Category Archives: Review in Brief
Review in Brief: Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Following the bold BLACKKKLANSMAN, DA 5 BLOODS is again Spike Lee on fine form, with plenty to say. I loved the choice to not de-age the leads for the flashbacks, that in looking back it’s s them as they are … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)
CRIP CAMP really got me. In a world that’s seemingly more unjust and unequal every day, in 2020 this heartfelt documentary reminds you of a time 40 years ago when civil rights took a giant leap forward. Camp Jened gave … Continue reading
Review in Brief: The Half of It (2020)
At first THE HALF OF IT fools you into thinking it’s going to be just another quirky teen romcom. It is so much more layered than that – the story of an over-achiever (Leah Lewis) switching up her homework-for-cash business … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Butt Boy (2019/20)
Indie horror-mystery BUTT BOY has the schlockiest of schlocky conceits, but approaches it completely straight. Amazingly, it works. It’s a classic tale of a deadbeat alcoholic cop on the hunt for a serial killer, only this serial killer seems to … Continue reading
Review in Brief: The Platform (2019)
THE PLATFORM may feel relevant but it’s extremely obvious in its use of metaphor. One character (Zorion Eguileor) has a catchphrase, responding to every passing comment of his cell mate (Iván Massagué) with a derisive “Obviously”. “Obviously” could be this … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Emma. (2020)
Rarely has Jane Austen’s work been funnier on film. OK, her work as presented in LOVE & FRIENDSHIP was funnier, but that was mostly because Tom Bennett plays the perfect idiot. EMMA, the film and the character (Anya Taylor-Joy) is … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Bloodshot (2020)
BLOODSHOT looks like it’s going to be about something for a ten minute stretch in the middle when amnesiac supersoldier Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel) meets fellow members of his new black ops squad – all servicemen injured in action and … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Vivarium (2019/20)
I hope you’re ready for cuckoo metaphors, a lot of cuckoo metaphors. The symbolism of VIVARIUM is so blatant at times that they probably didn’t need to show an actual cuckoo in the opening as well. Everything in the film … Continue reading
Review in Brief: The Jesus Rolls (2019)
I’m not sure who was asking for a spin-off movie for everyone’s favourite sex offender from THE BIG LEBOWSKI, but we’ve got one. John Turturro clearly saw enough in this to write, direct and star, but aside from a certain … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Aladdin (2019)
There’s a line of dialogue in the new ALADDIN that sums it up rather well: “Clumsy, but in a charming sort of way”. It’s very close to the animated movie, with Mena Massoud really looking and sounding the part, but … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 