with kitsch, pathos and, yes, quite a few implausibilities. However, it is also the franchise of uplifting, heartfelt emotions, fantastic boxing choreographies and masterfully crafted movie montages. Not to mention all the lovely characters that make you invest your own soul completely in their respective journeys. The Rocky movies, for me, are ones of great passion and deliver a powerful message: Never stop pursuing your dreams and standing up for yourself and the ones you love! So, despite some flaws here and there, Rocky is meant to win you over and knock you out with joy and underdog spirit.
I guess you already noticed, I'm a devoted fan. So, if you're looking for some Rocky bashing, you certainly won't find it here. But if you'd like to join me in my celebration of the franchise and my attempt to point out the pros and cons of each respective movie - hey, I'm a critic after all - you've definitely found the right article. Or maybe you'd just like to inform yourself before you hop over to the cinema to watch Creed. Whatever brought you here, let's get ready to rumble!
USA; 120 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: John G. Avildsen | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: James Crabe | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Joe Spinell
"Apollo Creed vs. the Italian Stallion. Sounds like a damn monster movie." -- Apollo Creed
The Gist: Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer and debt collector, feels like the world has turned its back on him. Living hard, without any success or reputation, his self-esteem is at a low point. When his crush, shy and silent Adrian (Talia Shire), finally warms up to him, things begin to have a better outlook - despite Adrian's good-for-nothing brother Paulie (Burt Young) disturbing the harmony. But it's only when Rocky gets the rare chance to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) that he really sees an opportunity to prove to himself his self-worth and endurance.
Look Who's Talking: Or singing in this case. Sylvester Stallone's musician brother, Frank, features as one of the film's street corner singers, giving a rendition of the popular Rocky song "Take You Back".
The Verdict: The first part of the franchise became a surprise hit and won three Oscars for Best Editing, Best Director and Best Picture. From where I'm standing, the original Rocky really is the best film out of the six, uniting gritty visuals and an atmosphere of hopelessness with an understated, yet intriguing underdog narrative, an instantly likeable, good-natured lead character and a deliciously sweet romantic plot. Rocky's lack of prospects is skilfully visualised, and his final triumph an epic feel-good moment in cinematic history. What has this part stand out amongst its company certainly is the film's ability to make its characters look like everyday people with everyday struggles, and then have them find their happiness not in money or countable victories, but in self-respect and mutual affection. In Rocky, love is all you need, for yourself and your dear ones.
USA; 119 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: Sylvester Stallone | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: Bill Butler | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton, Joe Spinell
"I just got one thing to say to my wife at home: Yo, Adrian! I DID IT!" -- Rocky Balboa
The Gist: After going the distance against Apollo, Rocky enjoys life to the fullest. With the money he made from the fight, he buys a car and a house, and marries his beloved Adrian. But marital bliss is not meant to last long. The naive Rocky spends money too fast, forcing him and his wife, now pregnant, to go back to odd-jobbing. Fortunately, Apollo, still humiliated by the fact that Rocky managed to give him such a hard time in the ring, demands a rematch. Rocky accepts, without Adrian's approval. She fears for her husband's well-being. Can Rocky manage to reconcile his passion for boxing with his family life?
Look Who's Talking: Frank Stallone is back at yet another street corner, singing a love tune for newlywed Rocky and Adrian.
The Verdict: For part II, Sly Stallone took over the director's chair, a position he would maintain for all the following Rocky films except part V (and Creed). While I find the pace drags a bit and the individual plot elements are slightly redundant, the film still manages to convince by further fleshing out Rocky and Adrian's love and respect for each other, and by presenting a very noteworthy finale. Stallone pushes the training montage to new heights, has a knack for thrilling fight sequences and knows how to orchestrate a nail-biting climax. Rocky II might lack the overall atmospheric perfection and tight narrative of its predecessor but it's still an entertaining and rewarding sequel.
