Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010): I’m surprised this is only the second (okay, third) time I’m writing about the Pilgrim. Judging by my boast of having watched it six or seven times, seven years and seven evil exes ago, this means I must have gone above the single digits since. What I have noticed since, other than the gleeful familiarity with the movie’s distinctive beats and rhythm, is the inevitable (?) emotional distancing occurring as I’ve out-aged the characters. I’ve surely complained about how it’s been more difficult to really enjoy the high-school/college dramas I dug so much over the years and it seems that, indeed, nothing ages like fine wine. Not even fine wine. That being said, SPvtW retains its freshness and keeps its position among Edgar Wright’s most inspired forays (who, believe it or not, just celebrated Shaun of the Dead’s 20th anniversary earlier this month. Sigh). 9
Nasty (2024): Ilie Năstase was undoubtedly one of the most memorable athletes of his time. Not only has he won many important titles and holds the distinction of being the first ATP world number 1, but he was also an absolute character. This documentary does him justice and proves deliciously entertaining at times, but it is short on biographical inquiry and weak on structure, leaving many interesting avenues unexplored. That said, it’s hard to stand your ground against the sheer charm of the man at his peak. It would also be unfair to focus on these shortcomings, given how effective the documentary is in conveying this madly romantic character that has become so short in supply today. Full review here. 7
Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995): It’s been five years since the last Die Hard and John McClane is not doing so well. Thankfully, a twisty, bomb-riddled adventure is about to come his way. Bruce Willis is joined by Sam Jackson and they’re taking on Jeremy Irons, in a movie filled with ample action sequences and kabooms. The problem is that they feel like a parade, rather than a taut story, with so many twists that you’ll be numb to them by the end. The biggest shock I had was to see that when I expected Die Hard 3 to wrap up, there was almost another hour left to go. It’s a shame, because the cast and most of the big cinema moments are top tier, but this is one that would have done with a trimmer story and an improved focus. 6
Harriet (2019): Apparently there is still room in modern day cinema for biographical movies that are conventional to a fault. Harriet Tubman’s story is treated as such, as we experience her escape from slavery and her dedication in helping others to do the same. The movie is straight, the story is straight, the characters are straight, with very few moments that do anything resembling novelty and panache. Cynthia Erivo eared an Academy Award nomination and she does portray Harriet Tubman’s inspirational strength effectively, but it all slots into the same functional, but uninspired approach of writer-director Kasi Lemmons. 6
Double Blind (2023): A pharmaceutical trial gone wrong means that if you fall asleep, you die. We follow seven subjects who embark on this ill-fated journey, the kind of group where everyone has one distinctive trait so you can tell these people apart. That’s all fine, but alongside an uninspired plot and the usual pharma-villains, Double Blind puts itself in a…double bind. Decent performances and some solid visuals make up for a few of the shortcomings, but the ending is on such a whimper that it makes the whole thing feel like a disappointment. 5
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