Weekend - March 18, 2021

For the most up-to-date listing of events, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

E

LIVEWIRE: Green River Festival moving to Franklin County Fairgrounds, E4 OSCARS 2021: Where to watch this year’s nominated films, E6 OFF THE MENU: Mass Maple Weekend beckons, E8

| THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

|

PLUS

‘Maple Days’ at Old Sturbridge Village, E3

Spring hiking See the seasonal transition at the Thayer Brook Trail in Wilbraham, Page E2 JUICY NEVER TASTED SO GOOD! $5.00 OFF

Any Order of $40.00 or More Cannot be combined with other offers.

Please present coupon when ordering.

Expires 3/31/21

$10.00 OFF

Buy 3 Daily Specials, Get 4th

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Please present coupon when ordering.

Expires 3/31/21

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Please present coupon when ordering.

Expires 3/31/21

Any Order of $75.00 or More

FREE

Sun - Thurs: 12pm – 10pm Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm

413-209-8297 • 413-209-8941

3147933-01

1404 Boston Road Springfield, MA 01119 Order Online: www.juicyseafoodma.com

WEEKEND

E2 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

ON THE COVER

Celebrate spring with a hike Thayer Brook Trail in Wilbraham good for all skill levels

S

By Steve Smith

Special to The Republican

pring — oh, what a re-leaf it is.

Warmer weather and longer daylight hours trigger new beginnings. Buds bloom.

Peepers peep. Birds sing. And the forests seem to awaken.

Bid winter adieu. Bid spring a morning dew. There is no better place to see and smell and feel the seasonal transition than to hike or walk a wooded trail in the forest.

From top: The “mouth” of the Whale Rock on the Thayer Brook Trail; a footbridge crosses a wetland area; an abandoned bird’s nest sits beneath a birdhouse along the trail. (STEVE SMITH PHOTOS)

One such trail is Thayer Brook Conservation Area in Wilbraham. Located at the Wilbraham Community Gardens at 700 Monson Road, the trail is an easy and pleasant walk or hike.

It is home to the Whale Rock. You don’t need an imagination to see a whale in this rock. It is a glacial erratic boulder, deposited here in the Thayer Brook Conservation Area by glacial ice. It is not native to Wilbraham, so the rock will always be a newcomer to locals. It was carried here over a great distance a long time ago. Erratic rocks take their name from the Latin word errare, meaning wander. It is Wilbraham’s very own Moby Dick, a geological rock ‘n’ roll sensation.

And unlike Ahab, hikers need not worry they may have bitten off more than they can chew in their quest of the Whale Rock. It is 2.5-mile loop trail with little elevation gain. It’s a good trail for all skill levels. You’ll find the Whale Rock midway on the route.

There is a rope affixed to the rock so kids can try their hand at rock climbing. There is also an “easy trail,” a loop just over a half-mile. There are several benches on this trail for rest stops.

The Wilbraham Conservation Commission received state grants in 2016 to implement a restoration project and an open field reclamation. Invasive plant species were removed and bird friendly vegetation was planted.

A hiker stops so her dog can investigate along the Thayer Brook Trail in Wilbraham. Located at the Wilbraham Community Gardens at 700 Monson Road, the trail is an easy and pleasant walk or hike for all skill levels. (STEVE SMITH PHOTO)

Voters also funded a forest management program in 2015 to spruce up the Thayer Brook Conservation Area by removing diseased trees to improve the health of the forest.

Retired state forester Carmine Angeloni, of Belchertown, was hired to personally mark with blue chalk which trees would be removed.

“It started out as a project to clean out along the trails because there were a lot of dead and dying trees that were

structurally impaired.” he said.

That led to the forest management program. “We increased the health of the forest,” he said.

As always, visitors should have a mask handy. The trail is moderately traveled so you should socially distance and put on a masks in case you see someone on the trail. Health experts say coronavirus infections can happen outdoors, but the chances are massively reduced in the fresh air.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 | E3

“People associate maple sugaring with New England and its abundance of sugar maples.”

DAVE HRUSKA, COORDINATOR OF AGRICULTURE AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

During “Maple Days,” Old Sturbridge Village’s working sugar camp, far left, demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19thcentury New England. At left, a tree is tapped for sap. The event runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in March. (OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE PHOTOS)

STURBRIDGE

‘Maple Days’ return to Old Sturbridge Village 19th-century maple sugaring process demonstrated weekends in March

W

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

ho first discovered that when you drill a hole into a sugar maple tree when winter turns to spring that a sweet, sticky nectar begins to flow from the opening?

It wasn’t Mrs. Butterworth.

IF YOU GO Event: “Maple Days” at Old Sturbridge Village When: Fridays-Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., through March Where: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge Admission: Included with daytime admission: $28 adults, $26 seniors, $14 college students and youths, and free to children under 4. Tickets must be reserved online in advance.

More information: osv.org or 800-SEE-1830

maples. Many farms today in the region have long traditions of making syrup,” said

were referred to in the day, Hruska noted.

“The maple sugar was used like our cane sugar today to bake things like a Brooks cake,” he said about the 19th century tea cake make with real butter, flour, eggs, milk, and studded with currants.

The village’s tinner and cooper will also make maple-related items.

“The cooper will be making the pales and troughs used to carry and store the sap as it is brought from the maple trees

to the sugar camp,” Hruska said.

“Maple Days,” which runs 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., is included with daytime admission to the village, which is $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $14 for college students and youths, and free to those under four. Due to the pandemic, all visitors must reserve tickets and arrival times online in advance.

For more information, visit osv.org or call 800-SEE1830.

ALWAYS HIGH PRICES PAID.

63 Cabot Street, Chicopee Center (413) 592-0220

3146428-01

Long before the popular product hit the grocery store shelves, the collection of maple sap to make maple syrup began even prior to Europeans settling in America.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in March, visitors to Old Sturbridge Village will see the village’s costumed historians demonstrating the maple sugaring process of the early 19th century.

They will be hard at work in the OSV sugar camp showing how maple sugaring has changed over the years, and how the sap is collected and boiled.

