“Tesla” (2020) is supposedly about the man and his inventions, we learn very little about either. The rivalry between himself and Edison has already been portrayed in “The Current War” although Kyle McLachlan gamely tries to inject some energy into this production with his portrayal of the more well-known and greatly wealthier inventor. Continue reading Review: Tesla
While it’s nice to have films like “Vivarium” and “Da 5 Bloods” perfectly reflect the tone and time of the present, it’s sometimes even better to have films that give an outlook of a more hopeful future – and “Summerland” does that in a nutshell. Swale truly creates a heart-warming debut filled with a powerful romance, a building connection that tears down barriers, and showcases Arterton giving an absolutely immaculate performance. Continue reading Review: Summerland
Although Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world that resides just off the southern coast of Africa, is generally regarded by most as the home of lemurs, strong biodiversity, and being the name of one of DreamWorks’ most iconic animated franchises, director Cam Cordon’s new documentary, “Madagasikara”, fleshes out a darker truth about the political and social turmoil that’s not being seen in the country. Continue reading Review: Madagasikara
In the case of this review; the film in question is the 2010 drama “Ocean Heaven”. The film is best known for being the first non-martial arts role for lead actor Jet Li. Primarily known for his action hero persona, Li is also known for his humanitarian views; in charge of various charities via The One Foundation he established. Considering the content of the story which involves mental health awareness, the role sounds like it would be the perfect segue for him. Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month, Retrospective Review: Ocean Heaven
Being one of the first slasher films to break into the mainstream media, the “Friday the 13th” franchise has not only become one of the most iconic film franchises, but provided one of the most iconic slashers in all of pop-culture – Jason Vorhees. Yes, that hockey mask wearing, machete wielding slasher has been providing plenty of blood and entertainment for decade and has always been my personal favorite of the genre – with Freddy always being a close second. From rooting for him as an odd underdog in Freddy vs. Jason to even playing as the iconic slasher in IllFonic’s incredible gaming adaptation of the franchise, Jason has and will always have a special place in my heart. However, with the 1980 original’s 40th anniversary coming this May, it’s actually not fitting at all to talk about him. Continue reading Friday the 13th: 40th Anniversary Piece
“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
The third feature from writer/director Albert Shin, “Disappearance on Clifton Hill”, takes viewers on a moody Niagara Falls mystery that offers a great atmosphere, but a lacklustre conspiracy story.
The film follows Abby (Tuppence Middleton), a woman returning to her hometown of Niagara Falls to settle an inheritance she gains from her late mother. Although she’s been away for quite some time, Abby is still haunted by a memory from her childhood of her seeing a young boy with one eye being kidnapped. So, when she makes new connections to the boy’s disappearance, she begins to investigate the town’s history and meets some interesting discoveries that unveil an elaborate conspiracy. With her checkered past rearing its ugly head and her investigation gaining some unwanted attention, Abby must uncover the truth before she’s completely silenced. Continue reading Review: Disappearance at Clifton Hill
Writer/director Kelly Reichardt has gained quite some notoriety over her career, so much so that Bong Joon-Ho even denotes her as one of his heroes, and her latest film, “First Cow”, gives audiences a unique Western adventure filled with friendship, character, and a cow.
Set in Oregon during the 19th Century, the film follows two scavengers – a skilled but secluded cook named Cookie (John Magaro) and an opportunistic Chinese man named King Lu (Orion Lee). Although they meet on strange terms, the two grow a special friendship as they look to make a name for themselves. However, when an incredibly wealthy man named Chief Factor (Toby Jones) purchases and brings the first cow to the area, the two see an opportunity to gain a wealth of their own. So, as they sneakily steal milk from under Factor’s nose, Cookie and Lu make a name for themselves by cooking baked goods that eventually gets them unwanted attention. Continue reading Review: First Cow
Horror genre cinema has been making a lot of impact in the indie circles this past decade. With upcoming filmmakers from all over the world like Julia Ducournau, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, Coralie Fargeat and others; it is an exciting time to be a filmgoer. But there is one man that has not only starred in great genre pieces, but has helped produced many of them as well. That man is Elijah Wood.
Best known for his work in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, he has acted in interesting projects that took him out of the blockbuster luster. While there were films that did not succeed so well eg. “Green Street”; there were films that shocked audiences due to his change in image like “Maniac” (2012) and “Sin City” (2005). Since then, he has worked on more genre films like “Grand Piano” until he started his own production company (with Daniel Noah and Josh C. Waller) called Spectrevision; which produced fantastic films like “Mandy”, “The Greasy Strangler” and “Colour Out of Space”. Continue reading Review: Come to Daddy
In Their Own League 