Tag: Science Fiction

REVIEW: Ad Astra (2019)

Theatrical IMAX-Release Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a review of Ad Astra — Directed by James Gray.

As we are getting closer and closer to the end of a decade, we naturally get the urge to take a look backward and reflect on the films that have shaped a decade in film history. One genre that has thrived in the 2010s is science-fiction. It almost feels like every year of this decade has had at least one science-fiction or space-set film that appealed to an adult audience and included challenging themes or stories. Just like 2013 and 2014 had Gravity and Interstellar respectively, 2019 has James Gray’s Ad Astra — an intimate, meditative, and introspective science-fiction film about a son following in the footsteps of his father to complete a mission. Just like both of the two aforementioned films, Ad Astra is ambitious and exceptional. Continue reading “REVIEW: Ad Astra (2019)” →

REVIEW: Her (2013)

Theatrical Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a short updated review (2019) of Spike Jonze’s Her (2013).

Written and directed by Adaptation.-director Spike Jonze, Her is a science-fiction love story set in a ‘futuristic’ American city. The film follows Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix) — a writer of other people’s personal letters — who is separated from his wife (played by Rooney Mara). Continue reading “REVIEW: Her (2013)” →

REVIEW: ANNIHILATION (2018)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of ANNIHILATION — Directed by Alex Garland.

There is this really sad quote about daring cinema that I once found as I was searching the Web for some interesting thoughts on the film industry. Actor and filmmaker Sean Penn reportedly once said that “if you put three thoughts into a movie, you’ve broken the law and no one will come [see it].” It is a quote that I’ve used before to describe cerebral cinema that was rejected by audiences. But I think the quote’s best companion piece is Alex Garland’s ANNIHILATION, a smart science-fiction film that was literally cast aside by a major studio because the film ‘broke that law.’
Continue reading “REVIEW: ANNIHILATION (2018)” →

REVIEW: MUTE (2018)

Release Poster – Netflix

The following is a review of the Netflix Original Film MUTE — Directed by Duncan Jones.

Duncan Jones’ fourth feature film MUTE, which is dedicated to his late father David Bowie and his late nanny Marion Skene, is a science-fiction film in the vein of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. It tells the story of a search for a missing person in the melting pot of a futuristic and dirty Berlin, which, in true Blade Runner fashion, is bathed in neon lights and bluish colors. The film’s protagonist is an unlikely outsider — a tall and mute bartender named Leo (played by Alexander Skarsgård) who lost the ability to speak as a child in a violent motorboat propellor accident.  Continue reading “REVIEW: MUTE (2018)” →

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: Westworld – “The Bicameral Mind”

westworld-review

The following is a spoiler review of the tenth episode of Westworld – Developed by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy

In the final episode of the first season of Westworld, Ford (played by Anthony Hopkins) presents his new story to the Delos board, we finally find out who Wyatt is, Teddy (played by James Marsden) finds Dolores (played by Evan Rachel Wood), and Charlotte (played by Tessa Thompson) tries to force Ford to retire. Continue reading “REVIEW: Westworld – “The Bicameral Mind”” →

REVIEW: Westworld – “The Well-Tempered Clavier”

westworld-review

The following is a spoiler recap/review of the ninth episode of Westworld – Developed by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy

In the ninth episode of Westworld, Ashley Stubbs (played by Luke Hemsworth) tries to find Elsie Hughes (played by Shannon Woodward), Bernard’s (played by Jeffrey Wright) earliest memory is revealed, and two central characters reach the city once swallowed by sand. Continue reading “REVIEW: Westworld – “The Well-Tempered Clavier”” →

REVIEW: Westworld – “Trace Decay”

westworld-review

The following is a spoiler review of the eighth episode of Westworld – Developed by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy

In the eighth episode of Westworld, Bernard (played by Jeffrey Wright) starts to cover his tracks, Maeve (played by Thandie Newton) needs more help from Felix and Sylvester, and William (played by Jimmi Simpson) and Dolores (played by Evan Rachel Wood) reach their destination.
Continue reading “REVIEW: Westworld – “Trace Decay”” →

REVIEW: Westworld – “Trompe L’Oeil”

westworld-review

The following is a spoiler review of the seventh episode of Westworld – Developed by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy

In the seventh episode of Westworld, Theresa (played by Sidse Babett Knudsen) and Charlotte (played by Tessa Thompson) meet to discuss a presentation, William (played by Jimmi Simpson), Dolores (played by Evan Rachel Wood), and El Lazo (played by Clifton Collins, Jr.) are attacked by Confederados, and Maeve (played by Thandie Newton) looks for Clementine (played by Angela Sarafyan).
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REVIEW: Westworld – “The Adversary”

westworld-review

The following is a spoiler recap/review of the sixth episode of Westworld – Developed by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy

In the sixth episode of Westworld, the Man in Black (played by Ed Harris) and Teddy (played by James Marsden) travel towards the border, Maeve (played by Thandie Newton) gets a guided tour of what’s going on behind the scenes, and Elsie (played by Shannon Woodward) and Bernard (played by Jeffrey Wright) hunt for answers.
Continue reading “REVIEW: Westworld – “The Adversary”” →