From the onset, simplicity and precision are on full display in Todd Field's Tár. Opening credits scene, singing solo performance in the background. From there, an orderly beat-by-beat question-and-answer prelude slowly sets the stage for what’s to come. The sehr langsam tempo is consistent for a while until Field, serving as both director and writer, … Continue reading Berlinale: ‘Tár’ – Field’s 3rd is a Masterpiece
Review: ‘Emancipation’ Struggles to Connect, Aside from Smith’s Emotional Performance
After the Will Smith and Chris Rock controversy at last year's Oscars, many have made Smith out to be public enemy number one. Smith's actions remain unacceptable in every way. Yet, at the same time, the reaction has felt extremely over-reactive. Many questioned if Smith would ever work again, as many projects of his were … Continue reading Review: ‘Emancipation’ Struggles to Connect, Aside from Smith’s Emotional Performance
Review: ‘Babylon’ Crashes and Burns Thanks to Bloated Storytelling
Hollywood loves to tell stories about itself and has for decades. From Singing in the Rain to Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, depicting showbusiness has always fascinated filmmakers. However, not every film showcases Southern California's bright and fun sides. Ironically, Damien Chazelle, the director of La La Land, seeks to add to the legacy … Continue reading Review: ‘Babylon’ Crashes and Burns Thanks to Bloated Storytelling
Review: ‘The Whale’ – Brendan Fraser Cannot Save Darren Aronofsky’s Frustrating Drama
How we seek forgiveness for our actions is important to understanding our moral character. Do we feel like we must bribe those we've offended into forgiveness? Or is there a genuine, thoughtful way to mend our fences? Seeking forgiveness seems to be the heart of The Whale, the latest film from Darren Aronofsky. However, digging … Continue reading Review: ‘The Whale’ – Brendan Fraser Cannot Save Darren Aronofsky’s Frustrating Drama
Review: A Whole New ‘Strange World’ for You and Me
The Walt Disney studios first released a full-length animated movie in 1937, a full eighty-five years ago. Eighty- five years before that, the United States was still 9 years away from engaging in civil war. Perhaps a strange way to begin a review, but not without context. Eighty-five years is a long time when generational … Continue reading Review: A Whole New ‘Strange World’ for You and Me
Review: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is Nearly a Revolutionary Step for Film
It's been 13 years since the last voyage to Pandora, but James Cameron makes "Avatar: The Way of Water" one of the events of the year.
Review: ‘Aftersun’ Makes for an Intimate Experience, But Walks Well-Worn Territory
Trips to the beach often represent special times with our parents and family. While relaxation may be the goal, there are occasional bursts of excitement or frustration that can manifest themselves on these trips. However, some memorable trips we take with our parents, whether to Disney World or the seaside, become far more impactful as … Continue reading Review: ‘Aftersun’ Makes for an Intimate Experience, But Walks Well-Worn Territory
Review: Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is His Best Film in Nearly Two Decades
When you are Steven Spielberg, when do you decide to tell your life story? The famed director crafted too many classics to name throughout his fifty-year career. One could argue that his style is the most important evolution in American cinema and has doomed storytellers to chase nostalgia. At the same time, he's poured his … Continue reading Review: Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is His Best Film in Nearly Two Decades
Review: ‘EO’ Presents Stunning Visuals and Emotion Despite It’s Simplicity
The films that draw in cinephiles may be strange to outsiders. After all, the divide between the artistic side of the medium, and that of entertainment, has never felt larger. Even with that in mind, one of 2022's most unique films will push the artistic fans of the medium. Director Jerzy Skolimowski became one of … Continue reading Review: ‘EO’ Presents Stunning Visuals and Emotion Despite It’s Simplicity
Review: ‘The Inspection’ is Among the Year’s Best Debuts
The last few years have seen a rise in auto-biographical storytelling. With directors having the opportunity to make their passion projects, we're seeing an uptick in nostalgic filmmaking. However, The Inspection from newcomer Elegance Bratton does not look back on his youth with fondness. Instead, his debut film as a director focuses on the toughest … Continue reading Review: ‘The Inspection’ is Among the Year’s Best Debuts