The Call Sheet: Oscars oofs and DC Studios doubts
Feb. 10, 2023 | Vol. 1, Issue 5 | Don’t write off Andrea Riseborough just yet, The Last of Us is still killing it and I have concerns with that MJ documentary
Logline
Don’t write off Andrea Riseborough just yet, The Last of Us is still killing it and I have concerns with that MJ documentary
Off the top
First, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to subscribers for hanging in there over the past few weeks. I understand the delivery of the newsletter has been quite irregular and the schedule has gotten jumbled a bit. But as I’m sure you can understand, life happens, work happens. And for as much as I’d love to have this be a big priority, it probably doesn’t even crack the top five right now.
Even so, I’m still dedicated to writing the best dang product I can, and appreciate the patience as I to figure out how to do just that.
With that, let’s get to it…
What I got wrong with the Oscars nods
With the unveiling of this year’s nominations for the biggest awards in filmmaking, it’s time to own up to the fact that I didn’t do all that great on my predictions. Here’s a recap:
Best Picture
All Quiet on the Western Front
Avatar: The Way of Water
The Banshees of Inisherin
Everything Everywhere All at Once
The Fabelmans
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Tár
Top Gun: Maverick
Triangle of Sadness
Woman King
What I missed:
Elvis
Women Talking
Correct: 8/10
Best Director
James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water
Todd Field, Tár
Baz Luhrmann, Elvis
Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin
Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans
What I missed:
Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness
Correct: 4/5
Best Actor
Austin Butler, ElvisTom Cruise, Top Gun: Maverick
Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Brendan Fraser, The Whale
Paul Mescal, Aftersun
What I missed:
Bill Nighhy, Living
Correct: 4/5
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Tár
Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Michelle Williams, The FablemansDanielle Deadwyler, Till
Olivia Colman, Empire of Light
What I missed:
Ana De Armas, Blonde
Andrea Risenborough, To Leslie
Correct: 3/5
Best Supporting Actor
Paul Dano, The Fabelmans
Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin
Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of InisherinBrad Pitt, Babylon
Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
What I missed:
Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway
Judd Hirsch, The Fablemans
Correct: 3/5
Best Supporting Actress
Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Hong Chau, The Whale
Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Dolly de Leon, Triangle of Sadness
Janelle Monáe, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
What I missed:
Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin
Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Correct: 3/5
Best Adapted Screenplay
All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson & Ian Stokell
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Rian Johnson
Living, Kazuo IshiguroShe Said, Rebecca Lekiewicz
Women Talking, Sarah Polley
What I missed:
Top Gun: Maverick, Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie.
Correct: 4/5
Best Original Screenplay
The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin McDonagh
Everything Everywhere All at Once, Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
The Fabelmans, Tony Kushner & Steven Spielberg
Tár, Todd FieldTill, Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu & Michael Reilly
What I missed:
Triangle of Sadness, Ruben Östlund
Correct: 4/5
Best International Feature
All Quiet on the Western Front, Germany
Argentina, 1985, Argentina
Close, BelgiumDecision to Leave, South Korea
EO, Poland
What I missed:
The Quiet Girl, Ireland
Correct: 4/5
Best Documentary Feature
All That Breathes
Fire of LoveLast Flight HomeNavalnyRetrograde
What I missed:
All the Beauty and Bloodshed
A House Made of Splinters
Correct: 3/5
Best Animated Feature
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Puss in Boots: The Last WishStrange World
Turning Red
What I missed:
The Sea Beast
Correct: 4/5
Best Cinematography
All Quiet on the Western Front, James FriendAvatar: The Way of Water, Russell CarpenterBabylon, Linus Sandgren
Elvis, Mandy WalkerTop Gun: Maverick, Claudio Miranda
What I missed:
Bardo: The Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, Darius Khondji
Empire of Light, Roger Deakins
Tár, Florian Hoffmeister
Correct: 2/5
Best Costume Design
Babylon, Mary Zophres
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ruth E. Carter
Elvis, Catherine Martin
The Fabelmans, Mark BridgesGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Jenny Eagan
What I missed:
Ms. Harris Goes to Parris, Jenny Beavan
Correct: 4/5
Best Film Editing
Avatar: The Way of Water, David Brenner, James Cameron, John Refoua & Stephen E. Rivkin
Elvis, Jonathan Redmond & Matt Villa
Everything Everywhere All at Once, Paul Rogers
The Fabelmans, Sarah Broshar & Michael Kahn
Top Gun: Maverick, Eddie Hamilton
What I missed:
The Sea Beast
Correct: 4/5
