Film Reviews
Staff Picks: The Masterful Martin Scorsese
Today marks the birth of one of the most influential American filmmakers in the history of Cinema, Martin Scorsese. To commemorate this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen to examine some of our favourites from his filmography; from his early breakout work, to his later modern masterpieces. Mean Streets (1973) By JacobContinue reading “Staff Picks: The Masterful Martin Scorsese”
Staff Picks: The Electrifying Ennio Morricone
Today marks the 92nd Birthday of one of the most accomplished and prolific composers in the history of film, Ennio Morricone. It was in July of this year the Italian maestro unfortunately passed, so out of respect for his life and his work, we at A Fistful of Film would like to look back atContinue reading “Staff Picks: The Electrifying Ennio Morricone”
Rebecca (2020), Is This It?
Over the course of a short but prolific career, Ben Wheatley has carved out an interesting niche for himself. Starting in online video making and sit-coms, Wheatley, despite being very adept at horror films waited until his second movie to make his break-out, cult, folk horror Kill List. His stated reason for doing this isContinue reading “Rebecca (2020), Is This It?”
Staff Picks: Deep Cuts for a Killer Holiday
This year to celebrate Halloween the team here at A Fistful of Film tasked ourselves with writing not about the go-to spooky season movies but to write about our favourite hidden gem or cult classic that we’ve been watching this year. Our range of deep cuts covers a wide range of horror films from Romero,Continue reading “Staff Picks: Deep Cuts for a Killer Holiday”
Saint Maud (2020), Isolation, Religion and Sexuality at the Sea-Side
Name a better combination than Britain and Horror….that’s right you can’t. Now I’m willing to admit that this statement carries a fair amount of bias, being a British Horror fan myself, but while many tote Japan, Italy, or America as the paragons of the genre, there’s an undeniable charm and legacy that Britain has whenContinue reading “Saint Maud (2020), Isolation, Religion and Sexuality at the Sea-Side”
License to Review #16: License to Kill (1989)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). One of the toughest things I can imagine forContinue reading “License to Review #16: License to Kill (1989)”
License to Review #15: The Living Daylights (1987)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). After A View to a Kill, Roger Moore finallyContinue reading “License to Review #15: The Living Daylights (1987)”
Staff Picks: The Brutal Brian De Palma
Today marks the birth of one of the leading New Hollywood Directors; Brian De Palma. With a career spanning 52 years, and creating classics in multiple genres, De Palma has cemented him as a seminal director. To commemorate this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen to examine some of our favourites outContinue reading “Staff Picks: The Brutal Brian De Palma”
I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020), Charlie, I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down
Charlie Kaufman has made two movies and released them in a contained, movie length package, and it’s extremely hard to talk about. Kaufman is one of those filmmakers who makes movies so hermetically sealed and deeply personal that they are functionally review proof. They are here, and they exist, and talking about them fundamentally comesContinue reading “I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020), Charlie, I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down”
Staff Picks: The Devilish Dario Argento
Today marks the birth of the Master of Horror himself, the seminal Italian director; Dario Argento. To commemorate this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen to examine some of our favourites out of his filmography, from his early Giallo work to his later, more experimental, horror features. The Bird With The CrystalContinue reading “Staff Picks: The Devilish Dario Argento”
Tenet (2020), The Return of the Blockbuster
In a year with no tent-pole blockbusters to compete against it, Tenet has been on the mind of every film fan for months now. With the coronavirus delaying the release of the film, and while the news about Nolan and the Studio’s pushing for it to be released in recently reopened cinemas have caused aContinue reading “Tenet (2020), The Return of the Blockbuster”
License to Review #15: A View to a Kill (1985)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). I’ve gone into many of the James Bond films,Continue reading “License to Review #15: A View to a Kill (1985)”
License to Review – Special Edition: Never Say Never Again (1983)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). After Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery reportedly said “neverContinue reading “License to Review – Special Edition: Never Say Never Again (1983)”
Beetlejuice (1988), Happy Birthday Tim Burton!
Beetlejuice will always hold a special place in my heart; the first time I ever went to America I was on a trip to San Francisco and after a long day of constant traveling we made it to the Hotel, ordered a pizza and put on the TV only to find the film playing. IContinue reading “Beetlejuice (1988), Happy Birthday Tim Burton!”
