BlacKkKlansman (****1/2) greatness mixed with prejudice
Spike Lee makes a great film, then he takes a dump in the credits with easily refuted claims through selected editing. Why?
Criterion: The Life of Oharu (****1/2)-Miss Misery
Like the best art, we learn something about humanity and the will to persevere.
Criterion: Paper Moon (****1/2) is still a delight
This is the perfect film for Criterion treatment.
Criterion: Chaplin's The Circus (****1/2) is a high wire act
Chaplin is definitely going to be on my list for future watches. I had avoided him to now because through local television, I grew up on Harold Lloyd. I figured if you’ve seen one, you’d seen them all. I really do need to see them all.
Hoosiers vs. The Way Back (****1/2)
Two basketball movies that seem similar, but couldn’t be farther apart.
Birds of Prey… (****): On their knees for no one
“…Yan and Hodson strike a nice balance between feminine wile and Deadpool comic brutality. The film might seem derivative, were it not for Robbie’s complete absorption into the humor and brutal comic lunacy of Gotham without Batman looming. ”
Mother (****1/2) is responsible
Bong is one of the best directors of his time, as evidenced by this year’s Parasite. His form is exceptional here, as he is able to strike every resonant chord of truth and still keep enough of a mystery for the viewer to hope.
The Lighthouse (****1/2) Edge of the dark and stormy sea
This is an excellent film to watch unless you have cabin fever. Even if you do, it might help clear the air of the pretense of civility.
1917 (****1/2) is never really gone
This film is exceptionally filmed and performed. It’s a necessary reminder that war is for keeps and not at all glamorous, even if the effort is a beautiful effort to save 1600 lives.
Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino: The Chronology
I am pretty sure most of those reading will not agree with my number 1, or even my number 9. That’s okay though. Let me know your own list or thoughts in the comments.
Parasite (****1/2): When it comes to making plans…
Parasite is one of the best cast, directed and uniquely written films of the year.
Doctor Sleep (****1/2) is shining bright
“If you think you might like this film, you will. It’s what a second movie should be: pushing the story forward without treading over the same old ground. Even if it ends in the same place.”
Forgotten Gem: McCabe & Mrs. Miller
The cruelest irony in the final shot is that one can win, even they don’t know all has been lost already.
12 Thoughts on Midsommar – The Director’s Cut (****1/2) spoilers ahead…
#midsommarthedirectorscut Ari Aster somehow makes the film feel shorter by adding 24 minutes.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (****1/2) continues the winning streak
One thing that should not be disputed by now is that Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man, and it’s not even close.
Shazam! (****1/2) – All hands on deck
“The concept of the film is relatively simple, Big with super powers. If we limit our expectations to this idea, we’re in for a decent surprise. The characters are painted simply, but given a shade by a plot that seems predictable in hindsight. The pleasant part to the viewer is one enjoys the film enough to be swept into the story without necessarily considering that fact.”
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 