Tag Archives: REVIEW
FILM REVIEW: ‘Shazam!’ is a Standalone Family Comedy Superhero Film. And That’s Weirdly Refreshing.
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
As we see comic book blockbuster tentpoles break records, it’s easy to forget that Hollywood was afraid of superheroes for long time. We would get one occasionally, and they were often great (Donner’s ‘Superman’ films, Burton’s ‘Batmans’) which made it
FILM REVIEW: Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ is Almost a Masterpiece
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
This review is broken into non-spoiler and spoiler portions. Jordan Peele’s second film after the critical and box-office success of ‘Get Out’ is a fiendish screamer with a fair amount of imperfection. It is a total blast and seeing it with a
FILM REVIEW: ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is a Cyberpunk Techno-Marvel with Real Heart
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
‘Alita: Battle Angel’ does something remarkable. It is an eye-popping showcase for cutting-edge special effects without falling into the trap of dodgy writing and sub-par acting. Its biggest success however is finally showing the powerful potential of Anime and Manga being
REVIEW: ‘Bumblebee’ is a Nostalgia-Fueled Delight
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
‘Bumblebee’ has succeeded in delivering such a well-realized and satisfying Transformers film that it’s mind-boggling it took six movies to get here. This is not only the best film in the franchise, it’s one of the most joyous film experiences
REVIEW: ‘The Sisters Brothers’ is a Western Unlike Any You Have Ever Seen
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
The first English-language film from French director Jacques Audiard, ‘The Sisters Brothers’ is a unique deconstructionist western that satisfyingly defies category. While its varying tone may be jarring to some viewers, the compelling story, fleshed-out characters and attention to detail
REVIEW: ‘White Boy Rick’ is Stirring and Heartfelt but lacks Authenticity and edge
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
‘White Boy Rick’ is a coming of age story that aims high but falls short of a being full-fledged gangster epic. It is ultimately unsatisfying but for everything it lacks in cohesive morality, it mostly makes up for in the
REVIEW: ‘Mission Impossible: Fallout’ is a Breathtaking Monument to Practical Stunts
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
‘Mission Impossible: Fallout’ marks a departure for the franchise. Previous to this installment, every ‘Mission’ has had a different director and feel. The films often felt like they were not in the same genre. From De Palma’s 70s conspiracy-thriller meets 90s blockbuster,
REVIEW: ‘Eighth Grade’ is Anxiety-Ridden, Hilarious and True
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
A24 and writer-director Bo Burnham’s ‘Eighth Grade’ throws aside the expected tropes of most indie coming-of-age films and manages to not only be one of the most honest portrayals of youth, but it may be the first true film of
REVIEW: ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ is Violent, Problematic and one of the Most Satisfying Sequels in Years
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
Despite a deeply morose tone and overly simplistic worldview that is likely to offend many, ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ is an expertly realized thriller that largely echoes the quality of the first film and is more satisfying in many ways. ‘Soldado’ is
REVIEW: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ is a Toothless Mess
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
*Contains spoilers ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ starts with a ton of potential and nosedives into one of the most bafflingly terrible films I have seen in quite a while. The movie begins with a mercenary team venturing to the island from the
Review: ‘It’ (2017) – Even the Losers Get Lucky Sometimes
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
The newest adaptation of Stephen King’s seminal 1986 novel ‘It’ is a remarkable achievement. This film never forgets what makes this story special: the loveable losers at its center. It is joyful and laugh-out-loud funny and never becomes too dour. Set
‘Dunkirk’ is the most Viscerally Harrowing Thrill Ride of the Summer
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
Christopher Nolan seems like a serious fellow. As an interview subject his words are measured and spoken quietly. He creates powerful images and sweeping stories. For all their occasional dreary over-seriousness, Nolan’s films demand attention. They have become a sort
Review: War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ is a striking, immaculately-realized and challenging film, a stunning technical achievement that took my breath away more than once, and a moderately disappointing ending to this remarkable trilogy. Rupert Wyatt’s 2011 ‘Rise of the
Review: The Exhausting, Weaponized Stupidity of ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ (2017)
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
Two hours into a ‘Transformers’ movie, something happens to me. It’s like this every time. Sometime after the fifth giant action sequence and before Optimus Prime makes his speech to the Autobots I start to question everything. Is it hot
Review: The Wall (2017)
Posted by Joshua T. Ruth
One of the most interesting films of the year is an Iraq war movie starring John Cena. I know… I’m as surprised as you are.
Monsters: Dark Continent Review
Posted by Victor Moreno
Monsters: Dark Continent Release Date: May 15, 2015 (US) Starring: Johnny Harris, Sam Keeley, Joe Dempsie Director: Tom Green Studio: RADiUS-TWC In 2010, director Gareth Edwards directed the indie sleeper hit “Monsters” where a couple played by newcomers Scoot McNairy
“It Follows” Review
Posted by Kirby Nelson
It Follows Released: March 13, 2015 (US) Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Lili Sepe, Olivia Luccardi Director: David Robert Mitchell Studio: RADiUS-TWC It not only follows; it rules. Simultaneously reminiscent of forgotten 80 VHS horror gem
