Eternals
Eternals
Directed by: Chloé Zhao
Written by: Chloé Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo, Kaz Firpo
Starring: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Ma Dong-seok, Harish Patel, Bill Skarsgård, Haaz Sleiman
Genre: Superhero / Action
Score: 1/5
The most anticipated Marvel film since Endgame, with a talented cast, massive budget, and brilliant source material, Eternals is the tale of a group of god-like beings sent to live on Earth for thousands of years as humanity evolves. I’ve been excited about this movie since it was announced several years ago, but it is ultimately disappointing for a variety of reasons.
Squid Game
Squid Game
Directed by: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Written by: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Greg Chun, Stephen Fu, Tom Choi, Rama Vallury, Wi Ha-Joon, Jung Hoyeon, Paul Nakauchi, Hideo Kimura, Stephanie Komure, Vivian Lu, Halley Kim, Oh Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, Kim Joo-Ryung, Donald Chang, Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo, Yuuki Luna
Genre: Dystopian
Score: 4/5
Anyone familiar with Battle Royale, Hunger Games, or Hostel won’t be surprised by the themes and graphic content found within “Squid Game”, yet in many ways the show succeeds in being something completely fresh and new. The acting, sets, pacing, direction, sincerity, important themes, and shock value all add up to something truly great.
Disrupted
Disrupted
Directed by: Andre Welsh
Written by: Andre Welsh
Starring: Geoffrey Lower, Daniel Roebuck, Ron Kaell, Chioke Jelani Clanton, Ahku, Augie Duke, Bob Sáenz, Michael Reed, Ben Wang, John Charles Meyer
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Noir
Score: 2.5/5
What strikes you first while watching this slow-burning drama is the high production value and crisp camera work. I’ve seen Hollywood productions with astronomical budgets fail to capture scenes beautifully as Welsh and his team do here. Whether it’s the opening credits, views from drones, or panoramic cityscapes, I very much enjoyed the cinematography and film editing throughout this carefully shot film. That it was a low-budget production impresses me further and makes me wonder what Welsh might be capable of given the backing of a big studio.
Black Widow
Black Widow
Directed by: Cate Shortland
Written by: Eric Pearson
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, Ray Winstone, William Hurt
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Superhero
Score: 2/5
Marvel kicks off phase 4 of its cinematic universe with an in-depth character study of Black Widow, her family, and her upbringing. I have a very hit-or-miss opinion on Marvel movies in general; some are great, some are awful, and most of them are pretty average action flicks, but overall they’ve been overwhelmingly disappointing. Still, I love the space and universe themes, the magical worlds, the fantastic lore, and I hold out hope that these films can eventually live up to their full potential.
A Quiet Place 2
A Quiet Place 2
Directed by: John Krasinski
Written by: John Krasinski
Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou, Okieriete Onaodowan, Scoot McNairy
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Horror / Dystopian
Score: 2/5
This sequel to 2018’s surprise hit is more of the same. That is, it’s a well-made movie with some good scenes that fails to fulfill; the sum of its parts doesn’t add up to a satisfactory whole. The introduction is fantastic, Murphy’s performance is wonderful, and many of the creatures’ special effects are top-notch, but after barely more than 80 minutes I left the theater unimpressed, feeling like I’d seen nothing but two episodes of a good television show.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Directed by: Patrick Hughes
Written by: Tom O’Connor, Brandon Murphy, and Phillip Murphy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Tsuwayuki Saotome, Rebecca Front, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Comedy
Score: 1/5
I’ve seen a lot of bad movies, and I’ve even enjoyed some of them, but The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard comes close to making lists for both worst and most unenjoyable film of the year, maybe ever.
Luca
Luca
Directed by: Enrico Casarosa
Written by: Jesse Andrews & Mike Jones
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli, Jim Gaffigan, Peter Sohn, Lorenzo Crisci, Marina Massironi, Gino La Monica, Sandy Martin
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Animation / Fantasy
Score: 4/5
A new Pixar movie is always a special event, but depending on who you ask you’ll get varied opinions regarding their offerings in recent years. I believe the studio is strong as ever, giving us some of their best films in recent years. The pandemic restricted viewers of Onward and Soul, but make no mistake: both films were fresh, genuine, and worthy of the Pixar name. Luca is no different.
Nomadland
Nomadland
Directed by: Chloé Zhao
Written by: Chloé Zhao
Starring: Frances McDormand, Patricia Grier, Linda May, Bob Wells, Charlene Swankie
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 2.5/5
Nomadland dedicates itself to meticulously detailing one woman’s journey through her older years following the destruction of her life caused by the Great Recession, winning 3 Oscars along the way for best actress, director, and picture. That description alone, coupled with a clever title and Frances McDormand, sets expectations very high.
F9
F9
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Daniel Casey and Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlize Theron, John Cena, Finn Cole, Sung Kang, Anna Sawai, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action
Score: 2/5
By this point you know what to expect from this series. F9 — and trust me, I feel ridiculous typing that as the official title — delivers these expectations, but if you’re looking for something more you’ll be disappointed. I’ve unabashedly enjoyed some of these films, and even this one wasn’t horrible, but the series has arrived at its logical end. There isn’t anything else to do with the characters or the cars, and the storytelling feels exhausted.
Cruella
Cruella
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Written by: Dana Fox and Tony McNamara
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, John McCrea, Emily Beecham, Kayvan Novak, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Jamie Demetriou
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime / Remake
Score: 2.5/5
The Disney remakes have been very hit or miss, and Cruella is more of the same. With a great many problems, but equally numerous charms, the film reimagines this classic villain in a new light.
Westworld: Season 3
Westworld: Season 3
Created by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Written by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Starring: Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Tessa Thompson, James Marsden, Luke Hemsworth, Angela Sarafyan, Aaron Paul, Vincent Cassel, Peter Mullan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Lena Waithe, Marshawn Lynch
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction
Score: 3.5/5
Westworld returns to its roots in season 3 while also giving us something new, but ultimately fails to shed many of the same issues that have plagued it since the beginning of the second season. The first season was interesting and complex; as the show’s complexity grows, however, explanations are often unsatisfactory or completely lacking, leaving plot holes and confusion scattered in the wake of an otherwise fascinating story.
