Stumbling out of years of developmental uncertainty, Bohemian Rhapsody pays lip service to its inspirations, but doesn't cross thresholds it ought to. Neither a Freddie Mercury biography nor a Queen exposé, the film instead attempts to walk the line between these poles. Beginning with the repressive adolescence of the future front man, it soon skips … Continue reading Bohemian Rhapsody
Directorial debuts don't seem as risky, all of a sudden. From Greta Gerwig to Paul Dano, Bo Burnham and Jonah Hill, all the hip disaffected young things seem to be successfully transitioning from roles in front of the camera to those behind it. Bradley Cooper will likely match Gerwig's Oscar nomination with this heartfelt tale … Continue reading A Star is Born
Inhabiting the odd twilight zone between the MCU and a standalone continuity, Venom is Sony's semi-aborted attempt to capitalise on the success of the Deadpool films. R-rated antihero films are proven to work, so it's sad to see the studio opt for a PG-13 option, a soft 15 in the UK. This half-heartedness cuts to Venom's core. Tom Hardy is … Continue reading Venom
Gaspar Noé's reputation needs scant introduction. The provocateur has seemed to be running out of rope in recent years, his last effort Love critically condescended to alongside the automatic box office failure he's used to. With Climax he has bafflingly resecured some of his cachet, despite a messy and unfocused contrivance of a film. Audiences are introduced to a cast … Continue reading Climax