“People associate maple sugaring with New England and its abundance of sugar

Dave Hruska, coordinator of agriculture at OSV. During “Maple Days” the entire maple sugar-making process, from tapping trees to “sugaring off,” will be demonstrated.

“You will see us whittling the spiles or spouts put into the holes made in the trees to collect the sap into hand-hewn troughs and then carried to our outdoor sugar camp to be boiled down to sap,” Hruska said.

Visitors will learn why early New Englanders made maple sugar as opposed to maple syrup. Unlike today’s modern uses, early colonists did not sit down at the table and pour tasty maple syrup over fluffy pancakes.

“Instead of just boiling the sap to remove enough water to leave you with pure maple syrup, the early colonists would continue to boil the sap and at just the right time pour it into molds to crystalize and use later as a substitute for sugar,” Hruska said.

Costumed historians by the hearth will also cook period foods made with maple products based on historical recipes or “receipts” as they

E4 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MUSIC

Green River Festival moving to Franklin County Fairgrounds

George Lenker

T

LiveWire

HE GREEN RIVER Festival will move this summer to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in what organizers described as an abundance of caution for the health and safety of patrons, artists, vendors, and staff.

Since its inception in 1986, the Green River Festival has taken place on the grounds of Greenfield Community College. However, the college is closed to the public due to the pandemic and unable to host the festival.

“After missing our 34th annual festival in 2020 due to COVID, Green River Festival is back for 2021,” said festival director Jim Olsen. “We are continuing to coordinate with local and state authorities to follow all COVID related regulations and bring you a safe and fun festival experience. We are excited to bring back live music at this beautiful time of year and to share some changes for 2021.”

Tickets are on sale now.

Further information may be found at greenriverfesti val.com.

“We are continuing to coordinate with local and state authorities to follow all COVIDrelated regulations and bring you a safe and fun festival experience.

We are excited to bring back live music at this beautiful time of year and to share some changes for 2021.”

Jim Olsen, director, Green River Festival

what it means to really put myself out there and share something personal. I felt so vulnerable and overwhelmed by the fact that these songs I had written in private were exposed and likely being misinterpreted or disliked. I Dinosaur Jr. is heading on a North American tour this fall with think the song really tries to two stops in Massachusetts. The band will play the Academy of Music in Northampton on Nov. 26 and the House of Blues in communicate these anxieties in a cathartic way while Boston the following night. (DAVID GREENWALD / THE OREGONIAN) also leaning more into the general on-sale tickets avail• Skullcrusher, aka Helen beauty of relinquishing part able tomorrow.

Ballentine, will release a new of myself.”

Dinosaur Jr. was formed in EP in April, titled “Storm in The former upstate New Amherst in 1984 by guitarist J Summer.”

Yorker released her eponMascis, bassist Lou Barlow “I wrote ‘Storm in Summer’ ymous debut EP last year, and drummer Murph. after releasing the first Skull- and recently released a crusher EP,” Ballentine said single, “Song for Nick Drake” in a statement. “Over that (which is included on the new • The Boch Center in BosSkullcrusher, singer-songton is now presenting a digital summer I thought a lot about EP) in January. writer Helen Ballentine, will exhibit, “Women Who Rock,” release a new EP in April, which celebrates female titled “Storm in Summer.” musicians during Women’s (SILKEN-WEINBERG / PITCH PERFECT PR) History Month.

The exhibition features night. photographs by Susan Prior to the fall the tour, Wilson, including numerous Dinosaur Jr. has rescheduled artists who have played at dates for its Camp Fuzz, which venues in Boston. will now take place July 27- 30 Among the featured artists in Big Indian, New York. are luminaries such as Tina The tour announcement Turner, Loretta Lynn, Liner notes comes on the heels of news Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, • Dinosaur Jr. will under- of the band’s forthcoming Aimee Mann and Joan Artake a fall North American album, “Sweep It Into Space,” matrading. tour with two stops in Massa- which will drop April 23 on The exhibit is on display chusetts. through the end of March on the Jagjaguwar label.

The band will play the AcadPresale tickets for the North the digital marquee outside AdamEveGreenfieldMA Pleasure, Adventure, & Fun emy of Music in Northampton American tour and Camp the Wang Theatre and online Everyone 18 Main St., Greenfield, MA • 413-774-9800 AEStoresGreenfield Welcome on Nov. 26 and the House of at bochcenter.org/ Fuzz are available at www.Greenfield.AdamEveStores.com susanwilson.

Blues in Boston the following dinosaurjr.com/tour with Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-10pm, Sun. 12pm-7pm

Slip into something new this spring!

3147953-01

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 | E5

MOVIES ONLINE STREAMING

‘The Inheritance,’ ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ lead new films

By Ann Hornaday

McQueen – that are forging a new language from film grammar. Unrated. Contains disturbing images of police violence. Available at suncinemas.com. 102 minutes.

Washington Post

Philadelphia-based filmmaker Ephraim Asili has been a fixture on the museum and gallery circuit for the past decade with his short films.

Now Asili is making his feature-length debut with “The Inheritance,” a wry, earnest, visually striking collection of vignettes set within a fictional intentional community in West Philly.

Based on Asili’s own experience living in a collective, “The Inheritance” sends up some familiar rites and rituals of communal living, from chore schedules and house rules to ripping off someone else’s spirulina from the shared fridge. But Asili is also trying to illuminate something deeper, having to do with Black political and cultural legacies and how they’re passed on, intellectually and physically. Poets Sonia Sanchez and Ursula Rucker show up in

