“As a film about the healing properties of the creative process, ‘Sentimental Value’ is rare in that the in-movie writing, performances and direction aren’t cathartic for the characters, but rather function as obstacles when they try to unpack their feelings.”
“‘Barrio Triste’ feels in line with the energetic and floating camerawork of Stillz’s music videos he has made for several artists, but it also stands as its own sort of gritty, meandering experiment that aims to excavate spaces within a particular setting.”
“‘Wake Up Dead Man’ transforms into something more impactful by sincerely and non-judgmentally attempting to grapple with faith from an atheistโs perspective.”
“‘Plainclothes’ isn’t necessarily a kinky film — ย it just does better than most tales of life in the closet to explain why this can be more alluring than coming out and finding somewhere to make these connections in the open.”
“‘Waltzing with Brando’ suffers from a sluggish rhythm and lack of narrative drive because it focuses on the wrong character and the wrong aspect of the subject’s life.”
“As politics continue to divide people via blinding shades of blue and red, Andrea Bocelli transcends above the madness by communicating whatโs in his heart.”
“‘Donโt Tell Mother’ is an assured debut, less concerned with plot points than with the tremors of lived moments rippling through its gently stirring narrative.”
“‘Doinโ It’ is caught in the bind of being too obnoxious for adults and too unrelatable for younger viewers.”
“In ‘One Battle After Another,’ the political is inextricable from the personal, in a way that transcends a mere commentary on Trumpโs America.”
“Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of ‘HIM’ is that Tipping is clearly a talented visual stylist, but his keen eye never quite helps the screenplay transcend various cliches.”
“Just like a Hollywood actor or actress who doesnโt quite know when to stop performing amongst family members and friends, ‘Borderline’ is frequently annoying yet always entertaining and unpredictable.”
“‘Somnium’ is rather predictable, as first-time feature filmmakers like Cain tend to prioritize visual design over the nuts and bolts of their script.”
“The biggest problem with ‘The Smashing Machine’ is that Safdie simply doesnโt bring anything new to the table in terms of style or ideas.”
“With ‘Below the Clouds,” Rosi makes it clear that history and the present interact every day.”
“Aside from the half-assed plotting, the biggest flaw of ‘Honey Don’t!’ is that even with Cooke’s involvement, the sexuality of the protagonists lacks any sort of perceptive depth, with no inter-character dynamic feeling more lived-in than the plot needs it to be.”
“What I really appreciate about ‘Sirฤt’ is Laxeโs constant bucking of expectations.”
“As interesting as ‘A Useful Ghost’ is in concept, itโs a typical film by a talented debut artist and storyteller, one with a litany of ideas but no clear voice that brings them together.”
“Press play on ‘Hung Up on a Dream’ for the music, stay for the wild and interconnected industry stories that span seven decades.”
“‘Jimmy and Stiggs’ is frenetic, metal AF and feels dangerous, which is something thatโs sadly missing from a lot of modern horror movies.”
“‘Concessions’ is essentially a collage, taking bits of other films and sticking them together to make something pretty. But it struggles when it comes to time to say something of its own.”