Two men emerge from the mountains to do a job. To defeat their nation’s enemies. One from the Alps, one from the Smokeys. They both enter a world where everyone must pretend to be something they’re not. Their culture, their language, their religion. Their ability to traverse different worlds equates one’s ability to survive. OneContinue reading “Two Basterds walk into a bar…”
Author Archives: theflickreview22
Learning to Love Superman
It often feels as though one must be taught to appreciate pop culture. There are endless encyclopedias diving into the most minute details of characters and their worlds. A machine of content is fueled by both passionate people and corporations who must sustain an intellectual property that has been driving their growth for generations. AsContinue reading “Learning to Love Superman”
Mickey Barnes and the Cycles we Tolerate
Mickey Barnes is a loser. That’s what everyone tells him. He’s recycled waste. He’s garbage. He’s a test dummy. He’s lesser. He’s unsophisticated. He’s expendable. After hearing it over and over, it’s also what he tells himself. Director Bong Joon-Ho has always played with satire. Poking fun at how we think we’re above the systemsContinue reading “Mickey Barnes and the Cycles we Tolerate”
Nosferatu and the Nature of Evil
What is evil? Is it the mere act that is taken by a man? Is it man’s intention? Is nature, in its violence and indifference to suffering, evil? Is evil a compulsion that the strong can resist, and the weak indulge in? In Robert Eggar’s reinterpretation of the 1922 film by F.W. Murnau, he doesn’tContinue reading “Nosferatu and the Nature of Evil”
Asteroid City and the point of it all…
Wes Anderson’s 11th feature film is a repetition of everything else Anderson has done before. He uses much of the same acting company, the same cinematographer, and one of the same co-writers as his prior projects. This repetition has split those who watch his work between those who dismiss him as nothing deep, all aestheticContinue reading “Asteroid City and the point of it all…”
John Wick, debt, and love.
Spoilers for Chapters 1, 2 and 3 below. John Wick, a 2014 action programmer written by Derek Kolstad, directed by Chad Stahelski, and starring Keanu Reeves, has been about grief from the beginning. The film opens with John, stumbling to the ground, his heart bleeding onto the memories of his wife he keeps on hisContinue reading “John Wick, debt, and love.”
Complicated simplicity in The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson has been one of the most singular figures in twenty first century cinema. His visual style is instantly recognizable, but hardly ever imitated outside of the wardrobes, interior decor, and instagram feeds of his admirers. He has been so outside the mainstream of Hollywood’s visual grammar that he’s been often maligned by thoseContinue reading “Complicated simplicity in The French Dispatch”
Indication vs Integration and why I’m tired of Marvel
I just saw Shang-Chi. There’s a lot to like about it. There’s Kung Fu, there’s attractive, charming, funny actors in it, and it’s what you expect from a Marvel movie. However I think I understand (again) why Marvel movies just make me tired in our post endgame world. I’m going to be quick, but I’mContinue reading “Indication vs Integration and why I’m tired of Marvel”
Candyman and the White Liberal Gaze
I’m a recent convert to horror. Growing up I was scared of the rumor weed, Larry Boy’s antagonist in the sequel to the fib from outer space. I would hide behind the couch despite constantly rewatching that green VHS. I avoided horror films going forward, perhaps because I have such a visceral reaction to whatContinue reading “Candyman and the White Liberal Gaze”
The Wisdom and Youthfulness of M. Night
M. Night Shyamalan is young at heart and wise beyond his years. That’s the take away I keep coming back to after seeing his new film Old for the second time in theaters. I came to film slowly, but with increasing intensity. A major part of that was when I visited my cousins who livedContinue reading “The Wisdom and Youthfulness of M. Night”
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