USA; 99 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: Sylvester Stallone | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: Bill Butler | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton, Mr. T
Adrian: You gotta want to do it for the right reasons. Not for the guilt over Mickey, not for the people, not for the title, not for money or me, but for you. Just you. Just you alone. Rocky: And if I lose? Adrian: Then you lose. But at least you lose with no excuses, no fear. And I know you can live with that.
The Gist: Rocky has become a little too comfortable in his skin. He enjoys his fame and reputation instead of taking his training seriously, not realising that a younger generation of boxers is waiting to take him down. When the up-and-coming talent Clubber Lang (Mr. T) defeats him in a title fight, Rocky's motivation is at a low point. Of all people it's former boxing rival Apollo Creed who makes it his mission to bring Rocky back on track and back to the championship title.
Look Who's Talking: Hulk Hogan is featured in a small role as 'Thunderlips', an arrogant wrestling star taking on Rocky in an exhibition fight.
The Verdict: I'll be honest with you. After the film started off with a very much over-the-top, perfectly terrible, atrocious, horrendous - did I mention terrible? - sequence in which Rocky has to protect a boxing audience from out-of-control wrestling maniac 'Thunderlips', I was perfectly sure that the franchise had jumped the shark and that the remaining minutes of the film would be pure torture. Girl, was I wrong! What started off as an exaggerated mess, quickly turned into my second favourite film of the franchise. I love to see Rocky and Apollo team up and form a bromance for the ages. It's not only a nice twist to the established lore, it's also a great opportunity for actor Carl Weathers to shine. He brings charisma and vigour to Apollo, and has wonderful chemistry with Stallone. Furthermore, watching Rocky struggle with his success and the sudden death of his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) is an intriguing storyline. Plus, last but not least, Adrian gets to act like the tough gal that she is by putting Rocky's head right. Throw in the usual fantastic fight sequences, a top-notch training sequence and a thrilling end fight and you're good to go. What's not to love?
USA; 91 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: Sylvester Stallone | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: Bill Butler | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Dolph Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change." -- Rocky Balboa
The Gist: When Apollo is killed in an exhibition fight against hard-hitting, ruthless Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), Rocky is willing to come out of retirement and seek revenge in the ring. With the Balboa vs. Drago fight to take place in the Soviet Union, Rocky must rely on the support of his family and training staff in order to stand tall in a hostile country miles away from home.
Look Who's Talking: Soul legend James Brown has a cameo appearance, singing "Living in America" for Apollo Creed right before his deadly fight against Drago. Apollo sure went out with a bang - in two different ways.
The Verdict: Released in the final years of the Cold War conflict, Rocky IV tries to function as a comment on the political situation of the time. On the one hand, US American values are celebrated and Soviet values broken down to a negative pile and frowned upon. On the other hand, Rocky, in his final speech, addresses both nations, asking for change and reconciliation. This approach is obviously pretty basic and cliché-ridden. The interpersonal undertones, however, are what makes the film so exciting. Losing Apollo to a conscienceless fight machine is a harsh blow for Rocky. Coming to terms with his death and realising that vengeance won't take away grief is a valuable lesson learnt for the ageing fighter. On a random note, the training montage is one of my favourites. It might not be set in Philadelphia, the usual place, and it might not feature the iconic Rocky song "Gonna fly now", but the snowy Soviet setting and the 80s pop anthem "Hearts on Fire" sure make up for it. Besides, I really like how Rocky's reputation as a strong-willed, spontaneous, hands-on fighter is visualised here in contrast to the clinical, isolated Drago. So, while Rocky IV certainly falls flat in its political ambitions, the story, characters and usual beloved Rocky 'elements' are in good shape, guaranteeing solid entertainment.
USA; 104 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: John G. Avildsen | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: Steven Poster | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Sage Stallone, Tony Burton, Tommy Morrison, Richard Gant, Burgess Meredith
"Yo, Tommy! I didn't hear no bell..." -- Rocky Balboa
The Gist: After the Balboas have to declare their bankruptcy due to one of Paulie's (many) mistakes, the family moves back into Rocky's old neighbourhood. The ageing fighter turns to coaching and contributes to the success of newcomer Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison). Tommy, however, betrays Rocky's good nature and kindness by signing with greedy manager Duke (Richard Gant). The latter plans to have Balboa and Gunn face off in a fight. Can Rocky resist his sportive passion? And can he regain the respect and love of his estranged son Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone)?
