★★★★ I was just as surprised as anyone to see the Blumhouse logo pop up before drama film, This is the Night. The brand most known for its indelible imprint on modern horror proves that it can do the coming-of-age dramedy just as skillfully. Writer/director James DeMonaco (creator of the already-iconic Purge franchise) takes the … Continue reading Film Review: This is the Night
TIFF 2021: Dear Evan Hansen
★★★ (Written by Alllison Brown) The film adaptation of extremely successful Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen, was highly anticipated on my list. I saw the musical in February of 2019, after winning the ticket lottery, and had the luxury of watching from the very first row with a friend. Despite my caveats with its unethical … Continue reading TIFF 2021: Dear Evan Hansen
TIFF 2021: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
★★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) Looking for a film with a Burtonesque vision and similarities to 2014’s Big Eyes? The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, based on a true story, will hit the spot. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays lead Louis Wain, has been receiving raving critic reception for his performance in another TIFF film, The … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
TIFF 2021: The Starling
★★★★ After years on the “Black List” for most liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, The Starling is finally here, and thankfully it is well worth the wait. If one has lost a loved one recently, this film may provide the balm of looking forward and moving on after grief. Director Theodore Melfi is no stranger … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Starling
TIFF 2021: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
★★★★★ Armed with minimal knowledge about the film itself, I headed into my viewing of biographical dramedy The Eyes of Tammy Faye ready to see Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield knock it out of the park. Chronicling the rise and fall of the most famous televangelist couple of all time, Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Film Review: The Green Sea
★★★★ I have been following Katharine Isabelle’s career now for quite some time, ever since she stunned the world with her performance in Ginger Snaps in 2000. The Green Sea, a mystery drama from director Randall Plunkett, uses the horror starlet in ways previously unforeseen for the talented actress. Playing opposite her is Hazel Doupe; … Continue reading Film Review: The Green Sea
TIFF 2021: The Wheel
★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) Few films offer such an emotional impact as TIFF's un-love story, The Wheel, directed by Steve Pink. Although I have never been married, I can imagine the weight this work would carry for anyone struggling in a complicated marriage or going through a divorce. Amber Midthunder as Albee and Bethany … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Wheel
Film Review: Best Sellers
★★★ Best Sellers is a quirky dramedy seen plenty of times before. Michael Caine plays famous retired author Harris Shaw, while Aubrey Plaza is an ambitious young publisher named Lucy. Lucy needs the popularity of Shaw to reignite interest in her publishing company, but Shaw certainly is not about to make things easy… Both lead … Continue reading Film Review: Best Sellers
Film Review: Blue Bayou
★★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) As a big fan of Alicia Vikander, I have been looking forward to Blue Bayou for some time, initially for months in anticipation of the original June 25th release date. Once it was announced for Cannes, the movie was pushed back without much clarity. I was so glad to finally … Continue reading Film Review: Blue Bayou
TIFF 2021: Encounter
★★★ The newest film from Amazon Studios comes in the form of sci-fi tinged Encounter, from director Michael Pearce. Plucking three lead performances all of Pakistani background, Encounter gets more right than wrong in general. However, I could not help feeling let down by certain elements of the storyline as they unfolded. The potential brimming … Continue reading TIFF 2021: Encounter