Rarely has a director's aesthetic and thematic palette been as recognizable as Wes Anderson's. From the moment one see's the words "American Empirical Pictures" in the opening credits, or takes in the film's first breathtaking, immaculately composed shot, one already has some inkling of what the movie has in store. Unfortunately, in the 18 years…Read more Film Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Month: March 2014
Film Review: Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
After the rousing, Oscar-winning success of Gladiator, it was no surprise that Ridley Scott returned to the historical epic with 2005's Kingdom of Heaven. However, this time around his efforts were met with gentle indifference. There were no Oscar parties, nor were there any massive box office hauls. In fact, the film barely broke even.…Read more Film Review: Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Film Review: Husbands and Wives (1992)
Husbands and Wives is a wonderfully written, powerfully acted piece of cinema, which features two of the best supporting performances seen in a Woody film. While deeply (and painfully) insightful about relationships and human behavior, Husbands and Wives largely avoids the moody, onerous angst of several other Allen titles from this period (such as the laborious Another…Read more Film Review: Husbands and Wives (1992)
On the Insatiable American Dreamers of Pain and Gain
In Michael Bay's Pain and Gain a nightmarish, sun-baked idea of the American Dream emerges, marred by crime, violence and madness. However, despite what many have said, Bay's film is not so much a moral critique of a specific lifestyle or belief system. Instead, it conveys a more intriguing truth. The American Dream is ultimately a…Read more On the Insatiable American Dreamers of Pain and Gain
Film Review: The Boys From Brazil (1978)
Whether serving as the punching bag of Indiana Jones or as the thorn in Rick Blaine's side, Nazis have proven themselves time and time again to be perfect fodder for cinematic villainy. This potential is exploited to the fullest in director Franklin J. Schaffner's bizarre thriller, The Boys From Brazil, which stars two heavyweights: Gregory…Read more Film Review: The Boys From Brazil (1978)
Adam Mohrbacher 