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Okja

Of all the things that could have convinced me to become a vegetarian, I never expected it would be the tale of a grossly anthropomorphised super pig. Such is life under the influence of Bong Joon-Ho, a modern master of science fiction. Okja is premised on the alleged discovery of a new breed of pigContinue reading “Okja”

Taxi Driver

“Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.” Taxi Driver treats loneliness as a disease with which Travis Bickle is unmistakeably afflicted. It’s not a story of redemption; rather, it documents a steady spiral into alienation and instability which is atContinue reading “Taxi Driver”

1917

1917 takes place during World War One and depicts the journey of two young soldiers, Blake and Schofield, tasked with delivering a message to the second battalion before dawn, lest they walk into a trap that will end in mass slaughter. While its premise is simple, the film has attracted widespread media attention for itsContinue reading “1917”

Nightcrawler

Nightcrawler is a gloriously dark journey through night-time Los Angeles, where Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) is making a name for himself as a “stringer” – a freelance journalist who captures graphic footage of crime scenes, turning a profit by selling it to TV stations. Unlike many journalist protagonists who came before him, Lou doesn’t endeavourContinue reading “Nightcrawler”

2019 In Review – My Top 5 Films

This is something of a late entry, given that most of us have already closed the book on 2019. Nonetheless, I have reflected on the films I watched this year and selected 5 timeless favourites which I will certainly be revisiting for years to come. They aren’t listed in any particular order, merely the orderContinue reading “2019 In Review – My Top 5 Films”

Crumb – The Stuff of Nightmares

I felt uncomfortable watching Crumb. I felt uncomfortable as I looked for a picture of Crumb to include in this review (his comic depicting the rape of a headless woman was ubiquitous irrespective of how I phrased my search query). Everything about Robert Crumb makes me uncomfortable. As an eccentric and a creative, I identifyContinue reading “Crumb – The Stuff of Nightmares”

Ghost World

I watched Ghost World this week as part of a Terry Zwigoff film review. The film is adapted from a graphic novel written by Daniel Clowes and follows the life of 18-year old Enid Coleslaw following her graduation from high school. It is notable that Enid Coleslaw is an anagram for Daniel Clowes, thereby suggestingContinue reading “Ghost World”

Jojo Rabbit – Anti-Hate in the Time of Hitler

When I attempted to explain the plot of Jojo Rabbit to a friend of mine, they found it difficult to understand how the events of World War II could be framed as a comedy. “I hate Nazis” was their response. I was reminded that the use of an ironic tone can divide audiences between thoseContinue reading “Jojo Rabbit – Anti-Hate in the Time of Hitler”

Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Allow me to preface this review by stating that I enjoy every Star Wars film (yes, including The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones) and this was no exception. It was a highly entertaining romp that included many fun call-backs to service long-term fans of the franchise, from revisiting the ruins of the DeathContinue reading “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”