10/28/25 - One Battle After Another (2025) - 9/10

I have struggled for months to expound on this film. I can’t quite place my finger on what has held me back because this was one of my favorite times in a theater this year and probably my favorite film of the year… and yet, there is a block between my brain and my fingers in the flow of admiration and exultance.

I’m guessing this film wins best picture at the Oscars and is on most “best of year” lists, and though that shouldn’t free me from the necessity of expression, perhaps the necessity is lessened? Or maybe I am just copping out…

It wasn’t the most profound film. Maybe not PTA’s best (debating in my head). And I can see how others might not ride it’s stolen compact fury over the hills to heavenly cinematic glory, but DAMN DID I LOVE IT! Still gives me a smile, be it Leo’s exasperated mutterings or Benicio’s cool lazy righteousness or Penn’s lip-chewing bizarrity…just three of A PLETHORA of wonderful chunks that made this ride of joy one for the ages.

Ugh. I’m blathering …and I won’t edit this. It’s just great - technically, musically, acting, casting, directing, editing, script, culturally, funwise - and it’s a long film that pulled off the miracle of never feeling long.

I keep whinging without saying anything, but you can’t say that about this film. Check it out.