As he began watching some Oscar nominated short films, their themes grabbed Steve’s attention. These films speak to something that is strongly connected to America. Perhaps the lens we are viewing films through lately is one that comes from our nation's attempt to define — or some would say redefine — who we are. The art a nation creates reflects the conflicts within it. Welcome to America: Article 2.

Links & Notes

• If Anything Happens I Love You
• Two Distant Strangers
• A Love Song for Latasha

Twenty-twenty will be remembered for many things for us here at The Next Reel. It will be the year that theaters closed and movie release dates were pushed back. Productions were shut down. Studios experimented with new distribution strategies. What none of us could have anticipated was the diversity and quality of films that would be nominated for best picture by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

There are three contenders that I want to talk to you about today in this special episode of Three of a Kind: This Is America.

Whether you’re a creative person, or someone who cringes at the thought of art, you’re going to find something to enjoy about this month’s three of a kind. The creative process gets dissected to look at the heart of Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz, and the passion that goes into creativity. Then we bloody our knuckles against the brutally percussive story of Whiplash. Finally, we loose our heads on a journey to make an album with Frank as we look at how these three films explore the risks and rewards that are part of the creative process.

Film Sundries

• All That Jazz — Amazon

This month we get to meet Truman, Teddy, and Rhoda, three people who, to put it simply, have issues they need to deal with. You may think you know yourself and what you are or aren’t capable of, but you’re probably wrong. Our three heroes learn a lot about themselves, so much that they may even wish they could forget it. The Truman Show, Shutter Island, and Another Earth are three films that will give you plenty to think about, and perhaps even cause you to learn something about yourself.

Film Sundaries

• The Truman Show (Amazon, iTunes)

This month’s three of a kind takes on music, magic, and a great meal. Amadeus, The Prestige, and Big Night are three films that explore characters with a single-minded focus that drives them toward success but at a tremendous cost. Ambition, tenacity, and a spirit that never gives up can be the keys to success, but what happens if that energy is misguided or directed toward a selfish goal?

Links & Notes

• Amadeus — Director’s Cut (Amazon • iTunes)

The three family action films, Legend of the Guardians, Rise of the Guardians, and Guardians of the Galaxy, aren’t just for kids. These movies give parents the opportunity to discuss the difference between heroes and guardians and how even the most ordinary can make a difference for someone else.

From Sutter and Aimee in James Ponsoldt’s, The Spectacular Now, to Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio in Jordan Vogt-Roberts’, The Kings of Summer, to Greg and Rachel in Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, the last two years have been a boon to those of us of a certain age with a hankering to rekindle the spirit of the great teen movie of our youth. But this batch is different, not better or worse, but certainly of a different age, for a different age.

This week on TNRShorts, Steve Sarmento ties the three together in his new column, Three of a Kind — three films with a common thread, and a trip back to high school.