“While Cronenberg’s visuals and Bruce Wagner’s dialogue left me speechless early on, the pacing and tone of the final half inspired a couple face-palms. Even so, Cronenberg has plenty to say with Maps to the Stars, and the film’s best moments are powerful.”
“A sex comedy rooted in inequality, ‘Diary of a Chambermaid’ trades in traditional ideas about power dynamics for a twisted take on the absurdity of desire.”
“‘La Notte’ is a film very much about resignation — resigning to the fate of the monogamy and perhaps the inevitability of death.”
“Heart-warming and often hilarious, ‘Kumiko the Treasure Hunter’ reminds that individuality may take one a long way given the right conditions. Chase your treasures with confidence and be prepared.”
“In the male dominated world of the French New Wave, Catherine in François Truffaut’s ‘Jules and Jim’ stands out as a mysterious and particularly beguiling female presence.”
“Almost violently textured, ‘Chorus’ evokes the works of Ingmar Bergman as it contrasts the spiritual qualities of the mind and the body.”
“By excluding grown ups from the narrative, ‘It Follows’ highlights the perseverance of young adults and their reliance on each other for a shared vision.”
“Kemper’s a joy to watch, and ‘Kimmy Goes Outside!’ establishes the framework for a potentially iconic character.”
“Incredibly polished and finely acted, ‘The House on Pine Street’ will surely become a hit on the film festival circuit.”
“Moss highlights the personal struggles of many who find themselves re-awakened in northwestern North Dakota, and others who simply fade in and fade out.”
Criticwire Survey: My First ‘Inappropriate’ Movie
Q.V. Hough’s 2015 Oscar Picks
“Cisterne poses important questions about adolescent identity and touches on the blossoming of artistic expression in ‘Vandal,’ but the concealed fury of each character ultimately remains an enigma (along with their understanding of the real world).”
“‘Miss and the Doctors’ reminds of François Truffaut with a shade of Demy; ‘Jules et Jim’ holding ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.'”
“‘Breathe’ works on various levels thanks to Arnaud Potier’s cinematography, Laurent’s polished direction and the magnetic charisma of the leads.”
“Bencherif exudes that rare type of charisma one can’t teach.”
“With such a focus on powerful women, I’m still not sure how The Americans will handle the case of Stan Beamon. Mentally weak or the smartest guy in the room?”
Q.V. Hough Recaps “Run”
“The Americans highlights themes of male bonding and sexism, which hints at the potential rise of female characters in season three.”
“‘The World Made Straight’ is essentially a poor man’s ‘Out of the Furnace’… Still, it’s a memorable spotlight for the always-mesmerizing Minka Kelly.”