tributary stu

Movie micro-reviews and other stuff. A tributary to the big screen.

  • Movies of the Weeks #5 #6 (2025): Iconic Lynch, Body Horror, and Michael Keaton

    Movies of the Weeks #5 #6 (2025): Iconic Lynch, Body Horror, and Michael Keaton

    This week’s movies traverse the surreal, the romantic, the horrific, and the heartfelt, each grappling with identity and perception in unique ways. Mulholland Drive remains a mesmerizing Lynchian puzzle, blending fantasy and tragedy with masterful tonal shifts. Chasing Amy and its documentary counterpart wrestle with evolving cultural perspectives, while The Substance delivers bombastic body horror… Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #3 #4 (2025)

    Movies of the Week #3 #4 (2025)

    Vampiru’ Zombi is an independent film by Sebastian Mihăilescu exploring Romanian vampires through the eyes of artist Cătălina, who aims to weave childhood dreams into a narrative. Its charm lies in its unconventional style and imperfect execution. Meanwhile, Flow narrates animals overcoming a flood, showcasing beauty and simplicity in animation but lacking emotional depth. Read more


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  • Vampiru’ Zombi (2024) | Liminal Cinema

    Vampiru’ Zombi (2024) | Liminal Cinema

    Vampiru’ Zombi stands out with its blend of art-house aesthetics and semi-fictional introspection, exploring themes of fatherhood, abandonment, and self-discovery. While some scenes feel surface-level, its raw, experimental essence captivates, showcasing Sebastian Mihăilescu’s brash minimalism and knack for blurring reality with fiction. A guerrilla triumph, it exemplifies liminal cinema’s ability to evoke meaning in chaos. Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #1 #2 (2025)

    Movies of the Week #1 #2 (2025)

    This week’s movies explore the human condition through wildly inventive, emotional, and occasionally flawed storytelling. From the audacious biopic Better Man capturing the chaos and brilliance of Robbie Williams, to Little Sister’s tender portrait of faith and trauma, and Scare Me’s playful take on cabin horror, each film reflects on resilience and identity. Meanwhile, Resident… Read more


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  • Evil Reimagined: George A. Romero’s Resident Evil (2025)

    Evil Reimagined: George A. Romero’s Resident Evil (2025)

    This documentary on Romero and Resident Evil offers a mixed experience. While it covers Romero’s influence and the origins of the Resident Evil series, its structure feels disjointed. The homage to Romero stands out, enriched by interviews, but the film struggles to balance commercial appeal with insightful storytelling. It’s intriguing yet familiar for fans. Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #52 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #52 (2024)

    This week’s movies explore atypical expressions of humor, love, and loss, weaving through the melancholic edges of human experience. From the muted, stoic realism of Tuesday, After Christmas to the offbeat observations in White Reindeer, the holiday spirit feels more like a mirror of emotional complexity than a celebration. Comedy finds introspection in Fern Brady:… Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #51 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #51 (2024)

    This week’s movies span emotional intimacy, existential humor, and fantastical explorations. From Petite Maman’s enchanting portrayal of childhood and motherhood in a tightly woven 72-minute marvel to stand-up specials by Rose Matafeo and Ronny Chieng that delve into identity and cultural humor, we find depth in varied forms. Die Alone offers a visually engaging yet… Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #50 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #50 (2024)

    This week’s movies explore themes of identity, connection, and the passage of time, whether through personal resilience, moral complexity, or familial bonds. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story crafts a heartfelt tribute to a man who endured tragedy with hope, while Angels with Dirty Faces delivers a timeless tale of diverging paths and redemption. The chilling… Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #49 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #49 (2024)

    This week’s movies cover nostalgic holiday charm, moral dilemmas, game development lore, cultural comedy, and romcom clichés. Home Alone shines as a timeless Christmas tale with impeccable casting and iconic mischief, while Juror #2 tackles justice and moral relativism, albeit conservatively. The Half-Life 2 Documentary delves into creative struggles and industry shifts, offering richer context… Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #48 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #48 (2024)

    “You Can Call Me Bill” celebrates William Shatner, while “Conclave” shifts from contemplation to cheap shock, despite Ralph Fiennes’ strong performance. “The Grinch” is deemed mediocre with unnecessary elements, “Terrifier 2” improves upon its predecessor but suffers from length, and the original “Terrifier” disappoints. Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #47 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #47 (2024)

    The review covers several films, including “Pieces of April,” a heartfelt Thanksgiving story; a documentary on Faye Dunaway that explores her impact on female roles; the gory horror “Terrifier 3”; the time travel drama “Omni Loop” focusing on family versus career; and the lighthearted “Hot Frosty,” featuring a magical snowman. Read more


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  • Movies of the Week #46 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #46 (2024)

    Anora (2024) explores Ani, a sex worker whose life changes after meeting Vania, a wealthy oligarch’s son. Their relationship crumbles under parental disapproval, highlighting classist perceptions. The Social Network (2010) has evolved from initial appeal to a dated view on wealth. Seth Meyers’ stand-up lacks depth, while Fly Me to the Moon (2024) presents an… Read more


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