The following is an edition of Panther Picture Spotlight, The Mirror’s movie column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong to the author and do not represent those of The Drury Mirror.

(In order of least to most favorite.)

Bohemian Rhapsody

I tried renting it, but it’s not available yet, and I’m not willing to pay for a ticket. For those who don’t know, Bryan Singer was originally hired as a director for the biopic and is still making money off of it.  Bryan Singer had his first rape allegation in 1997, and they have not stopped since. The Academy ought to be ashamed of itself for promoting him.

Black Panther

This pick is frustrating. “Black Panther” has some character motivation that changes to serve the plot and is mostly bland with a few moments of fun. It’s a very by-the-numbers Marvel movie that happens to have themes of race relations. If you’re looking for a mainstream movie with a black superhero in the lead, “Into the Spider-Verse” is incredible. If you’re looking for a movie about race relations written by and for black people, “Blindspotting” is even better.

Roma

Alfonso Cuarón is a masterful director, and that’s what really shines through in “Roma.” The script is a little more lacking, but since the film is on Netflix, it’s certainly worth your time. If you’re really interested, find a theatre that’s showing it; there are sequences that deserve to be shown on a big screen.

A Star is Born

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper absolutely deserve best actor nods. “Shallow” absolutely deserves best original song. The film itself is a solid drama about how fame can shape and reshape a relationship. It’s the best film that was nominated and was a big hit. If you want to hear further thoughts on this film, read my review.

BlacKkKlansman

The second nominee with “black” in the title is far and away the better of the two. Spike Lee’s dramedy about a black cop infiltrating the Klan is just conventional enough for anyone to enjoy. There are some moments that really drag (how important was it for us to watch two people spin for the entirety of a song), but all in all you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t at least like it.

Green Book

“Green Book” is just a great time in the theatre. It’s a smooth, fun movie with great performances that’ll leave you happy. As a feel-good movie, it has no chance of winning, but it’s absolutely worth checking out on its own merits.

Vice

Everything that was obnoxious about Adam McKay’s other “Based on a True Story” Oscar nominee “The Big Short” is still here, it’s just done better. “Vice” is a great film that explores the psychology of a man who grifted himself into a position of power no one should have. It also has the best gag of any movie in 2018. How true is it to real events? Who cares.

The Favourite

The best “Best Picture” nominee. Yorgos Lanthimos has delivered on every front. The script is hilarious and impactful. The direction is bizarre and perfect. The sets and costumes are simultaneously huge and intimate. The performances are the best of any on this list. Whoever you are, whatever you’re doing, stop and buy tickets for “The Favourite.”

Article by Jacob Maher.