Film & Media

Sound of Freedom

There is an appealing directness to Sound of Freedom. It knows it is a thriller, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, it leans on Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino to give the material a human centre. At story level, incredible, story and former shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. The thriller elements work through con

Aug 92 min read

Scream VI

Scream VI does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is a horror film shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Matt Bettinelli Olpin and Tyler Gillett, it leans on Courteney Cox and Melissa Barrera to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Ghostface, Woodsboro and New York City into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty.

Aug 92 min read

Five Nights at Freddy's

Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror film with a clear idea of the experience it wants to create. Directed by Emma Tammi, it leans on Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. During, troubled and security into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. That is enough context to enter the film without spoiling the turns that give it shape. The horror works best throu

Aug 92 min read

American Dreamer

A spoiler free review of American Dreamer begins with its confidence as a comedy. Directed by Paul Dektor, it leans on Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine to give the material a human centre. At story level, Phil's, Most and Phil shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. Those ingredients give the film a useful foundation, but the lasting impression depends on how well it balances mood, character and momentum. ⁠ Its funniest moments co

Aug 92 min read

Look Both Ways

Look Both Ways does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is a comedy shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, it leans on Lili Reinhart and Danny Ramirez to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws On the, Natalie's and LA into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty. ⁠ The humour lands most consistently through

Aug 92 min read

Rescued by Ruby

There is an appealing directness to Rescued by Ruby. It knows it is a biographical drama, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Katt Shea, it leans on Grant Gustin and Scott Wolf to give the material a human centre. At story level, Chasing, K 9 and Ruby shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. ⁠ The biographical material works best when it avo

Aug 92 min read

Project Silence

A spoiler free review of Project Silence begins with its confidence as a horror film. Directed by Kim Tae gon, it leans on Lee Sun kyun and Ju Ji hoon to give the material a human centre. At story level, Silence, takes and place shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. Those ingredients give the film a useful foundation, but the lasting impression depends on how well it balances mood, character and momentum. ⁠ The strongest scenes bui

Oct 28, 20232 min read

One Ranger

One Ranger does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is an action film shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, it leans on Thomas Jane and Dean Jagger to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Recruited, British and Texas Ranger into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty. ⁠ Momentum is the film's main a

Oct 27, 20232 min read

Good Burger 2

There is an appealing directness to Good Burger 2. It knows it is a comedy, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Phil Traill, it leans on Kel Mitchell and Pete Davidson to give the material a human centre. At story level, Dex, Ed and Good Burger shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. ⁠ Comedy lives or dies on rhythm, and the film is at its

Oct 27, 20232 min read

Surprised by Oxford

Surprised by Oxford approaches its mystery material with more interest in character than a quick synopsis might suggest. Directed by Ryan Whitaker, it leans on Rose Reid and Ruairi O'Connor to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Brilliant, Caro Drake and Oxford into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. The film's first job is to make that setup feel worth following, and it establishes the necessary stakes efficie

Oct 26, 20232 min read

Coup de Chance

At its best, Coup de Chance works as a comedy that puts tone and performance ahead of empty explanation. Directed by Woody Allen, it leans on Lou de Laâge and Niels Schneider to give the material a human centre. At story level, people's, leads and marital shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. The result has a recognisable personality from the opening stretch. ⁠ The humour lands most consistently through character chemistry. The scr

Oct 26, 20232 min read

The Movie Teller

The Movie Teller is a drama with a clear idea of the experience it wants to create. Directed by Lone Scherfig, it leans on Bérénice Bejo and Daniel Brühl to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Hollywood, Chile and girl's into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. That is enough context to enter the film without spoiling the turns that give it shape. ⁠ The drama is most convincing in its quieter moments, when the p

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Family Switch

A spoiler free review of Family Switch begins with its confidence as a comedy. Directed by McG, it leans on Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms to give the material a human centre. At story level, Walkers, chance and encounter shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. Those ingredients give the film a useful foundation, but the lasting impression depends on how well it balances mood, character and momentum. ⁠ Its funniest moments come from co

