ITOL Top 15 Films of 2020 (So Far), Numbers 5-1

Phew! We’ve finally reached numbers 5 through 1. We hope you like our picks and maybe seek out the films that you haven’t yet seen. You can find numbers 15-11 here and numbers 10-6 here. Please let us know which films make your top 15 list and what films are you looking forward to catching later this year! A massive thank you to all the ITOL writers who contributed and voted. Here’s hoping the rest of 2020 won’t be so eventful! Continue reading ITOL Top 15 Films of 2020 (So Far), Numbers 5-1

Review: Babyteeth

The best way to describe Shannon Murphy’s engrossing and visually stunning “Babyteeth” is to imagine if Andrea Arnold directed “The Fault in Our Stars”. If this hasn’t piqued your interest already, then bear with me because there’s plenty of more wonderful things to say about this delight of a film.

Based on screenwriter Rita Kalnejais’ play of the same name, “Babyteeth” marks the arrival of an exciting fresh and innovative female filmmaker. Murphy gets extra points from us for selecting an all-female production and direction team, and for tackling the ‘cancer’ rom-com subgenre in a way that doesn’t feel over sentimental or contrived. Continue reading Review: Babyteeth

Review: True History of the Kelly Gang

“True History of the Kelly Gang” is the latest adaptation of the story of Ned Kelly, an Australian outlaw. Directed by Justin Kurzel, this movie is stacked with talented actors; George MacKay, Russell Crowe, Charlie Hunnam, Thomasin McKenzie, Nicholas Hoult, and Essie Davis. It follows Ned Kelly from a young age and his journey to the man he would become.

I’m in the minority when I admit having no idea who’s Ned Kelly. This film is divided into three parts; Boy, Man, and Monitor. It begins with adult Ned Kelly writing his story (right after a caption stating everything we’re about to witness isn’t true). For someone like myself who isn’t familiar with Kelly, this caption, followed by the scene, left me a bit confused. Continue reading Review: True History of the Kelly Gang

31 Days of Horror, Day 29: The Babadook

“The Babadook” is the type of horror flick I love; one where the threat — in this case, the monster — works as both an internal and external threat. The unique creature design is simultaneously whimsical and menacing. Think, the hybrid that one would get if they were to describe Nosferatu to a child and have that child illustrate the description. Continue reading 31 Days of Horror, Day 29: The Babadook