I, Tonya (2017)

For centuries, audiences have had a certain obsession with artistic representations of true stories, reenacting historical moments and real-life events in a way that shows the inherent tragedy or historical significance that captivates us and keeps us thirsting for more. It has persisted from the earliest days of theatre to the present day, when audiences…

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

They just don’t make films like The Philadelphia Story anymore, do they? A comedy that does not rely on gross-out humour, an enormously ambitious concept or visual flair, just an extremely strong story, featuring well-developed, interesting characters portrayed by magnificent actors at the very top of their game. There are very few films that fully…

The Disaster Artist (2017)

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…

The Square (2017)

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…

The Polka King (2018)

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…

Election (1999)

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…

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

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…

The Overnight (2015)

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…

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

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…

Best in Show (2000)

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,…