Parasite: A movie I want to review by just saying: “This movie.” I also want to use all the words: vibrant, compelling, memorable, funny, moving, shocking. This is a great film, with detail put into every shot and love put into every line. A Best Picture winner that deserved Best Picture. *****
Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker: I didn’t love it. There were missed opportunities. A lot just felt basic. Those strobe lights were annoying. I also liked it. It’s Star Wars. It was fun. Good, silly, fun that continued to build its’ wild world. It’s not the rager you want, but it’s still a good swell time. ***1/2
The Irishman: A true epic, a marathon of a movie with great performances by some of the greatest actors living today. Joe Pesci in particular reminds you how good he is. Great acting, great scenes, great lines… the movies. ****1/2
Joker: The DC film franchise tried something new and got its’ best film. I mean – there’s still a haze hanging over this, like it’s a calling card for those that probably don’t need anymore motivation right now. It’s also just… bleak. So bleak and brutal and hopeless. But Joaquin Phoenix can act and despite the bleakness this feels like the best possible origin story for The Joker – like something that could’ve come before The Dark Night to set that whole thing up.
Hustlers: Wild story makes for a wild movie, with Jennifer Lopez cementing herself as the absolute queen of film. ****1/4
