The Place Beyond the Pines — A Film Caught in a Circuit of Genres
Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine begins with a young girl alone in a field, calling for her dog. She is alone and unheard. A similar beginning…
Dustin Freeley
Bond Retrospective # 5: You Only Live Twice
James Bond visits Japan! But, why?
Trance — Vintage Boyle, for Better and Worse
Danny Boyle’s film plays like a rave. And, if you’ve seen Kids, you know it can’t end well.
Bully — Boys Being Boys with No One Keeping them in Check
A documentary that looks at the issue of bullying.
Bond Retrospective 4: Thunderball
Thunderball is the best of the Connery bunch.
The Paperboy — Hatred, Hatred Everywhere
Daniels follows Precious with another look at racial and cultural injustice, but this film is mired in its too-wide collection of themes.
Bond Retrospective 3: Goldfinger — A Departure of Firsts
Goldfinger departs from the political satire in Dr. No and From Russia with Love, giving us a handful of firsts and setting the Bond-tone for…
Life of Pi — VFX and its Discontents
Life of Pi is beautifully shot (?) or created (?). Who deserves this credit?
Eden — The Progression of Technology
Subtle and powerful, the most unnerving parts of Eden is when it forces us to look at our recent past.
Bond Retrospective 2: From Russia with Love
From Russia with Love gives us a few more glimpses of the Bond we’ve grown accustomed to — and a bit of political commentary.