Westworld: Season 2
Westworld: Season 2
Created by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Written by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Starring: Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Tessa Thompson, James Marsden, Luke Hemsworth, Angela Sarafyan, Anthony Hopkins
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction
Score: 2.5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 of Westworld, but the second installment fails to live up to the premise or potential established in the first arc. It picks up where the initial story ends, but it neither develops nor elaborates on all the interesting possibilities.
The Wire: Season 5
The Wire: Season 5
Created by: David Simon
Written by: David Simon, Ed Burns
Starring: Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris, Idris Elba, Corey Parker Robinson, Delaney Williams, J.D. Williams, Aidan Gillen, Jamie Hector, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Robert Wisdom, Anwan Glover, Felicia Pearson, Robert F. Chew, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Michael Kostroff, Clark Johnson
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime
Score: 4/5
The final season of The Wire both introduces the media aspect of city life and returns to the show’s roots with a dedicated plot, and oh what a plot it is…
Westworld: Season 1
Westworld: Season 1
Created by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Written by: Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan
Starring: Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Tessa Thompson, James Marsden, Luke Hemsworth, Angela Sarafyan, Anthony Hopkins
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction
Score: 4/5
Westworld lies at the middle of everything…Now, after writing this opening line, I cannot remember if it’s my own writing or if it was said on the show; am I part of Westworld? Have we bridged the chasm between television and reality? I truly don’t know and can’t say, which is the beauty of this show and its innermost concept.
The Wire: Season 4
The Wire: Season 4
Created by: David Simon
Written by: David Simon, Ed Burns
Starring: Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris, Idris Elba, Corey Parker Robinson, Delaney Williams, J.D. Williams, Aidan Gillen, Jamie Hector, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Robert Wisdom, Anwan Glover, Felicia Pearson, Robert F. Chew, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Michael Kostroff
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime
Score: 4/5
In a universe of crime, politics, and amazing performances, it’s impossible to focus on any single aspect or character. Still, there are highlights among the highlights: Michael K. Williams is magnificent, the writing throughout every scene and episode lives up to the standard set by previous seasons, and the show’s commitment to reality over exaggeration relentlessly plows through viewers’ expectations and desires.
Vivarium
Vivarium
Directed by: Lorcan Finnegan
Written by: Garret Shanley
Starring: Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Avant-garde / Mystery / Science-Fiction
Score: 3.5/5
In many ways an unbearably strange movie, Vivarium is also a true, down-to-Earth depiction of the times we now live in. Reminiscent of stage plays and with a tiny cast, Vivarium tells the story of a lost family, but where they’re lost is entirely up to the viewer.
The Wire: Season 3
The Wire: Season 3
Created by: David Simon
Written by: David Simon, Ed Burns
Starring: Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris, Idris Elba, Corey Parker Robinson, Delaney Williams, J.D. Williams, Aidan Gillen, Jamie Hector, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Robert Wisdom, Anwan Glover, Felicia Pearson, Robert F. Chew, Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime
Score: 3.5/5
Season 3 continues the show’s tradition of taking unexpected yet realistic twists and turns. It also becomes more political; if season 2 increased the scope from Baltimore to the whole world, then season 3 increases the scope from police force politics to state and national concerns. With its focus on down-to-earth dialogue and conceivable, though shocking, chains of events The Wire doubles down on defining the boundary between right and wrong.
Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon
Directed by: Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada
Written by: Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim
Starring: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Animation
Score: 3.5/5
Disney’s romp into Southeast Asia is endearing as it is beautiful, with just a few big flaws keeping it from being truly great. The animation is beautiful, the plot exciting, and the themes meaningful and powerful. The nods to the diversity of Asian culture are pleasant and respectful, while the overall film focuses more on dystopian aspects, which makes for an engrossing tribute to multiple genres and societies.
The Wire: Season 2
The Wire: Season 2
Created by: David Simon
Written by: David Simon, Ed Burns
Starring: Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris, Idris Elba
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime
Score: 4.5/5
Season 2 kicks off where season 1 leaves us, but in ways that you’d never guess. Instead of just a case of cops against gangsters, the scope widens. Questions arise that make us second guess who the real criminals are, what dangers are worth fighting, and the very nature of crime. What is the value of policing when there will always be criminals?
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat
Directed by: Simon McQuoid
Written by: Greg Russo and Dave Callaham
Starring: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Joe Taslim, Mehcad Brooks, Matilda Kimber, Laura Brent, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Chin Han, Ludi Lin, Max Huang
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action
Score: 2.5/5
Everyone going to watch Mortal Kombat knows what they’re about to see, and this film doesn’t disappoint hardcore fans. Still, the lore of Mortal Kombat is fun and interesting, and consistently underutilized; while this reboot is a romp through the characters and themes of the franchise, it ultimately fails to build what could have been a solid foundation for an awesome universe of films.
The Wire: Season 1
The Wire: Season 1
Created by: David Simon
Written by: David Simon, Ed Burns
Starring: Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris, Idris Elba
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime
Score: 4.5/5
The Wire starts off as all ordinary cop shows do, but make no mistake: this is no ordinary show…
Godzilla vs. Kong
Godzilla vs. Kong
Directed by: Adam Wingard
Written by: Eric Pearson and Max Borenstein
Starring: Kaylee Hottle, Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir, Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action / Monster
Score: 4/5
From beginning to end, this movie appeals to action movie lovers, monster maniacs, conspiracy theorists, and unbiased fans of film. Is it the greatest action movie ever? No. Is it a well conceived film with amazing effects, pretty decent acting, and a focused plot? Yes.
Soul
Soul
Directed by: Pete Docter and Kemp Powers
Written by: Pete Docter, Mike Jones, and Kemp Powers
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Angela Bassett
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Animation
Score: 4.5/5
Pixar on the big screen. I didn’t need a reminder, but movies like this are why the cinema should not, no — cannot fade away.
One of the heaviest and most mature animations in a long time, “Soul” asks deep questions about death, depression, religion, race, and, of course, music.
Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland
Directed by: Shinsuke Sato
Written by: Yasuko Kuramitsu, Shinsuke Sato, Yoshiki Watabe
Starring: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Keita Machida, Yûki Morinaga, Nijirô Murakami, Shô Aoyagi, Yûtarô Watanabe, Nobuaki Kaneko, Ayame Misaki, Tsuyoshi Abe, Aya Asahina, Ayaka Miyoshi, Riisa Naka, Dôri Sakurada, Kina Yazaki
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction / Mystery
Score: 4.5/5
I wasn’t sure what “Alice in Borderland” was going to be, but it surprised me, exceeding even the loftiest of expectations in a variety of ways. I started the first episode expecting to see, based on what I’d read, a Japanese take on Ready Player One; what I got, however, was a rapidly evolving story in both tone and plot with a large cast of diverse and enjoyable characters.
Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal Animals
Directed by: Tom Ford
Written by: Tom Ford
Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Ellie Bamber, Armie Hammer
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 1.5/5
I’m unsure what Nocturnal Animals is chasing, and it’s definitely chasing something, because though it never catches it there’s a pervasive urgency throughout the entire film as though, moment by moment, it’s working toward something. The problem that the viewer soon realizes, however, is that this something is never going to be achieved or realized, so the urgency, tension, and masterful acting becomes anticlimactic and, ultimately, boring.
Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris
Directed by: Andrew Fleming
Written by: Darren Star, Sarah Choi, Deborah Copaken, Jen Regan
Starring: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 1.5/5
Emily in Paris chronicles a young woman’s move from the United States to Paris, but the problem here is that I’ve just described the entire plot. Full of menial dialogue, unlikable characters, and an aimless storyline, this is not one of Netflix’s better offerings, and that’s being gentle.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Here we continue our “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen” review series with the 1992 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic, Dracula:
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Adapted for the Screen by: James V. Hart
Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Sadie Frost, Tom Waits
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 1.5/5
It’s amazing that a film drenched in such lore and talent manages to be so…ordinary and uninspired. Oldman is pretty good, and Sir Anthony Hopkins, of course, is a delight, but everyone else is forgettable. I am a huge Reeves fan, but it’s clear that he still had much to learn at this point in his career; his acting is a low point of the film. Waits’s portrayal of Renfield also leaves much to be desired, as its so over-the-top it becomes unenjoyable.
Hotel Mumbai
Hotel Mumbai
Directed by: Anthony Maras
Written by: John Collee and Anthony Maras
Starring: Amandeep Singh, Suhail Nayyar, Manoj Mehra, Dinesh Kumar, Amritpal Singh, Kapil Kumar Netra, Dev Patel, Nazanin Boniadi
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Biopic
Score: 2/5
This movie gives viewers a look at the real story behind the Taj Hotel terrorist attack that occurred in Mumbai in late November of 2008, and the people who experienced it first-hand. This retelling is brutal, showing the attacks in realistic and bloody detail, but, and with no disrespect to the fallen or their families, the film falls short of becoming the grand tribute that great biopics are capable of.
Truth Seekers – Season 1
Truth Seekers – Season 1
Created by: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, James Serafinowicz, and Nat Saunders
Directed by: Jim Field Smith
Starring: Nick Frost, Samson Kayo, Emma D’Arcy, Malcom McDowell, Simon Pegg, Susie Wokoma
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Comedy horror
Score: 4/5
Truth Seekers is the new Amazon Prime comedy horror series from the minds of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. The series follows wireless installer Gus, Frost, who is an amateur paranormal investigator in his spare time. Frost is joined by Samson Kayo as Elton, his new partner, and they begin to experience strange happenings while on the job for broadband company Smyle. Together with the haunted and mysterious Astrid, Emma D’Arcy, they unravel a vast conspiracy involving ghosts, technology, a paranormal historian, and the very company they work for. Truth Seekers is filled with dry British comedy and cheeky one-liners without skimping on the creep factor. This is the ghost hunting adventure that you didn’t know you needed but are glad you found.
Trial 4
Trial 4
Directed by: Rémy Burkel
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Biography / Documentary
Score: 4/5
Netflix produces a wide variety of entertainment, but crime documentaries are definitely their wheelhouse. Between Making a Murderer and Tiger King, they’ve made a killing on this formulaic approach. Trial 4, however, is neither of these. It lacks the outrageous personas of the latter and is far less tense and dramatic than the former. Instead, it is something new; it’s a direct, plain-clothed, unabashed assault on corruption that shares more in common with Michael Moore than a traditional, multi-faceted Netflix documentary.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: Tombstone
Next up in our “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen” series is the 1993 western Tombstone. The film is loosely based on the true-to-life events of Tombstone, Arizona, including the story of Wyatt Earp, the gunfight at the OK Corral, and the Earp Vendetta Ride. Originally receiving mixed reviews from critics, Tombstone was a hit at the box office and is widely considered by the general public to be one of the best modern western movies.
Tombstone
Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Written by: Kevin Jarre
Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Bill Paxton, Sam Elliott, Michael Bien, Powers Boothe, Dana Delany
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Western
Score: 1.5/5
Tombstone is the second western I’ve reviewed for “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen”, following The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Unlike that original installment, this is one that I was quite excited to watch going in. Tombstone features an all-star cast and a reputation for being filled with great performances. Well, hindsight is 20-20. Tombstone makes The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly feel like an action-packed 5-star movie. In that classic spaghetti western, every shot feels intentional. Tombstone feels sloppy, at best. Sergio Leone was surely rolling over in his grave upon its release.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Directed by: Aaron Sorkin
Written by: Aaron Sorkin
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, John Carroll Lynch, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Shenkman, J.C. MacKenzie, Frank Langella, Alice Kremelberg, Caitlin FitzGerald
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Biopic
Score: 4/5
Rarely have I seen a movie contain so many great acting performances; the writing was also direct, funny, and powerful. Mix these two aspects together and you don’t need anything else to make one of the best courtroom dramas ever. Still, The Chicago 7 doesn’t stop here–it also has a relevant, underappreciated story to tell. This all makes for a compelling and well-made film that should be universally praised.
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit
Directed by: Scott Frank
Written by: Scott Frank, Allan Scott, and Walter Tevis
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chloe Pirrie, Bill Camp, Marielle Heller, Marcin Dorocinski, Matthew Dennis Lewis, Russell Dennis Lewis, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram, Harry Melling, Isla Johnston, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Sport
Score: 3.5/5
Based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel of the same name, The Queen’s Gambit vaults up the list of Netflix’s best productions with a collection of fabulous acting, great story, timely music, and sensible direction. Not only is it already one of Netflix’s best, it’s an instant sports classic.
