drama

Film Fest 919: VOX LUX: Disturbing, Dazzling Tale Of A Pop Star’s Rise

Vox Lux is a weighty experience guaranteed to take a toll on viewers, both from its philosophical musings and its uncompromising look at 21st century violence.

SHAMELESS “Down Like The Titanic” (S9E7): Welcome Home Fiona
SHAMELESS “Down Like The Titanic” (S9E7): Welcome Home Fiona

With the continuation of last week’s vibe, episode 7, “Down Like The Titanic” distributes another Shameless highlight of season 9.

MARIO: A Powerful Kick to the Heart
MARIO: A Powerful Kick To The Heart

Mario tackles the stigma of being a gay man in professional soccer with remarkable realism and heart, with what could have been excessively melodramatic or exploitative.

NIGERIAN PRINCE: A Somewhat Standard Thriller Lifted By Its Novel Setting
NIGERIAN PRINCE: A Somewhat Standard Thriller Lifted By Its Novel Setting

What makes Nigerian Prince stand apart from the cavalcade of other crime thrillers cribbed straight out of the Guy Ritchie handbook is its Nigerian setting.

WHAT THEY HAD: A Resounding Family Drama
WHAT THEY HAD: A Resounding Family Drama

What They Had is an honest snapshot of a family during crisis, in all its inevitably chaotic shades – it’s exactly what you’d hope a movie about Alzheimer’s would be.

TWO FOR JOY: A Mesmerising and Devastating Depiction of Grief
TWO FOR JOY: A Mesmerising & Devastating Depiction Of Grief

Two for Joy is desperate and demanding, but it offers something which is rarely allowed in films which depict poverty. – it offers hope.

Film Fest 919: BOY ERASED: Conventional Awards Fare Has Moments Of Sensitivity
Film Fest 919: BOY ERASED: Conventional Awards Fare Has Moments Of Sensitivity

Boy Erased is a sturdy drama with some touching moments and strong performances, enhanced by much-needed glimpses of dramatic sensitivity within the confines of a tough story.

Film Fest 919 Part 3: WILDLIFE, NON-FICTION & THE SISTERS BROTHERS
Film Fest 919 Report 3: WILDLIFE, NON-FICTION & THE SISTERS BROTHERS

In his final Film Fest 919 recap, Josh Martin delves into Jake Gyllenhaal’s latest, a challenging take on the Western and the most delightful film of the festival.

Chicago International Film Festival 2018 Report
Chicago International Film Festival 2018 Report

Our report from Chicago International Film Festival, with reviews of, among others, Friedkin Uncut, In the Aisles, and Father the Flame.

“I wrote it really, for my family.” Interview With Elizabeth Chomko Writer/Director of WHAT THEY HAD
“I Wrote It Really, For My Family.” Interview With Elizabeth Chomko, Writer/Director Of WHAT THEY HAD

We spoke with the director of What They Had, Elizabeth Chomko, and the personal nature of her film, and filmmakers who inspire her.

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN: A Worthy Swan Song For Robert Redford
THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN: A Worthy Swan Song For Robert Redford

The Old Man and the Gun is a love letter to many things: the 1970s/early ’80s, the aging outlaw trope so often seen in Westerns, and to film itself.

THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: Maggie Gyllenhaal Towers Over Tough, Uncomfortable Drama
THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: Maggie Gyllenhaal Towers Over Tough, Uncomfortable Drama

The Kindergarten Teacher is expertly magnetic as a vessel for a cringe-worthy effect of its own making, and with a strong central performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal as well.

Film Fest 919 Part 2: THE OLD MAN & THE GUN, THEY'LL LOVE ME WHEN I'M DEAD & WHAT THEY HAD
Film Fest 919 Part 2: THE OLD MAN & THE GUN, THEY’LL LOVE ME WHEN I’M DEAD & WHAT THEY HAD

For this latest report from Film Fest 919, we into Robert Redford’s final film, the documentary about Orson Welles, and a Hillary Swank-starring drama.

RODIN: Another Genius Antihero Biopic Lacking the Imagination Of Its Subject

Rodin portrays its titular character as a fiery genius who is much better interacting with lumps of clay than he is with human beings. For an artist biopic, this is both predictable and exhausting.

THE FRONT RUNNER: Scandal on the Road to the White House
THE FRONT RUNNER: Scandal On The Road To The White House

When the USA is safely within the next Democratic term of office, expect The Front Runner to be looked back upon more fondly; it’s mightily enjoyable political entertainment.