A ferocious, unrelenting sense of urgency drives Jasna Djuricic stars in “Quo “Quo Vadis, Aida?,” Jasmila Vadis, Aida?” (SUPER LTD) Zbanic’s propulsive thriller set amid the massacre in lective member simply juices a Srebrenica during the Bosnian War in 1995. The title characbunch of vegetables. ter, a translator for the U.N. Staged against a vibrant forces who are tasked with backdrop of boldly painted protecting the town as a safe walls and patterned textiles, zone, knows full well that her “The Inheritance” is an Julian Rozzell Jr. appears in a scene from “The Inheritance.” family and neighbors are in homage to material culture – (GRASSHOPPER FILM) mortal danger from oncoming the tattered books, battered stirring cameos, as do Michael drei Tarkovsky, Asili doesn’t Serb forces; in her attempts vinyl and swaddling fabrics and Debbie Africa and their tell a conventional story as that make up the fabric of life to save her husband and son, Michael Jr., MOVE mem- much as deliver a series of pro- and that, when passed down, teenage sons, she embarks bers who were the subjects nouncements, either by way of define the tapestry of shared on a desperate quest through the U.N.’s labyrinthine facility of Tommy Oliver’s “40 Years straightforward lectures, doc- history. “The Inheritance” umentary footage (including that becomes overrun with a Prisoner” last year. Taking may not be subtle but it’s an the bombing of MOVE in 1985 exhilarating addition to an thousands of starving Boscues from Jean-Luc Godard’s nians. Jasna Djuricic delivers “La Chinoise” (which is starkly as well as a stirring Shirley emerging body of work – by evoked by way of a poster), as Chisholm speech) or stylized artists as diverse as Bradford a breathtaking performance SEE STREAM, PAGE E11 set pieces, such as when a col- Young, Khalik Allah and Steve well as Chris Marker and An-

DVD RELEASES

‘Promising Young Woman’ is kick in the teeth of misogyny Tribune News Service

“Promising Young Woman”: Carey Mulligan gives a memorable performance in this daring rape-revenge fantasy, the directorial debut from Emerald Fennell, an English actress and showrunner on “Killing Eve’s” second season.

Mulligan is Cassie, a medical school dropout turned coffee shop clerk who spends her nights in bars looking for men to take her home. In smeared makeup and too-tall heels, with a convincing head loll, she seems drunk and helpless, going along with their coercions before dropping the act and enacting her revenge, Tribune News Service critic Katie

Walsh wrote in her review.

“Fennell’s film isn’t all that gory, but it has the attitude and tone of a horror movie, rendered in cupcake colors.

Cassie utilizes her ultra-feminine presentation of long blonde locks, florals and garish makeup as armor, a disguise, and as a weapon in her war,” she wrote. “It’s a reflection of the film’s internal logic that nothing is what it seems, the script is built on constant reveals that walk the viewer down one path before ripping the rug out.”

Also new on DVD “Brothers by Blood”: Set in the City of Brotherly Love, this crime drama depicts the

violent world of Philadelphia organized crime. Stars Matthias Schoenaerts, Joel Kinnaman and Maika Monroe.

“Des”: David Tennant portrays Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen, arrested in 1983, in this three-part TV miniseries.

“Don’t Tell a Soul”: Fionn Whitehead and Jack Dylan Grazer are teen brothers who steal money to help their ill mother, played by Mena Suvari, while engaging with Rainn Wilson’s security guard character.

“Money Plane”: This heist thriller finds a debt-ridden thief needing to do one final job, complete with a team of the world’s most danger-

Carey Mulligan appears in a scene from the film “Promising Young Woman,” now available on DVD. (FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP)

ous criminals. Stars Adam Copeland, Kelsey Grammer, Thomas Jane.

“PG: Psycho Goreman”: Nita-Josee Hanna and Owen Myre are siblings who find a gem that lets them control an ancient monster, attracting all sorts of unwanted attention to their small town.

“Sheep and Wolves: Pig Deal”: The sheep and wolves

enjoy a peaceful existence in this Russian-language animated film, that is until two unexpected guests come along.

“Songbird”: Inspired by the health crisis of the last year, this film set in 2024 follows a handful of characters amid a global pandemic. Stars K.J. Apa, Sofia Carson and Craig Robinson.

WEEKEND

E6 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MOVIES

Where to watch all the 2021 Oscar nominees

By CHRISTI CARRAS

Los Angeles Times

Congratulations to all the 2021 Oscar nominees – and thoughts and prayers to all the Oscar voters and cinephiles now figuring out how to watch all the nominated films.

On Monday morning, celebrity couple Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas unveiled this year’s Oscar nominees in 23 categories ranging from best picture to original screenplay.

And while theatrical screenings are a viable option in some parts of the country, many cinemas across the United States remain closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as movie theaters slowly open up again.

As such, plenty of Oscars enthusiasts have no choice but to view this year’s contenders via streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. And some of the 2021 nominees aren’t available on major streaming platforms at all.

Leading the Oscar nominations this year is “Mank” with 10 nods, including best picture. Other top contenders include “Nomadland,” “Minari” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Winers will be announced during the Academy Awards ceremony April 25.

The LA Times has compiled a comprehensive list of all the nominated, feature-length films and where to watch them. And read what Times critics had to say about each of this year’s nominees.

‘Another Round’ Where to watch: Video-on-demand (VOD) Nominated for: Director What we said: Thomas Vinterberg’s “‘Another Round’ itself often moves and swings like a piece of music: Staccato in its rhythms and symphonic in structure, it’s awash in Scarlatti and Schubert, bar tunes and patriotic songs, and climaxes with a jubilant blast of Danish pop/R&B.”

At left, Gary Oldman portrays Herman Mankiewicz in a scene from “Mank.” At right, Viola Davis in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

(NIKOLAI LOVEIKIS / NETFLIX; DAVID LEE / NETFLIX)

Nominated for: Supporting actress, makeup and hairstyling What we said: “The faintly scolding, moralizing tone of (J.D.) Vance’s prose has largely evaporated, only to be replaced by the hectoring profanities of Amy Adams and Glenn Close, two Hollywood royals who have subjected themselves to one of the industry’s most time-honored traditions: deglamorization in service of a dubious artistic cause.”

Yuh-jung Youn stars in “Minari.” (A24 VIA AP)

‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Nominated for: Supporting actress, adapted screenplay What we said: “As Borat’s latest misadventures exist to remind us, we live in a world gone mad, and compliance seems antithetical to his gleefully anarchic spirit.”

Frances McDormand, left, and Swankie appear in a scene from “Nomadland.” (SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES VIA AP)

film that is true to her spirit, as this latest ‘Emma’ is, will have no trouble making us happy.”

interiority of ‘The Father’ compels your attention: If narrative cinema is largely predicated on the illusion of seamlessness, there’s something apt about the way (director Florian) Zeller both upholds and shatters that illusion, bridging the narrative gap across a series of jarring discontinuities.”

‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ ‘Da 5 Bloods’ Where to watch: Netflix Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Song Nominated for: Score What we said: “‘The most What we said: “In these ac- renowned musical competitors’ weary faces, incongruous- tion on Earth is also the most ly bridging the divide between inclusive,’ the film’s marketing ‘Greyhound’ Where to watch: Apple TV+ past and present, we see the materials proudly proclaim. If Nominated for: Sound most literal possible visualiza- only ‘Eurovision’ itself cared to tion of a war without end.”

What we said: “‘Greyhound’ make that statement ring true.” ... is an efficient, satisfying war ‘Emma’ ‘The Father’ film. In that regard, it’s a fresh Where to watch: HBO Max Where to watch: In select telling of familiar elements, Nominated for: Costume theaters; VOD starting March buoyed by the powerfully design, makeup and hairstyling 26 understated performances from What we said: “No one Nominated for: Best picture, (Tom) Hanks and his fellow cast wrote about (romantic love) actor, supporting actress, film members.” with a keener understanding, editing, production design, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ both comic and sympathetic, adapted screenplay Where to watch: Netflix than (Jane) Austen, and any What we said: “The rigorous

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Where to watch: In select theaters, VOD release TBA Nominated for: Best picture, supporting actor (x2), cinematography, song, original screenplay What we said: “‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ is too honest to offer reassurances or solutions, but if nothing else, its tribute to Fred Hampton does warrant the final word: ‘America’s on fire right now, and until that fire is extinguished, don’t nothing else mean a damn thing.’”

‘The Life Ahead’ Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Song What we said: “The chance to bask in Sophia Loren’s formidable glow is a pleasure not many movies can claim to offer, so with that in mind, plan your own ‘Life Ahead’ of movie-watching accordingly.”

SEE OSCARS, PAGE E7

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 | E7

MOVIES

Oscars

rendered the computer-generated animal performances are.

It’s not just the photorealistic visuals, but the animators have landed on a performance style that blends both animal and human expression.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E6

‘Love and Monsters’ Where to watch: VOD Nominated for: Visual effects What we said: “Though it’s moderately likable throughout, only when ‘Love and Monsters’ gets serious about the difficulties of Joel’s situation does it feel genuinely relevant.”

‘Mank’ Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Best picture, director, actor, supporting actress, cinematography, costume From left, Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Ben Shenkman, Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne and Alex design, makeup and hairstyling, Sharp in a scene from “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” (NIKO TAVERNISE / NETFLIX VIA AP) score, production design, sound What we said: “A basic familiarity with ‘Citizen Kane,’ or at least an ability to tell Orson Welles from H.G. Wells, should suffice, and if that’s asking a lot of an idle Netflix surfer, well, tough: In this dense, luxuriant cinephile swoon of a movie, you either sink or swim.”

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Actor, actress, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, production design What we said: “Most of all, there is the late Chadwick Boseman, giving a furiously inventive screen performance that also happens to be his last. It’s one spellbinding final reminder of what we’ve lost, and of how easily God, to invoke one of (August) Wilson’s unseen major characters, can giveth and taketh away.”

Bungee the rabbit, left, and Fei Fei, voiced by Cathy Ang, in a scene from “Over the Moon.” (NETFLIX VIA AP)

tions that it is.”

Chadwick Boseman appears in a scene from “Da 5 Bloods.”

(DAVID LEE / NETFLIX VIA AP)

Nominated for: Best picture, director, actor, supporting actress, score, original screenplay What we said: “‘Minari’ in ‘The Midnight Sky’ its entirety feels like a balm Where to watch: Netflix right now, a gentle, truthful and Nominated for: Visual effects tender story of family filled with What we said: “The film’s kind people trying to love one themes of extinction and another the best they can.” survival are worthy of thought‘Mulan’ ful treatment, something that Where to watch: Disney+ eludes the ambitious movie as Nominated for: Costume it succumbs to a schematic and design, visual effects sentimental telling that overreaches for a grand gesture and What we said: “A smaller-screen viewing at home ... obscures the more meaningful provided some useful perspecideas.” tive – a chance to look past the ‘Minari’ visual wonders and dramatic Where to watch: VOD and blunders and see the movie for in select theaters, including the messy, admirable, unenviable tangle of cultural contradicAmherst Cinema

‘News of the World’ Where to watch: VOD Nominated for: Cinematography, score, production design, sound What we said: “With its gorgeous wheat-toned landscapes and its salutary nods to pictures such as ‘The Searchers,’ ‘True Grit’ and ‘Paper Moon,’ ‘News of the World’ finds its maker navigating the conventions of the Western and the road movie with relative ease.”

‘Nomadland’ Where to watch: Hulu and in select theaters, including Amherst Cinema Nominated for: Best picture, director, actress, cinematography, film editing, adapted screenplay What we said: “Fluid, inventive and even playful in ways that belie its generally somber tone, ‘Nomadland’ exists at

that blurry juncture where fiction and nonfiction meet – a well-traveled zone that is nonetheless still rife with artistic possibilities.”

‘One Night in Miami...’

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Nominated for: Supporting actor, song, adapted screenplay What we said: “The wit and the compassion of ‘One Night in Miami ... ‘ lie in its refusal of easy answers, which is to say its recognition that the answers are different for everyone, as you can see from the passion and ambivalence with which each man regards his particular cultural sphere.”

‘The One and Only Ivan’ Where to watch: Disney+ Nominated for: Visual effects What we said: “What stands out about ‘The One and Only Ivan’ is just how amazingly

‘Onward’ Where to watch: Disney+ Nominated for: Animated feature What we said: “The result may sound like an incongruous pileup of genres on paper – picture an ancient storybook quest, a rowdy ’80s-flavored buddy comedy and an outand-out male weepie in a noisy three-way collision – but there are glimmers of real enchantment and honest feeling amid the rubble.”

‘Over the Moon’ Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Animated feature What we said: “‘Over the Moon’ may hail from beyond the Disney umbrella, but it nonetheless bears a recognizable corporate imprint, from its abundance of cute animal sidekicks and so-so original songs to its strategic exploration of grief as both premise and theme.”

