Chris says: “Not as sharp a political allegory as LEVIATHAN, nor does it possess that film’s necessary gallows humor (which might’ve been out of place here, anyway.) However, Andrey Zvyagintsev (whose greatest film remains his first, THE RETURN remains a
Chris says: “Excessively funny and appropriately dark, from the ‘musical emergency’ opening to the slapstick moving-of-the-body to a deliriously profane argument playing out in front of a small child. I may need a second viewing to determine whether this is
Chris says: “Never a movie star but definitely a character, Scotty Bowers’ life was inadvertently custom-built for a documentary. He ran a brothel inside a Hollywood Blvd. gas station in the years following World WarII, one that infamously catered to
Chris says: “Although far less prolific, I’d like to think of Debra Granik as the American Mike Leigh for her depiction (consideration, even) of the working-class without condescending to them. Not as seminal or all-out engrossing as WINTER’SBONE, but teenager
Michael says: “THE DAY AFTER is a Koren film from prolific director Hong Sang-Soo. This film that starts with our lead, Bongwan (Kwon Hae-hyo),a respected literary critic who runs his own publishing house, being accused by his wife (Cho Yun-hee)
Chris says: “Pretty consistent for what amounts to six separate stories only related by genre (in this case, the Western); also solid for a Coen Brothers film, given how scattershot the last one was. Not as fully realized as NO
Brett says: “Jaw-dropping cinematography perfectly fits a form-follows-function approach in which the audience eavesdrops and hovers around the tale, which is a sort of ominous love letter or thank-you note to the voiceless. Clearly a personal film for director Alfonso
Julie says: “This was pretty interesting. The woman running the show Suzanne Mitchell reminds me of my Mom’s best friend back in Texas re some of her mannerisms in her old age. She’s a character for sure. They go back
Chris says: “Expanding his palette beyond the more contained worlds of 45 YEARS and WEEKEND, English director Andrew Haigh adapts a Willy Vlautin novel for his first American feature. The protagonist, transient 16-year-old Charlie (Charlie Plummer) unexpectedly finds solace when he
At Eternity’s Gate (Switzerland/UK/France/USA; 110min.) directed by:Julian Schnabelcast: WillemDafoe; Rupert Friend; Oscar Isaac; Mads Mikkelsen; Mathieu Amalric;Emmanuelle Seignier Chrissays: “In theory, Willem Dafoe seems a misguided choice to play VanGogh, given the age difference, lack of resemblance, etc. Happily, hemakes
Chris says: “The title refers to a highly-touted conceptual piece on display at a Stockholm Art Museum, but as we know, a square is not always just an object. Could it actually refer to a person, like curator Christian (Claes
Thom says: “This little seen independent feature is short, sweet, with a shocking ending that can do nothing but please. Of special note here is that this indie stars five must-see actors: Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Emily Mortimer, Kristin Scott
Chris says: “The Zellner Brothers’ previous film, KUMIKO, THE TREASURE HUNTER, may end up on my top ten list for the decade, so this is a slight comedown. The less one knows going into it, the better, so I’ll just
Brett says: “Featuring a somewhat melodramatic style, this film from Germany showcases a touching story of art as it progresses through the decades of developing fascism before and during World War II all the way through east German socialism. As
Thom says: “Here’s a strange film to review as I have no idea how anyone would react to the film. A friend in Boston didn’t like it at all. My dentist liked it, his wife no, & a dear friend
Brett says: “The films that stand the test of time are the ones we take home with us long after we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing them. A GHOST STORY is a visual narrative that explores the very concept of
Michael says: “Sure it’s got some flaws, but this darkly hilarious romp from TIMEFRAMES director Nacho Vigalondo and star Anne Hathaway was a rollicking good time. After an intriguing prologue featuring a young Korean girl, her mother, and a giant, Godzilla-like kaiju,
Michael says: “Tonight’s fascinating film is called BOKEH, an Icelandic indie that takes gorgeous advantage of that island-countries primordial, pastoral landscapes and otherworldly qualities. A young couple, Riley and Jenai, who are on holiday from the States are enjoying a fun
Jason says: “Michael Moore is likely the world’s best-known documentary filmmaker, and that is an obvious double-edged sword; while his first new film in years will certainly bring in one group of fans, the very fact that it’s from him
Jason says: “It’s odd but fortunate that THE WAVE is getting an American theatrical release; it’s the sort of international genre film that tends to go straight to video-on-demand and maybe doesn’t even get a Region A Blu-ray. It’s understandable,