Fantasy
Film Review – The Matrix Resurrections
When The Matrix (1999) was released, it was a gamechanger. It altered the way action blockbusters were made, melding sleek sci-fi within a cyber-punk framework. Heady philosophical ideas of identity and control were at the forefront of a story where humans fought against their machine…
READ MOREFilm Review – Dune (Second Take)
Director Denis Villeneuve has built up enough of a diverse and fantastic resume that he is now one of the top directors in the world. Lately, his genre of choice leaned toward fantasy and science fiction with Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Arrival (2016), and now…
READ MOREFilm Review – The Green Knight
Writer/director David Lowery’s The Green Knight (2021) is a stunning achievement. It is one of bold vision, remarkable cinematic skill, and confident artistry. In a summer season that is usually stuffed with lifeless blockbusters, here is a fantasy adventure that has something important to say…
READ MOREFilm Review – Annette
Director Leos Carax’s Annette (2021) is frustrating, surreal, and beautiful – and in certain flashes maybe even brilliant. It has all the facets of a romantic musical fantasy, but in a strange way works in opposition to the genre. There are themes of love and…
READ MOREFilm Review – Nine Days
What does it mean to be alive? What does to mean to have a soul? Is there more beyond the time of being born and passing away? These are just a few of the questions that permeate writer/director Edson Oda’s impressive feature length debut, Nine Days (2021).…
READ MOREFilm Review – Luca
Disney/Pixar’s latest offering, Luca (2021) is a gorgeously rendered, brightly colored fantasy tackling themes of friendship and identity. It is also one of the slightest productions we’ve seen from the studio. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a perfectly acceptable, family friendly movie with a strong…
READ MOREFilm Review – In the Heights
In the Heights (2021) is a rapturous, joyful musical fantasy that feels as though it were made for this exact moment. The brainchild of one Lin-Manuel Miranda, this adaptation of the hit Broadway show centers on the north Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights. A large Hispanic/LatinX…
READ MOREAn Appreciation – 8½
All art – at a certain level – is a reflection of ego. Film might be the most powerful example of this idea. Through image and sound, we see an artist’s thoughts, feelings, fears, desires, and hidden secrets illuminated on the screen. We see the…
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