‘Pieces of a Woman’ Where to watch: Netflix Nominated for: Actress What we said: “While this remarkable actor can unleash hell with the best of them, (Vanessa Kirby’s) most eloquent gestures here are her quietest, whether she’s staring distractedly into the middle distance or deflecting her mom’s affectionate gesture, as if it were a slap in the face.”

‘Pinocchio’ Where to watch: VOD Nominated for: Costume design, makeup and hairstyling What we said: “Did we really need yet another screen iteration of Carlo Collodi’s 1883 children’s book about the miraculous wooden boy with the nose that grows? If this latest stab at ‘Pinocchio’ from Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone is any indication, the answer is no, not really.”

SEE OSCARS, PAGE E12

WEEKEND

E8 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

Mass Maple Weekend beckons

T

St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer is the only sanctioned Trappist brewery in the United States. Here are the Monks’ IPA and Monks’ Reserve Ale. (GEORGE LENKER PHOTO)

Tale of two Trappist brews

T

HE WALL STREET Journal recently reported on how the current lack of religious vocation is threatening the monastery that makes one of the most beloved beers in the world.

The Saint-Sixtus Abbey produces Westvleteren 12, and apparently not enough young men are signing up to be monks (who can brew the beer). I wish them well on finding more monks to come and dedicate their life to the religious location and make this great beer.

I can’t do anything about that, but what I can do here is give a little love to our local Trappist brewery at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer.

As readers might know, it’s the only sanctioned Trappist brewery in the country. So that alone makes it special.

But what also makes it special

HE SHORT BUT sweet maple sugaring season is now well underway, and over the weekend area maple producers will be participating in Mass Maple Weekend by offering tours and sugarhouse visits.

Because of the need for pandemic-related precautions, the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association is encouraging those interested in seeing how maple syrup is made to check with individual sugarhouse operations for any advance arrangements that might be required. The association maintains a listing of participating sugarhouses along with contact information at its Mass Maple website, massmaple.org.

One of the best ways to enjoy the maple experience is by visiting one of the sugarhouse restaurants some maple producers operate.

One such long-established

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

eatery, Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant in Shelburne, is now open for the season, offering an extensive menu of breakfast favorites selected to go with Davenport’s own maple syrup. The focus is on pancakes, including the operation’s signature “Finnish” pancake, an item that the menu describes as what would result “if custard, French toast, and a pancake had a baby.”

Davenport also prepares waffles and French toast; eggs

and selections are available as well. The entire menu can be viewed at the operation’s Facebook page, facebook. com/DavenportMaple.

This season Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant is observing social distancing protocols and is also offering takeout options.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 11, Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant answers at 413-625-2866 Side dishes • One of the primary missions of the National Restaurant Association Show has been to serve as a marketplace, not only for products and equipment, but for ideas and industry best practices.

Although this year’s edition of the show was canceled by the pandemic, the NRA has made sure that the show’s mission will go on, albeit in SEE MENU, PAGE E9

Celebrate Easter with Table 3 Restaurant Group | Sunday, April 4

Online Preorders theducksturbridge.com | cedarstreetgrille.com

George Lenker Beer Nut

is that it brews great beer. It’s been a while since I mentioned Spencer Brewery, so let’s do that today by taking a look at two of its beers.

First up is the Monks’ IPA. I’m going to start by saying I love this beer, but mainly because it’s so different from most of the IPAs today.

Although it pours hazy, it’s not a hazy juice bomb or a New England-style of IPA. This is

SEE BEER, PAGE E10

For a special Easter celebration leave the cooking to Table 3. Our talented chefs have prepared sensational menus. The Duck and Avellino will be serving a traditional à la carte menu with your holiday favorites. Cedar Street Grille at The Barn will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. Enjoy a stress-free holiday in one of our fine restaurants. If you prefer to enjoy an Easter meal at home, we will also be offering an on-line pre-ordering menu where you select your favorite items and pick up times for Easter day.

Call 508-347-2321 for The Duck & Avellino seating: 11am–4pm Call 508-347-5800 for Cedar Street Grille seating: 10am–4pm

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 | E9

DINE & WINE

Menu CONTINUED FROM PAGE E8

a virtual fashion. The association has created The Show To Go, a virtual marketplace designed to bring together industry players in much the same fashion that the traditionally staged NRA Show does.

In addition to hosting links to 900-plus exhibitors, The Show To Go incorporates more than 70 educational programs and online information sessions on a variety of topics such as “What’s New in Alcohol to Go” and “Chefs Go Green.”

The Show To Go is available for no-charge access at www. nationalrestaurantshow. com/mys/show-to-go.

• Nini’s Ristorante in Easthampton is promoting Easter dinner packages for curbside pickup.

Three options will be available – prime rib roast, roasted turkey breast, and baked spiral ham. Supplementing these Easter dinner bundles is a choice of potato, Italian sausage stuffing, or pasta with marinara sauce. The dinners also include roasted vegetables, mixed green salad, Italian bread, and either an apple or blueberry pie for dessert.

Orders must be placed by March 30 and paid for at the time of ordering. Dinners to-go will be hot and ready to serve when picked up curbside.

For more details contact Nini’s Ristorante at 413-5270149.

deal on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, while the Cedar Street Grille is offering $2 off small plates (dine-in only) on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Family style takeout meals continue to be available at The Duck and Avellino. Sized for either four or six, the entree offerings include linguini & meatballs, chicken potpie, braised short rib, and cracker-crusted baked cod.

Orders can be called in to 508-347-2321; the restaurant requests at least an hour’s advance notice.

More details are available at the Table 3 website, table3restaurantgroup.com.

• Tucker’s Restaurant in Southwick will be offering Easter Dinner to-go as a “hot pickup” on April 4.

Chef Michael Anderson has developed a menu of meals

planned to serve four. Each dinner package includes two entree selections from a list of options – sliced ham, roast turkey, leg of lamb, baked cod, and more.

Meals include a vegetable, roasted red potatoes, and a half-dozen sweet rolls.

