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Reviews
Threebound (2019)
Smart, witty and fresh
I was sold on this movie from it's original premise, and fortunately for me it delivers. It fulfills it's potential with lots of fun and witty moments, but also a lot of rawness, honesty and insights. The acting is very strong, and the dialogue is so natural and interesting, that I was always engaged with the characters. They are flawed but believable, likeable and relatable. This film will make you feel a lot of emotions and connect with you on multiple levels.
The Process (2020)
Authentic and insightful
A raw, honest look at the rap game, which doesn't glamorize it but feels genuine and gets intimate with it's characters, making you care about them. The characters are relatable and deal with real problems while navigating growing up, relationships, and career aspirations. Btw, the soundtrack is excellent!
Greatland (2020)
Original, trippy, entertaining, relevant
Not your average teen dystopian drama, this one conveys a world that feels original and extreme, yet relevant. The usual dystopian tropes are here-authoritarianism, heavy-handed control and surveillance, censorship, class divide, forbidden love-but they are captured in unique and sometimes wacky ways, which make this film fresh. And yet the film seems a very fitting commentary on today's society and the direction we are going. The film is a visual feast and an entertaining adventure story that will keep you engaged.
Older (2020)
Smart, relatable, emotional
I really connected with this film as the protagonist's situation was very relatable, which made his journey resonate deeply and provoke thought. What added to the film's effectiveness was it's strong acting and directing, which put this film on par with Hollywood's best dramas. I was fully invested in the story, and I think it will resonate with you too.
The Stalker (2020)
Tense, clever, well-produced thriller
This thriller effectively had me on the edge of my seat, trying to unravel the mystery along with it's protagonists. The smart direction and powerful soundtrack make for a tension-filled ride, with some great twists and scares and a satisfying climax that make this film stack up with Hollywood's best thrillers.
Nicole (2019)
Fun, clever, witty
Nicole is a smart, slow-burn thriller with relatable moments and insightful social commentary. But it's also plenty of fun, witty, and full of surprises, making for an entertaining film. The b&w cinematography with moments of color is quite effective to the story. Worth checking out.
Banging Lanie (2020)
Smart, enjoyable teen rom com
I was pleasantly impressed with this indie flick, which fulfills the tropes you want to see in a high school rom com, and then goes beyond. The depth of the film sets it apart, exploring challenging territory in a mature manner while still keeping things light. The film is a lot of fun, and the characters enjoyable and relatable. Strong praise for Allison Powell who shines as the star, the writer and the director.
The Playground (2017)
Thought-provoking morality plays
I found this indie thriller pleasantly satisfying, as it explored classic moral themes in a contemporary setting. It's depth and ability to challenge the audience elevate it from modern Hollywood fluff. Well shot and well structured, the individual stories weave together in a fulfilling way. Despite the runtime, it kept me engaged with it's compelling storylines.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Solid recovery from The Last Jedi
I didn't hate it and I didn't love it. I thought J.J. did a decent job recovering the franchise from the terrible choices of The Last Jedi. Overall, it caps the saga in a satisfying (though not triumphant) way and was decently entertaining. Had J.J. been at the helm for the entire trilogy, I'm sure it would have been better. I'm sure most diehard fans will surely feel let down with this supposed final chapter in the Skywalker saga.
The Town that Loved Bigfoot (2020)
Entertaining and thought-provoking
Prepare to be educated and entertained by this well-produced doc that is equally as fun as it is insightful and thought-provoking. It serves as somewhat of a spiritual successor to the film Don't Call Me Bigfoot, which delves deeper into the history and mythology of the bigfoot. But this doc focuses on a particular Alabama town's fascination and experience with the beloved creature, with plenty of anecdotal evidence that is fascinating and compelling, and will have you believing in the possibility of bigfoot.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Clever, suspenseful, well-shot
I love the campy monster movies, but you will find little connection to the original here. What it lacks in nostalgia it makes up for with a clever, modern story that is chilling, suspenseful and thoroughly satisfying. Elizabeth Moss was great, and you feel her pain. It's too bad they didn't make the eponymous villain worthy of sympathy (like in the original), but Moss's character certainly earns your sympathy, and probably hits a bit close to home for those who've been in possessive relationships. But her ending is satisfying. Please be a sequel!
Turnover (2019)
Well-acted, entertaining and uplifting
This well-produced film revolving around a family restaurant business has plenty of strong drama, mixed in with some good chuckles, and some engaging emotional moments. The backdrop of the restaurant business makes for some interesting setups, but it is the characters-their nuances and endearing quirkiness-that give the film the most entertainment value and it's heart.
Hesperia (2019)
Thought-provoking slow burn thriller
A really well done slow burn thriller, this one has some strong drama that explores complex contemporary issues like race/social struggles and relationship dynamics, and the moral dilemmas that come with them. It eventually culminates in an intense, action-packed third act which brings some of these moral dilemmas full circle. The movie overall was well done, and I particularly liked the camera work, the intense complimentary score, and the strong acting.
