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 Greatest Showman (2017)
Confession time: I am admittedly a devotee of musical cinema, having enjoyed countless cinematic musicals throughout the years, even ones that are not considered very good (looking at you, Mamma Mia!). However, I can recognize when a musical is extraordinarily special, and also when it is subpar and mediocre. Unfortunately (because it’s better to get…
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 Silence of the Lambs (1991)
There have rarely been filmmakers who have had more interesting and diverse careers as Jonathan Demme, a creative genius who worked across genres and mediums to create some of the most innovative, authentically brilliant films of all time (both narrative and documentary films), such as Something Wild, Married to the Mob, Philadelphia and the wonderful non-fiction film Swimming…
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…
Wonder Wheel (2017)
There is no denying that Woody Allen is an extremely influential filmmaker, and one of the most prolific directors of the past few decades, usually releasing a new film every year. This is admirable and has resulted in some great films. However, there have been some misfires in Allen’s career, as not every film can…
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,…
All These Sleepless Nights (2017)
I have never hidden my admiration for documentary films, constantly writing that the genre of the documentary is inherently of interest to me because of its ability to convey reality in a cinematic manner, where the audience can be introduced to a specific real-life story or figure and be able to engage with it. However,…
mother! (2017)
Well, that was…something. I am not entirely sure what to think of mother!, and as of this moment, I am still trying to wrap my head around this film, which may just be crowned the most audacious and shocking film I have ever seen. Considering I have seen films by Gaspar Noé, John Waters, and…
The Savages (2007)
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…
The Postmodern Pelican 