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Last Sentinel

Last Sentinel does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is a horror film shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Tanel Toom, it leans on Kate Bosworth and Lucien Laviscount to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Earth, platoon and soldiers into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty. ⁠ Its most effective weapon is anti

Oct 24, 20232 min read

The End We Start From

There is an appealing directness to The End We Start From. It knows it is a thriller, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Mahalia Belo, it leans on Jodie Comer and Joel Fry to give the material a human centre. At story level, London, woman and tries shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. ⁠ The thriller elements work through controlled info

Oct 24, 20232 min read

Fear the Night

Fear the Night approaches its horror material with more interest in character than a quick synopsis might suggest. Directed by Neil LaBute, it leans on Maggie Q and Kat Foster to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Follows Iraqi, Tess and veteran into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. The film's first job is to make that setup feel worth following, and it establishes the necessary stakes efficiently. ⁠ The str

Oct 23, 20232 min read

Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women's Professional Cycling

A spoiler light review of Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women's Professional Cycling should begin with tone, because Kathryn Bertine understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women's Professional Cycling gains early credibility from Kristin Armstrong, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Kathryn Bertine. The foundation of Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women's Pro

Aug 103 min read

Guidance

A spoiler light review of Guidance should begin with tone, because Pat Mills understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. Guidance gains early credibility from Pat Mills, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Zahra Bentham. The foundation of Guidance can be stated simply: Fabricating credentials to score a last ditch job as a high school guidance counsellor, a boozing, drug addled former child star becomes an improbable hit with his students by dispensin

Aug 102 min read

SBK: The Movie

A spoiler light review of SBK: The Movie should begin with tone, because Aaron Re understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. SBK: The Movie gains early credibility from Brittany Baksa, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of David R. Collins. The foundation of SBK: The Movie can be stated simply: A film 35 years in the making. Within its 1h 24m running time, SBK: The Movie reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined approach. ⁠ The direc

Aug 103 min read

The Sleepwalker

A spoiler light review of The Sleepwalker should begin with tone, because Mona Fastvold understands exactly how this mystery ought to feel. The Sleepwalker gains early credibility from Gitte Witt, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Christopher Abbott. The foundation of The Sleepwalker can be stated simply: A young couple, Kaia and Andrew, are renovating Kaia's secluded family estate. Within its 1h 31m running time, The Sleepwalker reveals both the benefits

Aug 103 min read

The Princess of France

A spoiler light review of The Princess of France should begin with tone, because Matías Piñeiro understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. The Princess of France gains early credibility from Julián Larquier Tellarini, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Agustina Muñoz. The foundation of The Princess of France can be stated simply: A year after his father's death in Mexico, Victor returns to Buenos Aires with a twofold mission. Within its 1h 7m runnin

Aug 103 min read

The Dead Lands

A spoiler light review of The Dead Lands should begin with tone, because Toa Fraser understands exactly how this action film ought to feel. The Dead Lands gains early credibility from James Rolleston, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Lawrence Makoare. The foundation of The Dead Lands can be stated simply: After his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery, the teenage son of a slain Maori chieftain looks to avenge his father's murder and bring pea

Aug 103 min read

She's Lost Control

A spoiler light review of She's Lost Control should begin with tone, because Anja Marquardt understands exactly how this drama ought to feel. She's Lost Control gains early credibility from Brooke Bloom, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Marc Menchaca. The foundation of She's Lost Control can be stated simply: The professional and personal life of a sexual surrogate begins to unravel when she starts working with a new client. Within its 1h 30m running time

Aug 103 min read

Far from Men

A spoiler light review of Far from Men should begin with tone, because David Oelhoffen understands exactly how this war drama ought to feel. Far from Men gains early credibility from Viggo Mortensen, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Reda Kateb. The foundation of Far from Men can be stated simply: Algeria, 1954. Within its 1h 41m running time, Far from Men reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined approach. ⁠ David Oelhoffen gives Far fr

