‘QT8: The First Eight’ Is a Fun Yet Lacking Look at Quentin Tarantino’s Movies
“‘QT8: The First Eight’ is a serviceable, well-edited survey of Tarantino’s filmography prior to ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.'”
John Brhel
‘District 9’: Xenophobic Themes Still Resonate a Decade Later
“‘District 9’ might not be a classic like ‘Alien’ or ‘The Terminator’ (not many films are), but it’s still an effective sci-fi film with depth and style.”
‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Is a Sun-Soaked Fairy Tale with Unexpected Heart
“‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ is not groundbreaking Tarantino, but it’s a fun trip back through time with real heart and likeable characters. Allow yourself to sink into its world and you’ll be rewarded with good tunes, laugh-out-loud jokes and moments of exhilaration.”
Once Upon a Time in Tarantinoland: ‘The Hateful Eight’ Is a Slog, But a Solid Thriller
“When looking at Tarantino’s filmography, ‘The Hateful Eight’ doesn’t hold a candle to works like ‘Pulp Fiction’ or ‘Kill Bill,’ but it’s an entertaining film nonetheless — if you don’t mind the runtime.”
‘The Blair Witch Project’ at 20: A Found Footage Classic That Spawned a Genre
“‘The Blair Witch Project’ isn’t a horror film experience on par with ‘The Exorcist’ or ‘The Shining,’ but that’s not a fair comparison. It’s an experience all its own.”
Once Upon a Time in Tarantinoland: ‘Django Unchained’ Is Mature and Packed with Postmodern Trademarks
“‘Django Unchained’ is packed with Tarantino’s postmodern trademarks, but it also has the added value of actually addressing some serious issues.”
‘Midsommar’ Review: Superb Direction Can’t Make Up for Weak Storytelling
“‘Midsommar’ is all steak, no sizzle, and no real lessons are learned other than, maybe, ‘Screw your mansplaining boyfriend.’”
Once Upon a Time in Tarantinoland: ‘Inglourious Basterds’ Deftly Blends Suspense and Black Comedy
“‘Inglourious Basterds’ is a study in suspense.”
‘Yesterday’ Squanders Fab Concept for Tired Rom-Com Tropes
“‘Yesterday’ didn’t need to be a dry, emotionless sci-fi story, but in taking such a basic approach to the concept, it really lessens the impact and results in a watered-down, forgettable experience.”
‘Batman’ at 30: An Iconic Adventure Film That Reinvigorated the Superhero Genre
“Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy has become THE Batman interpretation, heralded for its gritty realism. But in my book, ‘Batman’ is the better comicbook movie.”