Friday, July 30, 2021

The Green Knight - Review

 

Hollywood is no stranger to the occasional Arthurian legend, though they mostly result in lackluster affairs when all is said in done. But for anyone expecting a sword clashing adventure akin to those that have come before, The Green Knight will surely not meet those expectations. What director David Lowery gives audiences instead is an otherworldly  vision with an extremely measured pace, an exceptional visual identity, and no simple answers to its very complex ideas and questions. 

Friday, July 23, 2021

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins - Review

 Over a decade ago, way back in 2009, an attempt was made to bring the long standing toy line of G.I. Joe to the big screen. That film did not work, so much so that not even Dwayne Johnson could save its eventual “sequel”. But here we are, twelve years later, for a new attempt, this time starting with just one character, Snake Eyes, the character who famously doesn’t speak or have much of a backstory, and giving him an origin film to spark this new franchise.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Fear Street - Part Three: 1666 - Review

 

Three weeks. Three films. And one shockingly effective and good horror trilogy seemingly out of nowhere for Netflix. Crafting a cohesive story across three films is no easy task, especially in horror franchises, yet Leigh Janiak and crew have developed something that improves with each subsequent entry, even making the previous films better in the process. The third film is no exception, taking the story back to 1666 and getting a little supernatural before the whole mystery of Shadyside comes all together.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Black Widow - Review

 

Nearly two years after the last cinematic release by Marvel Studios, audiences finally get to see the long overdue Black Widow. After her introduction in 2010’s Iron Man 2, fans have asked and wondered when a story revolving around the famed assassin would release. For years, no headway was made as every other character had their franchise and Natasha Romanoff was doomed to be a supporting hero in ensemble casts. That is until this week, when she gets a film all to herself, and thankfully, it's pretty solid.

Friday, July 2, 2021

Fear Street - Part One: 1994 - Review

 Everyone knows R.L. Stine for “Goosebumps”, and rightfully so. The series has been around since the early 90s, with off and on stints since, and just about everyone has read at least one in their time. But little do some know that the famed author penned novels for the young adult bracket, a fare more gory and mature series titled “Fear Street”, and someone, somewhere, finally realized just how brilliant an adaptation of said series could be.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Summer of Soul - Review

Over 50 years ago, in the summer of 1969, thousands of people gathered for a festival that celebrated music, love, and culture. And no it’s not the festival you’re thinking of. About 100 miles south of the famed Woodstock was another gathering in Harlem, the Harlem Cultural Festival. Taking place over 6 weeks that summer, and filmed almost in its entirety, the footage had been lost for decades. That is until Questlove got his hands on it and transformed it into one of the best music documentaries in years.