Get Outta da House Cinema 2023 - Babylon

Babylon is yet another blown out, three hour Hollywood picture that needs a radio edit ASAP!

No more long movies people. Not every long film draws folks in. Babylon has been a box-office bomb, grossing over $15 million against a production budget of around $78 million.

Now if that is not a sign long movies are too long in the tooth, what is? Yes Black Panther and Avatar were fine, but they had history and a loyal following. Standalone films like Babylon are dying out here!

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, and Li Jun Li. 

Babylon chronicles the rise and fall of multiple characters during Hollywood's transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s.

Babylon opened in the USA December 23, just before Christmas by Paramount Pictures. The film polarised critics, who generally praised its cinematography, score, production values and performances, but were sharply divided on its direction, graphic content and runtime. 

It received five nominations at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, winning Best Original Score for Justin Hurwitz, and nine nominations at the 28th Critics' Choice Awards, including Best Picture.

So I love Margot Robbie. I just don't love long blown out, wank-fests. My 2023 wish for cinema is for shorter, more to the point films. No wild over the top rubbish, less sequels, spin-offs, more original ideas.

That said I am a little excited for Scream 6.

Babylon had moments of glory, it's just when you sit for over three hours those moments are easily forgotten.

I'll pass this one, but I really (like really) want a better year for cinema in 2023.

2.5 Stars. Mainly for Margot Robbie and Diego Calva.