License to Review #13: Octopussy (1983)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). Before you embark on reading this review of Octopussy,Continue reading “License to Review #13: Octopussy (1983)”
Yes, God, Yes (2020): Disappointingly Amateur From So Much Promise
Have you ever had this feeling? A film has such a good heart and a lot of festival buzz, then it finally comes to streaming or cinemas in your country and you see it and it’s just, so disappointingly fine, verging on sub-par. It’s a horrible feeling and I had it with Yes, God, Yes,Continue reading “Yes, God, Yes (2020): Disappointingly Amateur From So Much Promise”
An American Pickle (2020): Capitalist Propaganda Masked By Buddy Comedy
There seems to be something happening in American Comedy ™ at the moment. A big problem I’ve been having with American Comedy ™ of late is that it feels like there wasn’t any actual filmmaking happening, it’s just one big homogeneous glob of improvisation. No real jokes just people all standing in a room withContinue reading “An American Pickle (2020): Capitalist Propaganda Masked By Buddy Comedy”
License to Review #12: For Your Eyes Only (1981)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). “It filled me with wonder, because of its cinematographicContinue reading “License to Review #12: For Your Eyes Only (1981)”
Staff Picks: The Amazing Alfred Hitchcock
Today marks the birth of the Master of Suspense himself, British filmmaking legend, Alfred Hitchcock. To commemorate this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen to examine some of our favourites out of his filmography, from his early silent films to his acclaimed latter-day output. The Lodger: A Story of London Fog (1927):Continue reading “Staff Picks: The Amazing Alfred Hitchcock”
License to Review #11: Moonraker (1979)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). Despite my enthusiastic response to The Spy Who LovedContinue reading “License to Review #11: Moonraker (1979)”
The Village (2004), an overlooked gem?
After breaking into the mainstream consciousness with The Sixth Sense and his twist that rocked the world, M. Night Shyamalan has had a rocky career. His post-Unbreakable trajectory a lot of his early 2000’s work was written off as failed attempts at returning to The Sixth Sense, and as time went on he became knownContinue reading “The Village (2004), an overlooked gem?”
Palm Springs (2020): Finding Joy In The End Of The World
So, this is going to be a review about our current moment, or more specifically, the current moment of my peers and I. I know, I know, everyone and their mothers has written about Palm Springs & quarantine but, I want to talk about other things. So Palm Springs covers what is fast emerging asContinue reading “Palm Springs (2020): Finding Joy In The End Of The World”
Angel Heart (1987): Rest in Peace Alan Parker
The news of Alan Parker’s passing was tremendously sad for myself as a British film fan. A truly influential, and accomplished director who has been a presence in my life since my school put on a performance of Bugsy Malone and we spent many afternoons watching Parker’s fantastic 1976 debut in preparation. Since then IContinue reading “Angel Heart (1987): Rest in Peace Alan Parker”
Death Wish (1974): Fill Your Hand…Draw
Writer Jacob Calta reflects on the notorious 1974 crime thriller that further cemented Charles Bronson as an action star of the 20th century.
License to Review #10: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). The Roger Moore era of Bond was the oneContinue reading “License to Review #10: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)”
Roma (2018) – Slices of life
Let me ask you a question: have any of you who are currently reading this ever regretted missing a film in a theatre? Okay you can all put your hands down. I have missed my fair share of films in the theatre, and it’s not until I see them later, whether it’s on blu-ray orContinue reading “Roma (2018) – Slices of life”
Staff Picks: The Sensational Stanley Kubrick
Today marks the birth of one of the looming legends of the modern motion picture, American director Stanley Kubrick. To commemorate this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen to examine a fair portion of his filmography, from his early studio pictures to his acclaimed latter-day output.
License to Review #9: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). There is a tendency amongst the James Bond filmsContinue reading “License to Review #9: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)”
License to Review #8: Live and Let Die (1973)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise and which ones aren’t. After the disaster that was Diamonds Are Forever, Sean ConneryContinue reading “License to Review #8: Live and Let Die (1973)”
Staff Picks: The Ingenious Ingmar Bergman
Today marks the birth of Sweden’s premier master of the motion picture, Ingmar Bergman. In honor of this occasion, we at A Fistful of Film have chosen some of our favorite films of his.