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Batman
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Elvis
The Whale
Correct: 5/5
Best Original Score
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ludwig Göransson
The Fabelmans, John WilliamsGuillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Alexandre DesplatWomen Talking, Hildur GuðnadóttirThe Woman King, Terence Blanchard
What I missed:
All Quiet on the Western Front, Volker Bertelmann
Babylon, Justin Hurwitz
The Banshees of Inisherin, Carter Burwell
Everything Everywhere All at Once, Son Lux
Correct: 1/5
Best Original Song
“Carolina,” Where the Crawdads Sing — Taylor Swift
“Lift Me Up,” Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Tems
“Hold My Hand,” Top Gun: Maverick — Lady Gaga and Michael Tucker“Ciao Papa,” Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio — Guillermo del Toro and Roeban Katz“Stand Up,” Till — Dernst ‘D’Mile’ Emile II and Jazmine Sullivan
What I missed:
“Applause,” Tell It Like a Woman — Diane Warren
“Naatu Naatu,” RRR — M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose
“This Is a Life,” Everything Everywhere All at Once — Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski
Correct: 2/5
Best Production Design
Avatar: The Way of Water
BabylonBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All at Once
What I missed:
All Quiet on the Western Front
Correct: 4/5
Best Sound
Avatar: The Way of Water
The BatmanBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Top Gun: Maverick
What I missed:
All Quiet on the Western Front
Elvis
Correct: 3/5
Best Visual Effects
Avatar: The Way of Water
The Batman
Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Jurassic World: Dominion
What I missed:
All Quiet on the Western Front
Top Gun: Maverick
Correct: 3/5
Total correct: 72/105 (69%)
Sticking with the Oscars…
I have a few thoughts on the Academy’s nominations for this year’s awards:
— Till failed to secure any nominations, which I find supremely disappointing, as it was my favorite film of 2022, and one I genuinely thought deserved strong consideration. Danielle Deadwyler should have absolutely taken one of the spots in the Lead Actress category (I would argue in place of Michelle Williams). I also felt it deserved a Best Picture nod, but understand the decision there a bit more.
— While Top Gun: Maverick fared better than I expected, I was surprised it didn’t secure a nomination in cinematography. The film is absolutely astounding and literally takes viewers inside cockpits and on the wings of these fighter jets.
— I don’t get the love for Triangle of Sadness; it’s a fine movie (albeit one that isn’t particularly for me), but I really didn’t envision it getting the praise it has received thus far.
— Cate Blanchett is a lock for Best Lead Actress… maybe. I will fully admit that I have not yet seen To Leslie, the film that has picked up quite a bit of press over the past few weeks following the surprise nomination for Andrea Riseborough. It’s one that’s coming up on my list of Films to Watch, but just by catching the trailer, I see a really interesting and elevated quality to Riseborough’s performance that is worth acknowledging. I can’t wait to see this film before the Oscars so I can weigh in more comprehensively on the film, but I definitely don’t think people should take the nomination as a hijacking of the voting process like some have claimed; sometimes it just helps an already great performance to have friends in high places who can help you promote it.
Michael Jackson biopic in the works
For years, there’s been talk of a biographical film about the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Now, it looks like such a project is finally getting off the ground, with Emancipation director Antoine Fuqua. But already, the film has—understandably—found itself embroiled in controversy.
Certainly Michael Jackson is understandably a divisive character. And while I have no doubt in Fuqua’s directing abilities, nor in his desire to tell a compelling story, I do find myself wondering whether such a story will actually be told.
That’s in large part because the biopic is not only being developed with Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, set in the lead role, but also because the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate are said to be deeply involved in the production. While there are some practical upsides to such a move, I do view the involvement of the estate as potentially problematic and counterproductive to what I hope is Fuqua’s end goal: Telling the unvarnished story of the life of Michael Jackson, including the ups and downs of his music career and his public and private battles—including those tied to the claims of abuse and the infamous Neverland Ranch—is a hard task when a member of the production team might actively work to exclude such things.
It’s not lost on me that biopics have long been developed in consort with relatives and close friends of their subjects—if not the subject themself. Films like Walk the Line (2005) and Malcolm X (1992), and more recently King Richard (2021) and Elvis (2022), have all had a helping hand from their subject. But none of those films were about a figure quite like Jackson.
