Category: Banner

SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!

SISU is a Finnish word that doesn’t have an exact translation. After watching writer/director Jalmari Helander’s film SISU, I can see why it’s difficult to pinpoint what the word actually means – grit, guts, courage, strength (and the like) – don’t sum it up. A great deal is to be said about determination and grit… Continue reading SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!

BEAU IS AFRAID is Actually The Cinematic Understatement of the Year.

Yes, Joaquin Phoenix’s protagonist, Beau, is afraid, but it is much worse than that. His condition is more like severe anxiety with paranoid delusions. These illnesses make Beau a very unreliable main character, as it is so difficult to tell the movie’s reality and what isn’t. It is probably safe to say that the entire… Continue reading BEAU IS AFRAID is Actually The Cinematic Understatement of the Year.

CHEVALIER: Racism Mutes A Gifted Musician in 18th Century France.

Most cinephiles have experienced biopics about classical music artists that attempt to add more drama to their lore, whether it is genuine or not. The story of talented composer/musician Joseph Bologne is unique in that not many people know his story, nor do they know the real struggles he faced in expressing his art and… Continue reading CHEVALIER: Racism Mutes A Gifted Musician in 18th Century France.

JUDY BLUME FOREVER

A few months ago, I was asked if I was a Judy Blume fan. Before that, a friend asked me if I had read the Judy Blume book, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” after viewing the film trailer. The book was released decades ago and is also the upcoming film’s title in late… Continue reading JUDY BLUME FOREVER

THE COVENANT Promises a Riveting and Harrowing Journey

This particular subject matter is an odd choice for director Guy Ritchie. This film comes across as an American movie, with much jingoism and purpose that would typically come from an American propaganda film. Still, the writers and director hope to tell a realistic story that appeals to its core audience’s hearts. That particular element… Continue reading THE COVENANT Promises a Riveting and Harrowing Journey

ONE OF THESE DAYS

Director-screenwriter Bastian Gunther’s feature film that formed part of the 2020 SXSW Film Festival (Narrative Spotlight) lineup, One of These Days, is the filmmaker’s story inspired by actual events in Texas. There used to be contests hosted by auto dealerships or others where contestants were to keep their hands on a truck for the most… Continue reading ONE OF THESE DAYS

BREAKOUT

Director Brandon Slagle (Battle for Saipan) co-wrote the Breakout screenplay with writers Robert Thompson and Devanny Pinn, an action/crime feature. When most people read the synopsis, they might think this is just another criminal who wants out of prison, and we have a predictable story. In this case, I can’t deny some scenes usually appear… Continue reading BREAKOUT

SHOWING UP

Art is a rather complex concept. Art can have no rhyme or reason but still reflect some genuine feelings, ideas, or observations by the artists. Art can also be simplistic, primary, and even silly. Writer/director Kelly Reichardt explores these ideas on a much simpler and more humble level with her new film Showing Up. With… Continue reading SHOWING UP

RENFIELD

As the title of this movie indicates, Renfield stands front and center in this new comedic action/horror feature. Most iterations of the Renfield character present him as a raving, mentally unstable, devoted servant of Dracula. While he isn’t precisely a babbling lunatic, he has his problems. There usually is a limited amount of depth to… Continue reading RENFIELD