Shazam! (2019), A New Era for the DCEU
For many, myself included, Shazam! seemed like a bastion of hope for the DCEU. After the disaster of the Justice League film, the new wave of entries into the franchise helmed by fresh directors seemed to signal a changing guard. One of the films that seemed like it would accomplish this was David Sandberg’s Shazam!;Continue reading “Shazam! (2019), A New Era for the DCEU”
License to Review #7: Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). With On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, it looked likeContinue reading “License to Review #7: Diamonds Are Forever (1971)”
Hamilton (2020), the Broadway Spectacle Brought to your Home
It’s no secret that I love film, if you follow me on twitter or even have read any of my writing on this website it should be readily apparent how much I love film. But one of my love’s is something I don’t get to talk about often, that’s right……. I’m a theatre nerd. That’sContinue reading “Hamilton (2020), the Broadway Spectacle Brought to your Home”
License to Review #6: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). Sean Connery had quit the James Bond franchise followingContinue reading “License to Review #6: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)”
License to Review #5: You Only Live Twice (1967)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). With five years and four films under his belt,Continue reading “License to Review #5: You Only Live Twice (1967)”
This Is It (2009): Here We Stand, Over A Decade Later
Writer Jacob Calta revisits the record-shattering 2009 documentary-concert film, and the man at its center, the late, great Michael Jackson.
License to Review #4: Thunderball (1965)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). Goldfinger felt like a breath of fresh air inContinue reading “License to Review #4: Thunderball (1965)”
The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008) – A Fistful of Holy Shit
I’ve reviewed two South Korean films for this website, Memories of Murder and House of Hummingbird. One of them is a darkly comical detective mystery and the other one is a coming-of-age drama. In the review for the latter I mentioned my desire to watch additional Korean films that weren’t genre-films and I hope toContinue reading “The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008) – A Fistful of Holy Shit”
Artemis Fowl, (2020) – The Worst Kind of Bad
I exist in two states simultaneously when talking about Artemis Fowl. First of all, there’s the me now, three days after having seen it, tasked with the herculean effort of writing about the piece of shit, and then there’s the me who, once they get started talking about the movie, has it all come floodingContinue reading “Artemis Fowl, (2020) – The Worst Kind of Bad”
License to Review #3: Goldfinger (1964)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise (shaken) and which ones aren’t (stirred). When watching the early James Bond films featuring SeanContinue reading “License to Review #3: Goldfinger (1964)”
Da 5 Bloods (2020), Brutal but Beautiful
Spike Lee’s newest film has been a hot-button topic since it’s announcement. Followed by a series of absolutely gorgeous posters that added fuel to the flame of excitement for myself and many other film fans. Myself, and many others, were eagerly awaiting the 12th to finally see whether this film would rank alongside Lee’s previousContinue reading “Da 5 Bloods (2020), Brutal but Beautiful”
Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway, (2020) – The Craziest Film of the Year, and Maybe the Best
There’s a sentiment I often hear at the moment, that there’s a certain era of filmmaking that’s past. Where you could just stumble across a masterpiece and when genuinely strange and brilliant films could get released. People basically jacking off the nostalgia of the 60s and 70s tell me this. I’m looking at you Quentin,Continue reading “Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway, (2020) – The Craziest Film of the Year, and Maybe the Best”
Aquaman (2018), Wet and Wild
After Justice League, it seemed like the DCEU were turning over a new leaf, with underdog IP’s getting greenlit like this one and Shazam in the near future. As well as inviting James Wan to direct, with big critical and commercial successes under his belt already, even within high-profile franchises as proved by his successContinue reading “Aquaman (2018), Wet and Wild”
In Search of Darkness (2019): Epic in Scope, But Not Quite in Depth
Jacob Calta shares his thoughts on the mammoth horror documentary devoted to one of the genre’s finest decades.
