Fantastic Fest 2024 Review: ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY (2024)
A rousing film that defies expectations and formalism to create a tremendously impressive experience.
Review: POOR THINGS (2023)
Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film is truly a brilliant slice of cinema.
Review: THE TOXIC AVENGER (2023) [Fantastic Fest]
Righting wrongs while hideously deformed and hilariously demented.
Review: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (2023) [SXSW]
A fun adventure that, while flawed, delivers an excellent campaign.
Review: WRONG REASONS (2023)
A lopsided indie dramedy has a lot more heart and humanity than at first glance.
Review: THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022)
This Fantastic Fest 2022 highlight from Martin McDonagh is a moving tale of friendship and heartbreak.
Review: BARBARIAN (2022)
Writer/Director Zach Cregger’s comedy background fuels a terrific horror film full of delightful shocks.
Review: GLORIOUS (2022)
Inventive and entertaining cosmic horror that is sadly undercut by a bad structural choice.
Review: MARRY ME (2022)
While director Kat Coiro’s romcom sticks too closely to tropes with leads lacking romantic chemistry, some good still shines through.
Three From Fantasia 2021
Reviews of three Fantasia 2021 films: BEYOND THE INFINITE TWO MINUTES, OPÉRATION LUCHADOR, and TIONG BAHRU SOCIAL CLUB.
STRAWBERRY MANSION (2021) [Fantasia 2021]
STRAWBERRY MANSION seems like it should be nails-on-a-chalkboard levels of twee…but is a pleasant and inventive mix of analog f/x, distinct imagery, clever story, and genuine heart.
Review: WEREWOLVES WITHIN (2021)
Director Josh Ruben and Writer Mishna Wolff adapt the Ubisoft game into an uneven film where Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub lead an impressive ensemble dealing with a possible murderous werewolf.