Promotional material for "Maestro." By Drew Roberts and Carter James
“Fargo”
By Drew Roberts
If a movie has snow, it’s a Christmas movie, right? Well, maybe not, but that doesn’t stop me from watching “Fargo” around this time every year. A crime caper equal parts brutal and hilarious, the Coen Brothers’ 1996 masterpiece is unlike any other movie out there. Behind all the bizarre violence and Minnesotan accents is one of the greatest screenplays of all time and a phenomenal performance from Frances McDormand. This film’s brilliance lies in its ability to subvert your expectations throughout the entire run time. You don’t need me to tell you that “Fargo” is a classic. Just know that if you haven’t seen this, you’re missing out.
“Dogville”
By Carter James
This was my introduction to the Danish provocateur, Lars von Trier. What an intro. “Dogville” takes you to the town of the same name, but all we see are minimal set decorations, chalk indicating houses and buildings and a giant soundstage. Even with this, and the fact it’s shot like an episode of “The Office,” the dread of the film sets in immediately. We see the darkest of humanity in the smallest of places, and our hope in others slowly ebbs away. Nicole Kidman gives one of the best performances I’ve ever seen, piercing me with her razor-sharp eyes. Every last minute of this three-hour experiment is more disturbing than the last. I can’t wait to watch von Trier’s entire filmography 9/10
“Mud”
By Drew Roberts
Starring Matthew McConaughey as he was beginning to reinvent himself, Jeff Nichols’s 2012 film “Mud” is more than alright, alright, alright. In fact, it’s great. This had been in my “yeah I’ll probably watch that at some point” list for quite a while, but I couldn’t have predicted the movie I was walking into. This is a textured, naturalistic and beautiful coming-of-age film with emotional depth and gripping characters. While McConaughey embodies a larger-than-life ethos, similar to Paul Newman in “Cool Hand Luke,” its main character Ellis, played by Tye Sheridan, carries the film. We see the world romanticized through his eyes, which makes the inevitable clash with reality all the more devastating. Tackling themes of domestic strife, love, innocence and redemption, “Mud” is a starkly American tale, and one more people need to see.
“Maestro”
By Carter James
What an interesting case of ambition. Writer, director, and star Bradley Cooper wants an Oscar so bad he’s practically on his hands and knees begging for it. I would be on his side if Bradley Cooper the writer was not in the way of Bradley Cooper the director and star. Here we have gorgeous cinematography, “go big or go home” direction and some good-great performances, but devoid of feeling. For a film about Leonard Bernstein, music is the last thing this film cares about. These vignettes into Bernstein’s turbulent marriage and esteemed career amount to next to nothing when we never get to sit with the myriad of emotions on screen. It’s damning that so much talent is visible on the screen but an attempt for greater depth and connection is rarely made. 5/10
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
By Drew Roberts
Like a phoenix–or mockingjay–rising from the ashes, my Hunger Games obsession has been reborn. This newest installment in the franchise tackles the origin of Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical dictator of Panem in the original films. While the film relies on Tom Blyth’s haunting performance to carry it, the rest stumbles in its pacing and characterization. Without giving too much away, the film’s structure is odd, almost feeling like two films sandwiched together. This may have worked better on the page, but since I haven’t read the novel, I can only guess. My other main issue is Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler. She seemed underwritten. What made Katniss so effective as a symbol in the original films was how close we were able to get to her character. Lucy Gray kept me at arm’s length when I only wanted to learn more. I get that it’s Snow’s movie, but I do sense a missed opportunity there. Either way, I had a good time and would gladly march my way to the theater for another Hunger Games film.
“Anatomy of a Fall”
By Carter James
This courtroom drama from France in as engrossing as it is emotional. We see nearly 20 years of a woman’s life picked apart after the death of her husband. This isn’t a simple proving the accused is innocent story, but an examination of culpability and the uncomfortable truths we must face. Saundra Hüller gives a deeply human performance and Milo Machado-Graner has a bright future ahead of him as an actor. If I haven’t convinced you enough, there’s a dog that out acts everyone. 8.5/10
Andrei Rublev
By Drew Roberts
I know a three-hour black-and-white film about a Russian painter doesn’t seem like the most thrilling thing in the world, but Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1966 masterpiece “Andrei Rublev” is too good to stay quiet about. Full of violence and some brief nudity, it’s not your typical religious film. It wades deep in the murky waters of the human heart and asks tough questions about the nature of art and suffering. It’s full of hopelessness and despair, but also great beauty. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience or just want to impress people at a dinner party, don’t skip “Andrei Rublev.”
“How To Blow Up a Pipeline”
By Carter James
This simplistic thriller follows the literal and personal stakes involved in this bold act of eco-terrorism. You’ll find nails to bite because the vast ways that everything can go wrong makes this endlessly tense. What makes this more impactful is that we aren’t following professionals or seasoned criminals, but young adults that are sick of the world taking too much from them. This ragtag ensemble piece is elevated by how much energy first time director and co-writer, Daniel Goldhaber imbues into every 16mm frame. Star and co-writer, Ariela Barer, co-writer Jordan Sjol and Goldhaber are creative voices I look forward to hearing more from soon. 9/10
