A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD provides a nostalgic window on how to process emotion, the power of forgiveness, and the complicated interior lives of those we share emotional space with.
All posts by Jim Ross
Waves
WAVES is a film shot and choreographed with style. However, its attempts to also add depth fail and result in a transparent surface layer of appropriated trauma. Jim Ross reviews.
1917
Although 1917’s engagement levels can dip between set pieces, the skill of Mendes’ collaborators elevates it to something a little more than the marketing hooks would imply, even if technical prowess still dominates the emotions of the characters. Jim Ross reviews.
Uncut Gems
Brimming with anxious energy, Josh and Benny Safdie’s latest feature is a densely packed medley of memorable lines, characters and debut acting performances. Reminiscent of their previous outing – GOOD TIME – UNCUT GEMS nevertheless applies the anxiety-inducing approach polished there in new and interesting ways. Adam Sandler leads as Howard Ratner, a jeweller in … Continue reading Uncut Gems
Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel is a moving and fresh tale with an expertly handled tone. Jim Ross reviews.
Jojo Rabbit
JOJO RABBIT describes itself, confusingly, as an anti-hate satire – implying that it stands against some sort of pro-hate satire. Nevertheless, if any filmmaker has the offbeat sensibility to successfully create a comedic film where a Hitler Youth has an imaginary friend in the form of Adolf Hitler, then Taika Waititi might pull it off. … Continue reading Jojo Rabbit
Honey Boy
Alma Har’el garners excellent performances from her cast to tell the touching story based on writer-star Shia LaBeouf’s own experiences. Jim Ross reviews.
Knives Out
KNIVES OUT subtly upends the outrageously cliched ‘whodunnit’ format and combines that with excellent performances. Jim Ross reviews.
ESFF: Out Of Frame
Jim Ross previews the opening night of the 2019 Edinburgh Short Film Festival.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
The manner in THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO gently and lyrically blends that story with ideas of home, belonging, and internalised personal history transcends the boundaries of San Francisco or the Bay Area. Jim Ross reviews.