Film Review

Visual interest doesn't save boring characters in 'Downsizing'

By Haley Gordon | September 19, 2017

Going into “Downsizing,” all I knew was the major overarching concept. People were shrinking in order to get more bang for their buck, in a strangely practical use of science fiction technology.

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Film Review

Guillermo Del Toro's 'The Shape of Water' touches greatness

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | September 19, 2017

“The Shape of Water” is perhaps best understood as a cap to a thematic trilogy that began with “The Devil’s Backbone” and continued with “Pan’s Labyrinth.” All three films fuse fairy tale narratives and period piece war stories together, highlighting the connections they share to illustrate what does and does not work about each.

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Tv Review

For better or worse, “Twin Peaks: The Return” is pure Lynch

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | September 12, 2017

When the original “Twin Peaks” aired over 25 years ago, it was a TV show about a mystery. With its revival this year in the form of “Twin Peaks: The Return,” the show itself has become a mystery.

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Film Review

Childhood nostalgia makes “It” a satisfying end-of-summer flick

By Haley Gordon | September 12, 2017

A jam-packed movie theater at an evening showing of a horror movie on its opening weekend is not an atypical sight in a suburban Pennsylvania town.

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Film Review

Film Review: ‘The Big Sick’ is a robust rom-com, but not much else

By Joyce Lee | July 20, 2017

As a film, “The Big Sick” is an unconventional addition to a long tradition of romantic comedies with memorable protagonists that include the likes of “When Harry Met Sally,” “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Notting Hill.” Kumail Nanjiani stars as Kumail, a character based on his early life as a standup comic who falls in love with psychology graduate student and quintessential girl next door, Emily, a somewhat underutilized Zoe Kazan, who is based on Nanjiani’s wife in real life, Emily Gordon.

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Film Review

Film Review: ‘The Vietnam War’ recognizes distinct perspectives

By Ali Hunter and Walker Schneider | July 20, 2017

The Vietnam War doesn’t fit neatly into American folklore.

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Film Review

‘T2 Trainspotting’ mixes the new and nostalgic

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | May 30, 2017

In this era of sequels, reboots and remakes, who would have thought that “Trainspotting” would get a second chance to shine.

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Film Review

Tonal issues and twist ending of ‘Table 19’ fall flat

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | May 17, 2017

Honestly, I should have known how much I would dislike “Table 19” just by looking at its film poster, which is designed to look like an Instagram post.

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Film Review

Charlie Hunnam shines as explorer in 'The Lost City of Z'

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | May 9, 2017

“The Lost City of Z” is one of the most confounding cinematic experiences I’ve had in some time.

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Review

Documentary Review: ‘Tickling Giants’

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | May 2, 2017

In 2011, shortly after the resignation of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian surgeon Bassem Youssef created a satirical web series in an attempt to heal his country through comedy.

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Film Review

Good characters fail to revive recycled plot in 'Gifted'

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | April 18, 2017

 “Gifted” will be the third consecutive film that I’ve given a negative rating. I want to make it absolutely clear that I don’t enjoy that fact in the slightest. Roger Ebert, the grandfather of film criticism and one of my key inspirations, wrote in his book, “Your Movie Sucks,” the following: “Some of these reviews were written in joyous zeal.

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Film Review

Rupert Sanders' 'Ghost in the Shell' remake produces no ghost, empty shell

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | April 11, 2017

Like the film I reviewed last week, “Ghost in the Shell” is a live-action remake of an animated classic.

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Arts

'Beauty and the Beast' remake fails to outshine original

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | April 6, 2017

Walt Disney Studios’ new live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” is undoubtedly one of the year’s most anticipated films.

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Arts

"Logan" is exciting, not revolutionary

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | March 28, 2017

Many film reviewers, myself included, would argue that we are currently in the midst of a “golden age” of superhero cinema.

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Arts

Despite awkward mix-up, this year’s Oscars are a step forward

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | February 28, 2017

After last year’s “Oscars So White” controversy, I didn’t think a more uncomfortable Oscar ceremony would be possible.

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Arts

‘Get Out’ is a chilling and relevant take on the horror genre

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | February 28, 2017

“Get Out” begins with a beautiful, stylistic long take following an African-American man trying to navigate a suburban neighborhood in the middle of the night.

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Arts

‘The LEGO Batman Movie,’ clever humor but sappy morals

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | February 21, 2017

The first few minutes of “The LEGO Batman Movie” are some of its funniest. As the audience stares at an empty screen waiting for the film to start, Batman (Will Arnett) informs us in a voice-over that all great movies start with a black screen and edgy music that makes parents and studio executives feel uncomfortable.

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Arts

Review: Despite critical acclaim, ‘Manchester by the Sea’ sinks

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | February 14, 2017

If “Manchester by the Sea” was a fairy tale, it would be the most downbeat one you’ve ever heard.

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Arts

‘Moonlight:’ a quiet but powerfully immersive portrayal of life

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | January 31, 2017

British film critic Mark Kermode once said of “Pan’s Labyrinth” that if a film that good were to be released every 10 years, then he would happily carry on being a critic forever.

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News

‘The Handmaiden’ barely misses the mark due to jarring subplot

By Sebastian Wurzrainer | January 17, 2017

After watching “Oldboy” and “The Handmaiden,” I think it’s fair to say that director Chan-wook Park, who directed both films, has a fascination with extremes.

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