Your Vice Is A Locked Room & Only I Have The Key, (1972) – Reinventing Gialli
I have seen a lot of these movies. My University dissertation was on these movies. I feel like I can speak from a place of authority on them. So if I was to say that more than almost any other Giallo I keep coming back to Your Vice Is A Locked Room & Only IContinue reading “Your Vice Is A Locked Room & Only I Have The Key, (1972) – Reinventing Gialli”
The Vast of Night (2020), Lovecraft in the Twilight Zone
Did you like The Twilight Zone when you were a child? I don’t mean the Jordan Peele reboot, I don’t mean the Forest Whittaker reboot from the 2000s, I don’t mean the 80s reboot either. I mean the classic, Rod Serling show. I’m talking sitting with your folks at 12 years old in the middleContinue reading “The Vast of Night (2020), Lovecraft in the Twilight Zone”
License to Review #2: From Russia with Love (1963)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise and which ones aren’t. Following the smash success of Dr. No, a sequel was quicklyContinue reading “License to Review #2: From Russia with Love (1963)”
A Certain Sacrifice (1985): Madonna’s surreal and ‘borderline’ insane debut
By random chance, I got curious about Madonna’s filmography besides Dick Tracy, Evita and Swept Away. So I went to check her filmography on Wikipedia and started to skim through it. Then I noticed this little oddity, placed right before Desperately Seeking Susan, which should make this Madonna’s big-screen debut. I enter it’s Wikipedia page,Continue reading “A Certain Sacrifice (1985): Madonna’s surreal and ‘borderline’ insane debut”
The New York Ripper (1982): All Vice, No Virtue
“The New York Ripper” takes two of my favorite niche styles of crime cinema and fuses them into one superb display of vice and violence. On one hand, you have a superbly stylized 80s giallo. On the other hand, it has the attitude & grime of a 70s urban crime flick.
License to Review #1: Dr. No (1962)
James Bond will return to cinemas this November with his twenty-fifth adventure, No Time to Die. In preparation, David Alkhed will take a look at all the previous entries in the franchise and see which ones are deserving of praise and which ones aren’t. Few film franchises have been as impactful and long-lasting as theContinue reading “License to Review #1: Dr. No (1962)”
Graceful Agitation: A Gorgeous Trip Towards Harmony
“Graceful Agitation” is peace materialized, a trip from nowhere towards another nowhere; the chase is what matters.
High and Low (1963): Crime and Punishment between Heaven and Hell
Whenever the cinematic legacy of Akira Kurosawa gets brought up, there is a tendency amongst cinephiles to focus squarely on the numerous samurai films he made with Toshiro Mifune. You know the ones I’m talking about, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress etc. Whilst it’s most certainly true that Kurosawa made manyContinue reading “High and Low (1963): Crime and Punishment between Heaven and Hell”
The Tell Tale Heart (2020): An Inventive Take on a Classic Story
The Tell Tale Heart is a fresh take on Poe’s tale told with a psychotronic flair that is as in debt to Roger Corman’s beloved Poe pictures of the 60s as it is to the surreal stylings of Dario Argento, and even a hint of Cronenberg thrown into the mix.
Capone (2020), A Personal Letter To Joshua Benjamin Trank
Dear Mr. Trank, You do not know me but I know you. For the longest time, I thought your name was spelled Tranq. Chronicle was one of the earliest films I watched that I thought was really cool when I was fourteen. That was eight years ago now. I loved the melding of Marvel filmContinue reading “Capone (2020), A Personal Letter To Joshua Benjamin Trank”
Justice League (2017), an Underwhelming and Messy Flop
Despite being one of the most expensive films ever made, Justice League released to widespread disappointment and criticism from fans, and mixed (but leaning on bad) reviews from critics. That’s not to say everyone hated the film, to this day there’s a lot of fans as well as critics who have praised the film’s actionContinue reading “Justice League (2017), an Underwhelming and Messy Flop”
The Favourite, (2018): Yorgos Lanthimos, Tralfamadorians, and Rewatching Movies
There are a few things that give me faith in the film industry; Parasite winning best picture, Knives Out making all of the money ever, and the fact that The Farewell even exists at all rank among them. Another is the fact that a film so unabashedly challenging and weird as The Favourite was soContinue reading “The Favourite, (2018): Yorgos Lanthimos, Tralfamadorians, and Rewatching Movies”
Fantasy Island (2020), a vapid and underwhelming cashgrab reboot.
I remember going to the cinema (what a distant memory that feels now) and seeing trailers for Blumhouse’s latest film, Truth or Dare, even at the time I remember thinking that it was the kind of film I’d see if I had a free evening and the tickets were cheap. Well the tickets were neverContinue reading “Fantasy Island (2020), a vapid and underwhelming cashgrab reboot.”
Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972), the Madness of Tyranny
Werner Herzog’s third film, and possibly his most famous, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, is a slow and methodical documentation of a descent into madness. This is true of both, the Spanish soldiers searching for the mythical city of El Dorado, and of the real-life crew who worked on this film. In fact, some ofContinue reading “Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972), the Madness of Tyranny”
Wonder Woman (2017), I’m not Angry I’m Just Disappointed
As is a continual trend with these DCEU films, I didn’t pay much notice to Wonder Woman when it released. I’ve never really gotten into the Wonder Woman comics, and after Suicide Squad I kept myself fairly removed from the DC films, despite hearing generally positive reviews about Patty Jenkin’s film. I was happy forContinue reading “Wonder Woman (2017), I’m not Angry I’m Just Disappointed”
Suicide Squad (2016), how can $175 million result in this?
Authors note: I’m talking about the extended edition of Suicide Squad in this review, I’m pretty sure scenes were only added and none were taken away but just a word of warning. Back in the day I couldn’t care less about Man of Steel when it came out (if you read my review you’ll knowContinue reading “Suicide Squad (2016), how can $175 million result in this?”
House of Hummingbird (2018): Confident, cohesive and coming-of-age at it’s best
For some strange reason, coming-of-age films tend to be some of the most universal films around and some of the easiest to sell internationally. Or maybe it isn’t that strange really now that I think of it, since coming-of-age can be something very unique and personal yet also universal at the same time. We allContinue reading “House of Hummingbird (2018): Confident, cohesive and coming-of-age at it’s best”
World Apartment Horror (1991), Otomo’s Hidden Gem
Following on from both the completion of the Akira manga, and his work on the anime adaptation of his own work, Katsuhiro Otomo got to work on his first foray into Live Action films with his adaptation of a story written by Satoshi Kon (yes, acclaimed director of Perfect Blue, Paprika and Tokyo Godfathers, SatoshiContinue reading “World Apartment Horror (1991), Otomo’s Hidden Gem”
Scarface (1983), Why Brian..? Just… Why..?
It’s so hard being a Brian de Palma fan sometimes. I know what kind of great work Brian can do. I’ve seen that he can do pulpy, politically motivated thrills with an experimental edge in Blow Out, I’ve seen him do tight psychodramas like Raising Cain, Sisters, and Obsession, and I’ve seen him make someContinue reading “Scarface (1983), Why Brian..? Just… Why..?”
The True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), Daddies, Westerns, and Colonialism
What a delight it is to see Justin Kurzel back at it again. After the misfire of Assassin’s Creed, this is his chance to make back his goodwill. When you’re a director you tend to get one absolutely apocalyptic mess of a movie before the public really starts to turn on you. What Kurzel benefitsContinue reading “The True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), Daddies, Westerns, and Colonialism”
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), an Entertaining, but Flawed Crossover Event
Following on from the disaster that was Man of Steel, I was expecting the worst going into the 3-hour extended cut of Snyder’s follow-up film: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (and yes I had to go for the extended version because I want the full experience of these films), but honestly, while it’s farContinue reading “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), an Entertaining, but Flawed Crossover Event”
23 Films To Watch After The Invisible Man
Leigh Whannel’s The Invisible Man has become one of the most celebrated horror films of recent years, (read our review here). Whannel seems to have defined his approach to technology, motivated camera movement, and experiential post-production experimentation that he broke out using with sci-fi action hit Upgrade. The Invisible Man though seems to be aContinue reading “23 Films To Watch After The Invisible Man”
Sherlock Holmes (2009), A Stylised Interpretation of a Classic
Guy Ritchie is an odd director, the man who made British crime classics like Snatch, also helmed the live-action remake of Aladdin. I remember seeing both of his Sherlock Holmes films back in cinema when they came out, and I remember being a fan of both at the time, so when I saw that bothContinue reading “Sherlock Holmes (2009), A Stylised Interpretation of a Classic”
The War of the Gargantuas (1966): Hell Hath No Fury Like a Frankenstein Monster
If there was ever a niche genre of film that I could simply watch whenever I want, without needing to be in a certain mood, it would have to be the iconic Japanese genre of daikaijū eiga.
In Conversation With Dan Martin
Saoirse interviews prolific British make-up effects artist Dan Martin. It was a delight He’s the one on the left in the header photo. No, the other one isn’t Saoirse, it’s Tom Hiddlestone.