Aug 103 min read

The Living

A spoiler light review of The Living should begin with tone, because Jack Bryan understands exactly how this thriller ought to feel. The Living gains early credibility from Fran Kranz, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Jocelin Donahue. The foundation of The Living can be stated simply: A man hires an ex con to kill his sister's abusive husband, but the desperate act sets into motion a shocking series of events in this intense indie drama. Within its 1h 29m

Aug 103 min read

Kid Cannabis

A spoiler light review of Kid Cannabis should begin with tone, because John Stockwell understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. Kid Cannabis gains early credibility from Jonathan Daniel Brown, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Kenny Wormald. The foundation of Kid Cannabis can be stated simply: An eighteen year old high school drop out and his twenty seven year old friend start trafficking marijuana across the border of Canada in order to make mone

Aug 103 min read

Pet

A spoiler light review of Pet should begin with tone, because Carles Torrens understands exactly how this horror film ought to feel. Pet gains early credibility from Dominic Monaghan, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Ksenia Solo. The foundation of Pet can be stated simply: A man bumps into an old crush and holds her captive underneath the animal shelter where he works. Within its 1h 34m running time, Pet reveals both the benefits and the limits of that di

Aug 102 min read

From Nowhere

A spoiler light review of From Nowhere should begin with tone, because Matthew Newton understands exactly how this drama ought to feel. From Nowhere gains early credibility from Julianne Nicholson, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of J. Mallory McCree. The foundation of From Nowhere can be stated simply: Three undocumented Bronx teenagers are graduating from high school while navigating the treacherous waters of trying to get their papers to stay in the US.

Aug 103 min read

Silicon Cowboys

A spoiler light review of Silicon Cowboys should begin with tone, because Jason Cohen understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Silicon Cowboys gains early credibility from Rod Canion, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Jim Harris. The foundation of Silicon Cowboys can be stated simply: Three friends dream up the Compaq portable computer at a Texas diner in 1981, and soon find themselves battling mighty IBM for PC supremacy. Within its 1h 17m

Aug 102 min read

We Are the Flesh

A spoiler light review of We Are the Flesh should begin with tone, because Emiliano Rocha Minter understands exactly how this horror film ought to feel. We Are the Flesh gains early credibility from Noé Hernández, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of María Evoli. The foundation of We Are the Flesh can be stated simply: After wandering a ruined city for years in search of food and shelter, two siblings find their way into one of the last remaining buildings. W

Aug 103 min read

Irreplaceable

A spoiler light review of Irreplaceable should begin with tone, because Thomas Lilti understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. Irreplaceable gains early credibility from François Cluzet, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Marianne Denicourt. The foundation of Irreplaceable can be stated simply: After a doctor is diagnosed with cancer, a new doctor joins him to help him treat his rural patients. Within its 1h 42m running time, Irreplaceable reveals

Aug 102 min read

Blood Feast

A spoiler light review of Blood Feast should begin with tone, because Marcel Walz understands exactly how this horror film ought to feel. Blood Feast gains early credibility from Robert Rusler, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Caroline Williams. The foundation of Blood Feast can be stated simply: After having moved to France, Fuad works night shifts at a museum for Egyptian culture. Within its 1h 30m running time, Blood Feast reveals both the benefits and

Aug 103 min read

Providence

A spoiler light review of Providence should begin with tone, because Sharon Wilharm understands exactly how this romance ought to feel. Providence gains early credibility from Juli Tapken, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Rich Swingle. The foundation of Providence can be stated simply: Rachel Cartwright and Mitchell Little both grow up in the small town of Providence, Tennessee. Within its 1h 19m running time, Providence reveals both the benefits and the

