Tag: Movie Review

CLASSIC REVIEW: Alien (1979)

Theatrical Release Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a review of Alien – Directed by Ridley Scott. For more Alien reviews, check out this category.

Who could’ve known back before Alien was released in 1979 that director Ridley Scott – a relative late bloomer when it comes to filmmaking, who had only previously directed one film – would create one of the most iconic science-fiction horror films of all-time.

‘Jaws in space,’ or ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre of science-fiction’ as it has apparently sometimes been called by both director Ridley Scott and writers Ronald Shusett and Dan O’Bannon may not have seen the light of day where it not for the science-fiction boom caused by George Lucas and his first Star Wars film, but with Alien Ridley Scott managed to carve out his own distinctive corner of science-fiction filmmaking. Continue reading “CLASSIC REVIEW: Alien (1979)” →

REVIEW: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017)

Theatrical Release Poster – Marvel Studios

The following is a review of Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 – Directed by James Gunn

The first Guardians of the Galaxy film was very special to me. It arrived at the right time for me and family. My Godmother had just passed away, and Guardians of the Galaxy was the first film we saw as a family since she had passed away. Guardians of the Galaxy made me laugh, it made me cry, and I, to this day, still think of it as one of my favorite films of all-time. It had a huge effect on me.

I, however, never expected Volume 2 to have as big an impact on me as James Gunn’s first Marvel film had and, honestly, it didn’t. But while Volume 2 isn’t as good as the original film, I still really loved it and it did make me emotional more than once. Continue reading “REVIEW: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017)” →

REVIEW: Sandy Wexler (2017)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of Sandy Wexler – Directed by Steven Brill

Sandy Wexler tells the story about a fictional 1990s talent manager (played by Adam Sandler) with a heart of gold, who constantly kept putting his foot in his mouth. But his luck suddenly changed when he learned of the unique singing ability and talent of Courtney Clarke (played by Jennifer Hudson), who quickly got a record deal because of him.

But his keen eye for talent once again was not matched by his managerial guidance, and soon the one client that had stolen his heart was slipping out of his hands and into a cold industry that didn’t want to recognize Sandy, who had to finally learn that there is more to being a manager than loyalty, love, and support. Continue reading “REVIEW: Sandy Wexler (2017)” →

REVIEW: Christine (2016)

Release Poster – The Orchard; Curzon Artificial Eye

The following is a quick review of Christine – Directed by Antonio Campos

Antonio Campos’ Christine is a biographical drama about the true story of Sarasota news reporter Christine Chubbuck’s suicide in 1974. The film follows Christine Chubbuck (played by Rebecca Hall) during some of the worst days of her life and leads up to her last live broadcast.  Continue reading “REVIEW: Christine (2016)” →

REVIEW: Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Theatrical Release Poster – Paramount Pictures

The following is a review of Ghost in the Shell – Directed by Rupert Sanders

Rupert Sanders’ Ghost in the Shell is a science fiction action film based on a Japanese science fiction franchise created by Masamune Shirow. The film is set in the near future, and it tells the story of Mira Killian (played by Scarlett Johansson) whose brain is implanted in a complete cyborg body following a terrorist attack. One year after being inserted into her new body, Major Mira Killian starts questioning her memories and her past when she constantly experiences these vision glitches during missions. Continue reading “REVIEW: Ghost in the Shell (2017)” →

REVIEW: Win It All (2017)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of Win It All – Directed by Joe Swanberg

Mumblecore filmmaker Joe Swanberg’s newest film – Win It All – is a Netflix ‘original film.’ As you may remember, Win It All isn’t Joe Swanberg’s first Netflix release. In 2016, Netflix released the first season of Joe Swanberg’s anthology dramedy series Easy, which was a show that I enjoyed even if it didn’t blow me away. I’m much more fond of Win It All, which, I believe, gives us one of the strongest performances Jake Johnson, who I’ve become a big fan of, has ever given. Continue reading “REVIEW: Win It All (2017)” →

REVIEW: Get Out (2017)

UK Release Poster – Universal Pictures

The following is a review of Get Out – The directorial debut for Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s Get Out is basically a horror movie version of Stanley Kramer’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?. Peele’s debut tells the story of an African-American man, Chris (played by Daniel Kaluuya), who is spending the weekend with – and meeting – his white girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Continue reading “REVIEW: Get Out (2017)” →

REVIEW: The Discovery (2017)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of The Discovery – Directed by Charlie McDowell

The Discovery – a Netflix original film from director Charlie McDowell – is a ‘romantic’ science fiction film set some time after Dr. Thomas Harbor (played by Robert Redford) is believed to have found proof of an afterlife. Continue reading “REVIEW: The Discovery (2017)” →

REVIEW: The One I Love (2014)

Release Poster – RADiUS-TWC

The following is a quick review of The One I Love – The feature film debut for director Charlie McDowell

The One I Love follows Ethan (played by Mark Duplass) and Sophie (played by Elisabeth Moss), a married couple going through a rough patch, who have been advised by their therapist (played by Ted Danson) to go on a weekend retreat to a secluded estate. But once they get there, they realize that their partner is only fun to be around in the guest house. Continue reading “REVIEW: The One I Love (2014)” →

REVIEW: Pete’s Dragon (2016)

UK Release Poster – Walt Disney Pictures

The following is a review of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon – Directed by David Lowery

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon is a re-imagining of the 1977 comedy musical of the same name. It is not a remake, which I assumed it was until I saw the new film. The original film was about an orphan who is adopted into an abusive family. The 1977 version is a mostly forgotten film, which I remember watching but hardly remember for anything really. That probably tells you why it took me this long to finally watch David Lowery’s re-imagining. Continue reading “REVIEW: Pete’s Dragon (2016)” →