Tim Robinson has enjoyed breakthrough success in a way that few comedians have this decade with his sketch comedy show I Think You Should Leave. Friendship is his first starring role in a feature film, and the director, Andrew DeYoung, makes some key tweaks to make Robinson’s unique brand of humor work in a long-form format. These changes to the comedic formula give the movie a different set of strengths than Robinson’s sketch show, while still maintaining what’s special about…
In most iterations of Cinderella, the stepsister and stepmother are two dimensional characters, simple plot devices to create a conflict for Cinderella to overcome. But in The Ugly Stepsister, we are asked to consider what it might feel like to be one of the stepsisters, and if her hopes and dreams are as valid as our princess-to-be. The film wants us to re-examine the characters we sympathize with and those we villainize, as life’s conflicts can be a lot more…
First time revisiting since high school, probably? I loved it then. Now I didn't feel that the sympathy/assholery balance was quite right with Steve Zissou, the film wants us to recognize his flaws but also sort of like him and I just didn't. The guitar player constantly covering David Bowie rules
Wes Anderson’s style is nothing if not recognizable. In this way, he is, and has been, a great entry point for people seeking to analyze films rather than simply consuming them. You don’t need formal training in cinematography or production design to recognize and appreciate those aspects in Anderson’s films.
Since his stylistic elements are so tangible and meticulously crafted (and perhaps because people are tired of hearing about them), there has been a backlash. His works are criticized as…
New episode of What a Picture Podcast on Mickey 17 now available!
This is a classic three stars and a like, for me. There are parts of this that are muddled or that I didn't like when I put my critic's hat on, but mostly I just was able to sit back and have fun with it as a viewer - which is sorta the vibe. It's consistently funny, and the casting and performances are pitch-perfect. Definitely worth a watch.
Nickel Boys is unlike any other novel adaptation. Despite following the plot and spirit of the book it’s based on — Colson Whitehead’s beloved novel and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, The Nickel Boys — rather closely, director RaMell Ross‘ adaptation just does not feel like it was made from a book.
The biggest risk Nickel Boys takes is telling its story almost entirely through first-person point-of-view shots, placing you in the feet of its characters. But even beyond that,…
