Few would dispute that Mike Flanagan knows how to tell a great dramatic story. However, even the famed horror director has outdone himself this time. A master of suspense and dramatic storytelling, Flanagan tells his most ambitious story to date with The Fall of the House of Usher for Netflix. The eight-part limited series debuts … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ – Sexy, Bloody, Gothic Horror is Back on Netflix
TIFF 2023: ‘Toll’ – Carolina Markowicz Sensual Tale of Repression
We often rely upon parents to create a nurturing environment. Yet discovering our parents are flawed human beings comes as a shock to most. Sadly, many others come to this realization earlier in life. The emotional abuse suffered by LGBTQ+ people often comes at the hands of bullies and parents. It's upsetting how often the … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘Toll’ – Carolina Markowicz Sensual Tale of Repression
TIFF 2023: ‘Fair Play’ Shines a Light on Power, Work, and Entitlement
While Wall Street has been a fruitful location for storytelling, the business world has become a hotspot of creative activity. The high-stakes world has often served as a microcosm for larger issues in America. Director and writer Chloe Domont utilizes this approach, as well as audience awareness of Wall Street and Industry, to deliver a … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘Fair Play’ Shines a Light on Power, Work, and Entitlement
Review: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ – It’s No Mystery, This is Branagh’s Best Poirot Yet
It seemed that after the critically and commercially lukewarm Death on the Nile, the case closed on Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot franchise. However, the famed star and director has reinvigorated the series with the fresh and smart A Haunting in Venice. Boasting a new cast, new locale, and a looser adaptation of Agatha Christie’s source … Continue reading Review: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ – It’s No Mystery, This is Branagh’s Best Poirot Yet
Review: ‘A Haunting In Venice’ – Branagh’s Poirot Goes Dark In A Supernatural Crime
The third of his series featuring Agatha Christie's legendary detective is off-the-bat a tone changer compared to Orient Express and Death On The Nile. Immediately, it had me intrigued because Kenneth Branagh's choice to adapt Christie's Hallowe'en Party instead of another previously adapted book (Evil Under The Sun was the original sequel to Nile under … Continue reading Review: ‘A Haunting In Venice’ – Branagh’s Poirot Goes Dark In A Supernatural Crime
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Becoming a parent fills many with dread. The grip our children have over our emotions cannot fully be described. Despite this, many see their entire world shift beneath their feet. Yet, some parents sacrifice in ways that no parent would wish on their worst enemies. Throughout For Night Will Come, a mother tries to reckon … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Through the Night’ – An All-Too-Common Tragedy
"He said, she said" narratives stem from a patriarchal lens, yet filmmakers continue to shift that truth. After all, in a post-Me Too era for American filmmakers, there's genuine hope that the lines have been redrawn. However, the mindset of "deserving" sex and power continues to corrupt. Director Delphine Girard reminds the audience in Through … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Through the Night’ – An All-Too-Common Tragedy
Review: ‘The Good Mother’ – A Predictable But Effective Mystery
The lengths a family goes to protect their own can lead down dark paths. Our willingness to even ignore the bad deeds of family can doom us to make our own mistakes. Throughout The Good Mother, director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte wants to highlight the choices in morally grey areas. The result is rather predictable storytelling, but … Continue reading Review: ‘The Good Mother’ – A Predictable But Effective Mystery
Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Boxers like George Foreman become widely recognized as generational talents. However, what they do after competing at the highest levels of sports often shifts how we view their legacy. Yet Big George Foreman, a new film from director George Tillman Jr., tries to intertwine the two aspects of the famed boxer's life. Unfortunately, Big George … Continue reading Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Review: ‘Golda’ – A Complicated Mirren Cannot Save the Frustrating Narrative
Playing one of history's most controversial figures is nothing new for Helen Mirren. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II provided unique insight into the balance between Monarch and symbol. She also portrayed the Queen of Gossip, Miss Hedda Hopper, with all the malice and wit she was known for. Yet Golda Meir represents her most … Continue reading Review: ‘Golda’ – A Complicated Mirren Cannot Save the Frustrating Narrative