2018

FUTURE WORLD: A Film That's Destined For the Past
FUTURE WORLD: A Film That’s Destined For the Past

Despite its name, Future World, with its interesting premise and a high-caliber cast, is meant to become a film that’s a part of the past.

THE RIDER: A Solemn, Moving, and Elegiac Portrait
THE RIDER: A Solemn, Moving & Elegiac Portrait

With her delicate approach, inspired Western-influenced imagery, and hard-hitting subversive themes, The Rider is a clear indication of Chloe Zao’s talents as a director.

COUNTERFEITERS: An Auspicious Debut From Bryce Hirschberg
COUNTERFEITERS: An Auspicious Debut From Bryce Hirschberg

Sometimes a film’s low budget can get in the way of its narrative, cohesiveness, and overall watchability. However, viewers won’t be disappointed with Counterfeiters and its quality.

AMERICAN ANIMALS: A Portrait Of American Ugliness
AMERICAN ANIMALS: A Portrait Of American Ugliness

American Animals’ artistic merits are not enough to make the men at the center of the story worth caring about for its duration.

BOYS WHO LIKE GIRLS: Crucial Doc On Men As Allies
BOYS WHO LIKE GIRLS: Crucial Doc On Men As Allies

Inka Achté’s documentary BOYS WHO LIKE GIRLS chronicles the efforts of an organization in India to educate boys and men on pressing gender-based issues.

EVIL GENIUS: THE TRUE STORY OF AMERICA’S MOST DIABOLICAL BANK HEIST: Strangely Gripping
EVIL GENIUS: THE TRUE STORY OF AMERICA’S MOST DIABOLICAL BANK HEIST: Strangely Gripping

It isn’t the glossiest documentary, and there isn’t a significant style or a comfortable flow, but what Evil Genius lacks in pizzazz in makes up for in persistence and unearthing.

ADRIFT: Not Quite Lost, Not Quite Found
ADRIFT: Not Quite Lost, Not Quite Found

With a divide between masterful filmmaking and a hard to buy love story, audiences will find Adrift enjoyable, but with a disposable romance.

BOOK CLUB: Gather The Ladies, There's (Some) Fun To Be Had
BOOK CLUB: Gather The Ladies, There’s (Some) Fun To Be Had

Uniting four legends of the screen for a shot of summer silver screen cinema, Book Club is every bit as formulaic, disposable and harmless as you would expect.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY: A Solid If Underwhelming Star Wars Entry
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY: A Solid If Underwhelming Star Wars Entry

Too heavy in its fan service at times, Solo: A Star Wars Story is not a terrible Star Wars entry, with enough fun moments to please.

THE TALE: Harrowing & Necessary Study Of Abuse
THE TALE: Harrowing & Necessary Study Of Abuse

Many audiences will likely shy away from the graphic depiction of abuse within director Jennifer Fox’s autobiographical film The Tale, but the film’s frankness is often its greatest asset.

HEREDITARY: A Confident, but Overhyped, Directorial Debut
HEREDITARY: A Confident, Provocative Debut That Offers Nothing Below The Surface

Just like his earlier short, Hereditary feels like nothing more than a provocation, updating the parental anxieties of Rosemary’s Baby for the modern era — and adding no substantial allegory that makes it feel any deeper than this.

IRREPLACEABLE YOU: A Forgettable Moment of Catharsis
IRREPLACEABLE YOU: A Forgettable Moment Of Catharsis

While cathartic in the emotional expression of the finality of death, Irreplaceable You fails to be memorable, forgotten long after the credits have rolled.

SUSPIRIA: Will Luca Guadagnino Kill Off the Film’s Good Reputation, or Make it Popular with a Whole New Generation?

In a world full of soulless remakes, Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria is one that has the potential to be fresh, exciting and unique.

SFIFF Review: A KID LIKE JAKE: Parsons & Danes Impress In This Family Drama
SFIFF Review: A KID LIKE JAKE: Parsons & Danes Impress In This Family Drama

A Kid Like Jake succeeds on behalf of Howard’s confident direction, Pearle’s sharp-witted and empathetic script, and two outstanding performances from Danes and Parsons.

THE JURASSIC GAMES: Less Than The Sum Of Its Many, Many Parts
THE JURASSIC GAMES: Less Than The Sum Of Its Many, Many Parts

Despite its absurd concept lending itself to occasional entertaining satire, The Jurassic Games suffers from poor visuals, bland cinematography, and poorly developed stereotypical characters.