Thursday, January 31, 2019

The Tamarind Seed (1974) **

Spys in love but the leads have zero chemistry and the script is no help. It looks pretty though and it's an interesting time capsule of early 70's life such as the near constant cigarettes! Still don't get why producers thought Omar could pass for a Russian.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Mother! (2017) ****

Searing, personal mythology from intense filmmaker Darren Aronofsky could have been a pretentious mess but it works thanks to a tight script, brisk pace and a top notch cast especially JLaw who is up to the daunting task. Unforgettable and Aronofsky really nails humanity to the wall here. Brilliant.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Mary Queen of Scots (2018) **

Well made period piece which emphasizes gender dynamics for contemporary relevancy (but doesn't belabor the point). The emphasis on cast diversity however is very distracting. This can work in a theatrical performance but film is not as forgiving unless the director makes it clear what the point is.

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Downsizing (2017) **

Despite being a well put together film, featuring a breakout performance and the always interesting (and prolific!) Udo Kier, it's a little disappointing given the obvious effort and epic length.

Disobedience (2017) **

Strong leads in an interesting look at what freedom means in a closed (and very wealthy) religious community in London.

Saturday, January 05, 2019

Why Shoot the Teacher? (1977) **

Bud Cort shines in this period piece from the Depression era Canadian hinterlands and how a fresh-faced city boy copes.

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008) **

Thanks to the stellar cast this is an entertaining rom-com but the lead character is hard to root for and a lot of the jokes fall flat.