Ad Astra is a film that really lives up to its name. The translated meaning, 'To the Stars,' reflects the film's admirable ambition, while the use of Latin reflects its self seriousness and, dare I say, self indulgence. Big budget, idea focused science fiction is inherently ambitious, regardless of quality. In this regard, At Astra … Continue reading Ad Astra (Review)
Tag: opinion
The Souvenir (Review)
With only four films under her belt, Joanna Hogg has already established herself as a unique and important voice in British cinema. Following her promising debut, Unrelated, Hogg's work has only got stronger with each release and, with the Souvenir, she has completed her first (and hopefully not last) masterpiece. Despite its conventional appearance - … Continue reading The Souvenir (Review)
Bait (Review)
To watch Bait is to be reminded of the possibilities and power of cinema. Bait is a film that will reinvigorate your love of the medium through its use of filmic language and technique to deliver something transcendent. It's a film of clear political, metaphorical and emotional import that is at once brutally real and … Continue reading Bait (Review)
Pain and Glory (Review)
Autofiction is a dangerous game. The line between art and reality is often a thin one and drawing from one's life opens up conflict and complication. This is one of the central ideas in Almodovar's brilliant Pain and Glory, yet another enthralling film from one of the masters of cinema. Pain and Glory is not … Continue reading Pain and Glory (Review)
NastyPALs Episode 12: Snuff
After a holiday hiatus, the boys are back to talk about about Snuff - the genre and the film. It's another fascinating film that you definitely shouldn't watch. https://soundcloud.com/user-782108692/12-snuff
Hail Satan? (Review)
Let's get this out of the way: for a while now, I've been fascinated by Satanism - specifically modern Satanism. Therefore, I have to admit that I am the exact target audience for a documentary that focuses on the Satanic Temple. Keeping this in mind, believe me when I say that Penny Lane's Hail Satan? … Continue reading Hail Satan? (Review)
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Review)
When considering Tarantino's most recent films, it's hard to decide which one is his most self-indulgent. Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (OUaTiH) is, however, a strong contender for the throne. Tarantino's latest continues a clear downward trend, and though it is not his most objectionable or distasteful film to date, it is his dullest. … Continue reading Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Review)
Crawl (Review)
Here's the elevator pitch: a home invasion thriller, but with alligators. If you think that sounds entertaining, you'll have some fun with Crawl. However, Crawl is ultimately another example of gimmick-premise driven genre movies that fall flat (see MA for a recent example - and the majority of Blumhouse's output). The issue is simple: an … Continue reading Crawl (Review)
Varda by Agnes (Review)
Agnes Varda is one of my favourite filmmakers; actually, Agnes Varda is one of my favourite artists full stop. Though her catalogue varies (somewhat varies - the vast majority is incredibly strong) everything she does is interesting and brings something for the table. Her latest film, a sadly posthumous release, takes the form of a … Continue reading Varda by Agnes (Review)
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story (Review)
Martin Scorsese's Netflix documentary is exactly the kind of film that Bob Dylan deserves. First of all, it's excellent. In addition to this it also manages to be playful, misleading and silly, whilst also being profound, meaningful and insightful. It's a perfect companion-piece to the man himself - or at least the man he projected … Continue reading Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story (Review)
Assorted Opinions 