Look Who's Talking: Kevin Connolly, famous for his role as Eric in the Entourage franchise, stars as Rocky Jr.'s school rival. He was 16 years old when Rocky V came out.
The Verdict: I have heard so many bad things about this film, and I really don't know what's wrong with people. I actually enjoy it. It counts on nostalgia, evoking memories from the original Rocky - and, in my opinion, does so much better than the 2006 sequel Rocky Balboa. Moving away from the established storyline that always has Rocky return from retirement to defend/win a title, this part is much more about Rocky's life after professional boxing: how he tries to stay in touch with his passion, how he navigates through family life, how he sets his priorities straight. The plot line allows the character to gain more depth and, frankly speaking, I think that Sly delivers one of his best performances as Rocky in this movie. His frustration and passion in boxing matters are just as touching and heartfelt as his sadness over losing his son's confidence as well as the ability to provide a high living standard for his family. I also like the conflict between him and Tommy, and how it brings out Rocky's inherently naive and vulnerable nature. The finale is a downer, though. I give you that. It lacks choreography and doesn't manage to evoke an uplifting feeling like all the previous showdowns, which is a pity, really.
USA; 102 min.; drama, sport movie | Director: Sylvester Stallone | Writing: Sylvester Stallone | Cinematography: Clark Mathis | Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, Tony Burton, Geraldine Hughes, Antonio Tarver, James Francis Kelly III
"But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward." -- Rocky Balboa
The Gist: Still grieving over the death of his dear Adrian, Rocky is now a retired boxer and a successful restaurant owner - and yet merely a shadow of his old self. His son (Milo Ventimiglia) has a hard time living in his father's shadow and thus distances himself from him. When sports experts begin to fantasise about a fight between Rocky and the current heavyweight champion Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver), Balboa sees a final chance to fight his inner demons and regain his self-respect.
Look Who's Talking: Boxer Mike Tyson makes a cameo appearance during the Balboa vs. Dixon fight, set in the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Famous ring announcer Michael Buffer and referee Joe Cortez are also featured.
The Verdict: When Sly released this sequel 16 years after Rocky V, critics were abuzz with praise. For me, Rocky Balboa is an entertaining, yet so far the weakest addition to the franchise. The homages come across as force-fed here and there, and the plot feels slightly rushed. For this reason, Rocky's motivation to get back into the ring isn't explored thoroughly enough, and Rocky Jr.'s development from angry to loving son seems rather unbelievable. Besides this, Dixon really isn't a memorable antagonist, only a mere plot device. Visually, Sly gives a nod to Sin City (2005) in the final fight sequence, which is kind of irritating. However, having said all this, the blossoming friendship between Rocky and bartender Marie (Geraldine Hughes) is nice to watch, and Rocky's grief over Adrian's passing is heartfelt. And in the end, when he leaves the ring proud, confident and surrounded by his loved ones, I can't help but flash a happy, silly grin and shed a little tear of joy. So, yeah, Rocky Balboa might be a little out of breath and technique, but it sure still knows how to throw a punch.
The Globes, Oscars et al. are closing in on us. And while the previous months have already given us a bunch of good movies highly eligible to take home one prestigious statue or the other (I'm basically talking about you, Sicario and Mad Max: Fury Road), there are still some award-bait-y films at the ready which have yet to be released in either or both the UK and the USA.
