C- Thriller Written and directed by Hélène Cattet & Bruno Forzani From the novel by Jean-Patrick Manchette & Jean-Pierre Bastid This Italian thriller isn't about people. It isn't about story. it's not even about suspense. It's arguably about violence. It's really about cinematic style. And what is that style? Imagine the output of an overenthusiastic, coked-up … Continue reading Forget about the story and just Let the Corpses Tan
Category: Reviews
Hidden genius found in this Puzzle
A- drama Directed By Marc Turtletaub Screenplay By Oren Moverman & Polly Mann Based on the film Rompecabezas by Natalia Smirnoff Dramas, which like to feel above genre, have their own recognizable tropes. You can often see what's going to happen as clearly as you can see the ending of an action flick or a … Continue reading Hidden genius found in this Puzzle
Shining a light on Dark Money
B Political documentary Directed by Kimberly Reed Kimberly Reed's documentary covers one of the most important issues in America today: the legal bribery system that drives the American form of democracy. Aside from global warming - and of course there's a connection - It's about as important an issue as you could think of. Unfortunately, … Continue reading Shining a light on Dark Money
Generation Wealth looks at our money-obsessed culture, but gets distracted
C+ Documentary Directed by Lauren Greenfield Let's start with the obvious: The extreme wealth and greed inherent in our society is destroying our lives, our culture, and even the planet's ability to support human life. Lauren Greenfield studied outragious American affluence before in the excellent documentary The Queen of Versailles, where she studied one couple … Continue reading Generation Wealth looks at our money-obsessed culture, but gets distracted
Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot
A- biopic Written by Gus Van Sant, from John Callahan's autobiography Directed by Gus Van Sant If you're looking for a cinematic argument against alcohol addiction, this biopic of paraplegic cartoonist John Callahan makes a very strong argument. The film also gives you a strong sense of how Alcoholics Anonymous works. If it had not … Continue reading Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot
Sorry to Bother You, but you don’t want to miss this movie
A- Comedy Written and directed by Boots Riley I worry that people will assume that this very pointed comedy is nothing but a Get Out rip-off. Both movies combine humor, horror, and social commentary, and were made by an African-American neophyte director with a decidedly black point of view. But if you know anything about … Continue reading Sorry to Bother You, but you don’t want to miss this movie
Eating Animals: Knowing what you consume
A- Documentary Directed by Christopher Dillon Quinn From the book by Jonathan Safran Foer Warning: This documentary contains many horribly gruesome images. And unlike the gore in horror movies, you know that it's all real. Considering the film's title and the involvement of outspoken vegan (and movie star) Natalie Portman, one would assume that Eating … Continue reading Eating Animals: Knowing what you consume
You’ll want to put Boundaries between yourself and this movie
F Road movie Written & directed by Shana Feste Road movies follow a very close formula. Two or three people, usually relatives who hate each other, are forced together on a long road trip. Along the way, they argue, learn more about each other, and bond. In the end, they've learned something about themselves and … Continue reading You’ll want to put Boundaries between yourself and this movie
A Boy Like Jake should be part of the film
B+ Family drama Written by Daniel Pearle; based on his stage play Directed by Silas Howard Early on, I found myself wondering if we really need this story? Do I care if this white, comfortable, Brooklyn couple get their four-year-old son (the Jake of the title) into the right private school? But as the story … Continue reading A Boy Like Jake should be part of the film
The Goodness and Flaws of Mr. Rogers
B+ Documentary Directed by Morgan Neville I'm not a Christian, but it strikes me that Fred Rogers - the ordained minister who created a long-running, completely secular children's television program - is an excellent example of what a Christian is supposed to be. He was kind and self-effacing. He taught pre-school children how to handle … Continue reading The Goodness and Flaws of Mr. Rogers
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