Movie Reviews
Seen a lot of movies, got a lot of opinions.
Let’s get Lily Gladstone her Oscar.
"Wonka" - Film Review
Wonka should have the maximalism of the Wachowski Sisters’ Speed Racer. Few movies have the freedom to go absolutely off the wall. Wonka is one of them, but you wouldn’t realize that in this execution.
"Saltburn" - Film Review
Saltburn is not quite the Hitchcockian psychological thriller the trailer built it up to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without its own merits. Saltburn is an ugly, shallow, and immaculate tale of obsession.
"Ferrari" - Film Review
Michael Mann’s Ferrari takes the audience into Enzo’s world as every aspect of his life is teetering on the edge of collapse.
"Fallen Leaves" - Film Review
Fallen Leaves shows the work it takes to change, the stumbles along the way, and the beauty of earnestness. It reminds us that no matter how old we grow or how bleak our surroundings, we must not forget to hope.
"The Iron Claw" - Film Review
The Iron Claw is an American epic by way of a Greek tragedy. It’s a reminder of the power of family, and how that power can be both lifesaving and life-ending.
"All of Us Strangers" - Film Review
In the best way, All of Us Strangers is devastating. The sort of simple-on-paper film that packs an absolute emotional wallop, a true gift of a film.
"May December" - Netflix Film Review
While there’s nothing outright graphic or gruesome happening on screen, May December is unbearable. The false sense of breeziness is actually stiflingly heavy.
"Cautionary Tale" - Film Review
Much like the lead character of Neil, Cautionary Tale marks an exciting beginning for director Christopher Zawadzki.
"Under the Influencer" - Film Review
Under the Influencer will take audiences back to being twenty-five and allow them to feel all the loss, potential, and hope that come with that terrible, beautiful age.
"Monster (2023)" - Film Review
Monster is nothing short of a masterpiece, a deeply moving damnation of the effects of shame.
"Napoleon" - Film Review
As epic in scale as Napoleon is, the film feels cold and removed from the man himself.
"Disfluency" - Film Review
Disfluency has all the warmth of Lady Bird and the urgency of Never Rarely Sometimes Always. It’s quietly confident, a reminder of the essential nature of storytelling.
Oscar Qualifying Short Film Roundup: "Headspace," "Pete," & "An Avocado Pit"
A round-up of Oscar-qualifying short films featuring animation, documentary, and narrative works.
"Priscilla" - Film Review
Priscilla is nowhere near as bombastic as Elvis. It’s the quiet, nuanced story of a young girl whose kindness and naïvité were taken advantage of in the name of a man’s desire for fame.
"Anatomy of a Fall" - Film Review
Anatomy of a Fall, while showcasing a stunning use of the film medium, is a social experiment. The film isn’t about a death at all. It’s a mirror held up to the audience.
Oscar Qualifying Short Film Roundup: "Pivot," "Ninety-Five Senses," "Motherland," "Red, White and Blue," "All-Inclusive," "Closing Dynasty," & "The Wake"
A round-up of Oscar-qualifying short films featuring animation, documentary, and narrative works.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" - Film Review
American history is filled with greedy people committing heinous crimes to protect their way of life. It’s a tale as old as time and it continues into the present.
"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: - DVD Review
Rise of the Beasts is the best Transformers entry since Bumblebee, but it won’t be the last time we see these robots fight on the big screen.
TIFF23: "Close to You" - Film Review
Finally, we’re able to see Page happy and living as his truest self. For that, I am grateful to Close to You. It doesn’t make up for the film’s weaknesses, but it’s one hell of a strength.
TIFF23: "Woman of the Hour" - Film Review
Woman of the Hour is an intriguing first outing from director Kendrick, as well as a clear showcase of her talents in front of the camera.