Oppenheimer

After “Tenet” earned positive reception and flopped at the box office, Christopher “Chris” Nolan (my idol) left Warner Bros. over their business practice to release films in theaters and at home simultaneously. In 2021, Chris finished writing a script titled, “Oppenheimer.” Based on the biographical book “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” the story follows Oppenheimer’s life and career working with The Allies in the military during World War II to create a bomb that’ll defeat The Axis Powers and end the war once and for all, but at the cost of innocent lives. He presented his script to Universal Pictures. They green-lit the project.

Prior to its release, both this film and “Barbie” became an internet phenomenon as dueling movies coming out on the exact same day. Dubbing the fad, “Barbenheimer.” Fan Art, posters, mash-up trailers and meme boosted both films as a double header for movie goers to see them both. This isn’t the first time a Chris Nolan film and another film opened on the exact same day.

• May 24, 2002 – Insomnia & Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
• June 15, 2005 – Batman Begins & The Perfect Man
• October 20, 2006 – The Prestige & Flicka
• July 18, 2008 – The Dark Knight & Mamma Mia
• November 5, 2014 – Interstellar & Big Hero 6
• September 3, 2020 – Tenet & Bill and Ted Face the Music

Anyway, Chris’ latest film earned universal acclaim and making money. Oppenheimer needs to earn $400 million to break-even.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see Mr. Nolan’s 12th film. Is this a flawless film? Let’s find out, shall we?

Powerful & Weak Qualities

Powerful: Cillian Murphy did an excellent job for his performance as the titular character.

Other Cast Members such as Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. & Florence Pugh all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Christopher “Chris” Nolan did a phenomenal job adapting Amercian Prometheus. He made sure several elements of the book remain intact. Chris wrote the script in first-person in Oppenheimer’s perspective.

Emma Thomas & Charles Roven co-produced the film.

Numerous famous people appear in supporting roles. They all did a decent job for their performances. Here’s a full list in case you didn’t notice after a first view.

• Rami Malek
• Kenneth Branagh
• Casey Affleck
• Jack Quaid
• Benny Safdie
• Matthew Modine
• Gary Oldman
• David Dastmalchian
• Josh Peck
• Tony Goldwyn
• David Krumholtz
• Gustaf Skarsgård
• Olivia Thirlby
• Alden Ehrenreich
• Dane DeHaan
• Jason Clarke
• Alex Wolff
• Scott Grimes

Practical Effects were heavily involved to recreate the nuclear bomb. Thankfully, Chris didn’t go too far using an actual nuke. He stated there’s absolutely no C.G.I.

Ludwig Goransson (Creed, Black Panther, Tenet) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Cinematography captures grand scale imagery. If you watch it on IMAX, it’ll blow your mind. The film often switches between color and black and white. The former follows Oppenheimer’s point of view. While Strauss’ point of view is the latter.

Oppenheimer’s chemistry with his colleagues and family serves as the main highlight. His interactions move the story forward.

Word of advice. Don’t order a large popcorn and large drink? Why? Because it’s three hours long. DO NOT take your kids to see this film. There’s a reason why it’s R-rated. Florence’s boobies and Cillian skinny butt naked. Plan accordingly.

Although set in the ’40s, the film’s disturbingly relevant. Russia’s in the middle of a war with Ukraine. If things get worse, Putin might announce a nuclear strike possibly starting World War III. Another fact, North Korea’s armed with nukes. It’s a scary time. We don’t want another global war. Two World Wars is enough.

Primary Themes are Intellect, Regret, Consequence & Death. Each one’s handled carefully.

I can’t tell you how it ends. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.

Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Nolan and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless biopic as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Oppenheimer’s a modern classic. Another flawless film of 2023. So far, it’s my number one film of the year alongside “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “John Wick: Chapter 4” & “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One. I know it’s way early, but I believe Oppenheimer’s a movie of the year contender. We’ve yet to see Killers of the Flower Moon” & “Napoleon.” They’ll be out during Awards Season. If you have no plans for the week, Oppenheimer’s worth every penny.