Friday, 8 November 2019

You Were Never Really Here (2017)

Very slick atmospheric thriller which is basically a grimy remake of the first Sin City story. That's no bad thing, it's a visceral tale, but aside from a bit more thematic depth (lots of American flags, red blood on blue and white outfits, and flashbacks to traumatic moments either in service of the country or dealt out by those who are) it's also just as lightweight.
Rating: Good

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

A rich, soulful, yet (intentionally) frustrating film. Looks gorgeous and full of great performances.
The only reason I've not rated this higher is because it's (a very well-told version of) stuff I've seen a lot before - strong African-American community in 70s Brooklyn, get fucked over by the white man.
Rating: Good

Monday, 9 September 2019

Planet of the Vampires (1965)

Some pretty cool pulpy visuals and sound design, but rather stilted. Basically watched this for the influences on Alien; outside of 'big alien skeletons' any other similarities are fairly generic, and I suspect there must be earlier examples of that in genre fiction...
Rating: Bad

Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

Perhaps a little less atrocious than Epic Movie etc, but not that far off. Probably about as good as Scary Movie 1. Certainly not as good as, say, Hot Shots, because it never creates its own material. It's purely repeating individual film moments and occasionally genre tropes, slightly heightened or with a glaringly obvious twist or just straight up described by a character. What's more, every joke is repeated and explained to death.
Rating: Bad

The Babadook (2014)

Great acting, monster design and effects (including the appearance in a convincing Melies style movie playing on the tv) and direction. The allegory sometimes takes over at expense of the rules, but generally a very cool Nightmare On Elm Street vibe.
Rating: Good

Wednesday, 28 August 2019

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

A touching, low-key Cuckoo's Nest. Deftly balances joy and hope in human connection with anger and despair at society, though this gives it a slightly directionless feel.

Rating: Good

Sunday, 25 August 2019

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Factually lightweight, but emotionally powerful. A cleverly contemporary and human look at an historical figure. Looks and sounds great, loads of strong performances and full of empathy.
Rating: Very Good