Category: Mini Review
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Mini Review: The Legend of Ochi
A24s #TheLegendofOchi wins massive points for its use of style, cinematography & practical effects to build an oddly nostalgic sense of wonder. But there’s so much connective tissue missing between its characters that it’s hard to feel the heart in this one. It’s a miss for me.
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Mini Review: Sinners
I don’t dip into horror that often, but I’ll do it for a film like #Sinners that truly elevates the genre through Ryan Coogler’s unique lens. The music sequences (that one in particular) & score are enough to make this film a classic. But it’s stellar cast is the cherry on top.
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Mini Review: Warfare
It’s interesting to see Alex Garland lean into something so grounded in #Warfare, applying his usual amoral lens to people in horrible circumstances. While opinions on the subject may vary, you can’t deny the films strengths: its intensity, sound & all star cast of up and comers.
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Mini Review: The Amateur
It’s kind of nice to see Rami Malek in the lead role of #TheAmateur, in this tale of meek unassuming hacker turned assassin. But while the cat vs mouse vs smaller mouse escapades are entertaining & well executed, the whole thing feels a bit devoid of emotion & anything special.
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Mini Review: A Nice Indian Boy
There is such an honest sweetness to the portrayal of love in #ANiceIndianBoy, a unique take on the rom-com focusing on a queer interracial couple. Karan Soni is a remarkable lead. And while I wish we had a bit more time with the family, I truly enjoyed every minute of this one.
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Mini Review: The Ballad of Wallis Island
I’m in Sundance heaven with #TheBalladofWallisIsland, filled to the brim with my favourite things: (1) lovable, quirky charm, (2) deep-rooted, honest, emotional relationship drama & (3) indie folk music. Just a lovely film experience through & through. John Carney would be proud.
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Mini Review: Bob Trevino Likes It
Wow! Was not prepared for the emotional heft of #BobTrevinoLikesIt, a beautiful film about the need for connection & friendship. Barbie Ferreira masters the cathartic ugly cry amongst a universally stellar cast. Such a thoughtful script. Very glad I caught this one in theaters!
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Mini Review: A Working Man
The “Jason Statham is a superhero” genre is alive & well with his latest David Ayer collab #AWorkingMan. But sadly there’s nothing truly original in this one, except for the comically big moon in the final action sequence. So props to the moon! Truly what you see is what you get.
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Mini Review: Death of a Unicorn
A24s latest #DeathOfAUnicorn has some really fun elements, from its great ensemble, campy vibes, & silly shock horror moments. But it’s totally brought down by its overly predictable plot & borderline dumb scripting, particularly around Ortega’s character. Could’ve been great.
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Mini Review: Snow White
#SnowWhite2025 feels like a live-action version of the Disney’s ill-fated & wildly generic film Wish, down to its pop ballads that feel too modern against the classics. While the cast does their best (some more than others), they can’t quite make this hasty, overfilled film work.
Year in Cinema 