Rewatching Oscar

Well, there’s really no arguing it—this is not only one of cinema’s greatest epics, but quite possibly the finest sequel ever made. The Godfather Part II continues the Corleone family saga while simultaneously taking us back to where it all began, giving us a deeper understanding of the family, its legacy, and the choices that shaped its future. It is a truly remarkable film, filled with unforgett...

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and highly acclaimed Best Picture winners in the history of the Academy Awards.  And it makes sense.  There is so much to love about Francis Ford Coppola's epic about family, loyalty, redemption, violence ... and so much more.  After more than 50 years, The Godfather remains a brilliant piece of cinema that never gets old.   Looking back, was it des...

This film is one HUGE film ... not only in scale, commitment, and scope. But also in length. This film is extremely long ... especially if you watch the over three-and-half hour Director's Cut.  However, regardless of which version you decide to screen, you will be transported to the historical, glorious, and heartbreaking world of the final emperor of China in the early part of the 20th cent...

Well, here's a film that many people remember for being snubbed and then redeemed as the wrong film was called out at the 2017 Academy Awards cemermony. No, La La Land did not end up winning the Oscar, it was Moonlight that took home Best Picture.  And what a film it is! A powerful story, written and directed by Barry Jenkins, about three stages of a life of a boy ... and then man who is deal...

Well, here's a film that is near the bottom of many lists of all the Oscar winners for Best Picture. Why do people have such an affinity towards Cavalcade (1933)? It's a film that is very disappointing as the storyline about a British family and their servants go through 32 years full of major events, including war, the death of the queen, and the sinking of the Titanic.   Looking back,...

This film is a powerful story about friendship, perserverance, and duty.  The King's Speech showed us the incredible talents of both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. It is a special movie that may be slower paced than other films from 2010. However, it is worth your time. It feels even more powerful because it is a true story. A wonderful telling of a king who's voice was truly needed duri...

Another Oscar broadcast for the history books!  Download and listen to Jack's take on the 98th Annual Academy Awards that took place on Sunday, March 15th.  It was a huge night for One Battle After Another ... but there were other winners that put smiles on our faces ... including in the Acting categories.  There was even a tie in one of the categories.  Host Conan O'Brien did a great jo...

Only a few days until the big night, so I guess it's time for film critic Jack Ferdman to make his final picks. He has seen all the films ... that's not surprising. But what is, are some of the predictions he has made for what will win each and every one of the 23 little golden statuettes that will be given out on Sunday, March 15th.  Will he pick One Battle After Another or Sinners for...

This is truly an epic film ... in many ways. The scope, the cinematography, the story.  And it all comes from the vision of Kevin Costner.  The film is long ... and early on it feels long. But the beauty and themes take over.  It's an important film.   Looking back, was it deserving of the Best Picture Oscar for 1990? Listen and find out what film critic Jack Ferdman thinks, and which film he...

In this episode of Rewatching Oscar , a classic masterpiece is discussed. Yes, Casablanca has stood the test of time. From the great quotes, the amazing performances, the memorable characters, the love story, and even the wonderful emotional song, As Time Goes By, we remember it all.  Looking back, was it deserving of the Best Picture Oscar for 1943? Listen and find out what film critic Jack Ferdm...

In this episode of Rewatching Oscar , a film that is very VERY odd, confusing, and all over the place. But I guess that is the point of it. It tackles tons of themes, has incredible performances, and scenes that will both baffle and intrigue you. The movie, of course, is Everything Everywhere All At Once.  If you don't think about your own personal life, with all the positives, negatives ......

Well ... the nominations our out!  Yes, it's one of those great times of the year in the cinema calendar. Time to analyze all the films that recieved an Oscar nomination for the 98th Annual Academy Awards which will be televised live on March 15th, 2026.  But on Thursday, January 22nd history was made. The great film Sinners did something that no other film in history has done.  It received a...

