I consider myself to have good taste in cinema, but there is one film that I adore more than even the most prestigious cinematic achievement: The Room, a film I never fail to praise relentlessly whenever I am given the opportunity. I wear my adoration for The Room proudly, considering it one of the most…

There is quite a bit that can be said about The Square. Ruben Östlund’s endearing 150-minute odyssey into the pretentious world of contemporary art is one of the most singularly unique and original films of the year, a film with a certain atmosphere that critiques both the cultural elite and the mainstream populace in a…

There are very few things in life that bring me as much joy as dark comedies set in quaint small towns, especially when they are based on true stories, and Jack Black plays an individual beloved by the entire community but is soon reviled for his criminal activity. Bernie was somewhat of a shocking revelation…

For some reason, I had constantly been putting off seeing Election, despite the fact that it seemed to be a film right in my wheelhouse – a dark comedy, directed by Alexander Payne (at this juncture an up-and-coming indie film darling), with a story that blended high school and politics, featuring a great cast. I…

There are some actors who have shown to be adept at directing, and then there are those that just cannot convincingly bring a film together in a way that is satisfactory. Many in the latter category only try once or twice, but then there is that occasional rambunctious spirit who just keeps on trying to…

There are sometimes films that are so odd, it is difficult to actually conceive any possible reason behind the making of it. The Overnight is one such film – an independent comedy that places focus on sexuality and relationships in a way that feels like this is mumblecore cinema’s response to the overtly sexual Carry…

Wes Anderson has become somewhat of a folkloric figure for modern film-lovers and devotees of contemporary cinema, with his distinctive style (which is often lovingly parodied) making him one of the most universally-embraced filmmakers working today. Personally, I find him quite an endearing filmmaker, albeit one with the visual aesthetic that can sometimes be a…

Numbers mean something to everyone – whether it be anniversaries, birthdays or milestones, we all celebrate reaching a certain point. Personally, I am engaged in my own celebration of sorts, as small as it may be: this is my 500th review. I have been trying to determine which film I should review for this milestone,…

Family is a subject that cinema loves, and there is absolutely no shortage of films that tackle the difficult but relatable topic of family dynamics. It is a subject that independent cinema is particularly enamored with, whereby several films take a critical (and often extremely hilarious) gander at the complex relationship between family members. One…

It is always a challenge for any filmmaker to attempt to make a film that tackles a real-life tragedy, particularly a recent one. It is even more challenging (and impressive when it is done successfully) on the odd occasion where a filmmaker attempts to approach a particularly bleak and hopelessly despairing real-world issue through representing…