Adam
While the lead actor in my opinion was bad and not charismatic, the supporting cast was pretty good for the most part and is the main reason I’m not giving this movie a lower rating. The story itself is really messed up and honestly insulting to the LGBTQ community. My Rating: 5.5/10
The Ice Storm
This was such a bizarre movie that I’m still trying to process what I just saw. Directed by Ang Lee back in 1997, it features an impressive cast including Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, and Christina Ricci. Yes it’s very dull at times in the beginning and yes most of the characters are extremely unlikeable. But at the same time I found it oddly fascinating. My Rating: 7/10
Driveways
What a sweet, touching little movie about a 9 year old boy who, while cleaning out the home of his recently deceased aunt with his mom, develops a friendship with an elderly neighbor. Amazing performances, especially by Lucas Jaye and Brian Dennehy. And it was filmed locally which is always cool to see. My Rating : 10/10
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
This was my first time seeing this in its entirety (I know I know). Wow! I can definitely see what all the fuss was about. Everything about it is damn near flawless- the acting, gorgeous cinematography, and bad ass fight scenes just to name a few. My only regret is not seeing this sooner. My Rating: 10/10
Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack
Documentary about artist Audrey Flack, a very interesting and talented woman. There really isn’t any major flaws in this film, I just feel like it was a bit dry at times and could’ve benefited from being longer (it’s only about 75 minutes). Still, if you’re into art definitely check it out. My Rating: 7.5/10
Give Me Liberty
Well, this wasn’t what I expected. Not that that’s a bad thing. The movie started out as sort of this light hearted dramedy and then suddenly in the last 20-30 it gets really dark and deals with racial tensions and police brutality. Some very bizarre editing and style choices. Still I enjoyed it for the most part. My Rating: 7.5/10
The Vast of Night
This was certainly a well made sci fi thriller from a first time director. I liked the look of it and it certainly felt like the 50s. I got a Twilight Zone vibe from it as well. But it’s very dialog heavy and while that doesn’t necessarily bother me in movies, here it did. I can see what they were going for but it wasn’t executed well. The last 30 minutes are interesting but not worth sitting through the first hour, which moves at an EXTREMELY slow pace. If you’re into the whole Area 51 conspiracy you may enjoy this. I just didn’t care for it that much. My Rating: 5.5/10
Zombi Child
Definitely NOT your typical horror movie. This Haitian/French production has a very different take on the zombie genre. I don’t want to say much more than at. Highly recommended. My Rating: 8.5/10
Frankie
It just wouldn’t be a film festival without at least one Isabelle Huppert movie. Out of all of her movies, Frankie is one of the better ones. Not that that’s saying much. There’s a lot to like- beautiful locations and cinematography, and a really good cast that does their best with the material they’re given. There is very little plot here. Even though it’s only about an hour and a half it felt much longer. My Rating: 6/10
The Trouble With You
Most of the movies at the festival tend to be a bit depressing, so this was very refreshing. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. This is a brilliantly made French comedy that I highly recommend if you ever come across it. My Rating: 8/10
Synonyms
Awful. Just awful. Where do I even start? It’s bizarre, weirdly edited, has extremely unlikeable characters, and one of the most pretentious pieces of garbage I’ve seen all year. And has one of my biggest movie pet peeves- shaky cam. The only nice thing I have to say is the lead actor looks like a discount Tom Hardy, is except without any of Tom’s talent of charisma. Avoid. My Rating: 3/10
Varda By Agnès
While I think this director/artist was an interesting person, this documentary (while not terrible) was very dry and I had to fight the urge to fall asleep. There was another movie about her that came out maybe two years ago that was far superior. My Rating: 5/10
Sorry We Missed You
A very moving British drama about a man struggling to provide for his family by working for an Amazon like delivery company. From the director of I, Daniel Blake (one of my favorite movies the year it came out) whose does an amazing job creating very realistic characters and a story that sadly a lot of working class people can relate to. One of the best I’ve seen this year and highly recommend everyone see it. Keep the tissues handy though. My Rating: 10/10
