Category Archives: Drama

Serena review — Melodrama with a Capital “M”

December 8, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by Susanne Bier, written by Christopher Kyle adapting a book by Ron Rash If Serena was in Danish or French, I think the film would be garnering a lot more positive reviews than it is. In English we just don't have as much time for this kind of a story, with characters' emotions raging…Read More

The Theory of Everything review — A handsome, moving biopic

November 29, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by James Marsh, written by Anthony McCarten, adapting the book by Jane Hawking Odd confluence trivia of the season: The science advisor for Interstellar, Kip Thorne, is a character in The Theory of Everything, played by Enzo Cilenti. He's the guy who gets the Penthouse magazine subscription with Stephen. To bad 70s mens magazines…Read More

Whiplash review — It’s not about drumming, it’s about excellence

November 20, 2014 flawintheiris

Published November 20, revised November 23 Written and directed by Damien Chazelle Oh, what a relief. Recently I was bemoaning the lack of stellar offerings as we rapidly approach the awards season. So many marginal, so-so movies in the cinema. Well, I've got a live one right here. This is an absolutely must-see film, announcing…Read More

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) review — Once more into the cowl, Michael Keaton

November 9, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, written by Innaritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, and Armando Bo After I saw the movie I considered the career of Michael Keaton. I always respected the guy as both a talented comedic and dramatic actor—in movies like Night Shift, Beetlejuice and Clean and Sober. He has a compelling, combustive quality. There's nothing warm…Read More

Frank review — Quirky, original, and moving

November 6, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, written by Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan Frank is a strange little backstage comedy/drama on its surface. Underneath it's a solemn examination of damaged people inside a circle of attention and creativity. It's maybe got a dash of Almost Famous, but it's far more peculiar. You should know, a favourable comparison…Read More

St. Vincent review — A dramedy sunk by sentiment

November 3, 2014 flawintheiris

Written and directed by Theodore Melfi From the top, a warning: St. Vincent is a story about the connection between a crusty older Brooklyn dude, Vin, and a cute little boy, Oliver. Oliver is painfully precocious—everything out of his mouth is more thoughtful and considered than any of the adults around him. He's the perfect child. If…Read More

Fury review — Blood, mud, and tanks

October 18, 2014 flawintheiris

Written and directed by David Ayer Ayer is what I call a macho director. I bet he's seen every single one of Sam Peckinpah's movies. He wrote U-571 , The Fast & The Furious, and Training Day, he wrote and directed End of Watch and Sabotage. He knows about guys, guns, and sweat, and that's what…Read More

Amy Wins: A few more thoughts on Gone Girl

October 14, 2014 flawintheiris

As Gone Girl cruises through its second weekend as box office champ, I've been enjoying all the think pieces on the film, their number a credit to its quality. As I add my two cents, I'll link to a few of my favourites. I've been reading how women are making up the bulk of the audience.…Read More

The Judge review — sentimental family drama delivers strong performances

October 11, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by David Dobkin, written by Nick Schenk and Bill Dubuque from a story by Dobkin and Schenk. During a scene at the cusp of The Judge's third act, attorneys Dwight Dickham (a superslick Billy Bob Thornton) and Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr, doing that thing that he does) are discussing how they know one…Read More

The Skeleton Twins review — A drama that needs more drama

October 9, 2014 flawintheiris

Directed by Craig Johnson, written by Johnson and Mark Heyman Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, the leads in this drama about suicidal siblings, are great together. We know that already—there's an ease honed over years working together on Saturday Night Live. But just because they're talented comics, and can deliver on the lighter moments in…Read More