Manchester By The Sea - It's an ok drama, that doesn't have much humor in it. Its almost 2 and a half hours long and it goes slow. Basically a guy with lots of emotional baggage (which is actually baggage I could understand) has to figure out what to do when his brother dies and he is declared guardian of his 16 year old nephew that he hasn't seen often for years. they bond, they cry, they fight etc. The kid is a normal kid really just interested in sports and trying to get laid. While the movie was ok, to me its not one I would watch again. Lots of flashbacks to keep track of as well. It's also another one of those Boston movies that show that most seem to hate their life there, drink a lot, fight a lot, and cuss a lot. As far as all the awards go it must have been a slow year for this to get so many nominations as there is nothing special about any of these performances.
Arrival - another oscar bait movie that saying you've seen it once is enough. Not one i would buy for continued viewing. It however goes pretty quick for a two hour movie. Have to pay attention to this one as there is also lots of flashbacks that lead to the big reveal at the end. At the end though it is still just your typical nice aliens come to earth, certain countries get antsy and want to kill them, until someone shows them that is not the answer. Outside of the somewhat reveal at the end you've seen a version of this before.
That's 3 low par best picture nominees I've seen this week. Must have been a very slow year for these to be chosen as nominees as none have rewatch value in my opinion and they have no political message that I can tell.
Moana - watched with my son. It's your standard disney flick. Princess is bored in life, something happens, they sing, they dance, she saves the day. Not a bad movie, but not one of their best either. Enjoyed the last couple before this more.