Sure, a partnership with Jackson’s estate will likely go a long way in helping Fuqua nail down the music portion of the Jackson film (streamlining any rights issues), but I am concerned it will also stifle creative license and authority over the film’s content—in particular, by either not addressing or minimizing the accusations leveled against Jackson.
Time will tell, I suppose, but I’m not sure yet whether this film will be a Thriller, or if audiences will tell the project to Beat It at the box office.
My take on the DC news
Last week, the new co-CEOs of DC Studios unveiled the first part of the production house’s new cinematic universe, complete with new Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman-focused properties, along with a handful of projects focused on more off-beat characters. The slate from James Gunn and Peter Safran promises an interconnected universe of films, television, animation and video games, kicking off in 2025.
But I’ve gotta be honest: I’m not super excited—or overly optimistic—about what’s on the docket for the first chapter of the rebooted universe, called Gods and Monsters. A large part of that comes from feeling burned by past DC projects, whether we’re talking about the first Suicide Squad (2016), Batman v. Superman (2018) or Birds of Prey (2021), among others. Secondly, this seems less like a fresh start for DC and more of a hodge-podged, choose-your-own-adventure approach that cherry picks some of the existing universe and shoehorns it into the new properties.
And, for as much as I love James Gunn and his work—I have a genuine love for both of the existing Guardians of the Galaxy films, in particular—I remain skeptical that he’s the guy to carry the torch for DC in the same way a producer like Kevin Feige does for Marvel. I worry that if he sticks with his irreverent, humorous approach he’s taken to projects like Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad (2021) (admittedly, two instances where it worked splendidly) and tries to apply it things like the Superman or Batman projects, it might not strike the right tone. Then again, if there’s anyone who can blend silly and serious, it’s Gunn.
All that said, I sincerely hope that my overall low expectations for what’s to come in the DC universe are subverted in the best ways. I’d love every single one of these projects to blow me away and to make me eat my words.
None of this is to say I don’t have interest in any of the slate that’s been announced, or the alternate-reality Elseworlds projects like Joker 2 and the next Matt Reeves Batman film coming down the pike. But what’s coming next for the DCU proper? Count me skeptical.
10. Creature Commandos
Synopsis: The only animated series announced as part of the slate, this show’s scripts are already completed, authored by Gunn himself. It will focus on Rick Flagg Sr., The Suicide Squad’s Weasel and a cast of other characters—including the Bride of Frankenstein as the antagonist.
How I feel about it: While I’ll definitely check it out, I really have no interest in this project. I don’t typically watch a lot of animated shows and I found Weasel to be one of my least favorite parts of The Suicide Squad movie.
9. Swamp Thing
Synopsis: What’s likely to be a story for more mature audiences, Swamp Thing will explore a horrifying, reality-bending tale—any details for which have yet to be announced.
How I feel about it: One thing to know about me: I don’t do horror, especially if it’s full of jump scares. This seems like the kind of project that might have a lot of those, so I’m reserving most judgement until I see a trailer that exhibits otherwise.
8. Lanterns
Synopsis: Lanterns will center on Hal Jordan and John Stewart, bringing together Green Lanterns representing different generations. It’s billed as a True Detective-style show that will follow the Lanterns as cops cracking a case on Earth.
How I feel about it: I still have a bad taste in my mouth after the 2011 Green Lantern film—let’s face it, I think Ryan Reynolds probably does, too—so I have my reservations about this. But the comparison being drawn to True Detective does add a bit of intrigue for me.
7. Superman: Legacy
Synopsis: Gunn is writing (and may direct) this film, which will follow Clark Kent as he tries to find something of a work-life balance between his work as a reporter and as superhero. The film is set to come out July 11, 2025, and won’t be an origin story in the traditional sense, but rather explore Superman as a beacon of kindness in a world that finds such values overrated.
How I feel about it: Meh. I’m not huge on Superman overall, but I think there’s some potential here since Gunn is so deeply involved in the project. What I’ll be most interested in is whether it will have much emphasis on Clark Kent’s work as a journalist and his qualities as a person. If it leans more into the story of Kal-El navigating his own humanity than leaping tall buildings, you can count me in.
6. The Brave and the Bold
Synopsis: Based on Grant Morrison’s 2006 run of Batman, this film will feature a Batman and Robin storyline centered on Bruce learning of his son Damian, who was raised to be an assassin. The film is also expected to feature other Bat-family members. Ben Affleck is not expected to reprise his role as Batman in this film, nor will it be part of the Reeves branch of the DC Universe.