Don't Call Me Bigfoot (2020)
Fascinating and thought-provoking
If you're looking for an introduction to bigfoot, this might just be the definitive documentary. The interviewees were top-notch and authoritative on the subject, and present compelling arguments that will challenge skepticism. I appreciated the film's thoughtfulness, sincerity and level-headedness. The depth of insights and strength of theories surprised me. I came into the film a doubter, but left genuinely open to the possibility of a bigfoot's existence...
Making Time (2020)
Emotionally resonant and nostalgic
This sci-fi drama was a pleasantly enjoyable feel-good movie that felt reminiscent of classic time-travelling films, giving it a sense of nostalgia, while also making the viewer feel nostalgic of their own past. The film does a solid job exploring the what-if scenario of second chances, and thoughtfully reflects on the value of how we use our time. The film has some strong dramatic moments which inspired me to get introspective, and gives plenty for the viewer to resonate with.
Erasing Eden (2016)
Raw, powerful character study
I really appreciated the difficult places this film went in telling the story of a self-saboteur, not holding back and not tying the story in a neat bow. Perhaps it was the relatability to my own life, I found myself connecting to the character and sympathizing, despite the poor decisions she makes. The raw acting, strong direction and gritty camerawork make for a compelling and engaging film that is challenging and moving.
Ab Negative (2019)
Original, exciting action movie
This movie deserves strong praise for both it's originality and it's action sequences. For an indie action movie, it doesn't get much better than this. The premise was something new and really drew me in, and the production does a great job selling you on a unique dystopian future with interesting characters and a memorable villain. The action scenes were really well shot, and the music is awesome! Definitely check it out.
Everlasting (2016)
Strong, edgy YA drama
So much more than your average YA romantic drama, this one felt more real, edgy and raw, and wasn't afraid to go places the studios' counterparts won't. The story was compelling and it's mystery unravels in a clever, engaging way. While still employing the familiar tropes of the genre, this one is ultimately elevated by the sincerity of the relationship at it's center, the lead characters worthy of high praise for their authenticity.
Alien Contactee (2020)
Fascinating, insightful and inspiring
Dr. Turi's testimony and wisdom on alien contact provides a great overview on the subject and also adds a philosophical interpretation that will challenge conventional biases. His personal stories are exceptional and fascinating, told with great passion and personality, and give something for the skeptics to think about. But the real takeaway here is how he compels us to see our place in the universe. Aliens not only affect human history on a grand scale, but affect us on an individual level. Our rational mindset is preventing us from being in tune with the cosmos, and extraterrestrial contact reminds us that we are connected to something greater, and we are called to aim for the light.
El destello de la luna (2016)
Thoughtful, insightful and uplifting
I really appreciated this thoughtful, moving drama about a gay couple wrestling with the state of their diminishing relationship while also wrestling with their own convictions and prejudices. The characters felt genuine and sincere, and the story of their lives was compelling. The film explores a subculture without prejudice, which I found eye-opening, and relatable on a level. It also provides a window into theatre culture. Some may be off-put by the raw cinematography, but I found it added to the rawness and sincerity of the story. And the orchestral score was a great compliment to the film's emotions.
Netflix vs. the World (2019)
Insightful and inspiring
As a collector of physical media and one who misses the video store experience, I'd come to vilify Netflix (despite being a subscriber). But this documentary certainly helps soften the image by showing the company's human side and it's humble beginnings. The story is fascinating, entertaining and inspiring, and you'll root for the underdog Netflix team through the course of the movie and find yourself revelling in their victory. The tech/media giant they are now doesn't take away from the creative, visionary dreamers they were who went from David to Goliath.
Somebody's Mother (2016)
Powerful, thought-provoking and uplifting
I really appreciated this film for it's raw and honest look at the difficult and dark aspects of motherhood. The contrast between two sisters and their very different experiences was fascinating and really made for a thought-provoking story. And I liked how the story was structured along the 5 stages of grief. The film is emotionally challenging, but ultimately is a triumph of motherhood, truth and life.
M.O.M.: Mothers of Monsters (2020)
Well acted, intense and captivating
A tense, engrossing thriller, I was pleasantly entertained with this story that felt real and genuinely disturbing. It moves forward at a good pace with plenty of twists and reveals that kept me captivated. Parents especially will find it particularly relatable and frightening, and it provides some food for thought on parenting, abuse and trauma. The film certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but the scenarios and violence both entertain and make a point. And I particularly liked the clever use of practical cameras. But what really sells the story is the impressive, powerful acting from the two leads which add to the film's authenticity, relatableness, and emotional power.
Kensho at the Bedfellow (2017)
Smart, original and thought-provoking
I was both moved and entertained by this film's existential exploration, one man's search for purpose after the death of a loved one. Writer/director Brad Raider impresses in both crafts, delivering a smart, compelling, relatable story and bringing to life a charming, clever protagonist earning our empathy and endearment. The characters around him are interesting, and the dialogue he has with them is clever and witty. But the real strength of the film is in it's ability to ask the tough life questions and offer hope, meaning and redemption.
Purgatory Road (2017)
Strong, original indie horror
A pleasantly satisfying indie horror flick, it has a style that feels nostalgic, but the story feels fresh. The film is well produced, with strong acting and particularly strong cinematography. While there are plenty of horror tropes that make it feel familiar, the premise is original, making for an entertaining story with plenty of gore and surprises, and an entertaining examination of religion.