2020s

Fantastic Film Festival Australia Report 1: Two British Genre Filmmakers Make Their Debut
Fantastic Film Festival Australia Report 1: Two British Genre Filmmakers Make Their Debut

In his first report from Fantastic Film Festival Australia 2020, Matthew Singleton reviews Saint Maud and A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life!

AFTER MIDNIGHT: A Lovesick, Country-Fried Creature Feature
AFTER MIDNIGHT: A Lovesick, Country-Fried Creature Feature

After Midnight shows much potential in its early-goings, which makes the lack of a satisfying follow-through all the more disappointing.

THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAM: Not Much To Add
THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAM: Not Much To Add

The Times of Bill Cunningham would serve better as an extras-feature on a Blu-Ray than as the stand-alone documentary it is.

I AM FEAR: A Horror That Asks, "Who Is The Real Monster?"
I AM FEAR: A Horror That Asks, “Who Is The Real Monster?”

Even with the brilliance of Faran Tahir’s believable portrayal of a broken villain, I Am Fear flaws weigh heavy, even in the final moments.

ONWARD: The Pixar Formula Loses a Little Magic
ONWARD: The Pixar Formula Loses A Little Magic

It’s Onward and downwards for Pixar, as their Dungeons and Dragons inspired latest is one of their most disposable efforts to date.

VIRAL: ANTISEMITISM IN FOUR MUTATIONS: A Vital and Timely Documentary
VIRAL: ANTISEMITISM IN FOUR MUTATIONS: A Vital & Timely Documentary

Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutation is timely and it is vital; it is a documentary that not only a community needs, but all of us do.

Berlinale 2020: FIRST COW
Berlinale 2020: FIRST COW

While Reichardt seems to be well intentioned here, First Cow falters by being frustratingly empty in both its delivery and narrative focus.

HORSE GIRL: Hysteria, Horses & Heritage
HORSE GIRL: Hysteria, Horses & Heritage

Unfolding like a fever dream with strong performances throughout, Caitlin Kennedy reckons that Horse Girl is well worth each twisting moment.

SHE'S IN PORTLAND: A Lush Buddy Film Lacking Heft
SHE’S IN PORTLAND: A Lush Buddy Film Lacking Heft

In She’s in Portland, the elements feel superficial, with the core relationship feeling especially hackneyed.

DOWNHILL: Skiing Across Yellow Snow
DOWNHILL: Skiing Across Yellow Snow

Downhill skews and scraps the richness of its predecessor and replaces it with dragging drama and cringy comedy.

THE MISOGYNISTS: Making Sense Of The Mess We're In
THE MISOGYNISTS: Making Sense Of The Mess We’re In

In spite of some of its trip-ups, it’s hard to find something so genuine in its portrayal of the prevalent anger and worry of these times.

THE CALL OF THE WILD: A Pleasant Watch Despite A Meandering Story & Distracting CGI
THE CALL OF THE WILD: A Pleasant Watch Despite A Meandering Story & Distracting CGI

This adaptation of The Call of the Wild doesn’t quite have the same impact as Jack London’s bold portrayal of nature versus man. But it’s hard to decry it all the same.

COME TO DADDY: A Vicious, Twisted Terror

Come to Daddy oozes Timpson’s remarkable devotion to the emotional, surreal and vicious with grotesque gusto.

STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN: A Minor Vehicle For The Comedy's Stars
STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN: A Minor Vehicle For The Comedy’s Stars

Unfortunately, Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz aren’t enough to elevate Standing Up, Falling Down to success.

LOCKE & KEY SEASON 1: A Safe Yet Fun Dive Into A House Of Magic
LOCKE & KEY SEASON 1: A Safe Yet Fun Dive Into A House Of Magic

While it could have taken more risks, season one of Locke & Key gives us a feasible starting point for what could be a flourishing new fantasy series.