‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ Plays It Too Safe
Photos Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a rich and dynamic film just a few drafts short of being perfect.
‘Moonlight’ Beautifully Captures an Untold Story
Image Courtesy of A24
Director Barry Jenkins debuted his second feature film in October, which felt like an early Christmas gift. Not only is it a cinematic masterpiece, but “Moonlight” is an outstanding story that breathes truth with every line, every sigh and every glance at the camera.
‘The Florida Project’ Exemplifies a Masterpiece in Film
Photos Courtesy of A24
“The Florida Project” opens on two children playing outside a cheap motel as “Celebration” fades in. The children scream and giggle while Kool & The Gang sing, “Celebrate good times, come on.” And with that, the best movie of 2017 begins.
Alex Garland’s ‘Annihilation’
Photos Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
“Annihilation,” directed by Alex Garland, is ambitious but disappointing. Previously, Garland directed “Ex Machina,” arguably one of the best films in the past five years. The sci-fi film reached beyond its genre lines and attracted audiences with an intricate and polished story. “Annihilation” did none of these things. “Annihilation” is more like the movie you make your friends see and then apologize for afterward.
‘The Shape of Water’ Is Just A Pretty Face
Photos Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
“The Shape of Water,” directed by auteur Guillermo del Toro, is making noise this award season. While the film is lovely to look at, it lacks content. It’s a pretty shell but nothing more.
‘The Sisters Brothers’ Reinvents the Western
Photos Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures
Though it seems impossible, the gun-slinging, horse-riding, whiskey-drinking period piece, “The Sisters Brothers,” is unlike any Western that has come before it. Director Jacques Audiard achieves a career-best with this film.