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Reviews
Death Sentences (2020)
slow but enjoyable
Caught this low budget film at an online festival and enjoyed it for the most part. The characters were interesting and the story made up for the lack of special effects and surplus of overwrought dialogue. Main criticism was low quality of filming technique and sporadic strained logic of some characters, but it wraps up fairly tightly.
6:45 (2021)
Siri, set alarm for 6:45.....
Absolutely loved this movie. Right of the bat, you know you're in for some atmospheric, bleak fun. A vacationing couple takes a trip to a wintry, all but abandoned town, and it's semi-surreal right off the bat - but that doesn't make the characters feel any less real, any less intense. After a horrific end to the day, the male protagonist finds himself reliving the same day each morning, but in a quirkily new and equally disturbing manner. The obvious comparison is Groundhog Day, and more recently, Happy Death Day - but this is a true horror-genre take on the concept, and it's as fresh and original as any film of the 2020's. I was formulating theories all throughout, but was blown away by the twisty ending. Such majestic camerawork, anchored by the stellar lead performances, all built from a really tight and engaging script. This is a MUST-SEE for any horror fan who likes their flicks to have some serious substance and mind-stimulation behind the gore (which, also, is done with aplomb here).
Who's on Top? (2020)
Perfect Parable for Tackling the Impossible
This film is exquisite. Gorgeously shot and conceived, a real triumph in all senses. Just be prepared to cry - both sad and extremely happy tears. I don't think I have rooted for anyone in a film this much in a long time. It's not just the indomitable spirit of each person captured here that is so captivating and inspiring - in their personal journeys and the physical trek to the mountaintop - but the way the film is structured really keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Kudos to all involved - HIGHLY recommend.
La strada (1954)
best director of all time
Fellini was ahead of his time by about 50 years. La Strada is a shining example of how he was able to coalesce the tumultuous times of Italy with art that is not just beautiful but gut-wrenchingly real. The performances here are of course Oscar caliber, but not just that - they resonate with the full human experience, decades later. Belllisimo.