So, if you're resident in one of those regions, and you're anxious to know which movies you shouldn't miss in the upcoming weeks in order to take part in a hearty award race discussion, fret no more. Here are the flicks to watch out for:
Creed
Director: Ryan Coogler | Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone
Release: 25 Nov 2015 (USA) | 15 Jan 2016 (UK)
Remember when Rocky won best picture at the Oscars in 1977? It outdid Alan J. Pakula's All the President's Men and Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. Maybe Creed, a spin-off/sequel to the popular boxing franchise, can become the victorious odd one out this year. With a charismatic Jordan in the lead and Stallone in his far-famed role as Rocky Balboa, who knows what can happen?
Room
Director: Lenny Abrahamson | Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers
Release: 25 Nov 2015 (USA) | 15 Jan 2016 (UK)
This film tells the story of a mother and her five-year-old son who both have been trapped in a single room for the entire span of the boy's life. When the two manage to escape from their confinement, real life awaits them with all its joys and troubles. While it has still to be seen whether the film itself can leave a mark in the race, Brie Larson's raw, powerful performance is most certainly set to turn her into one of the Best Actress top contenders of the year.
Black Mass
Director: Scott Cooper | Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Scott, Corey Stoll, Julianne Nicholson, Juno Temple
Release: 25 Nov 2015 (UK)
Black Mass is a slow, visually appealing crime thriller about real-life gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger that ultimately lacks innovation and a truly gripping story angle. Depp's cold-blooded performance has received some praise, though, and Edgerton will probably not stand a chance in the award race but still delivers an engaging performance as naive FBI agent John Connolly, an eventual accomplice to Bulger's crimes.
Bridge of Spies
Director: Steven Spielberg | Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
Release: 27 Nov 2015 (UK)
Probably the most Oscar-bait-y film in the competition this year, Steven Spielberg's newest piece features war, moral conflicts and lots of heavy music playing in the background. While the historical aspects of the plot and the talented cast might turn this into an engaging Cold Warspy thriller, the trailer makes the whole thing look like a bloated mess of melodramatic proportions. Still, major award juries might take to it, so a Best Picture nomination is actually not out of the question.
Adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel, Carol tells the story of a young shop assistant falling head over heels for an older married woman in the New York of the 1950s. Domestic drama is about to unfold in beautifully composed pictures, and the two leading ladies Blanchett and Mara are bound to impress.
The Danish Girl
Diretor: Tom Hooper | Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Amber Heard, Ben Whishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts
Release: 27 Nov 2015 (USA) | 1 Jan 2016 (UK)
After winning Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything last year, Eddie Redmayne is determined to go for the big prize once again. As real-life transgender woman Lili Elbe, one of the first people to undergo sex reassignment surgery, Redmayne will most certainly stun audiences yet again with another emotional, transformative performance. If the trailer is any indication, Hooper's film will impress with beautiful visuals, interpersonal drama and a wonderful supporting cast led by Alicia Vikander.
The Big Short
Director: Adam McKay | Starring: Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Marisa Tomei, Selena Gomez, Melissa Leo Release: 23 Dec 2015 (USA) | 22 Jan 2016 (UK)
This certainly looks a bit like a tamed version of The Wolf of Wall Street, but it remains to be seen whether The Big Short can really hit it big at the awards. With the Financial Crisis of 2007-2010 at its centre and a promising cast along with it, who knows? The film might win over juries with topicality and star power.
45 Years
Director: Andrew Haigh | Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay
Release: 23 Dec 2015 (USA)
Shortly before their 45th wedding anniversary, a man and a woman's life are changed by the arrival of an unexpected letter. British actors Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay are both masters of their craft and get to unleash all their talent in this small, yet engaging-looking marital drama. Rampling, especially, has the potential to land a nomination.
Joy
Director: David O. Russell | Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro, Elizabeth Röhm, Dascha Polanco, Virginia Madsen, Édgar Ramírez, Isabella Rossellini
Release: 25 Dec 2015 (USA) | 1 Jan 2016 (UK)
FINALLY another film made by David O. Russell starring Jennifer Lawrence! And if you think I'm being ironic here, I'm not. We already know that Russell knows how to bring out the best in Lawrence, and her take on real-life business woman/matriarch Joy Mangano, who invented the Miracle Mop, by the way, will certainly be a sight to behold. And since award juries love Russell and Lawrence just as much as I do, nominations should be a given. And rightly so. Seeing Lawrence channel her inner Michael Corleone at the end of the trailer makes my heart giddy with, well, joy.
