Juror #2 & Conclave, a Twofer

Juror #2 was a very earnest movie directed by Clint Eastwood. I’ll say he’s sweet, as far as giving new writers a chance, as Jonathan A. Abrams has only a few movies under his belt. The writing was formulaic, but combined with excellent actors: Toni Collette, JK Simmons and Nicholas Hoult, the well edited movie… Continue reading Juror #2 & Conclave, a Twofer

Multi-faceted: Queer (movie title)

Queer is many movies in one. You’ve got my second favorite actor of the year Jason Swartzman doing a ‘if Tom Cruise’s character in Tropic Thunder was gay’ routine. If you were curious Anora’s Yuri Borisov, doing a Russian Ray Maxwell impression, my number one. You’ve got Lesley Manville doing a ‘if Shelley DuVall was… Continue reading Multi-faceted: Queer (movie title)

The Order: What’s out of order is the lack of publicity and the 2 tiny award noms

Jude Law was amazing in The Order, as was Nichols Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Junee Smollett and Mark Maron. So why only two eensy nominations? Why not highlight the proud fight against heinous domestic terrorism? Directed by Justin Kurzel, this ‘based on a true story’ was very compelling. I haven’t seen Kurzel’s previous films, but Nitram… Continue reading The Order: What’s out of order is the lack of publicity and the 2 tiny award noms

The Return: A Tribute Piece and/or Human Love Celebration

If you didn’t want to see Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reunite after The English Patient, your need to have your blood checked for AI wires. HOWEVER, the only conclusion I can make about The Return’s flat tire feeling is that they put the film out as is, as a tribute to one of the… Continue reading The Return: A Tribute Piece and/or Human Love Celebration

Do Not Expect Much From the End of the World: MUBI

I don’t normally take movie advice from the New York Times, but I was desperately bored and lonely last Saturday night so I rolled the dice. I’m glad I did! This Romanian gem by writer and director Radu Jude was a terrific take on the travails of a gig economy. Romanians are portrayed as far… Continue reading Do Not Expect Much From the End of the World: MUBI