It would seem that every time we discuss the work of Hayao Miyazaki, we usually use the term “magical” to describe the worlds he creates and the atmosphere that sits at the foundation of his work, since they all seem to be shrouded in a kind of upbeat charm that is impossible to describe in…
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
The key to a truly successful horror film is to do something original but also not lose sight of the films that came before, since this is a genre that rewards innovation, but also depends on the artistic dialogue between works, especially when it comes to establishing a strong connection between concepts. Michael Dougherty is…
Cassandro (2023)
Gender is a subject that is too broad and complex for us to condense into a single conversation since it isn’t something easily defined in concise terms, and usually tends to be quite divisive for truly perplexing reasons. However, we can often find the most profound statements on what it means to identify with one…
Twentieth Century (1934)
Between the dazzling metropoles of Chicago and New York City ran a train that was aptly named the 20th Century Limited, referring to her modern approach to long-distance travel, which she undertook for over half a century, being the prime mode of transport between the two locations for almost the entirety of the first half…
Little Men (2016)
Growing up can be a lot more difficult when you don’t have the support system in place to help navigate those years that are formative in our identity, but are not any less challenging. For the protagonists in Little Men, their daily routine is built around trying to achieve their dreams, with only marginal support…
Brewster’s Millions (1985)
Some premises are so absurd, that they usually circle the spectrum of logic and start to make perfect sense, becoming oddly plausible and wildly entertaining. When George Barr McCutcheon wrote Brewster’s Millions in the early 20th century, we have to wonder whether he anticipated it becoming a story that would inspire over a dozen films,…
The Actors (2003)
Perhaps the canniest piece of writing that William Shakespeare ever produced, or at least one of his most relevant, is when he wrote that “life’s but a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage” – and few people embody this concept more than the two protagonists of The Actors, the fascinating…
Nyad (2023)
There are not many genres that tend to stir complete ambivalence, to the point where actively seeking out these films becomes more of a chore than an enjoyable experience. The inspirational sports drama genre is often seen as being one of the most divisive since the tendency towards hackneyed characters, cliched storylines and hokey emotions…
The Merry Widow (1934)
No one made films like Ernst Lubitsch, and there is a reason why he is considered the person who inspired many of our greatest directors, with the likes of Billy Wilder and Preston Sturges swearing allegiance to the legacy of this master of cinema. Choosing his signature work is extremely challenging, and almost impossible, since…
Strange Way of Life (2023)
Nearly anyone of Portuguese descent (particularly those of us who grew up with family members dedicated to preserving every piece of the culture as possible) will be somewhat familiar with Amália Rodrigues and her astonishing voice, particularly in her landmark song, “Estranha forma de vida” (“Strange Way of Life”), in which a cursory glance will…
The Postmodern Pelican 