Over the Moon
Over the Moon
Directed by: Glen Keane
Written by: Audrey Wells, Alice Wu, Jennifer Yee McDevitt
Starring: Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Margaret Cho, Sandra Oh, Ruthie Ann Miles
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Animated
Score: 2.5/5
If you weren’t aware, The Streaming Wars are officially on. While Netflix is the reigning big dog on the block, Disney has an infinite budget and 90 years of name recognition. With its newest movie, Netflix is hoping to give the competition a dose of its own medicine. Over the Moon is the feature length directorial debut from the legendary Disney character animator Glen Keane, responsible for such classics as The Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Tarzan. The film follows twelve year old Fei Fei, voiced by Cathy Ang, who builds a rocket to the moon following the death of her mother. Steeped in Chinese mythology and featuring always relevant lessons about grief and loss, the Netflix original has all the right ingredients – in theory. But while Over the Moon is visually impressive, it fails to conjure that Disney magic.
Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm
Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm
Directed by: Jason Woliner
Written by: Sacha Baron Cohen, Peter Baynham, Jena Friedman, Dan Mazer, Dan Swimer, Lee Kern, Erica Rivinoja, & Anthony Hines
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Comedy/Mockumentary
Score: 3/5
If you have yet to see Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm you might be wondering if Sacha Baron Cohen can do it again. Surely there is no way people will fall for his schtick, Borat has become a part of our pop culture and is known world-wide. Well, for better or for worse, this is exactly what you would expect out of a new Borat movie. Thanks to some ridiculous costumes and a sensational performance by Hungarian actress Maria Bakalova, Cohen is able to fool enough people to make the sequel work. And while Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm falls well short of the original’s greatness, it is still some of the best cringe-worthy comedy out there.
An Interview with Mnemophrenia Director, Eirini Konstantinidou
An Interview with Mnemophrenia Director, Eirini Konstantinidou
We were recently granted the privilege to interview Eirini Konstantinidou, director of the recent film Mnemophrenia. She is also Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Essex. Here’s what she had to say:
Brawl in Cell Block 99
Brawl in Cell Block 99
Directed by: S. Craig Zahler
Written by: S. Craig Zahler
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Carpenter, Don Johnson, Udo Kier, Marc Blucas, Dion Mucciacito, Geno Segers, Victor Almanzar
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Score: 4/5
I knew nothing about this movie going into it other than that a few people whose opinions I trust had claimed it was a good film. I’m going to up that ante and label it as great. Here’s why:
Hubie Halloween
Hubie Halloween
Directed by: Steven Brill
Written by: Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler
Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, June Squibb, Kevin James, and Ray Liotta
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Comedy
Score: 3/5
Going into Hubie Halloween I was undeniably skeptical. We are 20 years departed from Adam Sandler’s 1990s heyday, and Happy Madison hasn’t produced a bearable movie in a decade. But as he is the creative mind behind several of my favorite comedies, I had to know – could Sandler conjure up enough of his past magic to make something that isn’t entirely cringeworthy?
Capone
Capone
Directed by: Josh Trank
Written by: Josh Trank
Starring: Tom Hardy, Linda Cardellini, Matt Dillon, Al Sapienza, Kathrine Narducci, Noel Fisher, Kyle MacLachlan
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 0.5/5
I’ve thought long and hard about this one, analyzed it from several different perspectives, and taken into account all that it does well, but it’s still a disappointing, dreadful slog. To be fully transparent I will state here that we aren’t the biggest fans of gangster movies, as evidenced by our opinions on Goodfellas and The Irishman, but Capone is on another, lower level of filmmaking than your typically long and boring mobster movie. But let’s begin with the good, of which, surprisingly, there is a fair amount.
Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island
Directed by: Jeff Wadlow
Written by: Jeff Wadlow, Christopher Roach, and Jillian Jacobs
Starring: Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell, Jimmy O. Yang, Portia Doubleday, Ryan Hansen, and Michael Rooker
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Mystery
Score: 2/5
This movie didn’t initially inspire much confidence in me, but Michael Pena and Michael Rooker are both in it, and it’s a Blumhouse production, which always earns a few points, so I gave it a chance. Even if it didn’t exactly amaze, I don’t regret spending the time to watch it either. You’ll find this film somewhere between a low-budget Lost and a high-budget flop.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Francois Truffaut, Teri Garr
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Science-Fiction
Score: 3/5
This might be the most surprising edition of “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen” yet. A movie buff and science-fiction nerd who has not seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind. You might be saying, “get your shit together, Rob.” And you would be right to question my life choices. I’m working on it. Get off my case. Gee whiz. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, Close Encounters. I found it enjoyable, but not overly so.
Center Field of Gravity Presents: List in Space
Center Field of Gravity Presents: List in Space
With all the remakes, reboots, and never-ending stream of comic book movies inundating our screens, small and large, viewers can hardly be blamed for feeling overwhelmed. Allow us to help. In List in Space, we detail our ten most anticipated upcoming science-fiction and fantasy releases. Some have been delayed due to the virus while others have simply been delayed, but we’re looking forward to all of them.
Creep 2
Creep 2
Directed by: Patrick Brice
Written by: Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice
Starring: Mark Duplass, Desiree Akhavan, Karan Soni
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Horror
Score: 3.5/5
Creep 2 is the sequel of the horror film Creep, which we reviewed here. And as it happens, discussing the nature of sequels is a good place to begin our analysis of Creep 2. Every moviegoer knows the common pitfalls here: meaningless characters, directionless plots, dispassionate filmmaking, and unsatisfying conclusions. But Creep 2 encounters none of these villains of creativity; where Creep succeeded, Creep 2 excels. It is clear with this film, if it wasn’t already before, that both Brice and Duplass have significant talent.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Directed by: Sergio Leone
Written by: Age & Scarpelli, Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallach
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Western
Score: 2.5/5
Western movies have never been my favorite. The few I have seen over the years have largely been derivative and predictable, and so I haven’t sought out others within the genre. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is one of the better western films I have seen from that time period, but also contains many of the same faults I associate with the others.
Creep
Creep
Directed by: Patrick Brice
Written by: Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass
Starring: Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Horror
Score: 3/5
This type of movie is the reason I give random low-budget films a chance. Most of the time I turn them off before they finish, but sometimes, like with Creep, you get pleasantly surprised. To be clear: Creep is not a masterpiece and is far from perfect. It is, however, a uniquely executed horror movie; it’s also one of the best found footage films I can remember ever watching.
Cargo
Cargo
Directed by: Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke
Written by: Yolanda Ramke
Starring: Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Susie Porter
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic
Score: 1.5/5
Many actors have trouble separating themselves from famous roles, but Freeman once again proves he can do anything. Sadly, his performance is Cargo‘s only redeeming quality. Set in a post-apocalyptic Outback, Cargo tells the story of an infected man trying to find a family for his infant daughter before he fully transforms. Good premise, I thought.
