John Krasinski may still be in an early chapter as a filmmaker, but he’s already carving out a nice reputation for having a fantastic knack for fantasy. With A Quiet Place, he was able to create a sensory-deprived moviegoing experience as a distraction to explore the bounds of his fantastical horror. In his latest film IF, a much more family-friendly vehicle, Krasinski has fun with the boundless limits of the imagination.
Daddio looks like an effortless movie, which is its greatest strength. Some of this credit can be offered to its central stars, The High Note’s Dakota Johnson and Milk Academy Award winner Sean Penn, who are both working at the top of their games. But, it’s writer/director Christy Hall who deserves to be praised for her impeccably controlled feature film debut.
Named as one of Variety’s top horror movies of the year so far and hailed by shock comic Anthony Jeselnik, Spanish import The Coffee Table is one hell of an unforgettable and disturbing experience.
Quaint humour and wholesome gags about retired life collide with a character-driven, Coen Brothers-inspired thriller in Thelma. In her best role since her Oscar nominated work in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, June Squibb proves her chops as a late-career lead as the titular golden-ager. Lonely albeit confidently independent in Los Angeles, Thelma isn’t seen as a liability to her daughter (Parker Posey), her son-in-law (Clark Gregg), or her grandson (Fred Hechinger). However, a phone scam that…
The Exorcism is a reminder that filmmakers have a “shot clock” when trying to map out their movies.
By: Trevor Chartrand Insane Like Me? is the first feature film from director Chip Joslin, who also wrote the script with the movie’s star, Britt Bankhead. This lackluster thriller has a number of faults, most of which are hard to ignore.
Sporting an unstoppable slew of passive-aggressive, allegedly improvised, humour and a refreshing spin on man-child comedies, Dad & Step-Dad is one of the funniest films ever made. Don’t believe me? How about if I told you I’ve watched Dad & Step-Dad four times, and have doubled over with hearty laughs with each viewing? How about if I told you I’m worried that my fifth viewing will put me in the hospital?
For aspiring musician Ricky (Rob Raco of The CW’s Riverdale), a career breakout would not only reassure himself of his personal aspirations but the fame and fortune could also benefit his sick mother. Unfortunately, as a bartender who is constantly disrespected by his boss and getting shorted on hours, he’s often discouraged and frustrated by the lack of hope.
With a fairly fragmented yet accessible narrative, I Used to Be Funny uses the past and present to supply audiences a work of comparison – what life is like before and after trauma.
