One Battle After Another

"Just saw the IMAX 70mm version. What an incredible movie this is (film of the year hands down)! Super timely film that touches on relevant hot button political topics but ultimately an emotional father-daughter story at the core (I am shocked at the timing of this film’s release and interested to see the kind of conversation this sparks). I was especially struck by how it manages to touch on political topics in a way that threads a fine line without being alienating, on top of incredible comedic timing and not to mention making long shot of highway with cars chasing one another be so riveting and tension-inducing. Phenomenal writing and direction by Paul Thomas Anderson (I think he deserves his long overdue Oscar for this film) paired with incredible casting and performances (Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn (the standout of the cast), Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor MVP), with incredible editing, cinematography, pacing and score by Johnny Greenwood (deserves to win for this IMO). I’d love to see Leo and Sean Penn both win Oscars for this too. This is a film that big budget was felt while retaining directorial signature unique to PTA. This is a film that you need to see on the big screen ASAP. Very highly recommended. SIDE NOTE: This is producer and first AD Adam Somner’s final movie (he died in November 2024 and regularly collaborated with Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and PTA as AD), and what a way to go out!"

"Came to this film with a lot of expectations, maybe unnecessarily. It had great performances, buzz themes: mass unrests, immigration, socialist language and high level white supremacy. A few amazing sequences and of course impressive cinematography with impeccable timing. However, did all of these amazing pieces come into some profound message? Felt more like a very expensive action that’s a bit over-intellectualized. And also this trophy-grabbing vibe, kind of off putting."

"An instant modern classic. Everything from the music to the cinematography comes together to wrap a magic envelope around the incredible performances of the cast. The plot is a thickly interwoven thing of beauty. You will love this movie if you enjoy the art of moviemaking."

"great movie -suspenseful , fine acting by DiCaprio. Penn, Del Toro. Very timely political message - immigration. And loved desert car chases "

"ok i wanted to like this more than i did. it was full of excellent moments but at the end of the day what was the point? a dads love is much better than revolution or family transcends all and we need to help those less fortunate. maybe it’s my desire for films to have a bit more focus in the theme dept but this film just was full of funky moments that were always interesting. just not sure if it adds up to something meaningful. "