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Reviews
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
This is filmmaking.
Written by the Coen brothers, so of course the bar is high, but I still wasn't sure what to expect with the film being comprised of a number of vignettes rather than a singular story. Each story is distinct, told in a different tone, and I was totally transfixed the entire time. This is the type of film which could have easily gone wrong in other hands, but I can truly find no fault in this film. As with their other work, it is both careful and thoughtful; there is tremendous attention to detail - not merely in the production itself (the covered wagons appear to legitimately be authentic, as though you can feel yourself a part of the wagon train), but also in the depth and delivery of the dialogue (the trapper's monologue in the final vignette; every word that's spoken between Alice and Billy on the westward journey, etc.), and in the actual sequence of the vignettes as well. (Would this have worked as well if the stories had been presented in a different order? I don't think so). Above all, the casting and acting is superb. It is extraordinarily rare to be able to pull together so many sympathetic characters in one film - I found myself invested in and rooting for all of them. I loved each one of the stories, and found myself wanting more by the time the credits rolled.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Bradley Cooper stuns, and that's It.
I give it ip to Gaga for taking on such an ambitious role as a non-actor (apart from her role on AHS, which I feel is more of an extension of some of the caricatures she has created for herself). Unfortunately, when she and Bradley Cooper are together (and of course they have many scenes together), it is obvious who the actor in this duo really is. She has stage presence, which comes through in the film's concert scenes, but otherwise doesn't fit. One can tell that they have genuine chemistry, but that is not enough to fill in the relationship development that should have occurred during the first third of this film. I disagree with the reviewers who have stated that the film runs long. I found that I kept thinking, "Oh, we're already to this part?" The relationship is taken for granted with no development whatsoever. Scene 1: They meet. Scene 2: They are already madly in love and on their way. I'm oversimplifying, but the lack of development in this area really took a toll on this film given that the relationship is essentially what the entire story is about. Good directorial debut by Cooper, and he does an amazing job with the role. He makes it look as though he's been singing, songwriting, and rocking the guitar his entire life, not merely just the months before filming. (I want to hear him sing more, in fact, but only if it can be in that gravelly Arizona twang he pulled off so well.)
Still and all, the script is so thin it cannot be overlooked. Sam Elliott raises this to 6 stars.
Chance (2016)
Strange and new
What a completely fascinating and original storyline. It is true that it has a dark tone throughout, which can sometimes wear on you, but the plot turns are unexpected and manage to keep you engaged at all times. Casting is perfect all the way around. Even though some elements of the characters' lives may seem unbelievable, the mental degeneration that Dr. Chance experiences seems totally plausible, given the circumstances. I've never seen a piece of vigilante-themed work quite like this one.
The Seagull (2018)
Excellent ensemble
Old school techniques in lighting and the use of close-ups were the perfect complement to the stunning setting where the film was shot. The ensemble is perfectly cast; the women shine in this film but the male roles were also expertly played by the surprising Corey Stoll and Billy Howle. My only critique is that the end does feel a bit rushed...it moves toward its inevitable conclusion, but in a way that could have been fleshed out a bit more. Excellent adaptation overall.
Siren (2018)
Good show
Good show...first few episodes are a bit B-grade, but it gets better as it goes along. Interesting premise which doesn't seem that far-fetched by the end of the season. Each episode better than the last. Casting of Ryn, main mermaid, is spot on.
The X Files (1993)
2018 goes out with a s sci-fi bang
This latest (and likely final) season is the finest work this group has put together. Each episode has presented a relevant, timely, thought-provoking, and sometimes irreverent stand-alone theme, while always remaining faithful to the characters we've come to love, their motivations, and back-stories. Very sad to see this series go but so pleased to see it end on the highest note possible. Bravo!
Baby Driver (2017)
Totally original
One of the best films of the year and by far the most fun. The soundtrack is infectious and a character all on its own. The driving sequences are superb and editing is top notch. Excellent ensemble cast and the story carries you through to the last moment. Loved it!
Sleepless (2017)
Fast paced fun
7.5 - Sound editing is bad which makes some of the dialogue a challenge, but otherwise I'm not sure why this movie got such bad play. The plot is not wholly original but the pace is good and the actors are committed. The action sequences are well done. Yes, you can see the ending before it arrives but it's still fun getting there!
The Florida Project (2017)
Please, Willem, no.
This film is such a profound disappointment that I feel compelled to write a review. I love independent, and even low-budget independent film (which this is), but even Willem Defoe - as amazing as he is (and seems to never age) - is not enough to make this film watchable. Plotless and claustrophobic, the film is an endless series of too-long camera pans from one end of the hotel to the other while obnoxiously-behaved children run around pointlessly. The lead girl child presents a mildly interesting character but one gets the sense that she was allowed to ad-lib through most of the film and that perhaps there is no script at all. Editing is extremely poor. This film seems to exist solely to advise you - if you did not know - that when people are too poor to rent an apartment, they live in motels; and it does so in a way that is neither subtle nor clever. If it is meant to be about kids rising above their surroundings to form friendships, it falls very short. If it is meant to be an expose on the hardships of the poor, it fails again. Just another film highlighting the absolute worst qualities of the underprivileged in America. It's been done.