The Hateful Eight
Director: Quentin Tarantino | Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Channing Tatum
Release: 8 Jan 2016 (UK & USA)
Tarantino is back, and with a western no less. Big awards seem to have a hard time favouring the unconventional film maker, so we have to wait and see how The Hateful Eight will fare with them. However, it's always good to have him shake up the competition with his fun, engaging mash-up odes to cinema. Maybe someone from the impressive cast can snag a nomination. Jennifer Jason Leigh has some buzz going for her.
The Revenant
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu | Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Release: 8 Jan 2016 (USA) | 15 Jan 2016 (UK)
BSPeeps, I'm happy to announce that Leo has never been closer to winning an Academy Award. Everything is pointing into his direction right now, but I'm not gonna jinx it by saying that he'll definitely win. I'll just sit in my quiet, little corner and cross my fingers for him. Besides, I'm happy to see how well Tom Hardy is doing in the polls. A Best Supporting Actor nomination might be heading his way and, hell, we all know it's about time. Having said all this, I can only add that I'm fully willing to make love to this trailer. The Revenant simply looks Spec.Tac.U.Lar. Epic cinematography - as we've come to expect from Iñárritu - breathtaking scenery and special effects, and a gut-wretching story about abandonment and revenge. Did I mention that this looks epic?
Our Brand Is Crisis
Director: David Gordon Green | Starring: Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton, Anthony Mackie, Joaquim de Almeida
Release: 22 Jan 2016 (UK)
Our Brand Is Crisis flopped in the USA. Maybe it can score some points with UK audiences. While Bullock certainly makes for a charming lead, Mackie for a likeable anchor and Thornton for a charismatic antagonist, I guess awards buzz is over for this flick. Bad reviews aren't helping either. But, hey, it could still be worth a try.
Spotlight
Director: Tom McCarthy | Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci
Release: 29 Jan 2016 (UK)
Unlike Our Brand Is Crisis, Spotlight has gained critical acclaim and seems to be set for a Best Picture nomination (some might even say win). The film about the real-life Boston Globe reporters who investigated multiple cases of child abuse by Roman Catholic priests is an ode to the freedom of press and the power of journalism. Mark Ruffalo and Michael Keaton have chances in the Best Actor categories.
Concussion
Director: Peter Landesman | Starring: Will Smith, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Stephen Moyer, Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Eddie Marsan
Release: 25 Dec 2015 (USA) | 29 Jan 2016 (UK)
Bennet Omalu is the forensic pathologist who found out that repetetive brain trauma can lead to CTE, a degenerative brain disease. The film follows his struggle with the National Football League which tried to surpress his research on CTE in professional football. While the film has gained mostly average reviews, Will Smith has gained momentum in the lead and could land a Best Actor Nomination for his dedicated portrayal.
Trumbo
Director: Jay Roach | Starring: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ellen Fanning, Alan Tudyk, Louis C.K., John Goodman
Release: 5 Feb 2016 (UK)
Dalton Trumbo has written the screenplays for movies such as Roman Holiday, Spartacus and Exodus. But even though he was a celebrated writer, he was also blacklisted and imprisoned during the McCarthy era. This, however, didn't stop him from winning two Academy Awards. In this year's awards race, Bryan Cranston's performance as Trumbo has garnered some attention. Competition is tough, though, but maybe the man who knocks stands a chance. In any case, it's nice to see Michael Stuhlbarg be so present this year. He also stars in Steve Jobs, which came out a few weeks ago.
Alrighty, this is it. Now you should be all set for the upcoming weeks in which we get closer and closer to the finish line of this year's awards race. Which movies are you looking forward to? Which actors and actresses do you think stand a chance to win? Feel free to let us know below.
