Movie Reviews
Seen a lot of movies, got a lot of opinions.
Let’s get Lily Gladstone her Oscar.
"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.
"LGBTQ+R(eligion)" - Film Review
“I’m glad it exists. I’m sorry it didn’t exist until now,” says Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor of religious studies, about the photoshoot of LGBT recreations of biblical imagery. It’s perhaps the best sentiment to sum up the film.
"Unidentified Objects" - Fantastic Fest Film Review
“This planet might just be a worn-out crap-sack spinning through the void, but goddamn I am fond of it,” Suzee (Kerry Flanagan), a friend of Winona, says. Perhaps not the most optimistic view of the world, but one that’s honest.
"See How They Run" - Film Review
Ultimately, See How They Run is a solid ride. To those who find the recent influx of meta genre flicks to be exhausting, See How They Run will not come across as charming. It will feel tedious in its insistence that the film is clever beyond imagination.
"To the Moon" - Film Review
At its most basic, To the Moon film is about looking for help. Who are the people who will aid you and who are the people whose assistance actually hurts. It’s not always easy to tell.
"Do Revenge" - Netflix Film Review
A Gen Z, John Tucker Must Die take on Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers On a Train, Do Revenge is a candy-coated tale of, well…revenge. It’s a pastel-colored Machavellian story of teenage subterfuge centered on two unlikely friends, Drea and Eleanor.
"Goodnight Mommy (2022)" - Prime Video Film Review
To Goodnight Mommy (2022)’s credit, it is not a shot-by-shot remake. Some visuals from the original remain, but they don’t pack the same punch. The Crovetti twins simply don’t loom over a tied-up Watts in the same way Elias and Lukas Schwarz did to Susanne Wuest.
"Speak No Evil" - Shudder Film Review
Had the movie not unraveled the way it did, Speak No Evil could have solidified itself as one of the great low-budget horror flicks. The first half still belongs in that category, but the ending needed something more to elevate the themes of parenthood it’s so desperately trying to critique.
"The Woman King" - TIFF Film Review
Despite stumbles in terms of plot and pacing, The Woman King is a thrilling watch. This story, these women, and the film’s heart deserve to be seen on the biggest screen possible with an audience ready to go along for a wild ride.
"The Umbrella Men" - TIFF Film Review
The Umbrella Men is a self-assured feature from all parties involved. The performances are charming, with enough nuance that the film is able to lift itself to a smart comedy.
"Pinocchio (2022)" - Film Review
For a film about a wooden boy who wants to become real and learn about what it means to be a person, Pinocchio (2022) is lifeless. Even Hanks, who has spent a good portion of his career playing charming, loveable characters, is bland in this adaptation.
"Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul." - Film Review
It’s thanks to Hall that Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. stays afloat as long as it does. And it’s because of her intensity that the rest of the film’s shortcomings stand out so much. There is magic in Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., but it’s not ready for a rebirth quite yet.
"Carmen" - Film Review
Carmen is joyous. Despite its setting in a small Mediterranean town in the 1980s, the film feels like it’s a response to the lifestyle upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Young Plato" - Film Review
Young Plato isn’t flashy. There are no fanciful edits or infographics to get the point across. In many ways, the documentary mirrors its main subject. “It’s caring philosophy. Everyone’s opinion matters,” Principal McArevey tries to drive home.
"Three Thousand Years of Longing" - Film Review
As magical and trippy as Three Thousand Years of Longing wants to be, it gets lost in its own grand storytelling. Part of what makes stories enduring is their success at creating emotions within the audience, whoever they may be.
"Breaking" - Film Review
Breaking is an angry condemnation of Veterans Affairs, a twenty-first-century companion to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.”
"The Daphne Project" - Film Review
The Daphne Project is La La Land’s weird, non-musical younger sibling. Both movies are about the pursuit of a career that’s unrealistic, yet someone has to do it. Someone has to be the one to make people laugh, and it’s a delight to watch Crews and Tibaldi take that lofty, impossible goal upon themselves.