Surprises & Snubs: 92nd Annual Oscar Nominations

 I found two pleasant surprises and three unpleasant snubs in the Oscar nominations list this morning. Below is my poem of explanation.

There are nine Best Pictures on the list

but Gerwig as Director missed.

It’s five men’s names all we can see.

So how did this snub come to be?

But KLAUS gets recognized at last

for animation. It’s a blast!

And Johansson earns two nods here.

That’s a reason for fans to cheer.

Why is Lupita without one?

In US her work was so well done.

And THE FAREWELL must say goodbye

No Oscar nod. They sure did try.

Just another awards event.

2020 – it came and went.

For statuettes we must await.

February Ninth -- don’t be late.

Here’s the IMDb link with all the nominations:  https://www.imdb.com/oscars/nominations/

Another Little Women Film To Praise

Let's hope Greta Gerwig’s marvelous version of Little Women doesn’t get lost amid all the flashier movies released during this holiday season. Opening on  Christmas Day, it’s a perfect cinematic gift.  So, of course, it deserves a poem.

The March sisters on screen again.

Greta Gerwig gives them a spin.

“Little Women” – a tale well-told

and led by Jo, the sister bold.

Saoirse Ronan plays that key role

with intellect and heart and soul.

This version skips around in time,

which ends up being quite sublime.

A lovely film for families.

Plus other viewers it should please.

Remakes often fail movie fans.

Pray this one’s safe from critic pans.

Timeless Sisterhood

Universal truths are as important today as they were back in the 1800s. That’s why Louisa May Alcott’s family-oriented classic novel Little Women has maintained its wide appeal for 150 years. This endearing story has been filmed many times before. But this new Little Women, directed and co-written (with Kristi Shimek) by Claire Niederpruem, is a modern retelling for a new generation.

Although I have enjoyed all the previous movie versions -- partially because the old-fashioned costumes and sets take me back in time -- I realize the most important element is the story of the March sisters. Happily, filmmaker Niederpruem has brought them into the 21st century, and I'm happy to report they are still as fascinating as ever!.             

Little Women brings laughs and tears.

A tale of old that’s switched its gears.

The time is now – not in the past.

Four sisters modernized at last.

But Jo is still the forceful one.

Writing’s her life, not just for fun.

Meg, the beauty. Beth, the dreamer.

Youngest Amy, once a schemer.

And Marmee, a dear mom again.

The gang’s all here. Another win.

No period costumes to see.

But look for new technology.

Time means nothing for sisterhood.

No matter when, it’s always good!

This movie helps us understand

why sisterhood is something grand.

(Released by Pinnacle Peak Productions/Pure Fix Entertainment and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)