Tag: London Film Festival

Animated, Film Festivals, Film Reviews

Wolfwalkers: #LFF2020 Review

Cartoon Saloon ranks alongside Laika as one of the most exciting animation studios emerging in this new century of cinema. Their style is akin to the classic 2D hand-drawn animation of old-school Disney. But, through their own loose linework, their films feel much more singular. If children’s picture books were given motion, the films of Cartoon Saloon is probably what they would look like. With “Wolfwalkers” (2020) gracing this year’s London Film Festival, Cartoon Saloon may have produced their best film yet. Continue reading Wolfwalkers: #LFF2020 Review

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Film Festivals, Film Reviews

After Love: #LFF2020

Year: 2020Duration: 89 minutesWriter/Director: Aleem KhanStarring:  Joanna Scanlan, Nathalie Richard, Talid Ariss By Caz Armstrong “After Love” is an intriguing study of how loss can unite people, even those otherwise divided by culture and geography. Long takes reminiscent of the studious eye of Joanna Hogg or Dominga Sotomayor Castillo bring complicated emotions to the fore without spoon feeding in this exquisite and intriguing film. In a beautifully … Continue reading After Love: #LFF2020

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Female Filmmaker, Film Festivals, Film Reviews, World Cinema

Review: Honeymood #LFF2020

Writer-director Lavie’s filmography to date is mostly based in short films – “Honeymood” is her second feature – and this does feel like it might have been better if the film had been trimmed down to a shorter running time. The film’s conceit is strong and the performances, for the most part, might be enough for some to stick with it, but the expectation for a film premiering at the London Film Festival under the “Laugh” strand deserves a little more on screen at which to, well, laugh. Continue reading Review: Honeymood #LFF2020

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Female Filmmaker, Female Writer, Film Festivals, Film Reviews, Uncategorized, Women in Film

Kajillionaire #LFF2020Review

July’s latest, “Kajillionaire”, sees her carrying straight ahead in her now signature style, and so is not likely to change much for either party. The film tells the story of Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), a twenty-something woman who lives and works with her parents (Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) as thieves and con-artists in Los Angeles. Old Dolio has for her whole life only ever been used as a playing piece in her parents’ efforts to become rich – her name came from a homeless man who won the lottery, in a vain attempt to get some of his newfound money from him – and the closest thing to love and affection she’s ever received from her parents is the even share she gets of their con jobs. Continue reading Kajillionaire #LFF2020Review

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Film Festivals, Film Reviews, World Cinema

Undine: #LFF20 Review

“Undine” (2020) is a puzzling wee film. Brought to us from the director of “Transit” (2018) it is a film that has a lot going for it, be it its tone, themes and central characters. It certainly has a plethora of skill to its craftsmanship, but I don’t know if it entirely meshes together. Upon my own viewing of the picture, I personally found enough decent ideas in it to enjoy it, and I would still call it an ambitious project. But it doesn’t hold up as well on reflection. Continue reading Undine: #LFF20 Review

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Film Festivals, Film Reviews

Mangrove: #LFF20 Review

Steve McQueen has one of the most impressive resumes of any working British filmmaker. The man skillfully and consistently conveys enthralling, hard-hitting messages via the most visceral of filmmaking ability. “Shame” (2011) tapped into the devastating effects of addiction with unparalleled voyeurism, and “12 Years a Slave” (2013) still ranks among the most brutally direct exposures of evil practices. His previous film, “Widows” (2018), opened the 62nd London Film Festival, and opening this year’s festival is an entry into his upcoming anthology series, “Small Axe” (2020). Continue reading Mangrove: #LFF20 Review

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