Arts
'All the Bright Places' Fails to Illuminate Its Potential Depths
Yet even with the low expectations set by a classic angst-filled romance narrative, “All the Bright Places” squanders potentially meaningful depth by failing to convincingly develop characters’ inner turmoil.
'Sense and Sensibility' Still
Kate Winslet (left) stars as Marianne Dashwood, Emilie Françoise (center) stars as Margaret Dashwood, and Emma Thompson (right) stars as Elinor Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" (1995), directed by Ang Lee.
From NYFF: ‘Lovers Rock’ is an Experience to Behold
The film’s events unfold in one night, featuring minimal dialogue, shot almost exclusively in one location, and led by a small cast of characters in just 68 minutes. But in that ephemeral evening, McQueen crafts a self-contained film that sparks a radiant, nostalgic experience.
'Lovers Rock' Still
Alexander James-Blake (left) stars as Parker B and Kadeem Ramsay (right) stars as Samson in "Lovers Rock" (2020), directed by Steve McQueen.
In ‘Capone,’ A Defanged (And Diapered) Mob Boss Reckons With His Past
If the last 15 minutes of “The Irishman” (2019) left you hankering for another geriatric gangster flick, writer-director Josh Trank’s vision of a demented and guilt-ridden Al Capone may be just the ticket.
What to Expect From ‘Dune’ 2020
In 1965, Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune” irrevocably changed the science fiction landscape, becoming a cornerstone of the genre. Over 50 years later, following a previous attempt by David Lynch, critically acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve seeks to do the project justice on the big screen.
'Dune' (2020) Still
Timothée Chalamet stars as Paul Atreides in "Dune" (2020), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Unpopular Opinion: 'Spider-Man 2 Is Still the Best Marvel Film
Comic book movies will always be limited by the ridiculousness of their premises, but “Spider-Man 2” set a high water mark that Marvel has yet to surpass.
40 Years Later, ‘The Last Waltz’ Remains an Intimate Tribute to Rock ‘n’ Roll
“The Last Waltz” is a film which begs for its audience’s full attention as it dives into one of the most significant performances of the 1970s: The Band’s final concert featuring various legends of the era, from Joni Mitchell to Muddy Waters.
'Other Music' is a Love Letter to Art and Shared Spaces
Despite the timeline of its subject matter, however, the story in “Other Music” rings especially true during the coronavirus pandemic, when independent stores and venues are suffering and people are forced to turn to the virtual realities that made Other Music shut its doors in the first place.
'Other Music' Still
The exterior of the Other Music store in "Other Music" (2020), directed by Puloma Basu and Robert Hatch-Miller
Celebrating Michelle Obama’s Legacy in ‘Becoming’
“Becoming” accurately depicts Obama's inspiring influence, which has transformed countless lives throughout the United States and abroad.
‘Love Wedding Repeat’ Rehashes More Successful Rom-Coms
“Love Wedding Repeat” would need a complete rewrite and much sharper material to even remotely reach the level of the films it attempts to emulate.
'Love Wedding Repeat' Still
Sam Claflin (left) stars as Jack and Olivia Munn (right) stars as Dina in "Love Wedding Repeat" (2020), directed by Dean Craig
‘Mulan’ Disappoints
The visuals are beautiful, yes; the sweeping shots of the Chinese countryside and lavishly decorated Imperial City are appropriately grandiose for a film with access to Disney’s pocketbooks — but all the production value in the world can’t save a movie without a soul.
The Radical Empathy of Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’
“Folklore” feels like an admission about the limitations of providing one experience alone.
‘Athlete A’ and the ‘Perfect Victim’ Problem
Do we have to force kids to relive their trauma, to prove their gymnastic potential and youthful naiveté over and over again in order to convince audiences to take sexual abuse seriously?
‘Lake Like a Mirror’ is Hazy, Murky, and Haunting
Many of the stories end with no satisfying resolution. This ambiguity can be frustrating or soothing.