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Reviews
Memoria (2021)
Tasteful, patient, and purposeful.
Memoria is a tasteful, patient, and purposeful film. It's originality and Oscar worthy sound design paired with authentic performances, soothing cinematography and strong directing make for a unique and memorable experience.
Zola (2020)
Tight, Snappy, and Concise
Zola is a tight, snappy, and concise 90 minute film built off of a unique premise, being a viral Twitter thread. The filmmaking is intriguing in almost every scene, from stunning cinematography, to an intelligent score and sound design, to inspiring directorial decisions, to stellar editing. Not a single shot is wasted and the film makes use of its 90 minute runtime by trimming all the fat and ensuring that there is quite literally never a dull moment. The screenplay unfortunately is a major weak point, and it's six credited contributors are apparent. The performances are decent, but none are outstanding. Zola left me feeling inspired and excited to see what Janicza Bravo does in her future directorial efforts.
Red Rocket (2021)
Red Rocket Is A Simple Film That Refuses To Be Rudimentary
Red Rocket brings forward an incredibly well written screenplay, paired with intriguing filmmaking. Sean Baker's directing is continuously original and each shot is approached with a unique vision and maximum effort. The performances from all are quite strong, however, Simon Rex in the lead far exceeded expectations and placed himself amongst some elite talent with his abilities. The MVP of this film is undoubtedly DP Drew Daniels, who managed to find beauty in otherwise generally drab scenery consistently. Perhaps the films largest drawback is the lack of ability the viewer has to sympathize with the protagonist, who continually has us questioning his morale compass. Red Rocket is a simple film, that refuses to be rudimentary by taking risks and being creative.
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Mulholland Drive Is A Near Perfect Film
Mulholland Drive is a sparingly flawed, near perfect film. The greatest elements of Lynch's work present themselves beautifully. The film is wildly entertaining and strikingly bizarre, however Lynch manages to water down his avant-garde elements enough to appeal to mainstream audiences, without sacrificing his signature style, or creative genius. The performances from all involved are quite strong, and the fusing of plot lines is satisfying. Mulholland Drive is a classic for a reason, and a century from now, this film will continue to receive analysis and praise. The film cast such a massive shadow of Influence over the next decade, and beyond, that it must be, at the very least, appreciated for it's contribution to the industry today.
Uncharted (2022)
Uncharted is dry and cliche, but entertaining.
Uncharted is rudimentary, predictable, and relatively forgettable film all around. From the disastrous casting choices, to the poor visual effects and crudely choreographed fight sequences, to the often careless sound design, the film falls flat in many aspects. The performances from the leads are soulless, although when fed a script filled with cliches and plot holes it's difficult to blame them. With all that being said, it must be acknowledged that it is entertaining. It's difficult to not have fun during this film, despite its major flaws. The story is nothing fresh, but is structured coherently enough to make it flow nicely and keep the pacing steady. The cinematography while not striking is solid, and there are some directorial choices that were a pleasant surprise. Uncharted isn't an Oscar worthy film by any means, but for some Friday night entertainment, it's alright.
Inland Empire (2006)
Indulgent and Experimental Masterpiece
Inland Empire is David Lynch's most indulgent, experimental expression. It reads like a deranged fever dream and leaves the viewer hypnotized, but confused; making it as Lynchian as it comes. Lynch takes nothing but risks while continuing to innovate and chart territory that has never before been explored. From the uncomfortably close shots, to the dizzy camera movement, to the intriguing angles - the technical aspects are all flawless. This includes impressive visual effects, striking cinematography, and a stellar score and sound design, as is standard with Lynch. The performances all around are outstanding, but as Lynch and his cow informed us many years ago, Laura Dern puts up, what is perhaps the greatest performance from any actor in the year 2006. Her performance is inspiring, emotional, and beyond stunning from top to bottom. This new restoration from Janus Films creates an entirely new experience, and is handled as carefully and flawlessly as we have come to expect. Inland Empire could be the last feature length film that we ever see from the mind of David Lynch. If that is the case, he would be going out on as high of a note as any filmmaker can.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Rami makes this film undeniably his own
The newest entry in the MCU is a modern throwback to mid 2000's superhero films, and is undeniably a Sam Rami movie. His distinctive style presenting itself throughout, in the form of horrific chaos, including zombies, creatures, witches, monsters, and more. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness was put in a tough spot, shortly following what is quite possibly the greatest multiverse film ever made in Daniels "Everything Everywhere All At Once", and of course the shadow left by "Spider-Man No Way Home" is present as well. Rami makes this film his own, and was obviously unafraid to take risks throughout. Some decent cinematography, intoxicating visuals, and solid camera work are all occasionally paired alongside the MCU's usual downright bad visual effects and rudimentary camera work, as well as a script filled with poor dialogue and plot holes. The refreshing factor here is that there is at least originality taking place, as well as the obvious presence of the care that Rami and his team put into this production. It certainly isn't perfect, and is quite flawed, but it's a fun time, and has some Intriguing film making happening.
The Northman (2022)
Eggers Delivers His Weakest Project In Strong Form
The Northman is Eggers most flawed, and least ambitious project. Yet, it still manages to solidify itself as a game changing film, which is carried by its historical accuracy, and commitment to detail. Although the degree of brutality was somewhat exaggerated, it's relentlessness, and Eggers fearlessness to embrace reality, and intertwine this aspect without it receiving as obnoxious is stellar. The performances from Alexander Skarsgard, and Anya Taylor Joy are quite strong, but despite no severe issues with the supporting cast, no other members carry themselves as well as those two. Oscar nominated cinematographer Jarin Blaschke is in his usual form, although his abilities are somewhat hampered by continually lacklustre visual affects. Other technical aspects are mostly solid; the score, and sound design are relatively predictable, but well done, much of the camera work is executed nicely and wide range of rigs are utilized, however, the editing feels near clueless at times, and painfully rudimentary at others; save for the work from the camera department which discourages unnecessary cuts, and embraces a continually moving shot. The Northman is nowhere near as ambitious or intoxicating as Eggers drunken sea tale "The Lighthouse", or as grounded as "The Witch", however it's clear that he is not only incredibly knowledgeable in every aspect of the time period, but cares deeply for his portrayal, and each aspect of the film.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A Wild Ride That Is Sure To Entertain Everyone
Everything Everywhere All At Once is an absurd adventure, which somehow teeters on the line between Asian arthouse, and accessible adventure film. Daniels manage to coordinate action, suspense, and comedy in such a way that flows flawlessly, and allows each element to compliment one another. Every decision made is purposeful, and every technical element is strong. Michelle Yeoh puts up what is perhaps her best performance to date, and is supported by a slew of spectacular co-stars, such as Ke Hua Quan and, Jamie Lee Curtis. This is a film best analyzed after a second watch due to its relentless action, and chaotic atmosphere. The set design, hair and makeup, visual effects, and cinematography will undoubtedly warrant this film consideration come Oscar season. Everything Everywhere All At Once is a film that will be enjoyed by everyone, as it's artistic elements are sure to intrigue any cinephile or film student, and it's accessibility is sure to entertain any average movie goer. Daniels have proven their range, and genuine talent with this film, and have managed to make something unforgettable on what is only their sophomore effort as a duo.