In the small but fascinating canon of sequels that are better than the originals, Addams Family Values is one of the definitive examples. Barry Sonnenfeld, as I wrote in the previous review, did exceptionally well in bringing Charles Addams’ timeless creations to the screen in The Addams Family, and two years later seemed to not…
The Addams Family (1991)
Revisiting films from your childhood is always an interesting experience – very often the sensation of uncompromising nostalgia fools us into believing that these are still perfect films that are free of any discernible flaws and where the tender, fond memories we had when first encountering them are once again evoked by what is often…
End of the Century (2020)
Ocho (Juan Barberini) has just arrived in Barcelona – he was in Madrid for business, and has decided to take some time to explore the beautiful European architecture and culture. However, it isn’t long before he is on the prowl for a companion to pass some time with. He spots Javi (Ramon Pujol), and the…
The Innocents (1961)
When it comes to canonical horror films, there are some that carry the reputation of being so scary, it becomes an unnecessary burden on them, resulting in the experience of actually seeing them occasionally feeling like a disappointment. One film that this certainly does not apply to is Jack Clayton’s masterful The Innocents, a film…
Pocketful of Miracles (1961)
New York City is approaching the end of the Prohibition era, which means many people are looking for a quick buck. One such person is Apple Annie (Bette Davis), a street-smart beggar who rules the streets from behind her wicker basket, from where she sells apples to many of the locals, who see her as…
Victim (1961)
A young man (Peter McEnery), who is mostly known as “Boy” Barrett receives a tip-off that the police are after him. He recently stole a large amount of money from his employers, which the authorities believe was to fund his lifestyle. What they don’t realize is that his reason for committing the crime was far…
The Man with a Shotgun (1961)
Even before he came to be known for his more nihilistic dark comedies that were propelled by their sense of effortless cool and roots in absurdism, Seijun Suzuki was consistently playing with cinema. In the first five years of his career. Suzuki directed a staggering twenty-four films, each one a distinct work of genre storytelling…
One, Two, Three (1961)
Billy Wilder was frustratingly good at what he did. The moment he reached his peak as a filmmaker was one that ultimately changed cinema forever, with his work persisting as some of the most brilliant in film history. Whether one of his towering masterpieces, or a film that is less-discussed but still incredibly beloved, Wilder…
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
In the canon of great horror films, everything can essentially be traced back to the German Expressionist movement, particularly those helmed by directors who used the burgeoning artform as a platform for their own psychological curiosities, most notably in how they utilized a unique blend of visual style and narrative. Perhaps the most iconic film…
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
With the exception of perhaps the Holy Bible, no works have ever been more influential to western culture than those of William Shakespeare, whose plays and poetry have pervaded the collective culture for half a millennium, and introduced many of us to some of the most fascinating stories ever produced. Cinematically, Shakespeare has regularly found…
The Postmodern Pelican 