Bound to be one of the most discussed films of 2024, Alex Garland’s Civil War is not what many might have imagined it to be. That shouldn’t be much of a surprise at this point in his career. Garland has long shown himself to be a filmmaker who circumvents expectation in lieu of something far […]
Author: Alex Papaioannou
RIDDLE OF FIRE Is A Fun Reminder Of Childhood Adventures
From the very outset of Weston Razooli’s Riddle of Fire, I found myself immediately taken by its idiosyncratic charm. Gorgeous Utah landscapes pair nicely to the evocative score, which sets the stage for a literal fairy tale opening. Appearing in gorgeous typeface is a riddle that sounds pulled out of your favorite storybook. And just […]
PROBLEMISTA: An Imaginative And Honest Film
One has to admire the commitment to a bit when watching a film like Problemista. In Julio Torres’ debut film, the gags are often hiding just below the surface. Yet, it’s not afraid to display something loud and clear. Take the opening credits. For a quirky indie film to nab Isabella Rossellini, but only as […]
Celebrating the Release of Sean Price Williams’ “1000 Movies”
Before everybody you knew was obsessively making lists on Letterboxd, there was a legendary list floating around New York City. It originated from cinematographer Sean Price Williams, of which many will know him from his work on films like Good Time, Funny Pages, Between The Temples, and more. The list was called “1000 Movies.” If […]
JACKIE BROWN: Tarantino’s First “Mature” Film?
Ever since I first saw Quentin Tarantino’s third feature, Jackie Brown, it has always represented an odd curio in his personally beloved oeuvre. While neither rare nor unusual as the definition of this particular descriptor would claim, it is deeply intriguing. In fact, I would (and will) argue that it’s a film which represents a […]
DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS Holds Some Classic Coen Charm
The Coen brothers can make basically any type of movie. They’ve both proved it with the countless classics given to us over the decades. While all the films retained their distinct voice, so many veer into different genres. They can be placed into a variety of categories, but inevitably, all fall under the umbrella of […]