drama

DOWNSIZING: Grand Potential Is Lost Through Miniaturized Scope
DOWNSIZING: Grand Potential Is Lost Through Miniaturized Scope

Despite some wonderfully imaginative special effects, Downsizing falls short due to its unfocused nature, an underdeveloped love story, and some feeble attempts at social satire.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: An Enjoyable Musical Fantasy

In finding the perfect lead in Jackman as Barnum, providing moving and invigorating musical numbers executed by a stellar secondary cast, impressive visuals, and covering timely topics, The Greatest Showman overcomes its narrative shortcomings.

The Beginner's Guide: Alexander Payne, Director
The Beginner’s Guide: Alexander Payne, Director

Alexander Payne’s films are diverse yet also share similar directorial trademarks, including the focus on middle-aged, neurotic protagonists, loss of a loved one, existential crises, and more; here is a rundown of his more than two decades in the industry.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS: Losing Steam To The Big Screen
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS: Losing Steam To The Big Screen

Though containing some elegant set design and impressive cinematography, Murder on the Orient Express can’t quite intrigue you to the potential that it could’ve, due to underdeveloped characters and an anticlimactic final reveal.

NOCTURAMA: We Are Our Own Worst Enemies
NOCTURAMA: We Are Our Own Worst Enemies

From France, Nocturama is an unusual film about disillusioned teenagers that commit an act of terrorism; unsurprisingly, it provides no easy answers.

IN THE FADE: Diane Kruger’s Descent Into Darkness
IN THE FADE: Diane Kruger’s Descent Into Darkness

Diane Kruger carries In the Fade on her leather-clad shoulders and ensures that you’ll walk away from the film feeling absolutely rattled.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS: Tim Burton's Timeless Masterpiece
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS: Tim Burton’s Timeless Masterpiece

Edward Scissorhands is one of those rare films where everything, every single aspect came together perfectly to create “movie magic”.

DARKEST HOUR: The Capolavoro Of Gary Oldman’s Nonpareil Career

With impeccable direction, engaging dialogue, consummate costume and makeup, and one of the best performances ever to grace the silver screen by Oldman, Darkest Hour is an overwhelming achievement.

THE SHAPE OF WATER: A Wondrous Fantasy Romance That Falls Short Of Greatness
THE SHAPE OF WATER: Del Toro’s Wondrous Fantasy Romance Falls Short Of Greatness

The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro’s 10th feature, is loaded with qualities to praise, including beautifully-lit cinematography, a haunting score, and exceptional performances, but as a whole it’s not quite as impactful as it could’ve been.

THE BREADWINNER: Beautiful, Inspiring, Important
THE BREADWINNER: Beautiful, Inspiring, Important

The Breadwinner’s captivating aesthetic, heroic protagonist, moments of levity and weighty themes aid in drawing in youngsters and teaching them about the hardships faced by their peers on the other side of the world.

Interview With Sean Meehan, Director Of LOST FACE
Interview With Sean Meehan, Director Of LOST FACE

We spoke with Sean Meehan, director of short film Lost Face, based on a Jack London short story, set in frozen mid-1800’s Russian-America.

GOLD STAR: First-Time Filmmaker Victoria Negri Is A Subtle Shine

Gold Star is a refreshingly intimate first-time film from director Victoria Negri, with a beautiful story about losing a loved one.

ENTANGLEMENT: A Wholly Original, Expectation-Subverting Gem
ENTANGLEMENT: A Wholly Original, Expectation-Subverting Gem

With a story full of surprising twists and turns, a canvas of dazzling onscreen visuals, and a career-best performance from Middleditch, Entanglement succeeds on several tiers.

YOUTH: A Lavish Production, Mired in Spielbergian Schmaltz
YOUTH: A Lavish Production, Mired In Spielbergian Schmaltz

While produced with sumptuous care, Youth’s Spielbergian desire to over-sentimentalise every scene makes it more frustrating than affecting.

A CHRISTMAS TALE: Familial Dysfunction Just In Time For The Holidays
A CHRISTMAS TALE: Familial Dysfunction Just In Time For The Holidays

From 2008, French film A Christmas Tale offers a different type of holiday film – one that is melancholy, depressing, and yet also intriguing.