Mindhunter: Seasons I and II
Mindhunter: Seasons I and II
Directed by: David Fincher and Carl Franklin
Written by: John Douglas, Mark Olshaker, Joe Penhall
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Stacey Roca, Cotter Smith, Albert Jones
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime / Biopic
Score: 4.5/5
This unforgettable series chronicles the FBI’s efforts during the 1970s to develop a method of psychological profiling with which to identify and catch serial killers, but it doesn’t stop there. It also examines the cultural, racial, and political reasons for the sudden prominence of serial killers during this era, as well as the effects this work has on the brilliant and varied cast. And it does all this nearly flawlessly.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: Halloween
Our first two entries into this new series examining movies that we had never watched until recently were Goodfellas and The Dead Zone. The Dead Zone is a very famous science-fiction adaptation with television spin-offs, so we felt it an appropriate inclusion; Goodfellas, while being one of our least favorite genres in general, is one of the most awarded and heralded films of the previous 40 years and obviously belongs in the series. Our third review, however, is even more surprising to have gone previously unwatched:
Halloween
Directed by: John Carpenter
Written by: John Carpenter and Debra Hill
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Horror
Score: 4.5/5
Quite simply, this is one of the best horror movies of all-time, belonging among such classics as Psycho, The Shining, and Alien, all of which we have seen and won’t be appearing later in this series.
Greenland
Greenland
Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh
Written by: Chris Sparling
Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin , Roger Dale Floyd, Holt McCallany
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Disaster
Score: 1.5/5
Disaster movie, or disastrously boring? Of course that’s being a little harsh, but equally harsh is the disappointment of a disaster movie with no thrills or tension.
The Outpost
The Outpost
Directed by: Rod Lurie
Written by: Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson
Starring: Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, Orlando Bloom, Jack Kesy, Cory Hardrict, Milo Gibson, Jacob Scipio, Taylor John Smith, Jonathan Yunger, Alexander Arnold, George Arvidson, Will Attenborough, Chris Born, Ernest Cavazos, Scott Alda Coffey, Jack DeVos
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: War
Score: 4/5
While I don’t typically enjoy war movies, the best can be incredibly important to both film and history. Art like 1917 and Band of Brothers is vital in showing us the despicable nature of battle. Although war might be difficult to view, it is important to remember that it was worse for those who lived through it. The Outpost isn’t quite a masterpiece of cinema, but it does everything a war movie should, and it does it all well.
Battle Scars
Battle Scars
Directed by: Samuel Gonzalez Jr.
Written by: Samuel Gonzalez Jr. and Christopher Lang
Starring: Kit Lang, Arturo Castro, Jonathan Peacy, Arielle Brachfeld, Jason Vail, Emily Trosclair
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: War / Drama
Score: 2.5/5
Battle Scars tells the story of a Vietnam veteran who fails to readjust to life after the war. Part graphic war movie, part heist flick, and part drama, this film is all over the place while still being focused on the idea of the effects of war on the psyche.
Mnemophrenia
Mnemophrenia
Directed by: Eirini Konstantinidou
Written by: Eirini Konstantinidou and Robin King
Starring: Freya Berry, Robin King, Tim Seyfert, Tallulah Sheffield, Jamie Laird, Robert Milton Wallace, Dominic O’Flynn, Angela Peters, Anna Brook, Michael Buckster, Gary Cargill, Steve Hope Wynne
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction / Documentary
Score: 3/5
…The basis of Mnemophrenia is that as virtual reality develops and people spend more and more time within technological realities, new mental disorders will spread within our species. The film takes its title from the name of the proposed disorder that causes users of virtual reality to incorrectly remember their pasts…
Mulan
Mulan
Directed by: Niki Caro
Written by: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Elizabeth Martin, and Lauren Hynek
Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Li Gong, Jet Li, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Xana Tang, Ron Yuan, Jun Yu, Chen Tang, Doua Moua, Jimmy Wong, Nelson Lee
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Historical / War / Fantasy
Score: 4/5
Based on current reviews and opinions, this is one of my most controversial write-ups. Still, I’m going with my gut and out on a limb to say that the movie was fantastic. In Mulan we finally have a Disney remake that becomes a classic of its own, possibly even eclipsing its great predecessor. It pays homage throughout while standing on its own, telling the story in a brilliantly new and elegant way.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Adapted for the screen by: Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger, and Tom Tykwer
Starring: Ben Whishaw, John Hurt, Francesc Albiol, Simon Chandler, David Calder, Richard Felix, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Alan Rickman
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Crime / Fantasy
Score: 3.5/5
I usually read the book first following an adaptation, but in this case I watched the movie. And I must admit, it will now be the next book I buy. However, it’s a strange film. Grotesque imagery, overdone slow-motion and music, an orgy involving nuns and the pope, and sociopathic murders all sandwiched between brilliant acting and beautiful sets create a tone I’ve never quite felt before. The movie lies somewhere between Cloud Atlas, Sweeney Todd, and Les Miserables without feeling akin to any of them, or to anything else.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: The Dead Zone
This review of David Cronenberg’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dead Zone continues our “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen” series, where we’ll be analyzing and reviewing classic movies that, for one reason or another, we never watched until now. As huge fans of science-fiction it is rare to find a film, especially one so famous, that both of us haven’t watched. I’m unsure why I never checked this one out before now. Perhaps Stephen King’s catalog is just so long that I’ve only now made it to The Dead Zone; alternately, maybe I just never had a chance to watch it until it came to Netflix. Either way, I’ve now seen it, and here are my thoughts:
The Dead Zone
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Written by: Jeffrey Boam
Starring: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction / Thriller
Score: 3.5/5
Watching an old movie for the first time can be a good thing. You don’t get swept up by the reviews and popular opinion surrounding its release. You get to see how it has held up over time. You don’t have any childhood bias or troubles comparing how your thoughts on it have changed. In many ways it’s like opening a time capsule. And though I love science-fiction and am familiar with much of Stephen King’s work, I had never watched The Dead Zone until recently.
