Friday, October 29, 2021

Mass - Review

There are no flashes of panic, no sounds of gunfire nor sights of victims fallen, but make no mistake, Mass is born from violence. It’s the story of tragedy, just many years down the line, and how the immense and irreparable pain permeates and seeps into the lives of all those connected to the event. It’s not flashy in any way shape or form, but it sure does pack an emotional haymaker into its simple setup.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

The French Dispatch - Review

 

Everyone generally knows what they’re getting when name Wes Anderson appears on screen. The classic elements are all there: some colorful production design, a handful of charming characters, and enough quirkiness to rival just about anything throughout history. However, this time things are a bit different. It’s an anthology film this time, connecting each subsequent sequence of whimsy with one thread and essentially throwing any emotional involvement in the process. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Last Night in Soho - Review

 

Every director has a style. Yes, even ones that may not be flashy or overtly visible, have a style to their films. Edgar Wright just happens to be on of the flashiest. Throughout his filmography, the quick editing and visual humor of his directorial outings have made his profile soar, and Last Night in Soho was perhaps his most anticipated film to date. A return to horror, two fantastic women leading the performances, and a glimpse into Wright’s neon soaked vision of the 60s, what more could you ask for?

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Dune - Review

 
A few have attempted (and failed) to successfully adapt this epic science fiction story. From the proposed 14 hour epic by Alejandro Jodorowsky that stalled out in the 70s to the less than stellar adaptation in 1984 by David Lynch, Dune has often been considered impossible to film. While that was once the thought, Denis Villeneuve proves that just isn’t true, crafting a film with such ambition and scope that it’s truly astounding no one thought to give this man the reigns to this story long ago. 

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The Harder They Fall - Review

 

While the story of this stylish western may not have actually happened, the opening texts reiterates ‘These. People. Existed.’ And though it may tick many of the classic western boxes, the energy that pulses throughout the film makes it a whole lot of fun in the end. Through the blending of real-life outlaws with a fictional tale of revenge, director Jeymes Samuel has announced his presence on the scene with flair and confidence.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

The Last Duel - Review

 

As far as historical, epic dramas go, no director has ventured to that well quite as often as Ridley Scott. Whether it’s the Crusades in Jerusalem or the bloody arenas of Ancient Rome, the battlefields of history call out to him every few years or so. And while the title of The Last Duel suggests more glimpses into the world’s sword filled past, it’s surprising how little of the film is actually focused on the last duel to the death in France’s history. 

Friday, October 8, 2021

No Time to Die - Review

 

From the beginning, this film has been surrounded by question marks. When will it finally be released? Who gets to direct this outing? Will the star of the franchise even be back for a fifth time? Eventually, we got answers to all of those, and many more (except who gets to pick up the mantle next), and get a final result that’s an emotional, albeit flawed, conclusion to the story of Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - Review

 

Back in 2018, the original Venom was released to mixed reactions to say the least. Very few people would try and argue its the masterclass of moviemaking, but its ridiculously silly premise and equally silly execution had an odd charm. Don’t worry, it’s definitely a bad movie, but it’s one that finds a way to be fun, something the sequel matches, and to some extent, even plays into this time around.