film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
A laugh-until-you-cry dramedy burlesque, brilliantly structured and horrifically compelling, about the endless grift that passes for an economy in America. Hugh Jackman is at the peak of his powers.
Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, and Natalia Reyes star in Terminator: Dark Fate; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Pamela Pettler and Erica Rivinoja cowrite The Addams Family; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Karen Kramer directs documentary Renegade Dreamers; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, and McKaley Miller star in horror thriller Ma; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
A bargain-bin cockadoodie pseudo-Misery, a disgraceful waste of the brilliant Octavia Spencer. Has no interest in women’s pain and trauma even as it appropriates it for entertainment purposes.
The title is intentionally ironic, and yet still feels like a bad and desperately unfunny joke. The spectacular all-star cast holds their noses and gamely dives in anyway, for the sake of Judy Greer’s directorial debut.
I correctly guessed 15 out of the 24 categories, which is one of my better showings ever, I think.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri wins big…
The Shape of Water wins Best Film, and Best Director goes to Guillermo del Toro. Agnes Varda is Defying Age and Ageism, and Hollywood’s sexual tormentors are inducted in the AWFJ Hall of Shame.
