Review

’71 Review

There are many different types of war movies. They run the gamut from traditional (Saving Private Ryan, which defined the modern template), larger-than-life biopics (Patton), exploitation takes (Inglourious Basterds) and deadly serious ones (Schindler’s List). And as we’ve moved further away from the most filmed conflicts (WW2 and Vietnam), there’s been a slew of war-on-terror films ushering in a new era of kinetic and brutal war pics (like Black Hawk Down, The Hurt Locker and Lone Survivor). (more…)

What We Do in the Shadows Review

The vampire genre has become a significant cross to bear. Tainted in recent years by the likes of the widely reviled Twilight saga, the requisite Friedberg/Seltzer parodies (like Vampires Suck), and general overexposure on TV and film (Vampire Diaries, True Blood, etc.), it’s become a crowded field that’s difficult to pump fresh blood into. Mockumentaries seem nearly as omnipresent and disposable, making What We Do in the Shadows (which melds the two genres) an unlikely success. (more…)

Chappie Review

An unholy love child of Robocop, Short Circuit and Cuba Gooding Jr.’s unintentional cringe-masterpiece Radio, the sci-fi comedy Chappie cribs from multiple sources but lacks heart, humour, satirical bite, or any discernible human emotions whatsoever. It’s a weird, uncomfortable genre mashup that feels disjointed and awkward throughout, which is exacerbated by the stunt casting of Die Antwoord rappers Ninja and Yo-landa Yisser as criminal versions of themselves. (more…)

The Overnighters Review

The bootstrapping American Dream of Horatio Alger’s myths seem further away than ever. An eroding middle class, widespread globalization, ongoing conflicts, and the new normal of near-constant economic turmoil have made it abundantly clear that true “rags to riches” stories are few and far between. Yet there’s still opportunities to be had if you look hard enough, and one such boomtown is Williston, North Dakota. (more…)

St. Vincent Review

St. Vincent (2014)

Dir: Theodore Melfi

Bill Murray’s place as an American Treasure is undeniable at this point. That status is bolstered not only by a legendary television and film career (which began with SNL and hit 80’s comedies followed by a transition into more dramatic work), but also by his mysterious and cantankerous persona (he’s only reachable by a 1-800 number, he’ll crash random parties, he’ll even approach random strangers on the street and state “No one will ever believe you”). With Murray, you’re never sure what you’re going to get, but at least it’ll be interesting. (more…)

Dumb and Dumber To Review

Dumb and Dumber To (2014)

Dirs: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

Remember those halcyon days before 2008’s Indiana-Jones-Movie-Which-Shall-Not-Be-Named when we all thought another adventure with the world’s best archaeologist would be a rollicking good time? Or how excited every card-carrying fanboy was to see Darth Vader’s origin story prior to 1999’s The Phantom Menace? (more…)

Wetlands Review

Wetlands (2014)

Dir: David Wnendt

For those who used to (or still do) endlessly pick at scabs and are fascinating by their own body’s weirdness, Wetlands is a perverse romantic comedy. For germaphobes and others who fear the squickiness of bodily functions and for those who carefully lay paper down on a public toilet seat, hover, or opt to wait until home, Wetlands is a horror film of the highest degree.  (more…)