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 #52 (2023)
This summary covers various film reviews. “Un héros très discret” is praised for its storytelling and Mathieu Kassovitz’s performance, “The Hunger Games” prequel receives mixed feedback, “Thanksgiving” is noted for its gore and satire, “The Creator” is criticized for lacking nuance and a satisfying finale, and “Next Goal Wins” is described as lighthearted but unimaginative. Read more
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Movies of the Week #51 (2023)
The Christmas movie landscape of 2022-2023 presents a mixed bag of festive films, each with its own charm and shortcomings. “This is Christmas” stands out with a stellar cast including Timothy Spall and Alfred Enoch, delivering an uplifting story about commuters organizing a Christmas party, despite its cheesy moments. “Your Christmas or Mine” features Asa… Read more
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Movies of the Week #50 (2023)
Man with a Movie Camera (1929): I picked this up for no clear reason whatsoever and with just as little background knowledge. Dziga Vertov’s “urban life” cinematic diary is amazing. Without a narrative, it just shows instances of the day to day, but with such dynamic vibrancy that the movie feels way ahead of its… Read more
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Movies of the Week #49 (2023)
The Holdovers (2023): After the dud that was Downsizing, a rare blip in Alexander Payne’s illustrious directorial career, he returns with one of his best movies yet. Set in the magical 70s (seriously, any movie set in the 70s and 80s is basically playing the game with cheat mode on), Paul Giamatti plays a grumpy… Read more
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Movies of the Week #48 (2023)
“De ce mă cheamă Nora când cerul meu e senin” delves into the life of Romanian cultural icon Nora Iuga, paralleling the documentary “Iris” in its exploration of an artist’s journey against historical backdrops. It offers a nuanced portrayal of Nora, blending her artistic legacy with personal stories. “Scrapper” presents a hopeful father-daughter dynamic, with… Read more
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Movies of the Week #47 (2023)
Discover a captivating mix of drama, music, and storytelling in 2023’s cinematic lineup. “Flora and Son” by John Carney is a heartfelt exploration of the bond between a mother and son through music, featuring Eve Hewson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film’s intimate setting and bittersweet narrative echo Carney’s signature style, offering a cozy, uplifting experience.… Read more
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Movies of the Week #46 (2023)
Explore a diverse range of cinematic experiences in 2023’s intriguing film lineup. “Do Not Expect Too Much Of the End of the World” by Radu Jude delves into the complexities of modern life through Angela’s dual existence as a weary worker and her bold social media alter-ego “Bobitza.” This film captivates with its unique narrative… Read more
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Movies of the Week #45 (2023)
Dive into the depths of William Friedkin’s cinematic journey through a series of insightful documentaries. “Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019)” offers a lyrical exploration of Friedkin’s approach to the iconic film, blending personal anecdotes with cinematic insight. In “Conversation with Fritz Lang (1975),” Friedkin engages with the legendary director, discussing film’s… Read more
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Movies of the Week #44 (2023)
Unearth the underrated gems in William Friedkin’s diverse filmography. Venture into the chilling courtroom drama of “Rampage (1987),” where sinister acts meet legal dissection. Transition to the corruption-laced courts in “Blue Chips (1994),” where basketball and integrity clash amidst a star-studded cast. Dance back to the 1920s with “The Night They Raided Minsky’s (1968),” where… Read more
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Movies of the Week #43 (2023)
Immerse in a cinematic tapestry with 2023’s eclectic film offerings from the Cannes Film Festival. Navigate through Kaurismäki’s whimsical realms in “Fallen Leaves,” or unravel the enigmatic folds of marital life in “Anatomy of a Fall.” Relish the gastronomic romance of “La passion de Dodin Bouffant,” journey through quaint existential alleys in “Perfect Days,” and… Read more
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Movies of the Week #42 (2023)
The second of three weeks of William Friedkin. Do remember to check out my exploration of the man himself. Bug (2006): Tracy Letts wrote the play the movie is based on in 1996 and he also penned the screenplay. It tells of a lonely two lonely people who meet through happenstance in the middle of… Read more
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Movies of the Week #41 (2023)
Embark on a cinematic voyage through William Friedkin’s remarkable directorial chronicles. From the gritty, realistic portrayal of New York’s underworld in “The French Connection (1971),” to the chilling yet existential narrative of “The Exorcist (1973),” Friedkin’s craft evolves. The perilous jungle expedition in “Sorcerer (1977)” extends his thematic exploration, leading to the controversial yet compelling… Read more
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