Nomadland (2020): A Visually Beautiful Rehashing of a Very Familiar Narrative
Upon the first viewing, it is easy to see why Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland has garnered accolades and award season buzz. The film checks nearly every box. And, although I enjoyed my viewing of the film, it did not have the profound effect on me that I have come to expect from these kinds of movies. But, that’s not to say that it isn’t a good film. … Continue reading Nomadland (2020): A Visually Beautiful Rehashing of a Very Familiar Narrative
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Honestly, if you want to watch a film that will make you laugh and is just plain silly and ridiculous, then see this film. Written by and starring both Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is simply a film about two friends from Nebraska who go to Vista Del Mar, Florida for a vacation after losing their jobs. They … Continue reading Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
A Love Letter to Scooby-Doo (2002)
It’s about time that this film, the live action Scooby-Doo got the recognition that it deserves. From start to finish, this film is perfection. Let’s begin with the casting, shall we? There is not a more perfectly casted film ever in the history of cinema. Not only did they nail it with the looks of each character, but each actor really sold their performance. They were believable … Continue reading A Love Letter to Scooby-Doo (2002)
One Night in Miami (2020)
Regina King came out guns blazing with her directorial debut, One Night in Miami, based on the play by the same name. Written by Kemp Powers (who also wrote the stage play), One Night in Miami follows a fictitious meeting between Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Muhammed Ali (Eli Goree), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) on the night of February 25, 1964, … Continue reading One Night in Miami (2020)
33. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
A criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rebels against the oppressive nurse and rallies up the scared patients. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is considered, by many, to be one of the greatest films ever made. Directed by Milos Forman, the film stars Jack Nicholson as R.P. McMurphy, Louise Fletcher as the infamous Nurse Ratched, and Will Sampson … Continue reading 33. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Notoriously Bad Films: Mommie Dearest (1981)
Where, oh, where do I begin? Mommie Dearest is a biographical drama based on the memoir of the same name written by Christina Crawford about her mother, the famed screen legend, Joan Crawford, and the troubling relationship that the mother and daughter pair had. The film was directed by Frank Perry, a man who definitely did not have enough experience with actors to helm this … Continue reading Notoriously Bad Films: Mommie Dearest (1981)
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Exiled into the dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother, a princess is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make her part of their household. If you know anything about me, you know that Disney films are ingrained on my heart and have been since I was a small child, which you can thank my father for. But, I’ve never particularly had a love for this … Continue reading 34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
35. Annie Hall (1977)
Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditzy Annie Hall. Annie Hall is one of those films that always has me torn. On one hand, the film stars Woody Allen, who also wrote and directed the film, and we all know how I feel about him. On the other hand, it’s a film that I loved the first time I saw … Continue reading 35. Annie Hall (1977)
His House (2020): Horror Through Trauma
Written and directed by Remi Weekes, in his directorial debut, His House is a harrowing horror film about a refugee couple who have escaped South Sudan and are trying to assimilate into the UK in order to, hopefully, gain citizenship and create a better life for themselves. All the while, they are being haunted by their past and by the fear of losing their culture and … Continue reading His House (2020): Horror Through Trauma
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
British POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors, not knowing that the allied forces are planning to destroy it. You know, I think the one thing that this film made me realize, more than anything, is that I have no grasp on how plastic explosives work. Directed by David Lean and written by Carl Foreman and … Continue reading 36. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
