Detroit Cineaste
Reviews of movies and television programs
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
I didn’t hate The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, because that would imply that it invoked an emotional response from me. The movie is energetic but inert, a story with no purpose besides offering up visuals. Little kids and fans of the games may enjoy it, but for me the movie was listless and uninvolving. Not…
Project Hail Mary
While Project Hail Mary is a thoroughly enjoyable space-set adventure yarn, what makes it special is its unbridled optimism for humanity and science. This feel-good movie unironically believes that when the chips are down, we’ll rise to the occasion. I sincerely hope that’s true. Highly recommended.
The Life of Chuck
Like its eponymous character, The Life of Chuck contains multitudes and is difficult to categorize. It’s by turns apocalyptic, fantastical, nostalgic and horrific. Broadly speaking, it’s an existential treatise disguised as a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that ultimately works because its charm and amiability. Recommended.
Undertone
If anything, Undertone proves that using podcasting as the basis for a horror movie has minimal returns. While there are spooky moments, the film is a mishmash of ideas that never lead anywhere besides scary noises and shadows. Not recommended.
Bugonia
Bugonia fits squarely within the “science fiction as metaphor” tradition, where the question being asked is both philosophical and incredibly consequential. Underneath the alien paranoia and kidnapping plot lies a delightfully quirky character study reflected through a cockeyed lens. As a fan of challenging sci-fi, I loved it. Highly Recommended.
Hoppers
Hoppers is an entertaining if thematically slight film. It bears the visual hallmark of past Pixar greats but contains only a smidgeon of philosophical insight and emotional weight of their classics. While it’s fun and its constructive messages resonate, the movie is primarily a cartoon. Recommended.
Sentimental Value
Sentimental Value is a touching family drama told with an abundance of sympathy and compassion for its anguished characters. Accordingly, it’s an acting showcase for the four co-leads who keep their characters grounded and relatable. Decidedly unsentimental, the film provides unfiltered insight on why we torture ourselves with the past. Recommended.
Crime 101
Crime 101 is a solid entry to the cops and robbers genre, featuring a terrific cast and stylish direction. I didn’t buy Hemsworth in the leading role, but the movie works because it’s well-made and exciting. Recommended.
“Wuthering Heights”
“Wuthering Heights” may be the most unromantic and unerotic story about doomed lovers ever made. Its message, about how tragic it is to deny our urges, is delivered with the subtlety of cannon fire. On another level, it offers an interesting, if bombastic critique of the novel upon which it’s based. Not recommended.
No Other Choice (South Korea, Park Chan-wook)
No Other Choice is a tale of two movies. I enjoyed the satire and slapstick-filled first half, less so its cold and didactic second half. Overall, the movie’s dizzying style and committed performances won me over. Recommended.
Continue reading No Other Choice (South Korea, Park Chan-wook)
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Detroit Cineaste 