Okay, full disclosure; I had very low expectations of this sequel to the much loved Russell Crowe sword and sandals epic that came out almost a quarter of a century ago.
Continue readingGladiator II (2024)
StandardTag Archives: USA
Paris, Texas (1984)
Standard
I am grieving a little bit for my 24-year-old self. Paris, Texas was the movie for me in the 80s. I was living in London with a lot of time on my hands and not that big a social circle. I discovered arthouse cinemas in Soho and Brixton and would go on my own to see these weird and wonderful films.
Continue readingThe Apprentice (2024)
Standard
I think it says a lot that a film like this can be made about someone who is now the sitting president of the United States of America.
Continue readingHeretic (2024)
Standard
What is it with horror movies in 2024? It feels like a golden age of clever, intellectual, and suspenseful horrors that trade on our understanding of the genre without ever feeling like they are relying on cheap thrills.
Continue readingMinari (미나리)(2020)
Standard
Director Lee Isaac Chung, sat down to write a final screenplay before taking on a ‘real job ‘for the sake of his family. Taking inspiration from Willa Cather, he closed his eyes and wrote down memories of his childhood.
Continue readingLonglegs (2024)
Standard
The hook for this quirky horror is definitely Nicolas Cage and the almost comical character he plays. It’s something that is variously hidden and revealed in promotion for the film and it was one of the things that made me go to see it at a cinema.
Continue readingLee (2023)
Standard
Do I have any right to be disappointed that the story of Lee Miller is book ended by her role and failures as a mother?
Continue readingPoor Things (2023)
Standard
Such a relief! I thought this latest English language feature by Yorgos Lanthimos might have his incisive gaze diminished by Hollywood capitalism but it is on par with some of his early gems, albeit with a more inspiring, less bleak ending.
Continue readingDream Scenario (2023)
Standard
Kristoffer Borgli (sick of myself 2022) takes a delightful premise and then drains it of joy and drama.
Continue readingArcadian (2024)
Standard
Okay full disclosure, I have a bias towards Nicolas Cage films. He won me over with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and now I get as much enjoyment out of his films that are badly scripted and acted as I do from the good ones.
Continue reading
fillums 