This type of storytelling peaks when it feels like a fully formed story that just happens to hold elements that that speak to our world. But when done this way, it feels like a college essay.
All tagged Universal Pictures
1917
The camera moves as if riding on the back of a ghost, creating perfect shot after perfect shot. It moves seamlessly from mounted on a vehicle to hand-held, all while maintaining Roger Deakins’ flawless vision. With no obvious cuts or editing artifice, you are left feeling as if you are actually there.
Drown Me, Please - The Lighthouse
In this case, its “timeless” themes serve as a euphemism for generic. Boiled down and captured properly, this is just another movie. Remove the showy elements and art school choices, and there is literally no reason to see this.
All Of - Us
Unlike other allegorical tales like “Mother,” “Us” never forgets that it is a movie. That it is taking a shot at capturing the conceit of the American Dream is just icing on the cake.
Not Again - Happy Death Day 2U
There is nothing vital or clever here. There is only the well-worn tread of tires that have been ridden too far and want to rest.
Cracked, But Not Broken - Glass
This is not “Good Shyamalan.” It is well below The Sixth Sense and not on par with Unbreakable and Split either. Instead, it’s a barely worthwhile attempt to extend the universe he created in its predecessors. But it’s interesting.
Black and White - Green Book
On the surface, it looks like the sappiest of sap—a self-proclaimed balm that would show the path to solving racism. And while the movie itself isn’t much deeper than that, it is so superficially satisfying that it’s hard not to appreciate the charm.
To Old Friends - Halloween
Michael Myers remains the slow-walking, homicidal maniac that sparked a revolution in the genre and he is chasing down a teenage girl with a multi-generational spit. When it comes down to it, what more could you really want?
Hate and a Half - BlacKkKlansman
Misguided musical interludes, lengthy speeches and over-stylized elements have all cropped up in various forms throughout Spike Lee’s career, so any time he is back with a new film, there's always the question of whether we will get the 'Good Spike' or the 'Bad Spike.' It doesn’t take long to realize, this is the former through and through.
More Than A Game - Truth Or Dare
The movie seems uninterested in saying anything about our world. Instead, it focuses on the interpersonal melodrama between these characters who are only mildly interesting.
The Past We Repeat - The Post
This is peak drama and Spielberg not only makes sure you feel the stakes; he also makes sure you understand they are just as high today.
An Even Grungier Juno - Lady Bird
There’s a world in which this movie is made without Saoirse Ronan and it’s not one I want to live in. She single-handedly takes Lady Bird from being a character I had no use for to one with just enough complexity to keep me engaged.
Review: Get Out
"Yooooooooooooo!" is basically the only acceptable response to most of this movie.
Review: Captain Fantastic
In the end, the film tackles a few very challenging themes with good-natured humor and a certain timeless irreverence.
Review: Loving
This is a film to be admired for its restraint.