Tenet
Tenet
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Elizabeth Debicki, John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Kenneth Branagh, Clémence Poésy, Fiona Dourif, Michael Caine
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-fiction / Action
Score: 4/5
The meaning and purpose of the title of the movie goes totally unexplained if you’re looking for guidance while watching the film, but it’s a palindrome. Beyond that, I’ve no clue, but maybe that’s all you need to know about it to understand its significance. Much like the rest of the movie, a full explanation is always just out of reach, but the allure, entertainment, and mystery is more than enough to keep a wide range of viewers engrossed until long after the heartfelt, yet frustrating ending.
I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen: Goodfellas
We have seen thousands of movies in our lifetimes, but sadly there are many classic films, considered among the greatest of all time, that at least one of us has passed over for years. In an attempt to rectify this situation, we now bring to you a new series: “I Can’t Believe You Haven’t Seen”, where we explore classic and popular movies that have previously escaped our attention. Here in this first edition, Rob reviews the 1990 film Goodfellas.
Goodfellas
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi
Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Genre: Crime / Gangster
Score: 4/5
This movie had a lot of build-up for me. Since its release, Goodfellas has been hailed, along with The Godfather, as a quintessential gangster film. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, and many people whose opinions I respect claim it among their favorite films. And while Goodfellas is far from the only film I have neglected among Scorsese’s oeuvre (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Gangs of New York are all likely to be future entries in this series), The Departed is included among my own favorite films. Viewed for the first time, 30 years after its original release, Goodfellas does not disappoint.
Last Breath
Last Breath
Directed by: Richard da Costa and Alex Parkinson
Written by: Alex Parkinson
Starring: Chris Lemons, David Yuasa, Duncan Allcock, Kjetil Ove Alvestad, Michal Cichorski
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Documentary
Score: 4.5/5
The best documentaries amaze, educate, and pique your interest in topics you never knew you were fascinated by. Last Breath does all that, and much, much more. One of the best documentaries I can ever remember seeing, it takes you on an adventure you would never believe if you watched it on film; even after watching proof, you still won’t believe what happened.
Dark: Season 3
Dark: Season 3
Directed by: Baran bo Odar
Written by: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese, and Marc O. Seng
Starring: Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Stephan Kampwirth, Jördis Triebel, Andreas Pietschmann
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction / Mystery
Season Score: 3.5/5
Show Score: 4.5/5
The third and final season of Dark leaves none of its many questions unanswered, is well-made in nearly every facet of production, and is one of the most philosophically interesting pieces of art created this century; it is also strangely disappointing.
Paddington 2
Paddington 2
Directed by: Paul King
Written by: Paul King and Simon Farnaby
Starring: Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Ben Whishaw, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Hugh Grant
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Adventure
Score: 4.5/5
It took me six years to watch Paddington because I didn’t know what I was missing, but I learned my lesson and it only took me six minutes to start Paddington 2 after the credits rolled.
I’m glad I didn’t wait this time.
Paddington
Paddington
Directed by: Paul King
Written by: Paul King
Starring: Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Ben Whishaw, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Tim Downie, Madeleine Worrall
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Adventure
Score: 4/5
In my mind Paddington is forever paired with Hugo. Both movies were unexpected treasures that I asked nothing from but which absolutely blew me away.
Tusk
Tusk
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Written by: Kevin Smith
Starring: Michael Parks, Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment, Johnny Depp
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Horror / Thriller
Score: 2.5/5
Tusk is one of the most difficult movies I’ve ever tried to score, because the good is so good while the bad is really bad. What do you give a movie that has perfection and genius mixed with horrible comedy, bad editing, and misused themes? I originally thought the good slightly outweighed the bad and considered rating Tusk a 3 or even 3.5, but after some thought, the bad is just too bad, and the movie results in an average score. Still, it is definitely not an average film, and here’s why:
Better Call Saul: Season 5
Better Call Saul
Directed by: Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould
Written by: Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Giancarlo Esposito, Kerry Condon, Mark Margolis
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Score: 4.5/5
As Better Call Saul goes on, it only gets better. With every season, episode, minute, and scene, the plot constricts and the tension rises. And season 5 is no different. If you ever doubted that a Breaking Bad spin-off could live up to the original, don’t worry; my bold take here is this: Better Call Saul actually surpasses Breaking Bad.
Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga
Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga
Directed by: David Dobkin
Written by: Will Ferrell and Andrew Steele
Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Mikael Persbrandt, Pierce Brosnan
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Comedy / Musical
Score: 3.5/5
I’ll start this review with a note: I’m from the United States, live in South Korea, don’t know much about mainstream popular culture, and had never even heard of Eurovision until I watched this movie. Now then…
Aside from Lalaland, the opening scene of this film might be the most sensible, musically entertaining, and downright hilarious introduction to any movie in recent memory.
Onward
Onward
Directed by: Dan Scanlon
Written by: Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley, and Keith Bunin
Starring: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer, Mel Rodriguez
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Animation / Fantasy
Score: 4/5
Set in a magical land yet mirroring our own society, Onward is equal parts parody, action, family drama, and epic fantasy. Though not quite peak Pixar upon first viewing, it is very, very good, and I think it might be one of those films that only improves over time, the true mark of greatness.
Zombieland: Double Tap
Zombieland: Double tap
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Written by: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Dave Callaham
Starring: Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, Zoey Deutch, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Comedy / Parody
Score: 2/5
Zombieland: Double Tap is a direct sequel to 2009’s hilarious parody, Zombieland, but maybe it shouldn’t have been made. While I love the entire cast and enjoyed snippets of the film, it didn’t have much purpose.
Spenser Confidential
Spenser Confidential
Directed by: Peter Berg
Written by: Sean O’Keefe and Brian Helgeland
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Iliza Shlesinger, Hope Olaide Wilson, Wilson Bokeem Woodbine
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action / Comedy
Score: 1.5/5
I wanted to like this movie and the acting was, in general, decent, but it was very far from a good film.
Arkin, Wahlberg, and, despite her brief screen time, Hope Olaide Wilson were very good (I would unabashedly call her the film’s standout), everyone else was acceptable, and Shlesinger got dealt a bad hand.
Altered Carbon Season 2
Altered Carbon Season 2
Created by: Laeta Kalogridis
Written by: Nevin Densham, Richard Morgan, Alison Schapker
Starring: Chris Conner, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Anthony Mackie, Torben Liebrecht
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action / Science-Fiction
Score: 1.5/5
As a huge fan of science-fiction, I can be shamelessly entertained; much as I enjoy them, I don’t need the next Blade Runner, Dune, or Space Odyssey to love a futuristic tale. Still, Altered Carbon fails in almost every aspect.