In this episode of Rewatching Oscar , I dive into one of the greatest films ever made about the theatre, stardom, and the razor-sharp ambition lurking behind the curtain: All About Eve . Released in 1950 and starring the legendary Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and Thelma Ritter, this Oscar-winning classic isn't just a masterclass in acting—it's a biting, witty,...

Green Book (2018) at first glance seems like a twist ... a retelling of another Best Picture winner ... Driving Miss Daisy.  It's not. This movie is mostly about the connection between two men from different worlds who learn to understand each other during a road trip.  It's a very entertaining film ... but looking back, did the Academy get it right and award the right film the top award...

There are many classics that went on to take home the top prize at the Oscars.  And there are those that, well ... let's just say that we still shake our heads why certain films got on the Academy voters' good graces in such a way that they were chosen as Best Picture of that year.  At the fourth Academy Awards ceremony, Cimarron was selected as the best film.  However, after almost a ce...

A Man For All Seasons is a film about integrity and morality. Standing up against authoritarian that feels very relevant with what is happening tody in 2025.  The performance of Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More is nothing short of brilliant. And with an incredibly written and thoughtfully paced script, as well as perfect direction by Fred Zinnemann, make this movie truly special.   Listen to film...

In a year when there were many good films, but few that really were incredible, Martin Scorsese was the big winner at the Oscars ... and for the first time in his career. He finally won Best Director for his gang film about deception, loyalty, and even rats. The Departed is one hell of a ride. A great script, incredible performances by an A-list cast, and memorable scenes make this a truly special...

What a year it was! Some great, legendary classics came out in 1957.  But it was The Bridge on the River Kwai that came out on top at the Academy Awards for that year. David Lean's WWII classic about obsession is still as riveting as it was almost seven decades later. With brilliant performances by the entire cast, especially Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa, the film is captivating in every...

Well ... another year is done. The 50th Annual Toronto International Film Festival is over. Eleven days ... eleven looooooong incredible days of dozens and dozens of films, conversations with directors, actors, producers, organizers, fellow film critics, and of course the thousands of fans.  It was an absolutely incredible adventure for film critic Jack Ferdman. On this podcast, he shares his take...

It's time again!  The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back ... and this year is a big one! It's the 50th anniversary of the greatest film festival in the world. And Jack Ferdman will be there each and every day, talking to directors, actors, screenwriters, fellow film critics, and even the fans ... about the event AND the great movies that are premiering during those 11 day...

In 1941, there were a couple of classic films that were released and are currently revered by critics and cinephiles alike.  But the Academy decided to choose a drama about a family in a mining town in Welsh town, focusing on a young boy and his perspective of the events that unfold around him.  This film, directed by John Ford, is a moving story and visually striking.  However, was it deserving o...

There are only a handful of comedies that changed cinema ... and even fewer that took home the Best Picture Oscar. Annie Hall was both of those things.  Woody Allen's career, with this classic, altered the course of his career from hysterical madcap comedies to hysterical, deep-meaning thought provoking artful films that became a template for future rom-coms.  He used every stylistic trick in...

There are small, medium, and big films ... and then there are HUGE ones. Those epic films. that are grandiose spectacles. Gladiator was made to be one of those larger-than-life films. The battles, the colosseum, and everything are huge.  Ridley Scott was the perfect director to bring this film to life, and Russell Crowe and Joaquim Phoenix are perfect foes battling it out. Gladiator is a lot of fu...

There are all kinds of films ... films that entertain us, films that move us, and those that are important. This best picture winner does all that. The Life of Emile Zola is a movie that will stir up your emotions as it relates to the world of today. A world that is divisive and full of the powers that be that control our world ... for both good and bad.  This William Dieterlie-directed film, abou...

There were many great films in 1985.  However, the Academy decided to give its Best Picture Oscar to a long and sweeping epic that was touted as a romance for the ages. A film that had the beauty of a continent, A-list actors in Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, and it's love story.  Out of Africa was a box-office blockbuster. However, many critics have felt that film's shine has tarnishe...