Additional sides can be added to an order, and dessert options such as chocolate mousse, whiskey bread pudding, and grasshopper pie are also being made available.

Orders must be placed by March 27 and pickup times will be arranged so as to facilitate social distancing.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 45 years of restaurant and educational experience.

Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

New England TRAVELER CAPE COD ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 - $85 to 5/30/21 (excluding holidays, some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special off season starting from $145 all week.

Ocean views and efficiencies available.

FREE continental breakfast in season.

All rooms have refrigerators and cable TV. Heated outdoor pool. Take children to the beachside playground. Close to several golf courses, tennis courts, whale watch cruises, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, restaurants, shops, bike trails and many more of the Cape’s unique attractions.

10% Senior Discount. South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.

1-800-487-4903. www.vgreenmotel.com.

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 413-788-1165

3147742-02

3135607-01

• The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in downtown Springfield will be presenting a Russian River Valley Wine Tasting Dinner on March 25 at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature wines produced in California’s Russian River Valley. A five course menu will be served that’s designed to pair with the wines being poured.

Cost to attend the event is $65, tax and tip included.

Tickets can be ordered online at studentprince.com/

bons and ryes, either poured straight or featured in cocktails.

The food side of the experience will begin with foie gras and jelly sandwiches before proceeding on to braised pork belly presented with sweet potato dumplings.

Fried chicken & donuts will be served next, followed by a main course of bacon-fat-aged ribeye roast.

For dessert the kitchen is offering chocolate banana Starbucks announced two s’more. new nondairy spring drinks — The price for the dinner is the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk $75, not including tax or gratuShaken Espresso, shown ity; seatings are available from here, and Iced Chocolate 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.

Reservations can be made by (STARBUCKS) calling Max Tavern at 413-7466299. winedinner. The Student Prince also answers at 413• After a gala St. Patrick’s 734-7475.

Day celebration yesterday, The Irish House Restaurant and • The spring 2021 edition of Trinity Pub in West Springfield will resume operations, Dine Out Boston is underway, opening Thursdays and Fridays with the promotional event from 4 until 10 p.m. and Saturlasting until March 28. days from noon until 10 p.m., Tweaked a bit to reflect current realities, this restaurant with the kitchen closing each week features prixe fixe menus evening at 9 p.m.

The restaurant’s patio will be for both lunch and dinner, with the dinner price points set available for outside seating, weather permitting. at $28, $33, and $38. Lunch, Contact The Irish House where offered, goes for $15, Restaurant at 413-342-4358. $20, and $25.

Nearly 100 Boston area • Starbucks locations are restaurants have signed up for now providing, for an additionDine Out Boston, and those al charge, oat milk as a dairy participating are doing inside dining, winterized outside din- alternative in coffee drinks. ing, and in some cases pickup The chain has also added or delivery. several two new drinks to the In conjunction with the menu — an Iced Brown Sugar event, the Greater Boston Con- Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and vention and Visitors Bureau, an Iced Chocolate Almondmilk which is the restaurant week’s Shaken Espresso. Both are organizer, has put together an being promoted as permanent online auction of gift certifmenu additions. icates to a number of Hub For those looking for a eateries. healthful snack option, For more information and a Starbucks has introduced the directory of participant restau- Chickpea Bites & Avocado rants, go to bostonusa.com/ Protein Box, an assortment of dine-out-boston. The Greater chickpea bites, miniature carrots, a dried cranberry-nut mix, Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau also answers at and avocado spread.

1-888 SEE-BOSTON. • The Table 3 Restaurant • Max Tavern at the NaGroup in Sturbridge is offering ismith Memorial Basketball an assortment of discounts Hall of Fame in Springfield will and promotions at its three lobe hosting “High Rye: A Bour- cations, The Duck, Avellino, bon Dinner” on March 25. and Cedar Street Grille.

The five-course dining event The Duck and Avellino are will feature a selection of bour- offering a buy one, get one free

WEEKEND

E10 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

25% tariff on European wines temporarily lifted

H

ERE’S SOMETHING astating effect on sales last year. worth celebrating.

Between January 2020 and June last Prices for wines from year, French wine sales dropped by France, Spain and Germany 50% compared to the same time peshould hopefully come down very riod the year before, according to the soon.

U.S. International Trade Commission That’s because the U.S. and the as reported in Wine Spectator. SpanEuropean Union recently agreed to a ish wine imports declined by 60% four-month long suspension of tariffs during the same time period. on wines from these European counAs for Scotch whisky, the 25% tariffs tries in the U.S. had a similar, negative effect. Whisky Hopefully, that temporary suspensales plummeted in the U.S. by 35% sion becomes permanent. or roughly $700 million between As you might have October 2019 and a noticed, wine prices few weeks ago, according to The New York have been significantly Times . higher the past year or All this might seem so. That’s because the strange since there U.S. imposed a 25% were many stories tariff on wines from around this time last France, Spain and year about wine sales Germany starting in skyrocketing soon October 2019.

By the way, the U.S. after the start of the imposed a similar 25% coronavirus lockdown.

Ken Ross tariff that same month “Sales have been Wine Press on Scotch whisky good, stronger than (whiskey from Scotnormal for this sealand). Recently, the U.S. and the EU son,” Jim Nejaime, owner of Spirited agreed to a similar four-month susWines in Lenox, said last March in an pension of tariffs on whisky. Slainte! interview for this wine column. “Of (That’s Scottish Gaelic for “cheers.”) course, due to folks stocking in, since The 25% tariffs were in response to many more are spending much more several, long-simmering trade disputes time at home, not able to go out to between Europe and the U.S. One battle dine, etc.”

But for all the extra wine sold in involves subsidies or tariffs for an American airplane manufacturer (Boeing) stores, the sale of wine in bars and and for a European airplane manufacrestaurants (which were closed for turer (Airbus). Another battle involves much of last year due to the pandemic) a “3% levy on revenue from digital was clearly down across the country last services earned in France by companies year. with revenues of more than 25 million That might explain why the sale of euros ($28 million) in France and 750 “premium wine” (wine with an average million euros worldwide,” according to price of $28 a bottle) dropped by 7.1% in a Reuters news article last year.