Aug 102 min read

The Last King

A spoiler light review of The Last King should begin with tone, because Nils Gaup understands exactly how this action film ought to feel. The Last King gains early credibility from Jakob Oftebro, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Kristofer Hivju. The foundation of The Last King can be stated simply: In the year 1206 Norway is raged by civil war. Within its 1h 39m running time, The Last King reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined appro

Aug 103 min read

Magnus

A spoiler light review of Magnus should begin with tone, because Benjamin Ree understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Magnus gains early credibility from Magnus Carlsen, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Garry Kasparov. The foundation of Magnus can be stated simply: Magnus Carlsen, Norwegian chess prodigy, becomes a grandmaster at age 13 and world champion in 2013. Within its 1h 18m running time, Magnus reveals both the benefits and the lim

Aug 102 min read

The Eyes

A spoiler light review of The Eyes should begin with tone, because Robbie Bryan understands exactly how this thriller ought to feel. The Eyes gains early credibility from Nicholas Turturro, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Vincent Pastore. The foundation of The Eyes can be stated simply: Six strangers are kidnapped and through governmental technology have proof they have all killed before and are told five will die this night, one may walk free, and the s

Aug 103 min read

Frank & Lola

A spoiler light review of Frank & Lola should begin with tone, because Matthew Ross understands exactly how this thriller ought to feel. Frank & Lola gains early credibility from Michael Shannon, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Imogen Poots. The foundation of Frank & Lola can be stated simply: A psychosexual noir love story, set in Las Vegas and Paris, about love, obsession, sex, betrayal, revenge and, ultimately, the search for redemption. Within its 1h

Aug 103 min read

Hooligan Sparrow

A spoiler light review of Hooligan Sparrow should begin with tone, because Nanfu Wang understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Hooligan Sparrow gains early credibility from Ye Haiyan, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Huang. The foundation of Hooligan Sparrow can be stated simply: A human rights activist and filmmaker travels to Hainan Province to seek justice for six elementary school girls who were sexually abused, while being followed by

Aug 103 min read

Chosen

A spoiler light review of Chosen should begin with tone, because Jasmin Dizdar understands exactly how this war drama ought to feel. Chosen gains early credibility from Luke Mably, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Ana Ularu. The foundation of Chosen can be stated simply: An unassuming young lawyer leads a fight against the Nazis near the end of World War II. Within its 1h 45m running time, Chosen reveals both the benefits and the limits of that discipline

Aug 103 min read

Miss Kiet's Children

A spoiler light review of Miss Kiet's Children should begin with tone, because Peter Lataster understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Miss Kiet's Children gains early credibility from Kiet Engel, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Haya Khleif. The foundation of Miss Kiet's Children can be stated simply: Immigrant children have to find their way in a new classroom, with a new teacher and a language they don't understand. Within its 1h 55m run

Aug 103 min read

Strangers on the Earth

A spoiler light review of Strangers on the Earth should begin with tone, because Tristan Cook understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. Strangers on the Earth gains early credibility from the lead performer, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of the principal supporting performer. The foundation of Strangers on the Earth can be stated simply: Perhaps Europe's most popular pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago attracts wayfarers of all stripes to wal

Aug 103 min read

Global perspectives on science, culture ,media ,Trading cards and more

Film & Media

Sound of Freedom

Scream VI

Five Nights at Freddy's

American Dreamer

Look Both Ways

Rescued by Ruby

Project Silence

One Ranger

Good Burger 2

Surprised by Oxford

Coup de Chance

The Movie Teller

Family Switch

Last Sentinel

The End We Start From

Fear the Night

Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women's Professional Cycling

Guidance

SBK: The Movie

The Sleepwalker

The Princess of France

The Dead Lands

She's Lost Control

Far from Men

The Living

Kid Cannabis

Pet

From Nowhere

Silicon Cowboys

We Are the Flesh

Irreplaceable

Blood Feast

Providence

The Last King

Magnus

The Eyes

Frank & Lola

Hooligan Sparrow

Chosen

Miss Kiet's Children

Strangers on the Earth