Waiting for a Tár to fall (*****)
No matter what the field in life, whether its art, business, politics or religion, being a master at something can lead to suffering of the soul.
Another Look at The Fly (1986) – Cronenberg at his most…
As long as Cronenberg has the lens on Goldlum, The Fly is a winner.
Pig (*****) is loss becoming
If ever a film matched the tragectory of its star, its Nic Cage in Pig.
Promising Young Woman (***1/2): Girl, Interrupted
There is a tacit understanding within the bounds of Promising Young Woman that men of college age and above are perverted cowards at best, rapists at worst.
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.
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.
Criterion: Paper Moon (****1/2) is still a delight
This is the perfect film for Criterion treatment.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse is a world without end
“Every once in a while, something comes along that opens your eyes to a new way of viewing cinema. Star Wars did this for me first back when I was 6 years old. Goodfellas did it in 1991. Now we have this…a comic book cartoon movie.”
I don’t have a vote (and no longer care) for the Oscars – Movies of the Year
“It’s tough to stay interested in watching most blowhards take credit for their work by slandering those who they disagree with, but the desire to see good work rewarded will not get old. The best thing the Oscars have going for them is they’re not as bad as the other televised award shows. The gap is narrowing.”
The Favourite (****) Rabbits on the loose
#thefavourite “The placement of rabbits looms large in this film. She who pays attention to what they signify may be rewarded, even if they still don’t belong on the loose. They belong in cages, not running lose in the castle.”
Roma (*****) – Share the Well
#roma “It’s a tough viewing, to be sure. It is also incredibly rewarding. It is so much higher a level of movie making that one is used to seeing. It’s not the kind of film that everyone could make it through, but it’s the kind of film that is utterly the point for art itself.”
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.”
Corner Gas, Episode 43: Ruby Newsday
The show is always best when they give Oscar something to do.
Adams and Jefferson on Pan’s Labyrinth
Two old friends dissect the best del Toro film and discuss the career of the great modern master.
Special Edition: Oscar Predictions by WeMissE
My partner in the Adams and Jefferson on movies posts predicts a big night for Del Toro.
Darkest Hour (****) is the other side of Dunkirk
Wright has made a film that plays a good contrast to Christopher Nolan’s superior Dunkirk. We see the threat that looms at home before it strikes abroad. So much is at stake, the tension is unbearable, yet Churchill finds a way. Good Lord does he ever.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 