Movie ReviewsSeen a lot of movies, got a lot of opinions.
Let’s get Lily Gladstone her Oscar.
"Emergency Declaration" - Film Review
Emergency Declaration is thrilling and hits too close to home, given the world we’re living in now, but the film cannot stick the landing.
"My Policeman" - Prime Video Film Review
My Policeman would like to paint itself as a sprawling love story that’s sensual, emotional, and nuanced, but it’s a slog. The three main characters are too wrapped up in their own melodrama to have a lasting impact on the audience.
"Smile" - Film Review
Smile is nothing revolutionary, but it is creepy, and sometimes that’s enough. It’s more memorable than any recent iteration of Paranormal Activity and will certainly be a hit at sleepovers, but there’s not much more hidden beneath those sinister grins.
"The Wonder" - Netflix Film Review
The Wonder is a bleak tale of an unexpected connection between two people well acquainted with hardship. Pugh’s performance, as always, elevates this to something beyond a religious period piece mystery about life itself.
"Something in the Dirt" - Fantastic Fest 2022 Film Review
Something in the Dirt does live up to its name. There is something here and it’s a truly fascinating something, but the film needs a little more clearing away of the dirt.
"Calendar Girls" - Documentary Film Review
Ultimately, it’s hard not to be charmed by Calendar Girls. The women who make up the cast of characters will remind audiences of their own grandmothers or other older women in their lives. The film is charming, but only scratches the surface of what these women have to offer.
"The Wild Man" - Film Review
The Wild Man asks the difficult question of what it means to care about someone and whether there is any one right way to do so. Of course, The Wild Man does not have all the answers, nor does it pretend to. The film simply advocates for the effort that goes into loving someone and the worthiness of that effort.
"Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom" - Documentary Film Review
The final moments of Forget Me Not play out like the damning confession of Robert Durst in The Jinx. It’s a confession caught on a hot mic that proves how fundamentally broken the school system is.
"Halloween Ends" - Film Review
Halloween Ends will scratch the slasher itch for some. If you want gruesome kills, Halloween Ends has that. If you were hoping for a more meaningful end to a 40+ year franchise, you should probably look elsewhere.
"A Piece of Sky" - Film Review
A Piece of Sky is about the desperation of the human connection and the disappointment a person feels when that connection doesn’t live up to those promises of safety, security, and love.
"The Loneliest Boy in the World" - Film Review
he Loneliest Boy in the World was made for all the weirdos who never fit in when they were in high school. It’s a story that has been told many times over, to varying degrees of success. While The Loneliest Boy in the World may not have mastered the juggling act of horror, comedy, and coming of age, it certainly paves a path of its own.
"Everyone Will Burn" - Fantastic Fest 2022 Film Review
Those willing to go along for the ride of Everyone Will Burn will be treated to a nice gem of a flick. Its length is what ultimately holds it back from relishing in the eccentric melodramatics it so clearly wants to celebrate.
"Gemmel & Tim" - Film Review
Gemmel & Tim is respectful and damning, depending on who is the focus of the scene, while effectively offering a path forward to heal and change.
“Luckiest Girl Alive” - Netflix Film Review
Luckiest Girl Alive is able to tie everything up with a neat bow at the end because nothing was ever unpacked to begin with. This latest Netflix Original is sensationalized trauma packaged neatly for the true-crime-obsessed crowd.
"Deadstream" - Shudder Film Review
Deadstream clocks in at just under ninety minutes, and it’s all the better for not trying to drag out this livestream gone wrong. The film is exactly as advertised. It’s a smart blend of comedy and gory scares, while never losing its ghost story roots.
"Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon" - Film Review
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon may be lacking in terms of substance, but Hudson’s performance is nearly enough to be worth tuning in for. It’s thrilling to see her absolutely thrive in a role that is so against type.
"Mister Organ" - Fantastic Fest 2022 Film Review
Mister Organ is a portrait of Michael Organ, a man who has been wreaking havoc throughout the “Beverly Hills of Auckland.” It’s David’s own pride that keeps him here long after the audience wishes he would put away the camera.
"Don't Worry Darling" - Film Review
There are worse movies than Don’t Worry Darling, and there are certainly better ones too. Some thrillers are better able to blend science fiction and shocking twists with dazzling imagery, and while others manage to drop the ball more than Don’t Worry Darling.
"Sissy" - Shudder Film Review
If the audience doesn’t think too much, Sissy is a fun, gory slasher flick that’s perfect for sleepovers and viewings with large groups of friends. If anything, Sissy could have gone further in its reflections on the enduring effects of childhood bullying.
"A Life on the Farm" - Fantastic Fest Film Review
A Life on the Farm is an ode to humanity. Life, death, collaboration, creativity, and community, all wrapped up in the enigma that is human existence.