ANDREI RUBLEV (1966) – TARKOVSKY’S EPIC ODE TO ART AND THE ARTIST
“An artist never works under ideal conditions. If they existed, his work wouldn’t exist, for the artist doesn’t live in a vacuum. Some sort of pressure must exist. The artist exists because the world is not perfect. Art would be useless if the world were perfect, as man wouldn’t look for harmony but would simplyContinue reading “ANDREI RUBLEV (1966) – TARKOVSKY’S EPIC ODE TO ART AND THE ARTIST”
Ivan’s Childhood (1962), the Early Formations of a Prosperous Career
Shot only two years after his diploma film, The Steamroller and the Violin, Tarkovsky embarked on his first feature film; Ivan’s Childhood. A frank and brutal depiction of the human cost of war, adapted from a short story by former soldier Vladimir Bogomolov, Tarkovsky highlights the terrors of war through a young orphan utilised onContinue reading “Ivan’s Childhood (1962), the Early Formations of a Prosperous Career”
Man of Steel (2013), An….interesting way to launch a franchise.
Kicking off the DC comics extended cinematic universe, Man of Steel was meant to be the answer to the ever-growing popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Produced by The Dark Knight director, Christopher Nolan, the film was eventually directed by Zack Snyder, known for his previous comic-book adaptations; Watchmen and 300. Despite a lacklustre criticalContinue reading “Man of Steel (2013), An….interesting way to launch a franchise.”
YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1985) – CIMINO’S SPRAWLING, UNEVEN, ILL-DISCIPLINED YET COMPELLING AND ENJOYABLE COP THRILLER
“Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.” That quote could apply to both Stanley White, the main character of Year of the Dragon played by Mickey Rourke, and its director Michael Cimino. I have a morbid fascination with Cimino. Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that soContinue reading “YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1985) – CIMINO’S SPRAWLING, UNEVEN, ILL-DISCIPLINED YET COMPELLING AND ENJOYABLE COP THRILLER”
Re-Animator (1985), Rest in Peace to a Cult Horror Legend
With the passing of cult horror legend Stuart Gordon, it felt only right to finally visit his feature film debut, the iconic: Re-Animator. This was a film I’d heard about for so long, the image of Jeffrey Combs’s Herbert West and his fluorescent serum has long since been immortalised in the pop-culture canon and thusContinue reading “Re-Animator (1985), Rest in Peace to a Cult Horror Legend”
Yojimbo (1961), Kurosawa Aiming Squarely for Thrills and Hitting the Mark
Akira Kurosawa is today, correctly remembered as an artist. His meditations on morality, mortality, and identity like Ikiru, Ran, and Kagemusha: Shadow Warrior are correctly hailed as visual feasts rich with themes and lessons that are timeless. It’s important to remember though that it was Rashomon that first broke Kurosawa internationally, although some of hisContinue reading “Yojimbo (1961), Kurosawa Aiming Squarely for Thrills and Hitting the Mark”
The Girl on the Third Floor – or, How Toxic Masculinity Haunts Capitalism
There seems to be an influx at the moment onto streaming services of really interesting genre inflected movies, that start out as one thing and go to very different places as they go on, and I seem to be reviewing them all. It started out with Netflix’s ‘Horse Girl’, continued with Shudder’s ‘Bliss’, and isContinue reading “The Girl on the Third Floor – or, How Toxic Masculinity Haunts Capitalism”
Point Break (1991), and the Subversion of Surfing.
Every now and then you have to ask yourself: “is this the hill I’m willing to die on?”. For me, whenever the topic of Kathryn Bigelow comes up, the hill I’m very happy to die on, is that she is one of the greatest action movie directors out there. Between this film, the underrated StrangeContinue reading “Point Break (1991), and the Subversion of Surfing.”
Misbehaviour (2020), a Toothless Retelling of a Historic Moment
I wanted to love this film. I really did. Ever since the first trailer dropped, I was intrigued; the clearly pro-woman/feminist narrative intrigued me, and the topic of the controversial 1970 Miss World contest seemed like a perfect moment in recent history to explore through a modern-day lens. But unfortunately when it came to it,Continue reading “Misbehaviour (2020), a Toothless Retelling of a Historic Moment”
The Invisible Man (2020), Re-Inventing a Cultural Icon
Adapting The Invisible Man was always going to be a difficult job, despite the success of the original 1933 film and H.G. Wells’s story: typically there’s less room in modern cinema for “Monster” films in the same way there was in Universal’s heyday. I know that this film started as a planned part of Universal’sContinue reading “The Invisible Man (2020), Re-Inventing a Cultural Icon”
American Pop (1981) – “One Family, Four Generations”
“Ralph Bakshi is an artist who I have grown to adore and respect when it comes to the medium of animation. His blend of stylish character designs, inventive use of both painted and live-action backgrounds, and a wicked sense of humor has made his films both definers of eras in which they are made and simultaneously timeless. Of all the films he has made, the one picture that sticks out in my mind the most has to be his 1981 effort, American Pop.”
