Best Picture Nom: Green Book

Should this movie win Best Picture?

Me: Yes, yes, yes. Sometimes movies should win just based on the real-life moments that characters experience and the natural development and rapport they gain through their journey. This was such a focused, touching story of two characters from far different ends of the spectrum who learn how to connect and relate, which can be a powerful message, even if told in a more approachable, kind-hearted manner than say BlacKkKlansman.

A recent example of a Best Picture winner where the movie's events and message were enough to carry it through its shortcomings in its actual production is Spotlight. That movie was nominated for a few other awards, but only won Best Original Screenplay. It didn't really excel at anything in particular, but the movie was greater than the sum of its parts thanks to its writing. Green Book could follow suit.

The wife: Absolutely yes. This is the movie I would choose to win the award. I feel like the story was written well and showed realistic character development.

Do we recommend this movie?

Me: Absolutely. There are so many endearing qualities and moments in this movie, and they're unforced and well-written.

The wife: Yes! This movie told a story of two men who were opposites not only racially, but culturally. Dr. Shirley speaks well, is interested in musical symphonies and the intellectual, prestigious side of society while Tony was your "every man" type of person who found immense joy in the little pleasures of life (like fried chicken). Despite their different walks of life, they developed a true, life-long friendship.

Best parts of the movie?

Me: Mahershala Ali's performance as Dr. Shirley was superb (he's a shoe-in for Supporting Actor). He was so measured and precise with every word he delivered, and his persona was fully realized with dimension and warmth. The character moments when Tony (Viggo Mortensen) stands up for Dr. Shirley exemplified the humanity one person can show another.

The wife: I loved everything about this movie. The acting was good. The story was great. It had the seriousness of racial injustices while also having fun, light-hearted moments between the two main characters. There was a lot of character growth and development.

Worst parts of the movie?

Me: There's no part of the movie that is bad to me, but there wasn't anything spectacularly memorable about its production, either. Sometimes simplicity is the better choice, but there might've been a little too much of that in its design and direction. This being such a nit-picky reach should tell you that there really isn't anything bad about this movie.

The wife: Nothing! There really wasn't anything I disliked. I loved every part of it from start to finish.