Forgotten Gem: Insomnia (****) still resonates
So if you haven’t watched Insomnia for a while, or even if you’ve never watched it, take the opportunity. It’s anything but wasted time. It’s excellent filmmaking.
James vs. His Future Self (****1/2) Stern gets better with age
James vs His Future Self has a depth of feeling unlike most films, yet it is also scientifically interesting without relying on special effects. It resists being something we’ve seen before, and never stops entertaining.
Netflix’ The Midnight Sky (**) is almost hopeless
The 7th directorial effort by George Clooney is a beautiful, boring, and predictable story that skips the exciting parts, instead focusing on dread, misery and fading hope in the light of humanity. It is the type of film designed to be called brave, but is more an exercise of muscles that are best left unflexed.
Wonder Woman 1984 (****) – Deserves a bigger stage
WW84 soars and falls like a bird that just discovered its wings.
The Photograph (****) Things that go to make up a life
In this time of endless Hallmark style romances, it’s nice to see two beautiful people fall in something that looks, feels and hurts like real love. The Photograph is a lesson from one generation to another.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (*****) Empty world without the blues
This is some of the best work of Boseman’s too short career, and it’s representative of what Davis does every time out.
Miss Sloane (*1/2) This is ACTING!
Watch this only if you need to see everything Chastain or Mbatha-Raw have done. Otherwise, avoid.
Color Out of Space (****) They’re not my family
If you ever wanted to see what Stanley has in his mind in any given moment, give this a try.
Shudder’s Host (****) possession for the Zoom generation
This is the perfect film for teenagers who see the world through a Tik Tok lens.
Train To Busan presents: Peninsula (***) Mad Max for the Dead set
This is an enjoyable film, even if every single moment is telegraphed.
Criterion: Days of Heaven (*****) strikes through regret
I don’t know if I could have enjoyed this film decades ago. And I feel lucky that I haven’t been forced to form an opinion until I had time and the experience to take it all in.
Criterion: Badlands (*****) The view inside the soulless
Nearly as haunting as the real thing.
Netflix’ The Call (****) is a nice thriller
Park and Jeon do an excellent job of shifting the emotional landscape.
Netflix’ Mank (****) – The wins of the father
If they had found a way to at least make the case for the opposition seem plausible, there might be less of a Smokey and the Bandit feel to it all.
Forgotten Gem: Catch Me If You Can is looking for home (*****)
It’s a glamorization, but it is a damn good one.
Criterion: Housekeeping (*****) – Throw something over her…
It’s a remarkable story that presents the facts with no indication of a position being taken. In doing so, Forsyth allows Robinson’s work to forge its own path through our soul.