Bliss – A Delirious & Original Vision
Abel Ferrara’s exploitation, arthouse, trash masterpiece, ‘The Diller Killer’, starts with the title card; “THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD”. The film goes on to match up to this promise, telling the story of a man driven insane by his artistic inertia and the punk-metal band playing in the flat beneath his until he startsContinue reading “Bliss – A Delirious & Original Vision”
George Miller: The Mad Max Films
Despite not exactly being a household name outside of most film circles and cinephiles and a relatively small body of work, the Australian film director George Miller has proven to be one of the most influential directors, not just in film but in culture in general. Let’s face it, the only reason post-apocalyptic costumes andContinue reading “George Miller: The Mad Max Films”
Little Joe – An Electrifying Sci-Fi Thriller
I knew from the opening moments that I loved ‘Little Joe’, that it had its hooks in me. We see these strange blue plants through this kaleidoscopically moving observation camera that calls to mind Gaspar Noe on Xanax. That kind of bold but restrained filmmaking will go on to define what works quite so exceptionallyContinue reading “Little Joe – An Electrifying Sci-Fi Thriller”
Horse Girl – Slightly Less Than The Fascinating Sum Of Its Parts
‘Horse Girl’ is such a strange beast, (ha). It begins as something quite straightforward, a story of a strange girl living a desperately normal life. Early montages show with beautiful observation the bland charm of a hundred midwestern small talks. Alison Brie co-writes and stars as Sarah, a salesman at a crafts store who hasContinue reading “Horse Girl – Slightly Less Than The Fascinating Sum Of Its Parts”
Memories of Murder (2003): Bong Joon-Ho’s Serial Killer Masterpiece
Roughly two years ago, I was doing a marathon of Spike Lee films in preparation for BlacKkKlansman, and one of the films of his I had available through my library was his remake of Oldboy. I fortunately decided to do the smart thing and watched Park Chan-wook’s original film from 2003, and it truly fuckedContinue reading “Memories of Murder (2003): Bong Joon-Ho’s Serial Killer Masterpiece”
Emma. (2020), Proof that Classic Novels are Timeless
Based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, this new adaptation of Emma manages to inject a breath of modernity into the story, while retaining the charms of Austen’s writing and her contemporary setting. Eleanor Catton’s script was a real surprise, simply because of how funny it was; throughout the film myself, along withContinue reading “Emma. (2020), Proof that Classic Novels are Timeless”
Ran (1985): “In A Mad World, Only The Mad Are Sane”
Akira Kurosawa is one of the most important filmmakers of the 20th century. Through his feudal films, we saw the works of Shakespeare reborn and new tales that have been told for decades. Through his modern-day exploits, we looked into the heart of humanity at the time, peering into the souls of many. In hisContinue reading “Ran (1985): “In A Mad World, Only The Mad Are Sane””
Color Out of Space (2019): A Slow But Effective Adaptation of Lovecraft
When you’re talking about the most influential writers in the horror genre, one of the first names to come up is most certainly H.P. Lovecraft. Alongside Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker he is without a doubt one of the most influential, and remains a popular author for fans of the genre. DespiteContinue reading “Color Out of Space (2019): A Slow But Effective Adaptation of Lovecraft”
Battle Royale (2000), Kinji Fukasaku’s Modern Day Dystopia
Despite working as a director for 40 years, Kinji Fukasaku only broke through to international recognition and acclaim thanks to his final film: Battle Royale. But despite this, he has a fervent cult following thanks to the extensive praise his films received in his homeland of Japan, which lead to films such as Battles withoutContinue reading “Battle Royale (2000), Kinji Fukasaku’s Modern Day Dystopia”
Parasite (2019), A History-Making Masterpiece
Bong Joon-Ho has been a powerful force in Korean cinema for some time now, with great reception domestically and internationally. Films like Memories of Murder & The Host received critical success both domestically and internationally, which laid the groundwork for his English-language features; Snowpiercer & Okja. But despite the constant buzz around Bong, I’ve neverContinue reading “Parasite (2019), A History-Making Masterpiece”
