The Oscars ..

Here are my reviews..

1.  Bohemian Rhapsody 2018 - is a biographical musical drama about the life of Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) lead singer of the British rock band Queen... The film follows Freddie's life from the time he joins the band in 1970 to their 1985 Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in London England.. The film traces the rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound.. as well as Freddie's rise to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.. The film amazingly shines a light on Freddie's struggle with his demons .. it is inspirational.. exceptional and gut wrenching .. Queen has always been and will continue to reign as one of the most exquisite rock bands of all time.. Freddie would be extremely proud of what his band mates, Rami Malek and all that worked on Bohemian Rhapsody achieved.. Truly a outstanding film.. Rest In Peace Freddie..

Freddie Mercury Final Days
more Freddie 

2.  Green Book 2018 - is a comedy drama based on the real life of relationship between classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga ( known as Tony Lip ) a bouncer who served as a bodyguard and driver for Don Shirley in the 60s.  While I had never heard this story before, this movie was definitely awe-inspiring.  I thought the film represented a good portrait of the era and the dynamics of racial prejudice during the 60s.  I really loved this film and thought that both of the main characters (Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen) did a great job at bringing to life the longtime friendship. 

Book for African American roadtrippers .. known as Green Book
Racial segregation in history

3.   Black Panther 2018  - Marvel superhero action film with an outstanding cast highlights a superhero who unites some African tribes to form Wakanda who have developed advance technology and come to isolate themselves by posing as a third world country. Without giving away too much of the storyline someone comes to Wakanda to challenge its ruler for the throne. The movie has many strong female roles and highlights family dynamics. I found it an extreme action thrill ride and very watchable for everyone of any age. 

Black Panther Trailer 
Black Panther Marvel comics 

4.   BlacKkKlansman 2018 - is a biographical crime drama based on the Black Klansman memoir written by Ron Stallworth.. The film follows Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) the first African-American detective in the early 70s, as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.. The film features an outstanding cast that do an exceptional job at highlighting racial issues during that time.. In the film Stallworth recruits his Jewish coworker Flip Zimmerman to act as him in order to infiltrate the chapter.  The movie is definitely a snippet of history and insightful .. and definitely a must see ..

At the end of the film there is some real footage of the Charlottesville, VA 2017 Unite the Right Rally along with President Trump's statement made after it took place..

5.   If Beale Street Could Talk 2018 - is a poignant romantic drama based on a book by the same name by James Baldwin.. and features an outstanding cast.. The film follows a young Afro-American woman who with the support of her family seeks to clear the name of her wrongly incarcerated boyfriend and the father of her child.. I have to say I was completely spellbound by this film from start to finish.. set in the 70s the film shows the racial turmoil that the young couple endured as well as the community as a whole.. The film also captures their innocence especially Clementine "Tish" Rivers (KiKi Layne).. and their struggle to remain together .. The film is gripping, inspiring and yet heart breaking .. a definite must see

Regina King won for best supporting actress as the mother of Clementine "Tish" Rivers

6.   A Star is Born 2018 - is a musical romantic drama film and a remake of other films of the same name.. including the 1976 film that starred Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.. The film follows a hard drinking and drug addicted country musician Jack Maine (Bradley Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a young singer-songwriter Ally (Lady GaGa).. Much like in the 1976 film this remake shows the struggle addiction, the romance and the pain and agony of loss.. I really enjoyed this film.. Although I have fond memories of the 1976 version.. after all I was only 16 years old at the time of its release..

A Star Is Born 2018 Trailer
Lady GAGA and Cooper sing

7.   Vice 2018 - is a biographical comedy drama movie that follows Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) on his path to becoming one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in our history..  I found the film extremely interesting.. which actually surprised me.. For one Dick Cheney at one time was a lineman.. which hit home for me because my son in law is a lineman.. for another I learned he dropped out of Yale due to his struggles with alcohol.. In the movie it tells of how Cheney worked as a White House intern in 1969 under Nixon and his economic advisor Donald Rumsfeld.. and how he rose to be White House Chief of Staff for Gerald Ford etc etc... The movie has had mixed reviews.. and at times it shows the seedier side of the White House.. and politicians in general.. After all it reminds us at just how human politicians truly are..  Sadly even though I found it interesting it didn't surprise me, after all we've had plenty of disparaging politicians and likely will have much more in the future.. (i.e. Watergate, Clinton and Lewinsky, and Anthony Weiner just to name a few).. with that being said.. I highly recommend seeing this film..

more on Dick Cheney

8.  The Favourite 2018 - is a historical period satire drama.. The film follows the story between two cousins Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) Duchess of Marlborough and Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) Baroness Masham both vying to be court favourites (court affections) of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman).. The film is set in 1708 Britain is at war with France and Queen Anne sits on the throne and in frail health.. Anne is eccentric and showing more admiration for her 17 rabbits that represent her babies.. than that of governing.. Her confidante adviser and lover Sarah Churchill effectively rules the country.. Abigail Hill who is Sarah's younger cousin arrives for employment .. at first just being a maid to the court.. but soon wins the Queen's attention.. who makes her lady of the bedchamber .. more drama ensues and Sarah and Abigail both wail against each other for the Queen's attention.. Loved the movie.. very interesting film.. it is insightful, intensely dramatic and keeps you spellbound.. Amazing .. A must see film .. Not for children..

Queen Anne's relationships

9.  Roma 2018 - is a period drama written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron. The film is set in 1970 and 1971 .. and is a semi autobiographical film on Alfonso Cuaron's upbringing in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City..

The movie follows the life of a live-in housekeeper Cleodeggaria "Cleo" Gutierrez (Yalitza Aparicio) of a middle class family.. The family consists of Antonio (a doctor) Sofia, their four children, Teresa the grandmother and another live-in maid Adela.. The marriage is strained .. issues arise drama ensues.. The film highlights the struggles within this family and young Cleo.. The film is insightful, interesting, poignant, powerful and dynamic.. I loved it.. 

Struggles of Mexico during the 70s