There are moments of undeniable brilliance in Dave Eggers' second feature. The atmosphere is consistently superb and the performances are outstanding. In addition to this, it's a film of obvious technical brilliance - a brilliance that is complemented by a clear sense of style. However, the Lighthouse does also feel like a purely stylistic exercise. … Continue reading The Lighthouse (Review)
Tag: opinion
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (Review)
With only three films under her directorial belt, Marielle Heller has already become one of the most dependable and interesting names in the business. Consistently, she has shown an ability to make films that enhance and transcend their subject matter - adapting existing sources in fascinating and surprising ways. This trend is perhaps best shown … Continue reading A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (Review)
The Personal History of David Copperfield (Review)
Unsurprisingly, the writer and director who managed to glean comedy from Stalinist Russia has managed to make an accessible and charming comedy out of a Dickens novel. Obviously, anybody versed in Dickens will know that comedy is actually something the famed writer is good at; however, it is not his primary mode and it is … Continue reading The Personal History of David Copperfield (Review)
Uncut Gems (Review)
Thrillers don't get much better than Uncut Gems. This latest film from the Safdie Brothers (who gave us the excellent Good Time) is brilliantly overwhelming and deeply stressful in the best way possible. The film's success is due to a multitude of factors but its most obvious asset is a mesmerising turn from the oft-awful … Continue reading Uncut Gems (Review)
Parasite (Review)
There's something inherently appealing about a film that's able to be consistently surprising; however, there's something really special about a film that is able to stay utterly consistent at the same time. Parasite is a film that trades in escalation and increasing levels of conflict - a film that keeps adding more spinning plates through … Continue reading Parasite (Review)
A Hidden Life (Review)
Terrence Malick's latest film, a cerebral drama about an Austrian farmer during World War 2, is an engrossing and powerful portrait of idealism. The film centres around a choice that is obviously admirable now but - at the time - brought huge negative consequences on the individual: refusing to fight for the Nazis. The film … Continue reading A Hidden Life (Review)
Bombshell (Review)
To be honest, this expose of sexism at FOX News is more controlled explosion than bombshell. It touches on important content in an accessible, and often important, way but it certainly doesn't want to ruffle too many feathers. In Bombshell, a number of conversations are very well handled, especially the more quiet and human moments … Continue reading Bombshell (Review)
Humanising Iran: Two Films by Abbas Kiarostami
Now is a good time to explore the diverse world of Iranian cinema. When countries are targeted by other nations, these countries coalesce into something homogenous: they become a singular entity rather than a collection of people. It's easy to view a country by way of its regime or by way of its outward facing … Continue reading Humanising Iran: Two Films by Abbas Kiarostami
Frozen 2 (Review)
Obviously, I am not the target audience for Frozen 2. However, this didn't stop me from resonating with the original - and from being hugely impressed by it. To a certain extent, Frozen 2 is also very impressive - primarily visually. It is a stunning technological achievement but is full of real artistic beauty. The … Continue reading Frozen 2 (Review)
The Two Popes (Review)
In a BBC interview, Jonathan Pryce (who plays Pope Francis) talked about the 'emotional moment' when The Two Popes was screened at the Vatican. The Pope didn't attend the screening, but a cardinal who was both close to Benedict and Francis (the film focuses on the relationship between this pair) noted their enjoyment and referred … Continue reading The Two Popes (Review)
Assorted Opinions 