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
Review: ‘My Father’s Dragon’ Soars As Another Smash Success for Cartoon Saloon
Quietly emerging over the last decade, the Irish animation house Cartoon Saloon continues to showcase hand-drawn works. After breaking onto the scene with The Secret of Kells, the studio has continued to surprise with success after success. The animation team has never missed an Oscar nomination and scored several critical successes. The studio's most recent … Continue reading Review: ‘My Father’s Dragon’ Soars As Another Smash Success for Cartoon Saloon
Review: “Rosaline” breathes new life into a tired story
The story of Romeo and Juliet has been told and retold, adapted, modernized, reversed, gender-bent, Gnomified, and otherwise produced ad nauseam for over four centuries with varying degrees of quality, originality, and artistic value. Now along comes Rosaline, a new take on the story that not only introduces new characters but also subverts expectations regarding … Continue reading Review: “Rosaline” breathes new life into a tired story
Review: ‘Pinnochio’ Features Wooden Performances and Worse CGI. Monstro, Please End Us Quickly
The Disney remake train roars back into this week. Since Disney took its first swing at Pinocchio back in 1940, therHamilton Luske's and Ben Sharpsteen's animated features, the animated feature from Hamilton Luske and Ben Sharpsteen remains the most iconic. It seemed inevitable that Disney would want to reinvigorate the classic story with a live-action … Continue reading Review: ‘Pinnochio’ Features Wooden Performances and Worse CGI. Monstro, Please End Us Quickly
“Halloween Ends” to Release In Theaters and on Peacock on October 14th
The famed serial-killer franchise Halloween returns this October. Officially, Universal and Blumhouse have announced the October 14th release date will be for the film to debut in theaters and via the Peacock app. This will be the second year in a row where Blumhouse and Universal have released a Halloween movie in theaters and on … Continue reading “Halloween Ends” to Release In Theaters and on Peacock on October 14th
Review: ‘Fall’ Makes For Thrilling Experience, Despite Basic Story
When Free Solo was released in 2018, the overwhelming sentiment towards the film hinged on the fear it inspired. Even within the documentary format, stakes were high, and audiences felt vertigo watching Alex Honnold's miraculous climb. Others seem to realize the visceral power that heights hold on the audience's psyche. Director Scott Mann challenges the … Continue reading Review: ‘Fall’ Makes For Thrilling Experience, Despite Basic Story
Review: Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’ Throws Empty Punches, Despite Fun Gosling and Evans
Regardless of your thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Russo Brothers clearly landed the plane. After first picking up the camera for the MCU with 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the filmmaking brothers crafted several of the MCU's most successful titles. Dealing with large ensembles, keeping the train on the tracks, and executing decades-long emotional … Continue reading Review: Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’ Throws Empty Punches, Despite Fun Gosling and Evans
Review: Thor: Love and Thunder, it’s hammerin’ time!
Back in 2011, Kenneth Branagh set out to make Shakespeare out of Thor. By 2017, Taika Waititi took over directing duties and understood it’s best not to take the Norse god too seriously. With Thor: Love and Thunder, Taika literally strips Thor of his seriousness and puts his signature brand of humor on full display. … Continue reading Review: Thor: Love and Thunder, it’s hammerin’ time!
Review: ‘Nope’ Takes An Otherworldly Approach to Tell a Story of Virality, Legacy, and the Unknown
A cell phone glitches and metal falls from the sky. A phenomenon that should make one duck for cover instead sends a man on a race to save his father. Ultimately, OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) cannot save his father (Keith David) from a coin plunged through his eye. In Nope, director Jordan Peele makes a metaphorical dream into … Continue reading Review: ‘Nope’ Takes An Otherworldly Approach to Tell a Story of Virality, Legacy, and the Unknown
Review: ‘Spiderhead’ Allows Chris Hemsworth to Shine in an Imperfect ‘Twilight Zone’ Thriller
For decades, sci-fi has helped send warning signs to mass audiences. The genre lends itself to exploring the natural conclusion of emerging phenomena in our world. This allegorical approach helped The Twilight Zone become a sensation while paving the way for generations of stories to follow in its footsteps. Director Joseph Kosinski looks to recreate a … Continue reading Review: ‘Spiderhead’ Allows Chris Hemsworth to Shine in an Imperfect ‘Twilight Zone’ Thriller