Humans strive to make sense of the nonsensical. People fall in and out of love. Lives are found, and lives are lost. Plans are carefully made and are attempted to be executed until life throws unexpected curve balls, deeming adjustment necessary for survival. Life’s journey is unpredictable and often illogical. Nevertheless, humans have tried to … Continue reading Review: ‘Asteroid City’ Wes Anderson’s Crater-Sized Existential Study
Review: ‘Barbie’ – An Instant Masterpiece From Greta Gerwig
Few filmmakers have successfully pulled off the “toys to movies” pipeline. A handful of animated hits came this way, but most live-action adaptations are limited to action spectacles. While Barbie - directed by Greta Gerwig - was never going to lean in that direction, there was still skepticism in the air. However, few filmmakers have … Continue reading Review: ‘Barbie’ – An Instant Masterpiece From Greta Gerwig
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: ‘Amsterdam’ Buries Important Messages Behind Messy Jokes and Poor Storytelling
Few films can be more frustrating than those with important ideas, buried behind bad filmmaking. This can be especially true of large ensemble films, which can find themselves unable to focus on a group of characters. In the case of Amsterdam, the focus is clear. A three-headed showcase of Christian Bale, John David Washington, and … Continue reading Review: ‘Amsterdam’ Buries Important Messages Behind Messy Jokes and Poor Storytelling
Review: ‘Bombshell’ Opts For Gimmicks Rather Than Substance
The Me Too movement shook up the entertainment landscape in ways we never thought we'd see. Many actors and executives responsible for horrific actions were brought down in the process. The movement extended beyond the world of film, even making its way into the political arena. The stories about Roger Ailes, the man responsible for the … Continue reading Review: ‘Bombshell’ Opts For Gimmicks Rather Than Substance
Review: Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Brings His Most Personal and Immersive Story to Life
Few directors touch the third rail more than Quentin Tarantino. The famed director/screenwriter has long gained praise for his pop culture-infused stories of violence and death. In some cases, he has co-opted Black and Asian culture to tell these tales. In others, he has created strong characters that few other directors would dare bring to the … Continue reading Review: Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Brings His Most Personal and Immersive Story to Life
REVIEW: ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Soars with Robbie and Ronan, But Struggles Without Them
Costume dramas can be a hit and miss affair for many filmmakers. Some of these features get too caught up in the pomp and circumstance, stripping the material of what makes it relatable to most. This can occasionally turn audiences away from very fertile dramatic territory, but in the hands of a good filmmaker, the … Continue reading REVIEW: ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Soars with Robbie and Ronan, But Struggles Without Them
Josh’s Questionable 2017 Top 10
Alright, let's be very clear about something. I like my movies like I like my orange juice, with lots of pulp (this is a lie; I hate pulpy orange juice). Do I appreciate good filmmaking? Yup. Do I tend to enjoy those that make their way to Oscar-caliber best lists? Typically not. So I want … Continue reading Josh’s Questionable 2017 Top 10