Bottom Row (L-R): Queer (A24); Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures).
We’re getting towards the end of the year, and so now seems like a good time to assemble some of my thoughts on some films that didn’t ultimately get a full solo review dedicated to them, even though I had something to say. So, here we are, today I’ll share my thoughts on 1) one of the most celebrated films of the decade thus far, 2) Gia Coppola’s Pamela Anderson-vehicle, 3) Jeff Nichols’ film about biker culture, 4) Daniel Craig’s first performance in a Luca Guadagnino film, and 5) a sequel to one of the most popular video game adaptations. Do note that if you are so kind that you also follow me on Letterboxd, then you may have seen some of these bite-sized reviews over there already. Let’s get to it!
TÁR | Film | Directed by Todd Field | Release Year: 2022 | Recommended?: YES.
It had been on my watchlist for so long, and now I recently finally got the chance to see it, and even with a family member, which, I thought, really showcased how much of a Rorschach test it can be (and it led to a great discussion afterwards). Tár is a complex character study concerned with, among other things, legacy, abuse of power, auteur theory, and cancel culture. It was clearly made with such a steady hand and so much precision that it feels like a true masterwork, though, at least on first viewing, it did feel a little long in moments. It manages to be both fascinating, mysterious, and funny, and I thought it ended with such a fantastic final blow to the film’s protagonist, who is confronted with the effects of being blacklisted (crashing from EGOT to low culture) and faced with her dehumanizing actions in an unforgettable shot at the massage parlor. Through it all, Cate Blanchett turns in top-notch work, and it may actually be her very best performance. It was, indeed, every bit as good as I had heard. I highly recommend it.
The Last Showgirl | Film | Directed by Gia Coppola | Release Year: 2024 | Recommended?: It depends.
You know, given the awards hype some time back, I have to admit that I expected a little bit more than what this ultimately is. Yes, Pamela Anderson is really good in this, Bautista is predictably solid, but I think the Jamie Lee Curtis nomination is a little bit of a head-scratcher. I really like Curtis as a performer, but I don’t think her performance is anything to write home about. In general, I find this to just be a lesser version of The Wrestler (once you see it, you can’t unsee it), and, frankly, in the case of The Last Showgirl, I thought it ended right as it was starting to get interesting, which I thought was a little bit frustrating.
The Bikeriders | Film | Directed by Jeff Nichols | Release Year: 2024 | Recommended?: Yes.
I’ve been a pretty big fan of Jeff Nichols for quite some time, and his latest film didn’t disappoint at all. The Bikeriders is such an entertaining watch that chronicles how motorcycle club culture was gradually transformed into a more uncontrollable subculture. I greatly loved how Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy put on distinctive accents to give their characters life, but I also loved how their characters share a love for Austin Butler’s biker character. Hardy’s Johnny was playing dress-up when he created it, and he falls for how he finally sees someone who lives and breathes it, while Comer is trying to pull him out of that life for his safety. Though she is surrounded by so many great supporting actors and characters, Comer, predictably, is especially great in this. I will say that while I get why Mike Faist is there, that angle of the film could’ve used some work. At times, it felt only tangentially related to the film.
There’s also no denying that The Bikeriders is Nichols’ attempt at doing a biker Goodfellas. Everything from the editing style and the music to the character dynamics and mood screams Scorsese-esque, and the film ultimately feels like an obvious, but nonetheless very entertaining homage to America’s greatest filmmaker. I really enjoyed it.
Queer | Film | Directed by Luca Guadagnino | Release Year: 2024 | Recommended?: Yes.
I thought this was quite good. It had completely hooked me in when the “Come As You Are” sequence played in the beginning. In general, it uses its music and soundtrack well, looks terrific, and the visual language is fascinating. I particularly liked how the early movie theater scene communicated desire by having an extra see-through Daniel Craig in the frame reach out, while Craig’s character was sitting still. It’s just one example of several fascinating shots and scenes. The trippy scenes towards the end are equally inventive and wild. It’s also possibly Craig’s best performance. You’ve never really seen him like this, and he doesn’t hold back. He’s sensational in this. I will say that the film is definitely too long. Still, though, a great Guadagnino flick that I highly recommend.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Film | Directed by Jeff Fowler | Release Year: 2022 | Recommended?: If you liked the first film, then yes.
“My only companion is a rock I named stone” – Quote from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
I had been meaning to watch this at some point, and, I guess, a random Friday in November was as good a time as any. Despite a lot of issues, I had a good time with the first film, and I feel pretty much the same way with the first sequel, which is better in a lot of ways and worse in some other areas. Jim Carrey remains so fun to watch in this as the zany Dr. Robotnik, but I would’ve liked to have seen more of him off-world in the beginning (that actually goes for the entire film, as I still feel these movies should not be set on our Earth at all). I also still feel there are situations when the title character’s super speed is ignored or used in a strange way solely for plot or script convenience. Furthermore, I don’t really vibe with them trying to make this superhero movie adjacent.
Once again, the visual effects are inconsistent, with certain CG portals looking quite rough, despite decent action. As for the comedy? Well, I do enjoy Sonic’s teenage attitude somewhat. The filmmakers are banking on the family comedy and then having it paired with some adult jokes or music references. It mostly works despite some of the writing being quite bad. In general, I do enjoy seeing more characters from the game, and Idris Elba is a fun voice for Knuckles. But, in the end, the problems with this film have very little to do with the hedgehogs. The film’s got way too much going on and is way, way too long. It really has no business being as long as it is. It should be breezy. And, frankly, so many of the human scenes are so uninteresting. But, yeah, I think this may be slightly better than the first film.
What did you think of these films? Please do let me know in the comments below or on social media!
– Reviews written by Jeffrey Rex Bertelsen.
I'm Jeffrey Rex 