A Hidden Life
For all the exclamations that this latest picture marks ‘Terrence Malick’s return to form,’ or, more grossly, that ‘Terry’s back!’ Marc Nelson counters with this: he never left.
Category Archives: Reviews
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
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Though LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT may enervate and even exasperate, it’s still far preferable to watch a filmmaker throw ideas into work which ultimately fail to ignite than watch umpteen films with no ideas at all. Marc Nelson reviews.
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.
The Kingmaker
THE KINGMAKER lays bare contemporary discrepancies of Imelda’s past and suggests a more sinister side to the Marcos regime than she lets on. Grace Han reviews.
Sons of Denmark
SONS OF DENMARK a movie that deserves to be watched, especially by some parts of European society and by younger generations, for its ability to be provocative and of showing how hate is born, how it grows and how it can be used for propaganda. Marta Pistone 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
Lucy in the Sky
LUCY IN THE SKY, with music sonorously in the background, goes off the rails and grows alien-like into an ugly and uncontrollable soap opera, a messy version of I, TONYA without the latter’s poignancy.