2020 compared to 2019, the first decline As for European wine sales in the in premium wines sales in the U.S. since United States, the tariff had a dev2009, according to the most recent sales

Beer CONTINUED FROM PAGE E8

definitely a straight-up oldschool product. And it’s great.

Although the brew pours a bit on the hazy side, it’s not opaque. Plenty of translucent qualities here. It features a nice head and leaves a decent lacing on the glass. The aroma is mild, with just a hint of hoppiness.

The flavor is one that reminds me of late-20th century IPAs. A nice combo of some soft tropical notes, but also a strong pine aspect. Overall the bitterness is restrained, and the can says it’s only 30 IBUs, so that fits. The malt structure is firm but light, which dovetails perfectly with the framework of the flavor profile: understated, yet tasty and inviting.

It finishes as clean as any IPA I’ve ever had, which makes a

A road in a vineyard in Vosne-Romanee in Burgundy, France. The U.S. and the European Union recently agreed to a four-month long suspension of tariffs on wines from France, Spain and Germany. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

statistics.

I realize it’s hard for some people to sympathize with people who make wines that sometimes cost hundreds or thousands of dollars a bottle. Such a trade battle might seem like one group of rich people fighting with another group of rich people.

But in my experience, many winemakers are only wealthy on paper. And while there are definitely many expensive wines made around the world, most wines cost far less and are enjoyed by everyone everywhere.

And while money is definitely important, the reason why many winemakers go into business is not to become fabulously wealthy. Many of them became winemakers because they’re passionate about making great wine.

It’s also easy to forget sometimes that winemakers are farmers. They

great choice for the coming summer months.

For our second Spencer beer today, I did a 180 and chose Monks’ Reserve Ale, a quadrupel that offers a slight alteration on the style.

This brew pours a gorgeous, deep mahogany/brownish-red hue with an impressive head.

The aroma reveals a melange of fruit notes with maybe a hint of brown sugar and dark chocolate.

have a hard enough time making great wine without having to worry about trade tariffs. They have good years and bad years. Rain, hail, sleet or frost can wipe out a single year’s harvest in a day or two. I’ve talked to winemakers in France’s Burgundy region and Provence region in particular who have shared such sad tales. They’ve also generously shared their stories of good fortune as well as wines from such fabulous years.

So here’s hoping this year turns out to be a great one for winemakers in France, Spain, Germany and everywhere else.

And here’s hoping that wine (and whisky) prices finally start to come down in stores across the country.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

The first sips reiterate some of those aspects while also unveiling more dark fruits and a heavier-than-usual presence of spiciness. The spice facet isn’t off-putting but rather separates this beer from more traditional Belgian quads.

I think it’s a really good version of this style. I’d give it an A-minus, but only because it isn’t quite as good as what I consider to be the greatest quad in the world: Trappistes

Rochefort 10. But even being mentioned in the same paragraph as that classic brew is high praise indeed.

There was a time in my younger days when I considered a religious vocation, but rock ’n’ roll won out. I’m too old now, and besides, I am horrible at brewing. But I’ll keep all the monasteries in my prayers so we keep getting their great beers.

Santé!

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 | E11

Nahéma Ricci, left, and Rachida Oussaada in “Antigone.”

(ANTIGONE / CINEMA LIBRE STUDIO)

Stream

A scene from the documentary “Lost Course.” (ICARUS FILMS / DGENERATE COLLECTION AT ICARUS FILMS)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E5

as a woman navigating ever more unspeakable atrocities, as well as a bureaucracy that is alternately indifferent or impotent. Through Zbanic’s discerning, morally unerring eye, war isn’t portrayed as a valor in battle or a crucible for courage, but a senseless and psychotic exercise in arrogance and impunity.

Zbanic knows exactly where to put the camera and when to move it in this harrowing portrait, which recalls 2015’s equally masterful “Son of Saul” in its oblique but shattering representation of violence – in this case, the murder of more than 8,000 men and boys and the use of rape as a weapon – which is all the more unsettling when they’re reflected in Djuricic’s stoic but expressive face. Once the drama opens up, especially in its haunting epilogue, viewers are trusted to draw their own conclusions about what, if anything, all of it meant. This is a film that more than earns its title, which evokes both history and operatic sweep: “Quo Vadis, Aida?” may sharpen its focus to the journey of one woman, but in so doing it illuminates a period in history that should never be forgotten. Unrated.

Contains profanity, smoking, wartime violence and intense images. Available at virtualavalon.org. In Serbo-Croatian, Bosnian, Dutch, Serbian and English, with subtitles. 103 minutes.

Producer and DJ Tygapaw appears in the documentary “Underplayed.” (POPP ROK)

Also streaming Canada’s official Oscar submission to last year’s Academy Awards, “Antigone” is a refugee drama inspired by Sophocles’s play of the same name. Newcomer Nahéma Ricci plays the title role: an Algeria-born teenager living in Montreal with her immigrant family who defies the government after one of her brothers is killed by police and the other is arrested and threatened with deportation.

Variety calls the film an “intelligent, moving reworking” of the Greek tragedy, “electrified by a breakout turn” from its star.” Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms.

109 minutes.

The violent, darkly comic thriller “Concrete Plans” follows a resentful work crew renovating a mansion in Wales. When the home’s arrogant owner stops paying, the laborers snap, turning on their employer and one another. The main problem, according to the Guardian, is that “too often the film sounds like a quaint fantasy of what rich people sound like, what not-rich people

In “Rain Beau’s End,” Hannah (Janelle Snow) and Jules (Amanda Powell) are a lesbian couple who discover through genetic testing that the 4-year-old boy they have adopted could be prone to aggressive behavior. Sean Young appears as Hannah’s law partner and Ed Asner is her homophobic father. Unrated.

Available on lesflicks.com. 117 minutes.

“Still Life in Lodz” takes a documentary look at four generations of Jewish life Victoria Justice and Matthew Daddario in “Trust.” in the Polish city of Lodz by (VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT) examining the destiny of a painting that once hung in Times, the film uses the local the apartment of a Polish Jew sound like, and what criminals sound like.” Unrated. from 1945 to 1968. Unrated. uprising to “pose broader Available at afisilver.afi.com. questions about the feasibility Available at jxjdc.org and 91 minutes. cinemaartstheatre.com. 75 of democratic and anticorruption reforms in China.” minutes.

