film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Grim, mysterious, and unsettling, never more so than when it is quiet and still. But a brutality lurks below its calm, slick surface. Oscar Isaac’s performance is a work of astonishing minimalism.
And the winners are…
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel cowrites Like a Boss, starring Rose Byrne and Tiffany Haddish; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
This instantly forgettable fluff lazily relies on too many unfunny slapstick and grossout tangents. But real humor blossoms in the terrific performances and in a fast, funny, and surprising feminism.
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel cowrites Like a Boss, starring Rose Byrne and Tiffany Haddish; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Lulu Wang writes and directs dramedy The Farewell, starring Awkwafina; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Andrea Berloff writes and directs The Kitchen, starring Elisabeth Moss, Melissa McCarthy, and Tiffany Haddish; more… [This post is for Patreon patrons only for the first month.]
Our expectations are a lot higher now after the unexpectedly wildly inventive first movie… and this sequel delivers, digging with witty subversion into Hollywood’s glorification of its male heroes.
Claire Foy and Tiffany Haddish headline big new wide releases; Erika Cohn directs documentary The Judge, about a female pioneer of jurisprudence in the Middle East; more…
Suzi Yoonessi directs dramedy Unlovable; Nosipho Dumisa directs thriller Number 37; more…
