Reviews

Based in the novel of the same name written by Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men, The Road). This is very dark film and certainly not for everyone, but I would recommend it to cinephiles based on the incredible, visceral performance by Haze. He is Lester Ballard. As despicable and vile as his behavior is, there is buried within him a human quality. He just wants what all humans desire – to be accepted and loved.

The film sticks very closely to the book, with only 2 scenes expanded from the original text. It is most definitely one of the most faithful adaptations I've ever seen. The direction is fairly solid, the use of long takes and natural action is apparent, making everything on-screen seem genuine. All of the camera work is hand-held, which can be disorienting at times but it, in a way, adds to the aesthetic of the film. The music used is subtle yet appropriate. Overall, like I said , a very dark film with very strong subject matter, but it's well done.

I liked this film more than I thought I would. I loved the way the story (while ostensibly sticking to conventions of the sub-genre) manages to take small detours to keep it interesting. The characters are complex, torn between choices and willing to fight for what they deem is important.

Cinematically, I thought the camera work was well done. Most of the film is very dark (lighting- wise), which adds to the somber tone of the film. I thought it was well edited and liked the way it jumped between the past and present in spots. The story flowed lyrically, and there wasn't really much talking (for the purpose of information – it was more so used as character development). I thought the music fit well, and I thought it was well directed.

A very well made biopic of sorts about Ron Woodroof. The story features strong personalities, which make for great characters, who were very well developed. The story neatly encompassed the life of Woodroof along with the creation and evolution of the Dallas Buyers Club; touching on the legal complications as well as the social stigma included with such an organization.

Cinematically, the camera work was done well, and I liked the way it was edited. I thought the music worked well, as in it wasn't very noticeable – therefore unable to illicit an emotional reaction. I thought the direction was solid, and in turn, prompted stunning performances by both McConaughey and Leto. If McConaughey isn't nominated for an Oscar for his performance here, I will be surprised. Overall a nicely executed and historically significant drama.

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I don't think I've ever seen a film quite like this. It was definitely one of the most faithful adaptations I've ever seen, not only in the story but the way in which it was done. The novel (written by William Faulkner) features 15 different narrators recounting the events, the film (implementing split screen) was able to show different perspectives of the same events simultaneously.

Cinematically, most (if not all) of the camera work was hand-held, and much of the lighting seemed natural. I thought the acting was great overall, and I thought it was well directed. The music was intense, almost too much at times. The novel has never been adapted to the screen previously, (I'm sure partly) due to the fact that the narrative structure is so complex. Overall, I thought it was interesting, and like I said – I've never seen a more true adaptation, as Franco employs all aspects of filmmaking to sync to the novel.

This film marks the feature directorial debut for Garcia-Montero (who also wrote and produced), and if she continues at this rate, she'll only get better. The story is subtle, dark and well crafted with an imaginative flair. More of a character study, we are shown the mind of a little girl trying to find her place.

Cinematically, I thought the camera work was beautiful. I loved the dark lighting, filled with shadows and muted tones (an ostensible parallel to the life of young Cayetana). Not to mention, there were also many lovely shot compositions. I thought the music worked well, and I thought it was edited well. The direction was strong, and I thought the acting was great as well. A dark film, but it has its moments of surreality.

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by this little Israeli film. I went in with very low expectations, and it easily surpassed them all. Within the first 10 minutes, I could tell it was going to be a great film. A terrific, quiet character study of someone going through such a horrific ordeal – and that's just one layer. Your full attention is required for this one, so you don't get lost in its meandering narrative.

Cinematically, I thought the camera work was great. I liked the music used, as well as the lack thereof with the heavy use of nat sound for added realism. I loved the editing, and I thought the director did a great job. I thought the acting was great and the characters were developed well, the story was interesting and kept me engaged throughout.

This film has received a lot of bad press, but after watching it, I feel like it's simply misunderstood. It is very slowly paced, with long static shots, and very little dialogue (Gosling has 22 lines). It is very violent and dark but the story itself is told using vivid metaphors.

Cinematically, I thought it was shot very well. I loved the dark tones, rich colors and chiaroscuro lighting. I thought the characters were interesting, and the acting was well done. Shot entirely on location in Thailand, it shows quite a bit of the Thai culture. Very graphic, yet the it was done in a way to almost be contemplative and purposeful. Definitely not for everyone, but an interesting film.

