Category: Mini Review
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Mini Review: Next Goal Wins
Waititis latest #NextGoalWins applies his signature weirdo misfit motif to the underdog story, & nails the charm & emotion when focused on the team. But it ultimately suffers from a lack of restraint, with silly moments (including Taika’s cameo) that feel too patronizing at times
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Mini Review: Priscilla
Sofia Coppola’s #Priscilla is a melancholic, vibey, desaturated, backlit, fever dream of a movie that is well crafted certainly but ultimately doesn’t have anything much new to say about its title character. Great performances make up for a lack of any real climax or catharsis.
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Mini Review: The Holdovers
I’ll be honest, I didn’t think #TheHoldovers was for me, being about a grumpy prep school teacher in mostly-white 1970s New England. But somehow in the icy landscapes there is genuine warmth in the chemistry & nuanced performances of its incredible main trio. Worth a watch!
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Mini Review: Quiz Lady
As a comedy it’s likely to not move the needle for everyone, but for those like myself growing up in an Asian household with siblings, Hulu’s #QuizLady will hit you right in the feels. Awkwafina & Sandra Oh really deliver and stick the landing on an otherwise conventional plot.
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Mini Review: The Marvels
Filled with genuine joy, humour & charm #TheMarvels not only builds on the Captain Marvel story, but also finally (and successfully) integrates Ms. Marvel & Monica Rambeau into the MCU proper. Iman Vellani is perfection! Would have been the best Phase 4 closer in retrospect.
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Mini Review: Dream Scenario
From @A24, #DreamScenario, a movie that follows a man who begins to appear in everyones dreams, is exactly what you’d want – it’s incredibly inventive, perfectly outrageous & deliciously bizarre. Nic Cage drinks up every moment of his ultimately irredeemable character. A fun one!
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Mini Review: Fingernails
From @AppleFilms Christos Nikou’s #Fingernails is a slow-burn lo-fi sci-fi film that explores what love truly means. I love its originality & cute satire, but for me it feels like it squanders its cast with a final act that doesn’t quite know what it wants to say. Stream it Nov 3,
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Mini Review: Pain Hustlers
Netflix’s #PainHustlers is…perplexing. Polished & entertaining certainly. But it ultimately feels a bit gross as director David Yates & writer Wells Tower paint an overly sympathetic picture, grounded by a stellar performance by Emily Blunt, over such a vile subject matter.
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Mini Review: Killers of the Flower Moon
#KillersOfTheFlowerMoon is another remarkable entry to Scorsese’s filmography. The craftsmanship & acting are top-notch as expected. But while the first 2 acts feel fresh, the final act is a bit overlong & muted, falling back on familiar courtroom drama beats. Still a good watch!
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Mini Review: A Haunting in Venice
Branagh’s #AHauntingInVenice is the first in the Poirot trilogy to catch my eye, likely from its horror-lite tone & aesthetic that feels seasonally perfect. While the plot is filled with one too many convenient coincidences, it’s still a fun watch for a slightly spooky night in.
