Author Archive
Film Review – Bad Things
Writer/director Stewart Thorndike makes explicit the influences that pervade Bad Things (2023). A spooky hotel and the violent events that happen inside of it will undoubtably call to mind Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, The Shining (1980). Thorndike makes several visual and thematic callbacks to that film, and keen observers will have a running…
READ MORE
Film Review – Corner Office
The casting of Jon Hamm might be the most ingenious thing about Corner Office (2022). Because it is set within a workplace environment – with offices, desks, break rooms, cubicles, etc. – the presence of Hamm will undoubtedly call to mind his work in Mad Men. Oh, but this is…
READ MORE
Film Review – Meg 2: The Trench
Imagine you are at a talent show. One person goes up on stage to play the guitar. However, despite their best efforts, they keep messing up and hitting the wrong notes. But instead of booing them off the stage, the crowd encourages them to keep…
READ MORE
Film Review – Sympathy for the Devil
If there is one thing Nicolas Cage cannot be accused of, it’s taking a role for granted. Whether it’s a big budget blockbuster or a straight to video indie, Cage cannot operate at any level other than 200%. That’s what makes him so compelling – he takes…
READ MORE
Film Review – Happiness for Beginners
Here now is a rom-com that is so feathery light that it risks floating away. Happiness for Beginners (2023) is about as breezy and formulaic that it could have very well been a satire. You know all the tropes – a guy and girl have a Meet…
READ MORE
Film Review – They Cloned Tyrone
They Cloned Tyrone (2023) is a clever, entertaining, and imaginative movie. In his feature length debut, director Juel Taylor (who also cowrites with Tony Rettenmaier) gives respect to a whole plethora of genres. There are references to everything from blaxploitation, sci-fi, and horror films. While watching it, I was…
READ MORE
Film Review – The Deepest Breath
The Deepest Breath (2023) begins with an extraordinary uncut shot. We see a deep sea diver submerge under the water, heading straight down. Following a single line of rope, they descend deeper, deeper, and deeper still – with the camera never looking away. Safety personnel and…
READ MORE
Film Review – Bird Box: Barcelona
Bird Box (2018) was a sci-fi/horror film that contained shades of The Happening (2008) and The Mist (2007). Based on the novel by Josh Malerman, the premise involved an invasion by an unseen force (Aliens? Demons?) that causes anyone who looks at them to turn suicidal. It incorporated themes of faith…
READ MORE