Brighton Beach, Brooklyn acts as a way station for immigrants from the former U.S.S.R. trying to make a life in America. Unfortunately, this Russian speaking community has become a kind of liminal space, where its residents are not yet part of the American Dream but are also disconnected from the Old World. Brighton 4th, Georgia’sContinue reading ““Brighton 4th” Wrestles with Finding the Right Tone: Film Review”
Tag Archives: Review
Sundance 2022- “The Mission” Lifts the Veil on Your Friendly Neighborhood Mormon Missionary: Film Review
If you’ve lived anywhere long enough, you have likely seen two respectable and well-dressed young adults walking the streets, literally going door to door with their gospel. Multitudes of people ignore these individuals without so much as a second thought. Tania Anderson’s The Mission however is such an intimate portrait of LDS missionaries that afterContinue reading “Sundance 2022- “The Mission” Lifts the Veil on Your Friendly Neighborhood Mormon Missionary: Film Review”
Sundance 2022- “Neptune Frost” Challenges a Binary World: Film Review
Film festivals’ ability to highlight burgeoning filmmakers and original films has become more essential than ever in an era where local multiplexes are bogged down by remakes and reboots. Without this year’s accessible Sundance, who knows how many would have had the chance to witness poet and first-time director Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman’s NeptuneContinue reading “Sundance 2022- “Neptune Frost” Challenges a Binary World: Film Review”
“Belle” is Beautifully Vapid: Film Review
Belle is something of a conundrum. Director Mamoru Hosoda delivers one of the most visually impressive animated features of the year, especially during the virtual reality sequences. At the same time though, the narrative is an oversimplification of adolescents’ obsession with social media which dampens the eye-popping character and world designs. Belle follows the lifeContinue reading ““Belle” is Beautifully Vapid: Film Review”
“MAXIMA”- An Essential Environmental David & Goliath Documentary: Film Review
Whitney, Amy, Jane. Over the last decade, many documentaries on famous individuals have only used their subject’s first name for the title, symbolizing their icon status and worldwide recognition. While Máxima Acuña may not be as well known, her singular perseverance against corruption and greed easily earns the first name title of Claudia Sparrow’s illuminatingContinue reading ““MAXIMA”- An Essential Environmental David & Goliath Documentary: Film Review”
Sundance 2022- “Huella” Is A Jaw-Dropping Journey Through Grief: Film Capsule Review
There is often the sentiment that short films either overstay their welcome or are too brief to make an impact. However, Gabriela Ortega’s Huella should be the poster child for a perfectly timed short feature. Huella tells a fascinating tale of overcoming grief that is experimental enough to be unique while still being narratively cohesive.Continue reading “Sundance 2022- “Huella” Is A Jaw-Dropping Journey Through Grief: Film Capsule Review”
“The Tragedy of Macbeth”- Something Intriguing This Way Comes : Film Review
Shakespeare often commands one’s full attention in order to understand the intricacies of The Bard’s immortal words. As such, it’s odd that a streamer like Apple TV+ is behind the nuanced and slow paced The Tragedy of Macbeth. In its dark, minimalistic style, Joel Coen’s latest film stands out from comfort passive watches like TedContinue reading ““The Tragedy of Macbeth”- Something Intriguing This Way Comes : Film Review”
“Playground (Un Monde)”- An Unfliching Time Machine Back to Adolescence: Film Review
When one thinks of a playground, it almost immediately evokes images of slides, sand pits, and long lost childhood friendships. However, Laura Wandel’s Playground (Belgium’s Oscar entry this year) demonstrates that this environment is ground zero for every element of our developed, adult society. The very first shot of Playground is 7-year old Nora (MayaContinue reading ““Playground (Un Monde)”- An Unfliching Time Machine Back to Adolescence: Film Review”
“Being the Ricardos” is an Identity Crisis: Film Review
The twenty-second episode of I Love Lucy, “Ethel and Fred Fight”, is chocked full of marital conflict and character development. At the center of this, and every episode of I Love Lucy, is Lucille Ball’s adeptness for sight gags and physical comedy. Lucy trying to escape a “burning” building while in a full body castContinue reading ““Being the Ricardos” is an Identity Crisis: Film Review”
“Mother/Android” Creates A Vivid World With Uninspired Characters: Film Review
Mother/Android imagines a world in which androids have taken over much of the planet, leaving humanity struggling to survive tech-free in makeshift camps and barely functioning cities. The environment writer/director Mattson Tomlin creates is peppered with intriguing developments like special weapons to fight off the androids and stories of other lands that are AI free.Continue reading ““Mother/Android” Creates A Vivid World With Uninspired Characters: Film Review”
Silver Linings Reviews 