Unrated. Available at afisilver.

The historical drama “The afi.com. In Mandarin with Good Traitor” tells the true Victoria Justice (“Victorious”) and Matthew Daddario subtitles. 180 minutes. story of Henrik Kauffmann (“Shadowhunters”) play (Ulrich Thomsen), Denmark’s a married couple, each of The documentary “The ambassador to the United States, who, after the Nazi in- People vs. Agent Orange” fol- whom is tempted to stray vasion of his country in 1940, lows two women in their 70s from their vows by a seducrefuses to accept the capitula- who are pushing for account- tive outsider in the romantic tion of his government to the ability regarding the deploythriller “Trust.” Unrated. ment of the toxic defoliant Germans. Unrated. Available Available on various streaming Agent Orange during the Viet- platforms. 94 minutes. at afisilver.afi.com and virtualavalon.org. In English nam War. One is an Oregon and Danish with subtitles. 110 activist and the other is a VietThe documentary “Undernamese survivor of the war. played” examines the lack minutes.

The Los Angeles Times says of gender equity in the field “the film is a righteous but of electronic dance music.

The documentary “Lost rough ride as far as activist Variety calls the film (which Course” looks at the efforts docs go.” Unrated. Available at was made by an all-woman of Chinese villagers to fight crew) “beautifully shot and back against corrupt officials afisilver.afi.com. In English, French and Vietnamese with creatively edited.” Unrated. who had illegally sold their Available on Amazon Prime. 87 land. Sobering and sprawling, subtitles. 84 minutes. minutes. according to the New York

E12 | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Oscars

GOURMET FOODS Since 1950

Easter Menu

• Coconut Shrimp – 12 Piece Portions • Chicken Franchaise – Tender, Battered Chicken Strips, Served In A Lemon-White Wine Sauce Buona Pasq • Shadone – Our Version Of ua from t h e F rigo’s famil The Classic Italian Easter Pie y t o yours!

• Baked Glazed Ham • Glazed Carrots • Roasted Brussel Sprouts • Garlic & Herb Roasted Potatoes Orders must be submitted by: 5pm on Thurs., April 1st.

Delivery Available on Sat., April 3rd. Additional charges will apply.

Orders must be picked-up on Sat., April 3rd, for both locations.

$125 - SERVES 4-6

Additional portions - $25/person

~ Suggested Frigo’s Wine Pairings ~ Vandori Prosecco, Italy - Light, Extra Dry w/ Fine Bubbles,

includes a bottle of Harry’s Bar Peach Nectar for the perfect Bellini. Pairs perfectly w/ Shadone and Chicken ..................... $15.99

Flaio Primitivo, Italy - Soft, Medium Body, Round Flavorful, pairs well with Ham ............................................................................... $9.99 La Veille Ferme, France – Choose between their Dry Rose (pairs w/ Easter Ham) or Crisp White (Perfect as an Aperitif or paired w/ Shrimp) .........................................................................$10.99

www.frigosfoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

3148442-01

tion design, visual effects What we said: “It’s basically espionage adventure, CONTINUED FROM PAGE E7 but with a science fiction ‘Promising Young Woman’ backbone: (Christopher) Where to watch: VOD and Nolan ups the ante on in select theaters ‘Mission: Impossible’ by Nominated for: Best making the impossibility not picture, director, actress, film just physical but quantum editing, original screenplay physical. And he goes about What we said: “It seeks to it expertly, bullishly and merge Cassie’s pain and our with giddily perverse intent pleasure, then paper over the to bewilder.” cracks with sharp tonal piv‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ ots, slick globs of style and, Where to watch: Netflix most of all, (Carey) Mulligan Nominated for: Best herself, with her remarkable picture, supporting actor, ability to project both steeliness and vulnerability.” cinematography, film editing, song, original screenplay ‘A Shaun the Sheep What we said: “Even if Movie: Farmageddon’ ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ Where to watch: Netflix qualifies as catnip for Oscar Nominated for: Animated voters – it’s a juicy courtfeature room drama, a sweeping What we said: “The abil’60s panorama, an epic of ity of the Shaun films to be liberal hand-wringing and an lighthearted is all the more all-you-can-eat actors’ buffet unexpected when you realize rolled into one – it also, to its how much work goes into credit, rarely exaggerates its physically manipulating the own topicality.” small figures one frame at a ‘The United States time.” vs. Billie Holiday’ ‘Soul’ Where to watch: Hulu Where to watch: Disney+ Nominated for: Actress Nominated for: Animated What we said: “Within the feature, score, sound confines of a straight-ahead, What we said: “Like an handsomely designed and ethereal cousin to (codirector photographed biopic beats Pete Docter’s) triumphant the heart of a more adventur‘Inside Out,’ ‘Soul’ is another ous presentation of Holiday’s tragic life.” playful exercise in metaphysical world building, a door-slamming farce staged ‘The White Tiger’ Where to watch: Netflix between the portals of consciousness. It reminds us that Nominated for: Adapted ordinary lives can be the stuff screenplay of extraordinary adventure.”

What we said: “It’s the clarity of complexity of ‘Sound of Metal’ (director Ramin Bahrani’s) Where to watch: Amazon moral vision that accounts for Prime Video why ‘The White Tiger,’ enNominated for: Best picgrossing and entertaining as ture, actor, supporting actor, much of it is, ultimately can’t film editing, sound, original sustain its gleefully amoral screenplay ride from start to finish.”

What we said: “It’s con‘Wolfwalkers’ ventional, but it also breaks Where to watch: Apple ground: Angsty addiction TV+ dramas may be overrepresented in the movies, but Nominated for: Animated sensitive, lived-in portraits of feature Deaf culture and community What we said: “It is the have always been in short type of stirring entertainment supply.” that delivers both the thrill of the moment and the kind of ‘Tenet’ sophisticated ideas that can Where to watch: VOD lead to discussion and even Nominated for: Producdebate long after viewing.”