Films/DVD Asylum

I have questions about One Battle after Another

69.9.132.155

Mike B.

I don't get all the praise for this film. I saw another reviewer pick it as the best film of the year yesterday.
I thought it was boring and a liberals wet dream concerning the immigration situation now. The only actor I think could be considered for a nomination is Penn.
What am I missing?

Follow Ups:

The film is manufactured MEGA Wokeism . . . - Billy Wonka 11:11:40 01/01/26 (3)
It proves that Benicio Del Toro is one of the finest actors on the planet no matter the size of his role.

Of course, this film would be a hit with the Hollyweed types. I found it amusing except for Leo's overwrought character.
- It's so ridiculous, it looks more like a parody to wokeism (nt - Bobby.Peru@myyahoo.com 04:27:23 01/05/26 (0)
  Nt
- RE: The film is manufactured MEGA Wokeism . . . - pbarach 14:59:20 01/04/26 (1)
  Your comment says nothing about the movie (except Benicio del Toro). You have an opinion about the politics that you think the movie is about, but you're saying nothing about the movie.
  Here are a couple of facts about the movie that go beyond the story and what you think of as its politics:
  --The director used VistaVision film, an older widescreen format in which the cameras run the film horizontally instead of vertically in order to get a sharper, more detailed image. The effect was probably lost on those of us who watched the show on TV (and it lost a fortune at the box office).
  --The composer had a repetitive, minimalist single-note-at-a-time piano theme, almost unnoticeable, during the first part of the movie. As the action increased, this theme also became louder, fast, and added more instruments. This was a subtle, almost subliminal way to increase the tension as the pace of the movie increased.
  Have you read any good film criticism? There's a lot out there: Pauline Kael, Andrew Sarris, even Roger Ebert. These people knew how to write about a MOVIE without making their own political opinions the center of attention.
  
  Edits: 01/04/26
  - I had plenty to say about it down below. CHECK THAT OUT. * - Billy Wonka 00:34:41 01/05/26 (0)
    ..
RE: I have questions about One Battle after Another - pbarach 11:16:07 12/31/25 (5)
Your political bias taints your assessment. Similar to, "How did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?"

Your reaction of boredom isn't a critical assessment of the film, but only a statement that it didn't interest you.

You mention that one reviewer chose it as best of the year. Actually, although it was a box office flop (probably because there were no superheroes or robots in the movie), critical assessment was almost uniformly positive, and extremely so.
- Metacritic summary of 63 reviews yielded a 95/100 score (Open in New Window)
- RE: I have questions about One Battle after Another - Mike B. 11:58:06 12/31/25 (4)
  I assume you have seen it? Do you think it was the best film of 2025? If your answer is yes, Why?
  - RE: I have questions about One Battle after Another - pbarach 12:36:03 12/31/25 (3)
    Yes, I saw it (on HBO Max) and enjoyed it, particularly the nonstop energy of the performances and the editing. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Kevin Tighe, and especially Chase Infiniti (I predict she will be a big star).
    
    I have not seen enough new films to call it the best film of the year. But the film this year that reached me in the deepest way was "Train Dreams", which I saw on Netflix. In a way it was the opposite of "Battle," being understated, usually quiet, and with subdued (but gorgeous) color. I can't recall any movie that has reached me as much as "Train Dreams" since I saw "Days of Heaven" in the theater.
    - RE: I have questions about One Battle after Another - Mike B. 20:14:04 12/31/25 (1)
      Two recent films I liked much better are Bugonia and Frankenstein. I will check out Train Dreams.
      - Frankenstein is sumptuous ... just watched Bugonia... - musetap 21:43:32 12/31/25 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: I have questions about One Battle after Another posted by Mike B. on December 31, 2025 at 20:14:04
        
        Absolutely brilliant.
        
        With that, four of my favorite films of 2025 in this thread... any list would seriously taper off from there FWTW...
        
        "Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
    - That's a review and one I can appreciate as it mirrors my feelings... - musetap 16:47:20 12/31/25 (0)
      Penn was incredible (that WALK!), DiCaprio can play a GREAT idjit and Del Toro never fails.
      Lots of great acting (agree about Chase Infiniti) and a semi interesting story, but a GREAT chase movie.
      Not as naturally tied into social/political events of today as say, Eddington is.
      Too long, (and split into two nights viewing which is unfair) but what isn't these days?
      especially anything by PTA. IMO, it's not even HIS best film.
      
      OBAA is a fun and exciting movie, Train Dreams, a gift of a film.
      
      "Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure

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