Category Archives: Review in Brief
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
Review in Brief: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP is so much better than you might expect. The first film worked so well almost by accident, but there’s enough wit and splatter here to make this return journey fly by. It’s just great to spend another … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Eighth Grade (2018)
Bo Burnham’s EIGHTH GRADE was one of the surprise highlights of last decade. Achingly truthful, deceptively insightful and connected to its teenage characters, it was the best coming-of-age movie in a decade of great coming-of-age movies like THE EDGE OF … Continue reading
Review in Brief: Mid90s (2018)
MID90s absolutely feels authentic, of a particular place and time. Any skater, or wannabe skater will see some truth here. You really grow to care for these kids, despite the often stupid decisions they make. They’re boys letting off stream … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 