GoldDerby: Movie Awards Contenders

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” faced a lukewarm reception both from critics and at the box office when it debuted during a sluggish season for movie releases. Despite this, it remains a notable contender in the awards circuit. As the prequel to “Fury Road,” it shares a lineage with a film that scooped six Academy Awards in 2016 for categories including costume and production design, sound editing and mixing, film editing, and makeup and hairstyling. Many of the talented individuals from the Academy Award-winning team of “Fury Road” returned for this prequel. So, while a Best Picture nod might be out of reach, nominations in craft categories seem quite plausible.

“Furiosa” explores the titular character’s backstory set in the post-apocalyptic universe envisioned by writer-director George Miller. This time, Anya Taylor-Joy steps into the role previously held by Charlize Theron. The plot centers around Furiosa’s quest for vengeance against Dementus, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, a warlord responsible for her mother’s death. The film is now available for streaming on Max.

If you’re looking for more streaming options, here are a few recommendations:

“Immaculate” features Sydney Sweeney in a horror narrative brought to life by Neon, often compared to A24’s Cure. Here, the “Euphoria” actress plays a nun who ends up pregnant under mysterious circumstances. As her order starts treating her as the new Mary carrying a returned messiah, darker truths begin to surface. The film delves into themes of women’s bodily autonomy with an aesthetic reminiscent of “Rosemary’s Baby,” showcasing one of Sweeney’s standout performances.

Netflix’s new addition, “The Union,” is a spy action-comedy starring Mark Wahlberg as an ordinary guy from New Jersey. Wahlberg’s character is pulled into a world of international espionage by his high school ex-girlfriend, a spy played by Halle Berry. The movie boasts an impressive cast that includes two Oscar winners—Berry and J.K. Simmons, who portrays their handler—as well as Jackie Earle Haley, Mike Colter, and Lorraine Bracco. While it may not be an awards magnet, it promises an entertaining experience for a Netflix action-comedy.

“Jackpot!” questions whether there is genuine audience demand for action comedies or if streaming platforms assume there is. Regardless, the genre continues to thrive. This Prime Video release incorporates elements from “The Purge” and “John Wick 3,” with Awkwafina starring as a lottery winner in near-future Los Angeles. The twist? Anyone with a losing ticket can legally attempt to kill her before sundown to claim her prize. John Cena steps in as her “lottery protection agent” to ensure her survival, and the film is directed by Paul Feig.

Source: Gold Derby