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.”
Stan & Ollie (****1/2) fills the soul of memory
“There is very little to criticize in this film. It’s purpose is to give us a close up view of the duo at a crucial time so that we could get an understanding of what it is that made their relationship seem so magical. The film is a joy, ultimately, even if we know its a last right and their blaze of glory is more of a subtle dance routine in a small theater in Ireland.”
First Man in IMAX (****1/2) Soul Deep in Space
#FirstMan “This film is necessary for one to understand the reach of humans. From out of the dark of a life lost so young, hope springs so forcefully. It’s more than a flag that we put on that moon. It’s all of our hopes and dreams.”
Forgotten Gem? – 2001: A Space Odyssey at 50 in IMAX
Is this one of my favorite films? Not by a long shot. It’s Kubrick’s finest 142 minutes though, and it definitely needs to be experienced by everyone at least once. Just make sure the screen is large enough to encompass what’s great about it, and make sure your stereo dulls the piercingly high register.
This film will be in 350 IMAX theaters for only one week, starting August 24. If you were ever curious, take the time to see it now.
The Incredibles 2 (****1/2) shows us the other side
“…If you’re going for an original story. You’re not going to get it this time. The plot is literally the inverse of the first film…Is there any grand message to this film? Any overarching truth to be learned? Not a chance. Still it beats out even most Marvel films for enjoyment, if for no other reason than it never pretends to be “live action.””
A Quiet Place (****) is intense, pure
#aquietplace “Of course the film is silent. It’s probably the only time I have been made aware of the silence in the theater to the extent I didn’t even want to adjust my position in the chair for fear I would break the spell. The few times we hear noise in the film, we have a minor sense of panic. Will that be the noise that unravels everything?”
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (****1/2) opens a new world
Along with the Gods is deceptively good. Not being an expert on Buddhism or the afterlife, I can only relate that what is presented it consistently intriguing. It pulls the viewer along into an emotional crescendo that belies the simple concept of “do good, get rewarded.”
The Shape of Water (****1/2) holds you completely
If you like Del Toro, this is the best work he’s created since Pan’s Labyrinth. It’s regrettable that he’s not received more resources to create with, but seeing what he’s done here with such seemingly limited funds, I really don’t know if it matters. He just needs to bring more of his universe to ours.
Wonder (****1/2) is something that everyone should experience
My complaints are trivial compared to what this movie gets right. I have to be honest, I was crying from about the 10 minute mark through to the end. My oldest daughter and her friend were in a constant state of tears, too. My youngest even found a lot of this felt true to the challenges she goes through. This film is honest, painful, but mostly it’s optimistic. This is my favorite film of the year and it is the kind of story that goes a long way to improving the human experience. And if my view of the film is colored by my personal experiences, I wish I could have used these colors years ago.
Mississippi Grind (****1/2) – Wind it out
Mississippi Grind – 2016 Written and Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Starring Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton, Alfre Woodard, Robin Weigert, James Toback “How much do you owe?” “A lot.” “To […]
War for the Planet of the Apes (****1/2) is cleverly reverential
War for the Planet of the Apes – 2017 Director Matt Reeves Written by Mark Bomback and Reeves Starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Terry Notary, Ty Olsson, Michael Adamthwaite, Toby Kebbell, […]
