bradh6886 Reviews

A Hero (I) (2021)

A HERO review

[7/10 · 28 January 2022]

I wanted to like A HERO a lot more than I did. While I will always appreciate stories highlighting the importance of truth over everything, I wasn't moved to tears when I thought I would be. An elite lead performance from Amir Jadidi, and youngster Saleh Karimaei shines.

Prayers for the Stolen (2021)

Prayers for the Stolen review

[6/10 · 17 January 2022]

PRAYERS FOR THE STOLEN has the makings of a strong film about friendship and endurance, but suffers from some major pacing issues in the middle acts. Hard to connect to without a clear understanding of the events. One of the better youth ensembles of the year.

Lamb (2021)

Lamb review

[7/10 · 16 January 2022]

Hidden behind the unique concept of LAMB is a compelling reflection on grief and the dangers of meddling with nature. The script owns its concept so well that it always feels believable albeit unrealistic. VFX and creature design are seamless, score is unassuming but effective.

Drive My Car (2021)

Drive My Car review

[8/10 · 16 January 2022]

DRIVE MY CAR is a cathartic, thought-provoking drama on the human experience that expertly breaks down the process of grief. The pacing never waivers during its 3 hour runtime. An outstanding lead performance and elaborate screenplay make this a year-best film.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

The Matrix Resurrections review

[6/10 · 16 January 2022]

THE MATRIX: RESURRECTIONS is baffling- it opens a Pandora's box which, by the film's own admission, never needed to be opened. Unclear which "meta" was satire and which was true commentary. Nice to see the gang back together with some fresh faces, but a muddy watch overall.

Parallel Mothers (2021)

Parallel Mothers review

[7/10 · 16 January 2022]

PARALLEL MOTHERS is a moving drama that elevates beyond the sum of its parts. Penelope Cruz gives a masterful and believable performance. Cinematography style was static at times, but the score made up for it. Script is unassuming but hits emotional beats strongly.

Belle (2021)

BELLE review

[8/10 · 16 January 2022]

Absolutely floored by BELLE. Stunning animation over a beautifully layered script, tackling topics from self discovery to compassion to coming of age. Not the biggest fan of this animation subgenre but I was won over in minutes. Great to see non Disney films be this powerful.

I'm Your Man (2021)

I'm Your Man review

[9/10 · 16 January 2022]

I'M YOUR MAN is a charming and unique film on the human experience. The premise introduces itself cleverly and surprisingly never runs stale. Worried it could've gone for too much social commentary but the comedic airs kept it upbeat and downright funny. Great lead performance.

The Hand of God (2021)

The Hand of God review

[6/10 · 11 January 2022]

The Hand of God is a standard coming of age family drama without anything interesting or unique to say. Some interesting shots here and there and a good score that has its scattered moments, but ultimately the bland performances make it quite a bit of a drag.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Something Wicked

[7/10 · 4 January 2022]

The true star of Joel Coen's THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH is Bruno Delbonnel. The gravitas of every last shot is soul piercing. Coen makes a skillfull adaptation but the excessive scene cutting left much to be desired. Washington and McDormand are all time greats but both feel miscast.

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

What was that?

[6/10 · 24 January 2021]

Very little appeal outside the intended demographic. Unrealistic, Shakespearean based script draws far too much attention to itself and doesn't work. Genuine, heartfelt performances by the two leads are the highlights of a messy film.

The Night of the Shooting Stars (1982)

Blandest war film ever?

[4/10 · 24 January 2021]

Incohesive opening act set the tone for an inconsistent film. Pervasive sense of "weird" cast a shadow over every scene. Unsure how it earns the title of war film. No special performances, and visual style is nonexistent.

Silver Lode (1954)

Silver Loathe

[5/10 · 22 January 2021]

Shameless archetypal Western film with almost nothing exceptional. 1-2 exciting shootouts but the rest was dry and dragged out. Decent camera work made for some exciting moments. Only thing missing from this Western is the spaghetti.

Ran (1985)

Masterpiece

[9/10 · 21 January 2021]

Easily in the top dozen most visually beautiful films ever made. Nearly every frame of this 2 hour 42 minute epic is art museum/film school material. Pacing was excellent; never feet long or boring. Stellar cast is the icing on the visual cake.

The Quiet Man (1952)

Truly made me smile

[8/10 · 21 January 2021]

One of the most well-rounded films I have seen in a while. The beautiful Irish countryside is as charming as the genuine romance. Wayne doesn't miss, O'Hara shines. Score, design, ensemble, camera work dance together for a delightful experience.

The Killers (1946)

The Killers review

[8/10 · 19 January 2021]

Well-paced blend of murder mystery and film noir. Remarkable cast from top to bottom. Cohesive despite an arguable overuse of flashbacks. Cinematography is notable and added depth and intensity. Perhaps an unbalanced appeal toward cinephiles.

Lone Star (1996)

Flashback transition drinking game, anyone?

[3/10 · 19 January 2021]

Mess of unwatchable subplots sloppily strung together featuring a lifeless ensemble. Literally facepalming by the 12th overused flashback transition. No efforts made to create interest in any of the characters. Title is indicative of rating.

One Night in Miami... (2020)

One Night in Miami review

[8/10 · 17 January 2021]

Poignant themes of race and the diverse array of black viewpoints on display in this dynamic script. All four of the principal cast produce layered and rich performances, Ben-Adir and Odom are standouts. King's career off with a bang.

News of the World (2020)

Greengrass makes something out of almost nothing.

[6/10 · 16 January 2021]

Wonderfully shot, scored, and designed film with spaghetti Western levels of mediocrity. Wildly predictable with only 1-2 thrilling moments. Newcomer Zengel outshines consistent veteran Hanks. Greengrass doesn't answer why he made this movie.

The 39 Steps (1935)

The 39 Steps review

[8/10 · 16 January 2021]

Remarkable film with a well-deserved title of "classic". Mastermind Hitchcock keeps audiences nearly a century in his future on the edge of their seats. Music seemed absent at key places and present at wrong ones. Technical marvel nonetheless.

Sleuth (1972)

Riveting

[9/10 · 14 January 2021]

An electric experience featuring two of the all time best. While most of the brilliance is due to the source material, the performers and the direction create a gripping piece. Strong design and camera work ensure the single location never grows stale.

An Affair to Remember (1957)

An Affair to Forget

[6/10 · 13 January 2021]

First half was charming. Second half was dead. Energy between the two characters was eons more interesting than their individual journeys. Surprised that I enjoyed this romance piece for as long as I did, disappointed that it let me down.

Paisan (1946)

Paisan review

[7/10 · 12 January 2021]

The episodic format was questionable but had benefits, such as being able to focus on narrow themes without shoehorning them together. Technically flawed but so was technology of the time. Resonates after the fact but hard to keep eyes open during.

Red River (1948)

Red River review.

[6/10 · 11 January 2021]

Wonderfully textbook Western film. Not much to suggest that it elevates above the rest of the wide genre in a meaningful way. Interesting mob mentality themes thrown in as well. Wayne solid as always but Act 3 dragged on extensively.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Bonnie and Clyde review

[8/10 · 10 January 2021]

Easily one of the top on screen chemistries in Hollywood history. Supporting characters seemed stock but it's to be expected from the time. Wildly entertaining ride but at times doesn't elevate beyond an archetypal genre film.