1917
1917
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Starring: Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: War
Score: 5/5
From beginning to end, 1917 is a flawless film; it’s also a beautiful contradiction. A war movie without severe violence, a single two-hour shot that never lulls, all with a tiny cast, 1917 is a special experience.
2020 Academy Awards Nominees, Winners, and Commentary
2020 Academy Awards Nominees, Winners, and Commentary
Written By: Brad Williamson
Topic: 2020 Academy Awards
The Oscars have been exceedingly frustrating in recent years, and with many of the nominees, they seemed primed to continue this tradition in 2020. But this year, in the end, turned out to be one of the Academy’s most accurate set of results in my memory. Here we will present a summary of the nominees, winners, and brief commentary:
Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems
Directed by: Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie
Written by: Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, and Benny Safdie
Starring: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 2/5
Uncut Gems is one of the most confusing movies I’ve ever seen, but not because of its plot structure, philosophy, cinematography, or character development. It’s confusing because I don’t know if I loved it or hated it, if it’s a masterpiece or a dumpster fire, if it’s a drama or a comedy or a horror film.
Bad Boys for Life
Bad Boys for Life
Directed by: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
Written by: Chris Bremner, Peter Craig, and Joe Carnahan
Starring: Will Smith, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Martin Lawrence, Paola Nuñez, Kate del Castillo, Joe Pantoliano, Charles Melton, Jacob Scipio
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action / Comedy
Score: 3/5
It’s almost impossible to believe Bad Boys came out in 1995; that was 25 years ago. At the time of its release, Will Smith could still be seen on new episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The Witcher: Season 1
The Witcher: Season 1
Created by: Lauren Schmidt
Starring: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra, Mimi Ndiweni, Eamon Farren
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Fantasy
Score: .5/5
Rarely have I finished such a bad show, but I wanted to review this, so I gave it a fair shot. And I’ll never regain that lost time.
Ford v Ferrari
Ford v Ferrari
Directed by: James Mangold
Written by: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller
Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Tracy Letts
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Biopic / Sports
Score: 3.5/5
I usually write my movie reviews soon after watching the film in question, but Ford vs. Ferrari presented a perfect storm of uncertainty.
The Endless
The Endless
Directed by: Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead
Written by: Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead
Starring: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead, and Callie Hernandez
Genre: Science-Fiction / Thriller
Reviewed by: Joe Bones
Score: 2.5/5
What if someone you cared about saved you from what they perceived as a horrible fate, but then you came to realize your new life is pretty awful? Would you try to be content with the life you have? Or seek out the life you once lived? These are the questions Aaron faces in The Endless. When he was a child, Aaron’s older brother Justin facilitated their escape from a UFO death cult. Years later and now adults, they receive a video tape showing that the cult members are still very much alive.
The Two Popes
The Two Popes
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles
Written by: Anthony McCarten
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Juan Minujín
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Biopic
Score: 3/5
As a story this film succeeds wonderfully, but as an entertaining movie it falls short of greatness. Still, it’s one of Netflix’s very best offerings to date. Though heavily doused with Catholicism, you don’t need to be Catholic, or even religious, to feel the power of this tale.
Marriage Story
Marriage Story
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Written by: Noah Baumbach
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, Alan Alda
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 2.5/5
Simply put, this is a misleading title. A better representation would have been, “A Divorce Story.”
The Irishman
The Irishman
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Steven Zaillian
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Anna Paquin
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama
Score: 1.5/5
I have no problem with long movies or slow movies. Boring movies with no good story to tell, however, are nothing more than a waste of time. And while I don’t quite consider this film a waste, it wasn’t far from it.
Frozen II
Frozen II
Directed by: Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck
Written by: Jennifer Lee
Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Alan Tudyk
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Animation
Score: 3.5/5
I waited a week to see Frozen II to avoid the crowds, but I also avoided spoilers, and I’m glad I did because it was completely different than I expected. While this is mostly a good thing, the movie wasn’t perfect. It’s also a difficult movie to assess, and especially to score, because of the music. How much should the soundtrack—good or bad—affect the score of a regular movie? And how much is this affect magnified in a musical?
Terminator: Dark Fate
Terminator: Dark Fate
Directed by: Tim Miller
Written by: David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, and Billy Ray
Starring: Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Action / Science-fiction
Score: 3/5
There is always hope surrounding a new Terminator release returning to past glory, but with the cooperation of many of the original cast and crew who made the first two so great, Dark Fate seemed primed to make good on this elusive promise. Then they chose Tim Miller to helm it, immediately tempering these expectations. Still, I was excited about this film for a number of reasons.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Directed by: Joachim Rønning
Written by: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, and Linda Woolverton
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Michelle Pfeiffer, Elle Fanning, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, Robert Lindsay
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Fantasy / Action
Score: 2.5/5
Maleficent was a nice surprise, a movie that not much was expected of but which delivered an enjoyable tale. I would even say it is the best of Disney’s recent remakes, probably because instead of being a direct retelling, it’s more a reimagining. Thus I was curious and, against my instincts, a bit excited to see how this sequel turned out.
기생충 (Parasite)
기생충 (Parasite)
Directed by: 봉준호 (Bong Joon-Ho)
Written by: 봉준호 (Bong Joon-Ho) and 한진원 (Han Jin-Won)
Starring: 송강호 (Song Kang-ho), 조여정 (Jo Yeo-jeong), 박소담 (Park So-dam), 최우식 (Choi Woo-sik), 박서준 (Park Seo-joon), 이순견 (Lee Sun-kyun), 정지소 (Jung Ji-so), 이정은 (Lee Jeong-eun), 장혜진 (Jang Hye-jin)
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Black Comedy / Drama
Score: 5/5
기생충, which means Parasite, is one of the most powerful movies about wealth to arrive this century. From 봉준호 (pronounced Bong Joon-Ho), the director of Snowpiercer (설국열차), Mother (마더), and The Host (괴물), this film eclipses an already-great catalogue of creations.
Joker
Joker
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Written by: Todd Phillips and Scott Silver
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy, Leigh Gill
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Comic
Score: 3/5
Relying on shock value and great acting, Joker feels like more than the sum of its parts, but you’re left feeling like something is missing, unfulfilled. Let me explain.