Oscars 2020 – Best Picture: Our Rundown
1917 – David Alkhed Since I’ve already reviewed this film just recently, I’m gonna try to not repeat myself too much here. But my thoughts on 1917 remains pretty much the same; an incredible technical achievement that is deserving of praise, but a surprisingly hollow film. It’s not like I think it’s a bad movie,Continue reading “Oscars 2020 – Best Picture: Our Rundown”
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): a Fantabulous Amount of Fun
I have this thing about franchise movies right. ‘Joker’ was meant to be the last one that I go see. I’m just, so, so tired. I’m tired of the reboots, I’m tired of the sequels, I’m tired of the remakes. Coming this fall: ‘Ghoulies: Bite Back’ – the dark gritty reboot of the b movieContinue reading “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): a Fantabulous Amount of Fun”
1917 (2019): A Highly Flawed Yet Ambitious War Epic
The idea of doing a film in all one shot is nothing new in 2020. Many films have been made to appear to look like one continuous shot, some famous examples include Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman and Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope, and then there are films that truly are filmed in one shot, such as AlexanderContinue reading “1917 (2019): A Highly Flawed Yet Ambitious War Epic”
Bombshell (2019): a Bomb of a Script and a Bomb at the Box Office
Content Warning: Discussions of Rape, Sexual assault & harrassment, and mentions of the #Metoo movement are present in this review. Authors Note: In an effort of full disclosure, I am a cis-man who has never had to experience the terrible things that the women depicted in this movie, and many women in real life asContinue reading “Bombshell (2019): a Bomb of a Script and a Bomb at the Box Office”
Terrence Malick’s Hidden Life (2019): A Review
Going into A Hidden Life, I’d only seen one other Terrence Malick film; Badlands. But surrounding the acclaimed director is a vast love and appreciation for his work, and many of his features have been on my watchlist for some time. So, upon seeing that his latest film was released in the UK I wentContinue reading “Terrence Malick’s Hidden Life (2019): A Review”
Little Women (2019): A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
So let’s get this right out of the way; I have never read Louisa May Alcott’s original novel nor have I seen any of the prior adaptations. I think perhaps if I had grown up in an English-speaking country it might have been a different story, but I don’t think Little Women is held inContinue reading “Little Women (2019): A Fresh Take on a Classic Story”
The Lighthouse (2019): It’s Bad Luck to Leave a Toast Unfinished, Lad.
As much as I love film, both its creation and consumption, I have never been able to go to the theater as often as I’d like to. Some of it is a matter of transportation, but much of it has been a disinterest in the contemporary. I never like to stay ignorant of modern film,Continue reading “The Lighthouse (2019): It’s Bad Luck to Leave a Toast Unfinished, Lad.”
What Did Jack Do? (2020): Zootopia Goes To Hell
So, you might well be wondering what the fuck just dropped to Netflix and who the fuck let these fuckers anywhere near the controls. Some of you may be picturing elaborate, ‘White House Down’ style scenarios where a mad band of meth fuelled third-year film students highjacked Netflix HQ in an attempt to send theirContinue reading “What Did Jack Do? (2020): Zootopia Goes To Hell”
Se7en (1995): A Descent Into the Inferno of Humanity
“Ernest Hemingway once wrote, ‘the world is a fine place and worth fighting for’. I agree with the second part”. Those are the final lines of dialogue uttered in David Fincher’s serial killer classic Se7en from 1995, spoken by Morgan Freeman’s character detective Somerset. Not only is the line incredibly profound, it speaks to theContinue reading “Se7en (1995): A Descent Into the Inferno of Humanity”
Staff Picks: David Lynch’s World of Dreams
David Lynch needs no introduction, but perhaps his filmography does. Each of our staff picks a film by the master of surrealist filmmaking, whose filmography never ceases to amaze. Eraserhead (1977), introduced by Saoirse Selway ‘Eraserhead’ is a really important movie to me. It’s so stupidly formative to me as a critic and filmmaker thatContinue reading “Staff Picks: David Lynch’s World of Dreams”
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