An Education
Coming-of-age drama set in 1961, when a British teen is swept off her feet by a sophisticated older man. The first half of the film is a charming as it celebrates art and culture through the eyes of a young girl who is experiencing it for the first time. Newcomer Carey Mulligan who plays our […]
The Brood
Unnerving exploration of the psyche follows a controversial therapist who is treating the ex-wife of a husband who seeks to take custody of their daughter. Eerie, deliberately paced rumination on rage and its manifestations culminates in a memorable climax that is truly horrific. The graphic degeneration of the human body is a common theme in […]
Black Christmas
Sorority house is terrorized by obscene phone caller. Then people start disappearing. Early slasher film is an influential slice of horror which actually predates Halloween by 4 years. Doesn’t seem particularly innovative today because of the hundreds of horror films that came after it. However this film does have some dramatically menacing scenes. Exploitative in […]
Velvet Goldmine
Fictional rock biopic follows the life of musician Brian Slade, based upon the life of David Bowie. Stylish period film beautifully recreates the British glam rock scene of the early ’70s. Sountrack features a pulsating score with dozens of performances of both new songs written for the film as well as actual compositions from the […]
A Serious Man
Bleak does not even begin to describe Larry Gopnik’s existence, a professor who seeks advice from three different rabbis after his rather unexceptional life unravels in every possible way. Undeniably well crafted film with some nuanced acting, is completely undone by the barrage of misanthropic characters that populate the film. This dark, dark comedy is […]
Where the Wild Things Are
Melancholy tale about a boy who, after misbehaving, imagines sailing away to an island inhabited by wild creatures. Author Maurice Sendak’s almost wordless book (it contained ten sentences) was memorable for its gorgeous pictures. Director Spike Jonze beautifully captures the look of the book and for that reason, the film is successful. However, the original […]
Trick ‘r Treat
Satirical horror tale in the style of a comic book, interweaves four tales concerning Halloween night. Ensemble film is somewhat disjointed, however the script is surprisingly intelligent and has some very amusing scenes (as well as scares). Film’s lush, superior production values contradict its direct-to-video roots. Why was this release delayed for two years? A […]
Lost Highway
Bizarre film noir about a jazz saxophonist and his wife who begin receiving mysterious video tapes from someone who appears to be filming them while they sleep. Typically Lynchian, surrealist film kicks off with one of the creepiest set ups ever filmed, then trashes that story and completely falls apart. Fascinating first half gives way […]
The Perfect Crime
Hilariously wacky black comedy about a department store salesman whose comfortable life is turned upside down after he is passed over for a promotion. A modern, hip sensibility is beautifully integrated with deeply serious events, in this thoroughly winning Spanish farce. Indeed his life spins so wildly out of control, the results are delightfully ridiculous. […]
Whip It
Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is a light coming-of-age drama about “being yourself”. The message is not particularly earth shattering. In fact, it’s rather clichéd. Setting all of the action within the world of roller derby, does go a long way in making the story more interesting, however. And let’s not forget that cast, brimming with […]