cinema – Page 11

The Square – Film Review

April 1, 2018yggdrasille

This Swedish Palme d’Or-winning film is a sprawling satire of the contemporary art world and is a bit like a modern art installation itself: you’re not always sure about the artist’s intent, it may feel baffling, confronting or tedious, but at its best it can leave you with some indelible imagery and food for thought.

The Terminator & RoboCop – Film Review

March 23, 2018June 14, 2024yggdrasille

I went to the Astor Theatre for a double shot of 80s action classics. I haven’t watched The Terminator in forever and I’ve never seen RoboCop, and it’s to the latter’s credit that it kept me awake and engaged well past my normal bedtime. Also, I got to pet the Astor’s resident cat, a big fluffy sweetie, so that’s a nice bonus.

Phantom Thread – Film Review

February 9, 2018July 20, 2023yggdrasille

A sumptuous, beautifully crafted and in the end rather perverse film about a fascinating relationship with the shades of Hitchcock’s Rebecca, Phantom Thread is also a grand (and supposedly final) showcase for Daniel Day-Lewis’ monumental acting talent. Hopefully he’s just taking a break, with more farewell tours to follow.

I, Tonya – Film Review

February 2, 2018yggdrasille

I very much enjoyed this highly entertaining biographical drama about the controversial ice skater Tonya Harding, which plays as part savage black comedy, part tragedy, and part Mommie Dearest.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Film Review

January 26, 2018yggdrasille

A terrible unwieldy title can sometimes seriously put you off watching a film, but I’m glad that the positive word of mouth and critical acclaim got me into the cinema after all. This sharp, funny, brutal drama from Martin McDonagh is probably the best worst-named movie I’ve seen.

Call Me By Your Name – Film Review

January 9, 2018yggdrasille

First great film I’ve seen in 2018, Call Me By Your Name is a moving coming-of-age tale, a beautiful romance and a love letter to the warm, sensuous, sun-kissed charms of Northern Italy. I’m sure I say this every time, but my heart skips a beat whenever I see lush summery European landscape onscreen, and in Luca Guadagnino’s film it’s a perfect backdrop for the gently unfolding, finely observed, slow-burn story of a vibrant, life-changing first love that cannot last.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Film Review

December 23, 2017December 23, 2017yggdrasille

“This isn’t going to go the way you think.” This line from Luke Skywalker is a pretty good summary of the film (sadly I have no will and read most of the spoilers beforehand). If The Force Awakens was like a bowl of comforting warm porridge sprinkled with cinnamon and nostalgia, The Last Jedi is proving to be more of a divisive dish. Since I’m on a silly food metaphor track, for me it was a bit like a bowl of salad; some ingredients are tastier than others and occasionally you bite on a piece of raw onion (I can’t stand onion), but it’s overall delicious and there’s an excellent dressing binding it all.

Only Lovers Left Alive – Film Review

December 21, 2017yggdrasille

I remembered I wanted to watch this movie thanks to the Maven of the Eventide (or rather, ze Maven of ze Eventide), who hosts Vampire Reviews YouTube series and gave this particular vampire flick high marks. Also, as I rather enjoyed Paterson, the only Jim Jarmusch movie I’ve previously seen, I was interested to watch more of his stuff. His films are often described as an acquired taste, but based on the two I’ve seen so far, he seems to be my cuppa.