Every year, a handful of Oscar nominees are not up to snuff with the rest of the list. The critics have thrown a lot of disapproval towards Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up, but Being the Ricardos is arguably at the same level. Despite the star power at the helm, 'Being the Ricardos' ranks below most of the other Oscar nominees and the other films of writer/director Aaron Sorkin.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz lead the popular series I Love Lucy and become the biggest stars of the 1950s, but a sudden accusation upends their lives. Though their wealth and power are at stake, Ball and Arnaz struggle to maintain their livelihood as their marriage also begins to crumble.
Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball
Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz
J.K. Simmons as William Frawley
Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer
Alia Shawkat as Madelyn Pugh
Jake Lacy as Bob Carroll Jr.
Though far from the worst movie ever, Being the Ricardos does not have much to offer to audiences aside from a small look into these celebrities’ lives. Though his writing usually holds up to his past successes, Aaron Sorkin has proven to be hit-or-miss in his directing skills. Bardem and Kidman accept their roles with conviction, but the screenplay does not share that same assuredness. Though there are plenty of elements worth checking out for those interested, Being the Ricardos is hardly worth noting compared to the other Oscar nominees for this year’s ceremony.
For those interested, Being the Ricardos is exclusively available to watch on Amazon's Prime Video streaming service. As of March 4th, 2022, Prime Video also has a brand new Amy Poehler-directed documentary called Lucy and Desi.