Parasite
The hype is real with this one. It’s one of those movies I think is best going into knowing as little as possible. All I’ll say is it’s a little of everything- comedy, drama, horror, thriller.... you name it. A must see. My Rating: 9/10
Ice On Fire
Environmental documentary produced and narrated by Leondaro DiCaprio which talks about possible solutions to help combat climate change. Very well made an informative. My Rating: 8/10
South Mountain
Small indie drama about a marriage in crisis (and that’s putting it mildly). Very honest and real characters. Beautifully shot especially considering the ultra low budget. My Rating: 6.5/10
Cunningham
A documentary about a dance choreographer... in 3D. You read that right. Now I remember why I usually don’t see movies in that format anymore. Aside from one or two moments the 3D was awful and gave me a headache. Even putting that aside the movie came off as very pretentious and dull. I may have found the cure for insomnia. My Rating: 4/10
The Chambermaid
Wonderful movie about a young woman working at a luxury hotel in Mexico City. There isn’t much in way of a plot (it takes place entirely in the hotel and shows her going about her daily tasks as a hardworking housekeeper ) but it worked here. Outstanding performance by the lead actress. The director did a great job, especially considering it was her first time directing. My Rating: 8/10
The Song of Names
This movie deals with the Holocaust and the aftermath and while it is sad of course, I found it very moving as well. Good acting and a beautiful, haunting score. Felt a bit rushed at times though. My Rating: 7.5/10
Sew The Winter To My Skin
Wow! This is the first movie I’ve seen from director Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, but I can already tell he’s a very talented visual storyteller. Takes place in the 40’s/early 50’s and tells the story of John Kepe, the South African Robin Hood (who stole from rich white racists and gave to the poor). A lot of people will probably be put off by the fact that this movie has very little dialogue but I was fine with it. The only thing that stops this from being perfect is it does this one thing movies sometimes do that I hate- basically shows you the ending first and then goes back to a few years earlier to show you how it got to that point. My Rating: 8.5/10
Mickey & the Bear
Well made movie about a teenage girl struggling to take care of her father, a former Marine suffering from severe PTSD. Very honest and realistic. Stand out performance by the girl playing the daughter. While I enjoyed this movie a lot, I feel like Leave No Trace did the concept just slightly better. My Rating: 8/10
Clemency
I haven’t had a movie effect me this much in a long time. I was seriously sobbing by the end. Alfre Woodard gives an incredibly powerful performance as a prison warden whose job also includes overseeing executions. They may as well give her the Best Actress award now. Aldis Hodge deserves recognition as well for his portrayal as a man wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death. This movie comes out officially in about two months and I STRONGLY suggest everyone see it. My Rating: 10/10
The Marion Stokes Project
Fascinating documentary about Marion Stokes, a woman who for 35 years recorded television (news, shows, etc.) 24 hours a day everyday using several televisions and vcrs. My Rating: 7/10
Waves
Gut wrenching drama about an African American family in South Florida who try and cope after a devastating event. Well made and acted. A24 has another hit on their hands. My Rating: 9/10
A Faithful Man
Surprisingly decent French dramedy about a man involved with two women, one of them being Lily Rose Depp. When she’s not in a Kevin Smith movie she’s actually a pretty good actress. My only big complaint was there was a lot of unnecessary narration. My Rating: 7/10
Genesis
Canadian drama about a brother and sister each trying to deal with their complicated love lives. While I thought all of that was okay(although I didn’t care for most of the characters), the movie could’ve used some MAJOR editing. It went on about 30 minutes too long. After the main stories are pretty much wrapped up they suddenly introduce a new subplot in the last act that doesn’t connect at all as far as I can tell. If they had just cut that part out I might’ve given it a higher rating. My Rating: 5/10
Dinner Rush
Digital restoration of this 2000 movie taking place over the course of one night at a Manhattan restaurant. Well written story and characters. Does a good job at showing what it’s like to work at a restaurant. Amazing looking food. Definitely don’t watch this on an empty stomach. My Rating: 8/10
Citizen K
