Discussions about the Pre-Code era are certainly not elusive around these parts. This period of Hollywood history is one of the most fascinating, since that brief period between the silent era and the implementation of the Hays Code was home to some of the most boundary-pushing, daring works, the likes of which we wouldn’t see…
Tag: reviews
Rumours (2024)
There has never been a more appropriate time to be sceptical of our global leaders than now – the world is in tatters. It seems like every nation is working to ensure its survival, even if it comes at the expense of its allies, which is not a new concept but one that goes against…
Two-Way Stretch (1960)
From a linguistic perspective, few places breed innovation in how language develops and is used than prisons – these institutions tend to provide fascinating insights into how people change meanings of words ascribe entirely new definitions to existing terms, or even just outright create new phrases, all of which is usually done to establish some…
Starlet (2012)
Much like I suspect would be the case with many people, I first became acquainted with Sean Baker in 2015, when he had a major breakthrough with Tangerine, an extraordinarily ambitious dark comedy about two transgender sex workers that was notable for both its unconventional narrative, the fact that it was shot entirely on an…
Hard Truths (2024)
“You can’t buy time. You can’t sell it either” There are many reasons to adore the work of Mike Leigh. His meticulous attention to detail when it comes to developing his characters, his astonishing ability to capture every aspect of everyday life (which is often the reason he is considered a founding member of an…
Between the Temples (2024)
“Give me your hand and I’ll give you mine” Everyday life comes with various challenges, which should resonate with the vast majority of us who are forced to navigate day-to-day obstacles simply to meet the minimum criteria to be considered a functional human being. Yet, despite these shared challenges, it’s our individual response to them…
Unbelievable Adventures of Italians in Russia (1974)
It tends to be quite a rare occurrence to find a film marketing itself as exactly what it intends to deliver, and avoiding any sense of unnecessary hyperbole for the sake of drawing attention to itself – and in its honesty, it actually veers towards being quite remarkable in its own right. This is the…
The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend (1949)
Very few filmmakers made as much of an impact on comedy as Preston Sturges, whose invaluable contributions to cinema have made him one of the most endearing figures in Hollywood history, with his efforts as both a writer and director setting the foundation for the concept of a comedic auteur and not many artists can…
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
The greatest works of art normally come from the most unexpected of sources, as evident by the fact that a small-scale horror comedy produced on a shoestring budget by Roger Corman and a few of his friends has become the foundation for perhaps the most offbeat and brilliant musical in the history of the medium….
The Front Room (2024)
There is no greater gift than motherhood, for both the parent and children – having someone to care for you and nurture you as you age (whether biological or adopted or simply motherly figures that guide your life) can stand someone in good stead as they make their way through life. However, there is a…
The Postmodern Pelican 