2021 was one of the most challenging years for cinema. But, after many delays, we finally got to see long-awaited films like No Time to Die and West Side Story. But, despite a rocky year, we had the chance to reunite with the power of film.
Best Films of 2020
What made me the happiest this year was to see smaller films get the spotlight they have desperately been needing.
“Promising Young Woman” Review
The movie's mix of dark comedy, romance, and suspense propels it forward, and its quirky chaptered structure makes it unpredictable. But the main reason to watch this movie is Carey Mulligan's multifaceted performance. Mulligan dominates the screen and delivers every line with absolute control in a way that makes her character the most memorable. Promising Young Woman might not be perfect, but it is a promising debut film that is everything but boring.
“The Dissident” Review
Academy Award Winner documentarist Bryan Fogel (Icarus) returns with his latest documentary The Dissident. The documentary exposes the corruption and conspiracy that led to the disappearance of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The film includes Khashoggi's fiancé (Hatice Cengiz), and a prominent number of specialists (including former CIA director John O. Brennan). Its principal focus is to [...]
“Herself” Review
Even though this might seem like a story that we have all seen before, Herself has enough unique elements to differentiate itself. I can see different (longer, less focused) versions of this movie that would seem boresome. I can gladly say that Herself is not only an ultimately satisfying movie but also one that is worth your time.
“Pieces of a Woman” Review
Kornél Mundruczó latest film is about grief and womanhood. The film tasks itself with portraying one of the most magical things in life: childbirth. Society places a great deal of pressure on pregnant women to be perfect. But, what happens when childbirth goes wrong? Since pregnancy is a very public event, the loss of a [...]
“Wonder Woman 1984” Review
Fans of the 1980s or of the protagonist itself might find enough substance to be enthralled, but there is simply not enough substance for the rest of us to consider this film a must-watch.
Oscars 2020: Best Picture Analysis
If you ask around, odds are people tell you that 1917 is a lock to win Best Picture. And while 1917 has received multiple other awards this season, I am here to make the case it is not the best positioned to win Best Picture under a preferential ballot system. I will present the case for and against the top four contenders for the top prize of the night.
Best Films of 2019
2019 was a year full of culminations, delightful surprises and shocking disappointments. While the biggest projects involved franchises ending (Marvel and Star Wars), the most exciting movies of the year ended up being original projects. The year's box office was down from last years, but there were plenty of successful indie stories. While the movie [...]
Best TV Shows of 2019
2019 was a great year for television. Honorable Mentions: What We Do In The Shadows, Bojack Horseman, Veep Couldn’t Get To: The Crown Biggest Disappointment: Game of Thrones 10. Euphoria (HBO) Zendaya’s performance is a revelation. The High-School coming-of-age melodrama is entertaining because of its bold take on stereotypes and its intriguing characters. It is a cautionary [...]
Film and Tonic 