weekend watchlist: a prophetic dystopia (that is also rather comforting)
Plus iconic performances from Jessica Chastain and Bruce Willis. (First published April 15th, 2022, on Substack and Patreon.)
Brendan Gleeson
Paddington 2 movie review: wrap yourself up in this bear hug
There is such kindness here, such humanity, such warmth and optimism. This is a fantasy of unique scope and astonishing emotional depth beneath the silliness.
Live by Night movie review: criminal tedium
Commits the cardinal sin of cinema: it’s boring. Feels like two hours of highlights from a 20-episode miniseries that only hint at a rich story tapestry.
In the Heart of the Sea movie review: here be monsters (and whales)
Solid, old-school man-versus-nature adventure melodrama, with a simmering green awareness; rollicking, smart, breathtaking, and sobering.
Suffragette movie review: then they fight you (LFF 2015)
The first feature film ever about the women who fought for their right to vote is glorious. It is angry and passionate and defiant. It is essential.
Calvary movie rating: red light
The kooky residents of a small Irish village go in search of a black comedy, but get stuck in a dramatic thriller that goes nowhere.
Edge of Tomorrow movie review: all his yesterdays
A witty, clever, character-driven bit of science fiction wonderfulness, full of suspense, surprise, tension, and an unexpected poignancy.
Calvary trailer: thou shalt not kill (except with comedy)
Or maybe with wry black dramedy.
The Smurfs 2 review: a smurfeit of Smurfs
I am haunted by the crazed desperation in Jayma Mays’s eyes. She may have been blinking out a Morse-code SOS, but I can’t be sure…
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!/Band of Misfits (review)
Implies that science! and scientists! could be fun! and adventurous! Oh noes, the kiddies! Brainwashed into thinking science is awesome! Who shall protect them from such horrors?