How I feel about it: This film makes me very nervous, but I think of all the projects on the docket, this one has the most potential upside, if executed right. The incorporation of Robin into the DCU is interesting but also potentially problematic given that the title of Robin in the comics is typically bore by a younger kid (early teens) who accompanies Batman in fighting crime with nothing more than a stick and some gumption. I’m curious to see how the studio adapts the material to make it work for modern audiences (and how it avoids repeating a travesty like Batman and Robin (1997)).
5. Paradise Lost
Synopsis: A Wonder Woman prequel series in the style of Game of Thrones, this story will focus on the origin of Themyscira prior to the birth of Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman. Paradise Lost is expected to explore how the political game is played on Themyscira and what a society of women do in order to gain power.
How I feel about it: This is one I think could be really interesting for a multitude of reasons, including the politics of Themyscira and the relationships between the women of the nation. It has the opportunity to be a great, serious drama.
4. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Synopsis: A far different story than the one told through the CW show, this film will be based on Tom King’s 2021 comic book run of the same name which ponders a Supergirl who remained on a remnant of Krypton after its destruction. It’s likely to be dark and full of despair, as she’ll see many loved ones die in her upbringing.
How I feel about it: As someone who didn’t like the CW show one bit, I am really looking forward to what could come from this film—it’s a much darker take on Supergirl, and I’m here for it.
3. Booster Gold
Synopsis: One of my personal favorite DC comic characters, Booster is a loser in the 25th century who uses basic future technology to go back in time to behave like a superhero. Gunn describes the HBO Max series as such: It’s “basically the story of a superhero’s imposter syndrome. How do you deal with that? (It’s about) how he tries to use this future technology to be loved by the people of today and what is really at the base of that.” An undisclosed actor is being courted for the titular role.
How I feel about it: Everything about this has the makings of a tremendous show, almost in the vein of Amazon’s The Boys series. The futurism, the toxicity of Booster himself and the idea that having superpowers can be used as a tool of influence and fame, rather than for good, has the markings of a strong HBO series. I think there’s big potential for this show and I’m extremely excited.
2. Waller
Synopsis: Picking up after the events of Peacemaker season one, this is a previously-announced series following Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). It will include several characters from the Peacemaker series and its creative team is helmed by Doom Patrol executive producer Jeremy Carver and Watchmen scribe Christal Henry.
How I feel about it: As someone who loved Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad (2021), I have a great feeling about this show. Throw in the fact it will star Viola Davis and have characters from the Peacemaker series? Count. Me. In.
1. The Authority
A raunchy and irreverent cast of characters acting in the vein of the Justice League of America, only without the philosophical and moral hang-ups. This film will explore the antihero team that has good intentions, but goes to extremes to fix the broken world they see around them.
How I feel about it: What can I say? This is very James Gunn and very much right up my alley. In addition to being extremely fun and visceral, I think it could also tackle some really big questions about not only the direction of the DCU, but philosophically about superheroes and their role in that society.
The best trailers I saw this week
While I always look forward to the Super Bowl, regardless of who is playing (even if it’s the Chiefs, who beat my beloved Bengals), I always feel like some of my joy of the evening is taken away by advertisers putting out their commercials early.
So, this year, I’ve been doing all I can to avoid seeing any of the advertisements or movie trailers ahead of time, instead with plans to enjoy them in their glory during the game (or, more likely, on my phone after I miss the ad while I’m getting more chips or going to the bathroom).
That said, I did see a couple trailers this week that I particularly enjoyed.
The first is for Strays, a very R-rated comedy starring Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx that is basically about if the pets from Homeward Bound (1993) had a hateful, spiteful owner.
The second trailer I caught was for Air, a new biopic about Nike’s efforts to land Michael Jordan in the 1980s. It has the feel of The Big Short (2015), and I’m here for it.
Stories worth reading
In recent weeks, Rick & Morty co-creator and star Justin Roiland has found himself embroiled in controversy tied to a 2020 alleged domestic violence incident. He’s been fired from his post and his other series have been canceled in the wake of the highly-public allegations. But a new report claims there were other red flags about the Adult Swim wunderkind over the past several years, that largely went unaddressed. Lacey Rose and Katie Kilkenny of The Hollywood Reporter have the details.
Santa Fe prosecutors in the Rust shooting case are claiming actor and producer Alec Baldwin is trying to jump through legal hoops to distract and abscond from legal responsibility over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro of Deadline share more about the situation.
