2017

MAUDIE: A Showcase For The Spectacular Sally Hawkins
MAUDIE: A Showcase For The Spectacular Sally Hawkins

Maudie works due to the central performance by Sally Hawkins, though the troubled relationship portrayed is occasionally too downtrodden.

WAR MACHINE: Uneven, Over The Top War Satire
WAR MACHINE: Uneven, Over The Top War Satire

In part due to overly pushy satirical agenda and an awkward performance from Brad Pitt, War Machine is a failed attempt at a modern war film.

SHIMMER LAKE: A Typical Mystery Made New Through Its Reversal
SHIMMER LAKE: A Typical Mystery Made New Through Its Reversal

Told in reverse order, Shimmer Lake is a fresh take on a murder mystery, and also sports some fine performances from usually comedic actors.

Interview With Matt Schrader On The Making Of SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY
SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY: An Immersive Glimpse Behind The Curtain

Using archival footage and interviews, Score: A Film Music Documentary is an inspired look at one of the most elusive art forms today.

THE WEDDING INVITATION: Furiously Funny Female Driven Rom-Com
THE WEDDING INVITATION: Furiously Funny Female Driven Rom-Com

Rainy Kerwin’s debut film The Wedding Invitation is a well done romantic comedy with a strong story executed by a strong female cast.

LET ME MAKE YOU A MARTYR: The American South Is Hell On Earth

Though with a fine, understated performance by Marilyn Manson, Let Me Make You a Martyr is too unrelentingly dark and dull to recommend.

CAMERA OBSCURA: A Snapshot Of War's Lingering Horror
CAMERA OBSCURA: A Snapshot Of War’s Lingering Horror

Camera Obscura is a terrifying glimpse at PTSD, seen through the eyes of a war photographer who comes home and starts to see grisly images.

IT COMES AT NIGHT: An Atmospheric, Disturbing Tale Of Paranoia
IT COMES AT NIGHT: An Atmospheric, Disturbing Tale Of Paranoia

It Comes at Night is a disturbingly effective horror film, delving into themes of paranoia, fear, and distrust in an eerily relevant way.

ON A KNIFE EDGE: An Intimate Insight Into Overwhelming Injustice
ON A KNIFE EDGE: An Intimate Insight Into Overwhelming Injustice

While it doesn’t address the female role, On A Knife Edge is a deep insight into the life of the Native American, that is sure to enlighten.

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING: Not Exactly Everything, But Almost
EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING: Not Exactly Everything, But Almost

Everything, Everything follows Maddy, who has spent her entire life confined to her home due to an illness, but falls for the boy next door.

CATFIGHT: Both Physically & Verbally Bruising
CATFIGHT: Both Physically & Verbally Bruising

With fine performances and biting humor, Catfight is an interesting satire, delving into power struggles and the human condition.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL: The Most Excruciating 90 Minutes Of My Life
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL: The Most Excruciating 90 Minutes Of My Life

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul fails from a dreadful script that possesses the unique ability to make 90 minutes feel like an eternity.

WONDER WOMAN: Powerful In More Ways Than One
WONDER WOMAN: Powerful In More Ways Than One

Jenkins, Gadot and company all worked admirably to bring the first Wonder Woman film out in a grand, exciting way, and that work has not gone to waste.

SPEECH & DEBATE: Teen Film Lacks Focus
SPEECH & DEBATE: Teen Film Lacks Focus

Speech & Debate isn’t great, but is enjoyable despite its plot holes, and features a great performance from Sarah Steele.

LOVESONG: A Delicate Tune
LOVESONG: A Delicate Tune

So Yong Kim’s Lovesong is a minimalist, strikingly formed small-scale drama about two female friends slowly falling in love.