Movies 1002 results

Memory: The Origins of Alien Movie Review

Starting out by looking at the film’s writer of both story and screenplay Dan O’Bannon, it gives numerous examples of where many of the ideas in the film came from. From his simple middle America up bringing, O’Bannon revelled in subversive ideas. It was a strong reaction to not enough action growing up.   //   Using scenes from the film to move the narrative along, explanations for the context of ideas flows freely. Nothing is created in a vacuum and this doco ...

O Beautiful Night Movie Review

When he runs into Der Tod (English translation - The Death) played by Marko Mandic, this malevolent presence in human form takes him on a journey that is part phantasmagoria and part road trip. Are these events really happening or are they just figments of a bruised psyche. The reality of this is left entirely up to you. //   The dark and unravelling action is intercut with beautiful stills and paintings of mother nature. There is also a female presence with Nina (Vanessa Loibl) ...

Gemini Man Movie Review

For as much as the computer technology to make the actors look like younger versions of themselves has been heralded, in practice it turns out rather odd looking. When viewing the younger version of Henry Brogan (Will Smith), it almost looks like he’s overdone the botox. There is little emotion seen. The extremely high resolution of the film does not help this anomaly either.   //   Director Ang Lee holds nothing back with the action sequences and many of them are ...

Hustlers Movie Review

The women do take advantage of the men but it is done in such a way as to drag all concerned through the gutter. The targets and their platinum cards pay extravagantly for the privilege of their company but the women doing the fleecing are also losing something. //   Jennifer Lopez as the girl’s ringleader, Ramona shows real application to the role and her athleticism is impressive. Her character has a steely core but this resolve is not used for anything even close to noble. ...

Martha: A Picture Story Movie Review

That she did this on her own (without paid assignment) and at a time when street artists were considered criminals makes her work even more risky and remarkable. This aspect of her life forms the backbone of the film but it’s far from the defining factor. Martha, now in her mid seventies has remained fearless, unconventional and still totally involved in documenting the humanity in the world around her.   //   The film is a joyous celebration about art, following ...

Watch the new trailer for Vita & Virginia

When their paths cross, the magnetic Vita decides the beguiling, stubborn and gifted Virginia will be her next conquest, no matter the cost. The film is a celebration of their unconventional bond; a vivid exploration of gender, sexuality, creativity and passion.   //   Vita & Virginia is a love story, told in a contemporary style, about two women - two writers - who smashed through social barriers to find solace in their forbidden connection. Vita & Virginia ...

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Movie Review

Based on the three book collection of short stories of the same name, the collection was considered controversial at the time (the nineties) due to their violence and macabre topics. The film tries to shock and disgust its audience and with some modern film techniques it delivers quite a few scary moments. //   Set in small town America on Halloween, its young cast have the usual obstacles to overcome on the road to adulthood. There is the usual town bully, who meets a suitably ...

The Goldfinch Movie Review

It does have quite a bit going for it other than just the source material. It looks great thanks to the customary brilliance of Cinematographer Roger Deakins and some of the cast are quite endearing. Nicole Kidman captures the fragile grace of Mrs. Barbour and Finn Wolfhard is charming as the young version of Boris. Unfortunately the less said about Ansel Elgort as the adult Theo Decker the better. //   The story arc is decades long and follows a character named Theo Decker from ...

Joker Movie Review

Set in a grotty version of Gotham City with its fluid timeline and using contrasting elements to their fullest effect, you are never left to slide into a comfortable viewing experience. From mismatching colours to the acerbic soundtrack to confrontational close ups, you are keep on your toes. //   It’s a sign of the film’s power that you relate to Arthur Fleck/Joker in the full range of emotions. You will feel sympathy, anger, revulsion, triumph and horror in almost equal ...

2019 Lavazza Italian Film Festival – The Champion (Il Campione) Movie Review

In a world where immaturity is accepted as long as the sport doesn’t suffer, Christian is almost never held accountable for his juvenile actions. That is until it affects his play on the field. The owner of the club finally takes a stand and forces him to further his education. Christian had left high school in pursuit of sport without graduating and his is now assigned a tutor to accomplish that task. Valerio Fioretti (Stefano Accorsi), the tutor is an unconventional choice and at ...