Tag Archives: Drama
Review: The Lady in the Van (2015)
It’s always nice to sit back and watch a great actor do their thing. THE LADY IN THE VAN is often just that: Maggie Smith, Alan Bennett’s words. and a camera. You might not think Bennett’s stories would be particularly … Continue reading
Review: Mr. Holmes (2015)
Ian McKellen and Bill Condon have done it again, but in perhaps the exact opposite fashion to how they approached their stunning not-really-biopic of James Wale, GODS AND MONSTERS. In that film they wrapped a real person in the trappings … Continue reading
Review: Sicario (2015)
In case you were wondering, SICARIO opens with a card establishing that the term is derived from a Roman slur for violent Hebrew zealots and translates as “hitman” from Spanish. These dual definitions hint at two of the many … Continue reading
Review: Macbeth (2015)
Everyone knows the Scottish Play. Featuring characters and dialogue iconic enough to ingrain itself in culture the world over, you need very little help to make this story memorable. But director Justin Kurzel doesn’t do anything by halves, and has … Continue reading
Playing Catchup: The Paul Thomas Anderson Edition
It’s that time again – time to fill in a few holes in my film knowledge. Until a couple of months ago, my knowledge of Paul Thomas Anderson, considered my many critics to be the greatest auteur working today, was … Continue reading
Review: Inherent Vice (2014)
Usually, a film’s plot or lack thereof is something I can rant on for hours about. Usually, if the plot doesn’t work, the film doesn’t work. That said, this is not a usual film, and I can say with absolute … Continue reading
Review: Obvious Child (2014)
As well as being both unabashedly filthy and a proud and dignified representation of real humanity, OBVIOUS CHILD boasts the simple (but criminally rare in storytelling) pleasure of seeing a strong female protagonist making a difficult decision and being allowed … Continue reading
Review: Pride (2014)
PRIDE is good-ish. They’re going for feelgood, and they certainly succeed in delivering that, but if you’re looking for much more then you might leave a little disappointed. Following a chance encounter between student Joe (George MacKay) and a passionate … Continue reading
Review: Ex Machina (2015)
It’s about time a movie delivered on the promise of an AI thriller, particularly in 2015, a year with such disappointing offerings so far. CHAPPIE was underdeveloped to the point of stupidity, and AGE OF ULTRON was muddled and overstuffed. … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 