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I wasn't expecting much, and it held my attention and kept me engaged throughout. The characterization is quiet and powerful, and the writing is excellent. Not really predictable at all, which made it refreshing. A great, subtle blend of comedy and drama.

This is a very strong feature directorial debut for Pickering, who also wrote the film. (He has another film in pre-pro for release next year – I will most definitely make a note to see it). Very textured story, great writing, with lots of great metaphors and offers many poignant critiques of gray areas of culture, religion, and relationships. The acting, editing, and score are also excellent.

Let me start by saying this movie isn't for everyone. If you enjoyed Rogen/Goldberg's previous efforts, namely Superbad and Pineapple Express, then you will thoroughly enjoy this one. I will admit I laughed so hard, there were tears. It didn't seem like it was trying too hard, it flowed well and was as ridiculous as I expected it to be.

Cinematically, this movie did something that I've never really seen done before. I've seen plenty of actors "play themselves" so to speak, but usually the role is small and insignificant. This movies shines for that choice – to have all the actors play (funny, fictionalized versions of) themselves. I thought the story/writing very funny and well paced. As I said, not for everyone, but it had me laughing for sure. I liked the choices of music used (for the most part), one part in the end really had me (and the entire theater) in stitches.

Overall I thought it was very funny, but like I said not for everyone. It contains a lot of crude/rude humor - but it's done well. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are indeed a winning team, and I'm looking forward to their future films.

Wow, what to even say about this film. The story was long, yet every scene was so poignant and so well paced that it was hardly noticeable that the running time was over 2 hours (2:15 to be exact). What makes this an even more touching film, is that was made to honor the 243,000 people who lost their lives during the Tangshan earthquake in 1976.

Cinematically, I thought all aspects came together nicely. The acting is wonderful, the cinematography is beautiful, and the music is well placed. I also thought this film offers a wonderful view into the culture of China (as also interesting to see how it changes throughout the 32 years the film covers). Very sad, very moving, and all in all a beautiful film.

Known for her use of a large format camera, each shot taken must be very deliberate. In a digital snapshot world, it's always nice to be reminded how the art was originally conceived - and the necessity of proper planning.

I think this may be one of the most honest documentaries made about an artist I've seen. It so tenderly shows her vulnerabilities as an artist, dealing with frustration, lost confidence and rejection in such a delicate and real way, one can't help but be affected by it. It also raises questions about how we, as a culture, view art (photography in particular). Can art only be considered "good" and properly appreciated if it hangs on the walls of the most prestigious museum or gallery?

One of the most unsettling films I've seen in a while, due to its excessive violence. That being said, I think it worked well and really showed the level of revenge the main character was seeking. Both lead actors were excellent in their roles, especially Choi – playing the serial killer.

Cinematically, I enjoyed the cinematography, as there were certain times where I would notice the uniqueness of a shot set up. Also, the sound – or lack thereof- was very powerful in moments. Where most films would have suspenseful musical themes throughout, this film opted for a mix of music and complete silence (which I think has the ability to raise the tension even higher).

Somewhat based on the book of the same name (written by Hunter S. Thompson), the film strays quite a bit from the book, yet still maintaining the luster and/or voice that is Thompson. Although, as a whole I was bit disappointed in the execution.

I thought Depp and Rispoli made a great duo. Ribisi held his own with his crazy character, adding just the right at just the right moments. I feel the camera work and editing could have been raised to a higher level – as I feel it could make the film more enjoyable. The story itself seemed a little haphazard in a way, with lots of dueling plot points – none of which seemed all that risky for the characters.

Though disjointed in a way; set ups that are never completed, not many fully developed characters, and lots of unanswered questions – I feel it works. It works on a higher level, in that, if really put into that situation, I'm sure there'd be a mile-long list of unanswered questions and uncertainties.

It held my attention throughout, but not sure if that was due to interest or confusion. The film was broken into 6(?) Chapters, though not ultimately sure what they were to signify or how they are tied in to the story (the only obvious significance was showing the passage of time). I enjoyed the simplicity of the film, and the fact that the plot was somewhat original.

