Wednesday, November 24, 2021

House of Gucci - Review

Debates are had almost constantly about the preferred length of films. Some prefer shorter, tighter narratives of a 90 minute film, some like the long, epic storytelling of the two and a half to three hour long films, but no one likes an overlong, directionless, slog of a film. House of Gucci falls into that last one if that wasn’t clear, and no amount of over-the-top performances can save it from being what it truly is: boring.

Monday, November 22, 2021

Encanto - Review


The latest outing from Walt Disney Animation Studios marks the 60th feature length entry in the studio’s filmography. It continues the relative winning streak that the animation department (and Disney overall) have been on now for quite some time. Much has been made about Hollywood’s reliance on IP’s and franchises to get audiences in seats, but time and time again, animation proves that originality still has a place amidst the nostalgia and sequels. 

Thursday, November 18, 2021

tick, tick...Boom! - Review

 

“We made it for the fans” is a phrase that so often is used when the newest franchise film is met with resistance from critics. While there may not be a lot of criticism being hurled at tick, tick…BOOM!, the phrase feels wholly applicable. This film is for Broadway nerds, packed with cameos and references to the successes and failures of musicals throughout history. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

King Richard - Review

 

It’s very easy to be skeptical, almost cynical, about King Richard. From one angle, the biopic during awards season is overplayed to the point of becoming a joke at this point. From another, to take the story of two of the most successful female athletes and focus on their father is certainly a bold choice. However, it’s a credit to director Reinaldo Marcus Green and actor Will Smith that the film makes its case for the questionable focal point. 

Monday, November 15, 2021

The Power of the Dog - Review


Since 1993, when Jane Campion became just the second woman every nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards, the director has made very few films in comparison to her male counterparts. After viewing her filmmaking style, it’s really no surprise that Campion prefers to take her time. And while the films in the last 28 years are few and far between, this outing was well worth the wait. 

Friday, November 12, 2021

Belfast - Review

 

Northern Ireland in the late 1960s is not exactly a subject you’d expect to be at the center of one of the more crowd pleasing films on 2021. And yet, at the heart of Belfast is the tale of a family just trying their best to hold it all together, creating an inviting and even warm film amidst all the turmoil. An effortlessly poignant film, it’s more than just the semi-autobiographical story at the forefront, but a tribute to a resilient community in which its set. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Passing - Review

As each year passes, we get more and more actors turned director making their debuts. Next up: Rebecca Hall, a performer that carries such poise and grace, moves those talents behind the camera for this adaptation of Nella Larsen’s 1929 novella. A compelling story on its own, it draws even more power from the talents of its director, the instinct for restraint from top to bottom, and the two commanding performances at its center. 

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Spencer - Review

When historical figures are elevated to cultural icons, people often wonder: what’s their life like? For Princess Diana, that seems even more true than ever. The fascination surrounding the life of the late princess has never ceased and, if anything, has grown. Naturally, someone was going to take another crack at showcasing her life to audiences, and this time it’s Pablo Larraín, who took the life of Jackie Kennedy and crafted a gorgeous and enthralling look at the former First Lady back in 2016, and looks to do the same with Spencer.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Eternals - Review

 

13 years into the huge endeavor that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a long time to go before reaching your first truly divisive film. And it’s odd, the film that had the most going for it of the early Phase Four slate, is the one to earn that crown. Eternals has the ensemble cast to rival any ensemble cast, an academy award winning director, and a lore steeped source material tailor-made for an epic superhero flick, and yet, it’s the lofty expectations that ultimately effect it’s reception.