Tag: Review

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: Better Call Saul – “Mabel”

The following is a review and recap of the first episode of the third season of Better Call Saul, available on AMC in the U. S. and on Netflix internationally. Expect story spoilers. 

It’s finally that time of the year again. Better Call Saul, which is currently my favorite show on television, is back. You know, it’s funny. Before I had seen the show, I was extremely worried about Better Call Saul somehow retroactively hurting Breaking Bad. As we now know, my fears were unfounded as Better Call Saul has become not just a great spin-off show, but also my personal favorite spin-off show.

In the first episode of the third season – Mabel – ‘Gene’ briefly shows his true colors, Kim Wexler grows increasingly paranoid about her own work, Mike Ehrmantraut tries to figure out who’s been watching him, and Jimmy McGill has ten good minutes with his brother.
Continue reading “REVIEW: Better Call Saul – “Mabel”” →

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 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)” →

REVIEW: The Most Hated Woman in America (2017)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of The Most Hated Woman in America – Directed by Tommy O’Haver

The Most Hated Woman in America is a biographical drama about the life of Madalyn Murray O’Hair (played by Melissa Leo), an atheist activist, and her mysterious kidnapping and murder in 1995. The Most Hated Woman in America had a lot going for it. The cast is sublime. Melissa Leo, of course, is the lead actress, but the film has other noteworthy familiar faces like Juno Temple, Adam Scott, and Vincent Kartheiser.

It’s just a shame that they’re completely wasted in a biographical drama that I’m honestly shocked by, and not in a good way. Melissa Leo is the best thing about the film, but this project doesn’t deserve the talented cast or her performance in the film. Continue reading “REVIEW: The Most Hated Woman in America (2017)” →

CLASSIC REVIEW: Raging Bull (1980)

Release Poster – Tom Jung

The following is a classic movie review of Raging Bull – Directed by Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest filmmakers – and my personal favorite – of all-time. But while I’ve loved his work for years, I still have a lot of his past films to watch for the first time. One movie that I, somehow, managed to always avoid was the classic biographical boxing tragedy Raging Bull. It’s been at the top of my Martin Scorsese watchlist for quite a while, and I’m happy to say that I understand the love Raging Bull has been getting. Raging Bull is, indeed, a masterpiece.  Continue reading “CLASSIC REVIEW: Raging Bull (1980)” →