Did you know that Olive Garden has a culinary institute where the Italian-themed restaurant chain pays managers to go to Tuscany? I didn’t until I watched Jeff Baena’s Spin Me Round. In the film’s production notes, he speaks of coming across an article describing a retreat created by an Italian
Author: Sara Clements
Fantasia Review: ‘Next Exit’ Puts a Paranormal Spin on the Buddy Road Trip
Ghosts have given the horror genre some of its best films. The Conjuring series, Poltergeist, and The Others, to name a few. The paranormal doesn’t only live within horror either. Comedies like Blithe Spirit and romance films like Ghost explore different sides to these mysterious entities. Mali Elfman’s debut feature,
Fantasia Review: ‘Vesper’ Is a Dystopian, Coming-Of-Age Story About Where We May Be Headed
One of the best films showcased at this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival is Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper’s Vesper. Set in what is described as the new dark ages, it’s a dystopian, coming-of-age story with immense heart and impressive, realistic world-building. In an unforgiving world, one young girl dreams
Review: ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Shows That Taika Waititi’s Old Routine Isn’t What Thor Needs
Review: ‘The Outfit’ Is a Surprising Gangster Hit
Graham Moore made a splash in Hollywood seemingly out of nowhere, winning the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for his first feature film writing credit, The Imitation Game. The eight-year-long absence perhaps gave the wrong idea that the “Oscar curse” can also apply to writers. But any thought of this will
“The Adam Project” Takes Us Back to Childhood Movie Nights With a Profound Message
Knowing, Super 8, Zathura, E.T., The Last Mimzy. These are all sci-fi titles I loved as a child. Sure, some of them are probably not that good. I don’t remember them well, admittedly, but what I do remember is watching them all with my mom. Witnessing a narrative about something unimaginable not only found
Sundance Review: Rebecca Hall Is A Force Of Nature In ‘Resurrection’
Sundance Review: ‘After Yang’ Is A Transcendent Tale Of Connection And Identity
Nothing has been more serene than witnessing Kogonada’s artistic journey. Despite only having two feature films under his belt, it’s already clear that he will one day be considered as one of the greatest cinematic auteurs of the 21st Century. In his latest film, After Yang – based on the short story, Saying
Sundance Review: ‘Fresh’ Is a Biting Allegory With a Potent Aftertaste
Sundance Review: ‘Call Jane’ Is an Engaging Drama About a Vital Fight
‘The 355’ May Be Formulaic But It Kicks Ass
Simon Kinberg’s debut feature as director, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, was polarizing for both critics and fans. His latest film, The 355, will sadly be marked by similar results. In trying to be its own “girl power” Jason Bourne, its screenplay sticks to a by-the-number formula. The film’s leads travel the world, attend a
‘Nightmare Alley’ Sees Guillermo del Toro Travel to the Darkest Depths of Human Wickedness
‘Being the Ricardos’ Examines the Complex Relationship Behind One of TV’s Greatest Shows
During the Golden Age of Television, a half-hour domestic comedy titled, I Love Lucy, was one of America’s most popular television shows. A record-breaking number of viewers tuned in to watch the hilarious antics of America’s funniest and most beloved TV couple, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, each week; however, the
‘Bruised’ Knocks Halle Berry Down in Her Directorial Debut
‘Spencer’ Uses Psychological Horror to Understand an Enigma
‘The Harder They Fall’ Shows That Westerns Arent Dead, but in Rebirth
“Halloween Kills” Is a Cheesy, Bloody Fun Slasher
Michael Myers and Halloween have remained a staple of the season for over 40 years. He has haunted audiences, just as he has haunted Laurie Strode and Haddonfield, Illinois. You always know what to expect going into these films. Michael Myers survives his latest near-death encounter and is once again
TIFF Review: ‘Official Competiton’ Is a Masterful Showbiz Satire
TIFF Review: ‘The Forgiven’ Is a Hot Cast of Names in an Average Drama
Fantasia 2021 Review: ‘All the Moons’ Is One of the Best Vampire Films of All Time
Fantasia 2021 Review: ‘The Last Thing Mary Saw’ Is a Queer Horror Tale of Supernatural and Spiritual Malevolence
The Last Thing Mary Saw is quick to envelop you in its atmosphere. In its very first seconds, first-time feature writer and director Edoardo Vitaletti swiftly establishes a dark and suffocating environment. Through the film’s cinematography, Southhold, New York, in 1843, seems to live in constant fog and candlelight but
‘The Night House’ Is a Technical Marvel and Twisted Mind Game About Grief
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborly Advice Leaves Much to Chew on in ‘Werewolves Within’
In Werewolves Within, Harvey Guillén’s Joaquim describes the whodunnit he finds himself in as a “dinner theatre murder thing.” One where he’s having “a horrible time and can’t go home.” Understandable, since this detective story involves a werewolf. Based on the medieval fantasy game of the same name, the film
‘Luca’ Is a Heartwarming Adventure That Celebrates the Underdog
Italian director and storyboard artist, Enrico Casarosa, has established what kind of stories he wants to tell. His short film La Luna, and now his feature debut Luca, are both films set in Italy and inspired by the filmmaker’s childhood. The films’ characters coming of age in an individualistic and unique way,
