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IO: Grand Ideas With Underwhelming Execution
IO: Grand Ideas With Underwhelming Execution

A forced romance, lackluster execution, and a tendency to pander to its audience makes IO come up far shorter than it otherwise could’ve been. 

VELVET BUZZSAW: Final Destination transported to the world of art
VELVET BUZZSAW: Final Destination Transported To The World of Art

Dan Gilroy has stepped out of his comfort zone with satirical horror Velvet Buzzsaw – and the results are mixed, to say the least.

Video Dispatches: MARWENCOL, WATERWORLD and Iranian Cinema
Video Dispatches: MARWENCOL, WATERWORLD & Iranian Cinema

Video Dispatches is a regular digest of recent home video releases, usually from boutique and restorative labels. Here, we discuss Marwencol, Waterworld, and a trio of Iranian films.

SERENITY: Baffling, Outrageous, But Excitingly Original Nonetheless
SERENITY: Baffling, Outrageous, But Excitingly Original Nonetheless

Serenity is a little bit genius, a little bit of a mess, but at the very least it is something interesting, and it commits to itself and its choices.

LOST HOLIDAY: Lively, DIY Crime Caper Captures The Reluctance Of Accepting Adulthood
LOST HOLIDAY: Lively, DIY Crime Caper Captures The Reluctance Of Accepting Adulthood

Lost Holiday illustrates our inescapable desire for the days when irresponsible behavior was met with laughter and a slap on the wrist, but what happens when that responsibility is willfully ignored.

I AM THE NIGHT: The Insane Story Of Fauna Hodel Comes To Life
I AM THE NIGHT: The Insane Story Of Fauna Hodel Comes To Life

I Am the Night is a thrill ride that not only tells Fauna Hodel’s incredible story, but also pays homage to the LA noirs of the past.

THEN CAME YOU: Sweet Teen Tale Lacks Originality
THEN CAME YOU: Sweet Teen Tale Lacks Originality

Then Came You doesn’t break new ground, but Asa Butterfield and Maisie Williams have the film bursting with such a youthful energy that it’s hard to not at least enjoy the show.

FYRE: THE GREATEST PARTY THAT NEVER HAPPENED: Significantly More Successful Than The Festival
FYRE: THE GREATEST PARTY THAT NEVER HAPPENED: Significantly More Successful Than The Festival

Not only does Fyre tell an interesting story, but it tells it well; the whole ordeal is tense and hilarious in equal measure.

THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK: Militia Men Stuck In A Who-Dun-It
THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK: Militia Men Stuck In A Who-Dun-It

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek is a shadowy, overly serious affair, and every element of its narrative and craft reflects the film’s white-knuckle grip.

ON THE BASIS OF SEX: A By-The-Numbers Biopic That Services A Very Specific And Unaware Crowd
ON THE BASIS OF SEX: A By-The-Numbers Biopic

On the Basis of Sex is not likely to plant the seed of determination in the next RBG, as they don’t need pop feminist representations of even the most laudable of figures.

GLASS: A Grossly Disappointing Superhero Film
GLASS: A Grossly Disappointing Superhero Film

Glass may have been a film nineteen years in the making, but it feels superfluous and incredibly out of touch in a world littered with superhero films.

ESCAPE ROOM: Come For The Thrills, Stay For The Kills
ESCAPE ROOM: Come For The Thrills, Stay For The Kills

A thriller like Escape Room is a good time so long as you switch your brain to “just go with it” mode.

CLOSE: Extremely Watchable, But Frustratingly Shallow

Close is frustratingly shallow, and in its breakneck pace leaves some of its character development in the dust, while trying to wring every bit of emotion out of its quieter moments.

A DOG’S WAY HOME: Every Dog Has His Day

A Dog’s Way Home is predictable but effective – although its cuteness does eventually outstay its welcome.

AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS: In With A Bang, Out With Whimper
AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS: In With A Bang, Out With Whimper

An Acceptable Loss opens with a big, burning question mark that hooks you, but rather than answering its core moral question, it simplifies the conversation.