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Written by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Julia Butters, Dakota Fanning, Al Pacino
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Drama / Comedy
Score: 4.5/5
Tarantino is one of the most divisive directors out there; as such, I might be the only person who is luke-warm on him. Most either love him or hate him or love to hate him, but I’m torn. On one hand are such true masterpieces as Pulp Fiction and Hateful Eight, and to a lesser degree the Kill Bills; while in the other hand we hold overrated films such as Inglourious Basterds and Resevoir Dogs; and still leftover, unable to decide quite how good they really are, we have Jackie Brown and Django Unchained.
And now we have Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, something completely different, something wholly un-Tarantino.
Ad Astra
Ad Astra
Directed by: James Gray
Written by: James Gray and Ethan Gross
Starring: Brad Pitt, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Tommy Lee Jones, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Genre: Science-Fiction
Score: 5/5
Quick, name a movie with no useless scene. Bet you can’t, or at least that you struggle to do so. Even some of the greatest films ever made fail in this regard: 2001’s longer-than-necessary dialogue in the opening, Return of the King’s epilogue, The Matrix’s romance. But Ad Astra qualifies.
Seinfeld & Baseball Series: George Costanza, Hitting Instructor
Seinfeld & Baseball Series: George Costanza, Hitting Instructor
Written by: Rob leicht
Topic: Baseball, Television
Larry David’s classic sitcom Seinfeld is widely considered to be the greatest sitcom of all time. Over 20 years since its conclusion, the “show about nothing” remains massively popular—when Hulu’s current deal expires in 2020 bidding for the streaming rights is expected to reach half a billion dollars. Seinfeld has indelibly inserted itself into our popular culture, and while it may be a show about nothing, there are many topics that are prevalent throughout its entire run. Of them, the most relevant to this website is baseball, from the Mets posters on Jerry’s apartment wall in the pilot episode to George’s front office career with the New York Yankees. As series creator Larry David is a lifelong Yankees fan and star Jerry Seinfeld a lifelong Mets fan, this intersection of sport and pop culture was inevitable. Thus I am excited to present to you a new Center Field of Gravity series: Seinfeld & Baseball.
Angel Has Fallen
Angel Has Fallen
Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh
Starring: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lance Reddick
Genre: Action
Reviewed by: Rob Leicht
Score: 1.5/5
Angel Has Fallen is the third installment in Gerard Butler’s action franchise following Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and London Has Fallen (2016). Stamped with the same general action movie template as the two previous films, the conclusion to the series now has Gerard Butler’s Mike Banning on the run after being framed for attempted assassination of the POTUS. I actually enjoyed the preceding movies for what they were, mostly forgettable action flicks, but Angel Has Fallen fails to meet that already low standard.
Atlanta Seasons 1 and 2
Atlanta Seasons 1 and 2
Created by: Donald Glover
Starring: Donald Glover, LaKeith Stanfield, Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, Khris Davis
Genre: Music / Comedy
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 3.5/5
Neither sports nor sci-fi, this show cannot be ignored. At its heart a very simple tale: Atlanta’s underground rap scene.
Dark Season 2
Dark Season 2
Created by: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese
Starring: Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel, Maja Schöne, Stephan Kampwirth, Tamar Pelzig, Lisa Vicari, Deborah Kaufmann
Genre: Science-Fiction / Time Travel
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 3.5/5
Dark is a show with a premise that shouldn’t work on the screen, but somehow it does so majestically: time travel is possible in 33-year increments, and the same characters become older and younger embodiments of themselves due to the nearly-perfect generational time slip. With a core of around only ten characters, the cast nevertheless grows into the dozens without ever introducing new personalities. You’re never unfamiliar with anyone, even if it’s their first appearance, because you know them from the past or future, or both.
Midsommar
Midsommar
Directed by: Ari Aster
Written by: Ari Aster
Starring: Florence Pugh. Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren, Ellora Torchia
Genre: Horror / Cult
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 3/5
This is the second full-length feature from the exciting new horror director Ari Astor, following his controversial but undeniably spectacular “Hereditary”. With “Midsommar”, he remains firmly entrenched within the horror genre, and even within the cult sub-genre, but we begin to see his true leanings and inspirations here; as so often happens, following a successful mainstream (mainstreamish in this case) debut, the director is given more freedom with the second offering. Less mainstream, more shocking, much slower, and more environmental, this film seems like something cobbled together between Wes Anderson, Lars von Trier, and George A. Romero.
Spiderman: Far From Home
Spiderman: Far From Home
Directed by: Jon Watts
Written by: Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers
Starring: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei,Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Genre: Action / Comic
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 2.5/5
I’ll start with this: outside of animations, this is, without a doubt, the best Spiderman film ever. It isn’t the best at any one aspect, but as a whole, the sum of its parts adds up to the best. Though still not reaching the upper-echelon of comic book films, it firmly asserts itself into that respectable second tier.
Stranger Things Season 3
Stranger Things Season 3
Created by: Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard,Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Cara Buono, Gaten Matarazzo, Dacre Montgomery
Genre: Comedy / Monster
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 2/5
For those who have viewed previous seasons, the tone, plot, and themes will feel familiar because, well, not much has changed. However, this safe familiarity manages to be more charming than stale. Still, this season is not without both its great moments and major flaws.
It starts by asking whether or not everyone truly wanted Eleven to close the gateway, or at least it seems like that is the question being posed with the tentative story telling. After all, maybe we could use the upside-down as a…as an energy source? This scene immediately raises many more questions than answers, and is the major downfall of the season: while some of the questions are answered (kind of?), so many more are left unaddressed. How did these mysterious Russians get here? The scenes with the mayor explaining he was threatened are insufficient to explain such a strange situation.
Zone Blanche Seasons 1 and 2
Zone Blanche Seasons 1 and 2
Created by: Mathieu Missoffe
Starring: Naidra Ayadi, Brigitte Sy, Renaud Rutten,Camille Aguilar, Samuel Jouyk, Laurent Capelluto, Hubert Delattre, Suliane Brahim
Genre: Episodic Crime / Fantasy
Reviewed by: Brad Williamson
Score: 2.5/5
A French show with a pagan premise, Zone Blanche shines with its unique episodic structure while also maintaining a larger one.
Their little town has an astronomically high death rate, but no one knows why. When a disgraced DA shows up to find answers, he finds much more than he bargained for.
Each episode examines another death or gruesome situation and as they examine these–which always end up having earthly causes yet remain oddly unreal–the truth uncoils in the form of a god of the forest that has been murdering since the Romans invaded France in order to protect its land and animals. But that can’t be true, can it?