Documentary about Mikhail Khodotkovsky, once said to be the wealthiest man in Russia, who spent ten years in a Siberian prison and eventually flees to London. Very fascinating and at the same time disturbing. While some documentaries tend to be dry and dull, this kept my attention the whole time and played out like a political thriller (which it is). My Rating: 8.5/10
Portrait of a Lady On Fire
Gorgeous period piece featuring outstanding performances by the two lead actresses. They have amazing chemistry and keep this from being just another average art house Oscar bait movie. My Rating: 8/10
WBCN & the American Revolution
If you’re a fan of 60’s and 70’s music you’ll definitely enjoy this documentary about WBCN, a radio station in Boston that had a HUGE impact on the industry at that time. Was a tad too long and follows a lot of the same things you see in a typical documentary but overall I liked it. My Rating: 7/10
The Traitor
Based on the true story of Tommaso Buscetto, who became the first mafia informant in Sicily in the 1980’s. Very interesting and well acted. It dragged a lot in the second half though. They could’ve trimmed it down a bit. Is it the best mafia movie out there? Far from it. But it’s worth a watch if you come across it on Netflix. My Rating: 6.5/10
By the Grace of God
Powerful French drama dealing with the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. This movie focuses more on the affect the abuse has on the victims even years later. If you liked Spotlight you’ll definitely like this. My Rating: 9/10
Marriage Story
This was the movie I was looking forward to the most and I’m very happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Both Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson give Oscar worthy performances. You’ll both laugh and cry. Easily one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. My Rating: 10/10
The Wild Goose Lake
Chinese crime thriller. Although I use that in the loosest of terms. A lot of it is people walking and talking, sitting and talking... a lot of talking! And occasionally they’ll be a fight and/or someone gets shot (I’ll admit those scenes are pretty bad ass). I can’t really recommend it. My Rating: 5/10
Song Without a Name
Heartbreaking story about a young woman who goes to a “clinic” to give birth and when she wakes up she discovers that her baby daughter has been stolen. A journalist investigates the case. The story is interesting and the actress playing the young woman was amazing. But I feel like had it been a more competent director it would’ve been much better. It’s not really all that well made and it’s short in black and white for no reason. Also, it ends rather abruptly. My Rating: 6/10
Young Ahmed
Overall, there wasn’t anything really wrong with the movie. It’s decent in terms of direction and acting. But I felt like the character develop wasn’t there. My Rating: 6.5/10
Les Miserables
No, this isn’t the musical. In fact the only things it has in common are the title, it’s set in France, and they mention the name Victor Hugo. This so was not what I was expecting. I mean that in a good way. Wow! I won’t spoil it for you except to say this was such a well made movie on every level. Thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A must watch. My Rating: 10/10
The Truth
This was the Saturday night surprise movie. A French dramedy about a mother and daughter starring Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche. This movie, while featuring many actors I like, was just okay. I’ve seen this concept done many times before and way better. Nothing stood out. My Rating: 6.5/10
A Hidden Life
According to some big guys in suits from the studio that were at the screening, I’m not allowed to go into details about this movie. All I’ll say is I actually liked it for the most part minus the three hour run time. When Terrence Malick has an actual plot he’s done. My Rating: 7/10
Driven to Abstraction
Dull, very dry art documentary. I’m sure some people might like it, but this nearly put me to sleep. My Rating: 5/10
The Infiltrators
Docudrama about a group of undocumented activists who allow themselves to get arrested by ICE in order to help fellow immigrants. Very powerful and I think everyone should see it. My only complaint is the actors for the re-enactment were not that great. My Rating: 7/10
The Current War
This was suppose to be released two years ago but because it was a Weinstein Company movie at the time when everything went down, they pulled it. Now that I’ve seen it... this, while far from bad, really wasn’t worth the wait. I feel like the only one really putting in any effort was Benedict Cumberbatch. The rest were just playing dress up and weren’t all that convincing. At least it moved at a good pace. My Rating: 7/10
