Movie Reviews

‘The 355’ May Be Formulaic But It Kicks Ass

by Sara Clements -
The 355 Movie Review

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

‘Matrix Resurrections’ is A Nostalgic Ode to The Franchise That Connects Older and Younger Generations

by Zofia Wijaszka -
Matrix Resurrections Review

As the credits roll at the end of The Matrix Resurrections, we notice a quote Lana Wachowski included as a dedication for her deceased parents - "Love Is The Genesis Of Everything." This is a perfect quote to summarize the franchise's fourth installment that changed the sci-fi genre and opened the

‘Nightmare Alley’ Sees Guillermo del Toro Travel to the Darkest Depths of Human Wickedness

by Sara Clements -
Nightmare Alley 2021 Review

Edmund Goulding’s Nightmare Alley, now considered among the finest noir films, was met with mixed reviews and was a box office flop. The New York Times called it a film that “traverses distasteful dramatic ground and only rarely does it achieve any substance as entertainment.” It was adapted at a

‘Being the Ricardos’ Examines the Complex Relationship Behind One of TV’s Greatest Shows

by Sara Clements -
Being the Ricardos Review

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

‘The Harder They Fall’ Shows That Westerns Arent Dead, but in Rebirth

by Sara Clements -
The Harder They Fall Review

What was once a popular escape for the American moviegoer has been galloping across the silver screen less and less. But when a Western does show up, it’s like a prospector finding gold. The appeal of Westerns is that we know what we’re going to get, and that’s a comfort

“Halloween Kills” Is a Cheesy, Bloody Fun Slasher

by Sara Clements -
Halloween Kills Review

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

by Sara Clements -
Official Competition Review

“How do people see me?” is a question pondered by Humberto (José Luis Gómez) on his 80th birthday. A leader in the pharmaceutical industry, he begins to reflect on his legacy. Wanting to be remembered for something that will have a lasting impact is a desire for many. That can

TIFF Review: ‘The Forgiven’ Is a Hot Cast of Names in an Average Drama

by Sara Clements -
The Forgiven Review

A party at a castle in the Moroccan desert brings together rich snobs in writer-director John Michael McDonagh’s The Forgiven. The “rich white people doing bad things” narrative is becoming a genre in and of itself, but they can make for good entertainment (see Knives Out and Ready or Not

Fantasia 2021 Review: ‘All the Moons’ Is One of the Best Vampire Films of All Time

by Sara Clements -
All The Moons Review

Our image of a vampire is simple: A frightening figure all in black with fanged teeth and a thirst for blood. If you cross one’s path, don’t expect to live. Their image has made it hard not to consider them monsters. Even just by looking at Bela Lugosi’s depiction of

Fantasia 2021 Review: ‘The Last Thing Mary Saw’ Is a Queer Horror Tale of Supernatural and Spiritual Malevolence

by Sara Clements -
The Last Thing Mary Saw Review

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

‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ Review: Lena Headey and Karen Gillan Are a Brilliant Mother-Daughter Duo in this Badass, Neon-Soaked Action Thriller

by Zofia Wijaszka -
Gunpowder Milkshake Review

Women often follow in their mothers’ footsteps, whether it’s a career choice or aspects of their personal lives. But what if your mother is a lethal assassin and a killer for hire? Gunpowder Milkshake is a mother-daughter action film full of empowering female characters fighting for life and autonomy. With

Mr. Rogers’ Neighborly Advice Leaves Much to Chew on in ‘Werewolves Within’

by Sara Clements -
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

by Sara Clements -
Luca Movie Review

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,

‘Cruella’ Is a Punk Infused Blast and the Best of Disney Live-Action

by Sara Clements -
Cruella Movie Review

It’s the adrenaline. The feeling of being surrounded by a group of people all in eager anticipation. A range of emotions and a crescendo of sounds make the setting feel like it’s pulsating. Then, the lights dim, and your favorite rock star rises from beneath the stage surrounded by fog.