Some films are just impressive, and Ueda’s One Cut of the Dead is one of those films. Though, in this phrase there’s an obvious caveat: the word just. Obviously, One Cut of the Dead is so many things - and is a great movie - but it’s also one of those films that is so … Continue reading One Cut of the Dead (Review)
Category: Films
NastyPALs Episode 8: The Boogeyman
We're back, for our 8th episode in which we unpick The Boogeyman. Which, it turns out, is delightful. Listen to us drive trucks through plot holes and generally get giddy about our ludicrous enjoyment of this, really rather terrible, film. https://soundcloud.com/user-782108692/8-the-boogeyman
Lords of Chaos (Review)
It turns out, the Norwegian Black Metal scene of the 90s was pretty intense. And probably not in the way you think. This feature from Jonas Åkerlund, presents the story of Øystein Aarseth (played rather excellently by Rory Culkin), better known to the world as Euronymous: pioneer of the Norwegian Black Metal scene and band … Continue reading Lords of Chaos (Review)
The White Crow (Review)
An intriguing character study somewhat brought down by some odd sequencing and dire flashbacks. Overall, though, a compelling and thought provoking film. One equipped with a sublime central performance. The tale of a Russian ballet dancer falling in love with the culture of France, at the height of the Cold War, is an enthralling one. … Continue reading The White Crow (Review)
Hale County This Morning, This Evening (Review)
A wonderful documentary where the filmmaker skilfully pieces together footage of everyday life in Hale County (Alabama) to reveal, celebrate and inform. This pure presentation, bolstered by masterful photography, finds true transcendence in seeming banality. There’s a dreamlike, surrealist bent to some of the imagery and framing - but there’s also a clear commitment to … Continue reading Hale County This Morning, This Evening (Review)
Mid90s (Review)
A nostalgic and neatly put together coming of age story that never quite justifies itself. Ostensibly, I like it quite a lot but somewhat in spite of itself. The time period is evocative; I have a soft spot for skateboarding culture; there’s some mumblecore DNA - but a prestige aesthetic (A24 house style and all). … Continue reading Mid90s (Review)
Us (Review)
A fabulous follow up to Peele’s remarkable debut (Get Out). It lacks the surgical precision of Get Out, but this isn’t to its detriment. Get Out was definitively about something and kept things tight. This is more expansive and more nebulous. Its central theme is duality, but it takes this in interesting directions that can … Continue reading Us (Review)
Border (Review)
An utterly beguiling oddity from Sweden. The phrase ‘like nothing you’ve seen’ is overused but, here, very apt. It starts strange, gets stranger, stumbles a couple of times but is, overall, very impressive. It has interesting things to say; is anti-nihilistic and - in the end - is actually really lovely (though there’s some weird … Continue reading Border (Review)
Captain Marvel (Review)
I really wanted to like this but can’t dole out much praise. Brie is good (though her character - when super powered - I find to be extremely uncompelling); there are some nice moments and I love that there’s a strong pro-refugee message, as well as the point that military intervention causes terrorism. I wish … Continue reading Captain Marvel (Review)
Free Solo (Review)
I entered this with trepidation, fearing the focus on free soloing would inherently glorify. I’m pleased to report my fear was completely unwarranted. This is spectacular documentary that goes beyond justifying itself: it presents itself as integral. You gain an impressive understanding and will leave with a more nuanced view. Leaving a documentary wiser is … Continue reading Free Solo (Review)
Assorted Opinions 