Big changes are coming to The Walt Disney Co. as returning CEO Bob Iger reclaims his control of the company. And while some of it’s good news, in my mind, at least—like control being put back in the hands of more creatively-inclined executives—there are big cuts coming: about 3.5% of the company’s overall workforce in an effort to eliminate about $5.5 billion in spending over the coming years. The company is also spinning ESPN into a separate division, in order to make it more financially stable (and independent). CNBC’s Lillian Rizzo and Sara Whitten have the details on the House of Mouse’s moves.
Quick takes
Women Talking, Rated R
There’s a lot I like about this film, but not a lot I can really say without giving away the entirety of the story. So I’ll keep it brief by saying that this is a film that’s worth seeing, and while I doubted it initially, I now see why it’s been mentioned alongside some of the great films of 2022: It’s one of them. The performances are amazing, the plot is captivating and the cinematography (despite its desaturation) is breathtaking. Score: 8.5/10
Reviews from others → | Trailer →
Knock at the Cabin, Rated R
The latest from M. Night Shyamalan, Knock at the Cabin has a compelling central story, from a philosphical standpoint. The performances were quite good, particularly those from Jonathan Groff and Dave Bautista—both excelled in their respective roles. Even so, it had story components and CGI that felt like they were plucked from an early 2000s apocalyptic drama and, despite its best efforts, an ending I saw coming from a mile away. Score: 6/10
Reviews from others → | Trailer →
The Last of Us continues to rock
This week’s episode of The Last of Us debuted early on HBO Max, to avoid competing head-to-head with the Super Bowl. And damn, is it good.
If you’re not watching this show, you should really get on it.
What’s next
Movies
Magic Mike’s Last Dance, in theaters today: “Mike Lane takes to the stage once again when a business deal that went bust leaves him broke and bartending in Florida. Hoping for one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse -- and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, he soon finds himself trying to whip a hot new roster of talented dancers into shape.” Starring Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek. Trailer →
Marlowe, in theaters Feb. 15: “Detective Phillip Marlowe becomes embroiled in an investigation with a wealthy family in Bay City, California after a beautiful blonde hires him to find her former lover.” Starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and Jessica Lange. Trailer →
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, in theaters Feb. 17: “Ant-Man and the Wasp find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that pushes them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.” Starring Paul Rudd, Jonathan Majors, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bill Murray and Kathryn Newton. Trailer →
Television/Streaming
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special, TV-MA, now streaming on HBO Max: “Harley and Ivy are celebrating their very first Valentine's Day together. Also follows the rest of the ragtag crew and how they spend the gushiest, mushiest, most romantic day of the year.” Starring Kaley Cuoco and Lake Bell. Trailer →
Super Bowl LVII, broadcast on FOX, Feb. 12: The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off in the biggest NFL game of the season. Here’s a look at what films Deadline expects to be part of the commercial lineup.
Star Trek: Picard, TV-14, Season 3 premiere streaming on Paramount+, Feb. 16: “Set at the end of the 24th century, 18 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, the show revolves around retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard, still deeply affected by the loss of Lieutenant Commander Data and the destruction of Romulus, as he steps into the next chapter of his life.” Starring Patrick Stewart and Alison Pill. Trailer →
A spate of renewals
— Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel series 1923 is coming back for a season two.
— That 90s Show has been picked up for another season at Netflix. Because my wife is the only person that I’m extremely close to who watches this show, she made me mention it.
— The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bobs Burgers are all sticking around for a little while longer.
In case you missed it…
Showtime has picked up Uncoupled for a second season, after it was canceled by Netflix. Read on Deadline →
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will star in adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s hit romance novel ‘It Ends With Us’. Read on Variety →
Showtime and Paramount+ are officially merging into a single app. From CNBC →
Fleabag star Phoebe Waller Bridge is penning a new Tomb Raider TV show for Amazon Prime. From The Hollywood Reporter →
The Razzies has apologized to a pre-teen actor after nominating her for one of its satirical “worst of” awards. Read on Variety →
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 with Oscar-nom Paul Mescal is moving forward, eyes 2024 release date. Read on Screen Geek →
Viola Davis won a Grammy on Sunday for her, making her the third Black woman to secure the coveted EGOT status. From CNN →
Elvis director Baz Luhrmann has signed a new first-look deal with Warner Bros. Read on Deadline →
The Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia franchises are getting new entries. From Deadline →
If you have any thoughts or comments on the newsletter that you’d like to share, please comment or email me directly at mickeyatthemovies@gmail.com.
All the best,
Mickey