Week In, Week Out
Weekly collections of five mini-reviews capturing a wide range of films—old and new, obscure and iconic. A personal film journal in snapshots, offering quick, insightful takes on whatever’s been on the screen lately.
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Movies of the Week #29 (2024)
Return of the Living Dead (1985): I’m surprised I’ve only written about this once, given that I watch it every couple of years. It is guaranteed to bring nostalgia joy, memories of a time before my time where campy movies had an authenticity to them that so many modern productions try to recreate if not… Read more
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Movies of the Week #28 (2024)
Bastarden (2023): I’m a simple man, I see Mads Mikkelsen, I click like. Bastarden (The Promised Land) might have a familiar plot, but it is exceptional in its execution. The key to Ludvig Kahlen’s ambition of becoming a reputable man in 18th century Denmark lies in his ability to set up a thriving business in… Read more
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Movies of the Week #27 (2024)
I Am: Celine Dion (2024): My knowledge of Celine Dion pretty much starts and ends with Titanic. Sure, there are a handful of songs I know, but I’ve never had any particular interest in her as an artist or a person. After last year’s tough, but inspirational tales of chronic illness from Selma Blair and… Read more
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Movies of the Week #26 (2024)
The Bikeriders (2024) directed by Jeff Nichols is a star-studded movie that explores the motorcycle lifestyle and the origin story of a group of criminals. “Easy Rider” comes to mind, but it presents a mostly chill group with a bit of criminal inclination. Jodie Comer’s character leads us through the ups and downs. Inside Out… Read more
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Movies of the Week #25 (2024)
In “Mrs. Buică”, the toxic dynamics of a Romanian couple are explored over the years. “Federer: Twelve Final Days” offers little new insight, while “Wicked Little Letters” lacks excitement despite a talented cast. Hannah Einbinder’s HBO special is a subversive take on comedy. “Avram Iancu Împotriva Imperiului” falls short, offering little beyond patriotism. Read more
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Movies of the Week #24 (2024)
Netflix’s “How to Rob a Bank” tells the story of Scott Scurlock, a notorious bank robber. While it introduces Scurlock in an interestingly unpredictable way, the film fails to fully explore the complex effects of crime. “Am I OK?” offers a poignant yet optimistic depiction of friendship amidst life changes. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”… Read more
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Movies of the Week #23 (2024)
“Tangerine” (2015) and “Umberto D.” (1952) portray solitude and sacrifice, garnering critical acclaim. “Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel” (2009) delivers a warm narrative despite flaws. “Bad Boys” (1995) falls short due to a convoluted plot, contrasting with the promising but lackluster “Boy Kills World” (2024). Each film has distinct qualities and shortcomings. Read more
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Movies of the Week #22 (2024)
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024): It was always going to be a challenge to compare favorably to what is a near perfect movie (i.e. Fury Road). George Miller returns to his universe with pomp and circumstance, but in spite of moments of inspiration and grandeur, it lacks the sheer electric energy of Fury Road.… Read more
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Movies of the Week #21 (2024)
The content covers several movie reviews, with a mixture of positive and negative sentiments. “Radio Days” is praised for its warmth but not entirely captivating. “Returning to Monkey Island” is appreciated by a fan but could have appealed more to a wider audience. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is enjoyable but falls short… Read more
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Movies of the Week #20 (2024)
A tennis-themed movie, “Challengers (2024),” directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Josh O’Connor, Zendaya, and Mike Faist, presents an ambiguous love triangle. “The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023)” is a Western heist film with a nostalgic vibe, and “The Fall Guy (2024)” offers fun and spectacular action starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling. “Roland… Read more
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Movies of the Week #19 (2024)
Late Night with the Devil (2023) is a stylish film that explores the golden age of possession and its relation to consumerism and media brainwashing. Buzzard (2014) follows Marty Jackitansky’s unconventional life and finds purpose in his character’s purposelessness. Funny Pages (2022) depicts the fringes of society through a young cartoonist’s story, and You’ll Never… Read more
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Movies of the Week #18 (2024)
The Iron Claw (2023) is a lengthy biopic about the van Erich wrestling family, balancing tragedy and artistry. Vermines (2023) is a harrowing spider horror with social commentary. Vicious Fun (2020) is a solid slasher film, though playing it safe. Pinball (2022) features a strong start but loses impact. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) starts strong… Read more
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