Nomadland (*****) Sailboat in the desert
As for McDormand, what else can be said about her? She is without a doubt the most courageous actress of our time.
One Night In Miami (*****) Shimmering Light
If you want to really get something out of a story, and you want to connect to humanity, this should be the film of the year.
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.
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.
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.
Netflix’ His House (*****) holds in the pain
Weekes does an excellent job creating a situation that we can empathize with, even if it is not an experience we share.
Criterion: The Wicker Man (*****) duel of faiths
Robin Hardy created a masterpiece during a time when good horror is as hard to find as the young and vibrant Rowan Morrison.
Netflix’ The Queen’s Gambit (*****) Taylor-Joy spans the distance between excellence and heart
Give this one a try, if you’re desiring to feel an experience, free of routine and common gimmicks. This is my vote for more work for Frank and Taylor-Joy. And someone start digging up more stories by Walter Tevis.
The Man From Nowhere (*****) Supernova
If you see only one more action film, let this be it.
Forgotten Gem: About A Boy (*****) He’s Expressing You
The list of movies I have been putting off is shrinking by the day. Add another classic to the list.
The Lives of Others (*****) …for a good man
This is one of the better films of the last 20 years. It only took me 14 years to see it.
Forgotten Gem: Hud (*****) Horseman, pass by
Hud may take liberties with the original material, but the greatness of the story shines through. It’s a remarkable story that feels timeless. If you want to understand humans a bit more, you should give it a try.
Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
Criterion: Throne of Blood (*****) is a tragic beauty
It’s hard to list Kurosawa’s films in terms of greatness. Ranking is almost impossible.