I've been meaning to watch this film for some time, as I am a Paul Dano fan. This film was also a reuniting of Dano and the directors (Dayton and Faris) of Little MIss Sunshine, another favorite of mine. I enjoyed this movie for its' sense of magic and wonder. I liked the meta layers, and the simplicity. A premise so simple, yet so complex – with so many possibilities.

I thought it was well written (by Zoe Kazan, who plays the title role) and I found the acting to be top notch. I remember thinking, toward the end of the film…how can this end? She can't just leave(!). If he willed her into existence, would she just disappear? Needless to say, I enjoyed the ending.

I thought this film was very delicate, very sad, and beautiful. A story of forgiveness and second chances, atonement and renewal. Several motifs I thought were well used, water being one – representing cleansing and new beginnings. Also the use of an out of focus close-up shot of a face (there were 4 or 5 used), in my opinion, to offer the notion of doing something so awful you become unrecognizable even to yourself.

The main character plays the organ, and is mainly the only music used in the film. Which I think works very well, leaving space for moments of contemplation. The two main characters represent polar opposites in what they are trying to do in life (trying to move on from the past v. trying to hold onto the past) – both actors were excellent. I also enjoyed the way the film was divided and structured.

Let me start by saying, being a film lover, this story was incredibly powerful for me. I thought the cast was excellent, every performance touched on all the right points, the writing was superb, the main characters were well developed…and I never knew would have thought that scraps of film put to together would make me cry.

This was a film that I never wanted to end. It is a multi-layered love story and and really just a story about how life unfolds. The way that many things are brought up in the film casually and then used later for emotional impact is quite beautiful. I know some people are "afraid" of foreign films, but if you watch only one – make it this one. I highly recommend this film as an example of how meaningful films are constructed.

I was living in Korea at the time this film was released and remember hearing many good things about it. I was unable to see it subtitled at the time, so I made a mental note of the film and vowed to remember to watch it. …I am very glad I remembered! All around great film. Excellent acting, particularly by Kim, her performance was very poignant and dynamic. Her expressions and eyes told most of the story- she was truly electrifying.

I cannot say enough about the cinematography; it was stunning, artful and very well executed. The story was compelling and not predictable in the least, a true drama-thriller. Also could be considered a dark twisted love story – of the lengths a mother will go to prove her love and loyalty to her son.

I've seen a lot of movies, and this one is one of the few that is hard to watch. Not because it's necessarily bad on a cinematic level; the acting is great, and the directing and camera work are just fine. It's hard to watch because of the brutal reality (read: evil) that exists in our world. I feel the first hour of the film could have told in at least half the time – as there are certain things you just don't want to see, and/or turn a blind eye to and pretend they don't exist or happen. However, by leaving it that long, it forces the viewer to enter their world – it's as if they are holding your eyes open for you and you have no other choice (clockwork orange style).

I think it's a powerful story, and told well, as it explores most avenues and consequences associated with that lifestyle. The story is sad, heartbreaking, and repulsive, yet almost beautiful with undertones of love, forgiveness, and what it means to be 'family'.

There were times when watching this, I had to remind myself if was a movie – the acting was spectacular. Little Wallis definitely deserves her Oscar nomination – at age 9 – being the youngest in history. However she was a mere 6 when it was shot. A magical performance by both Wallis and Henry.

I thought the cinematography was excellent. I thought the film had a nice pace and rhythm to it. I also thought the direction was superb, and the score seemed a perfect match. I think there is a particular quality to this film that makes it special, fresh, and divergent – breakout roles for both Wallis and Henry and the first feature for co-writer/director Zeitlin. I'll leave you with a quote – "When it all goes quiet behind me eyes, I see everything that made me flying around in invisible pieces".

While I enjoyed the concept of the film, I found the lousy acting to be distracting. The dialogue seemed forced at times and very unnatural considering the circumstances. Also, not sure if I liked the ending, I would have liked to at least get a clue as to what may come in the future.

Cinematically, most (if not all) of the camera work was hand-held, even static shots were shaky – which could work in a more intense film, but this film was quite uneventful. And speaking of static, I thought all of the characters were very one-dimensional, and none seemed to show any signs of real growth.