Luca (2021): Simple, but Satisfying

Since its foundation, Pixar has been responsible for producing animated features that raise the bar for emotional depth to create several modern masterpieces. Whether it’s understanding the functions of emotions in Inside Out (2015), delving into an adult’s hunt for purpose in Soul (2020) or exploring what comes after life in Coco (2017); no concept is too heavy to explore. With …

The Silence of the Lambs (1991): The Doctor Will See You Now

It’s common knowledge in the world of film that the Academy Awards are regarded as the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. In a ceremony that has been held annually for almost a century, the Academy Awards are an international recognition of excellence in all forms of cinema, including acting, screenwriting, editing, costume & …

Soul (2020): A Moving, Affirming Tale About Life & Jazz

If Inside Out (2015) took us inside the mind of a young girl with colourful sprites journeying across memory islands to explore interpersonal relationships and emotional psychology; Soul (2020) imagines a tale beyond the body of an aspiring Manhattan jazz pianist to explore metaphysical matter after death and before life and understand what living truly means. On the day …

The Empire Strikes Back: Arguably one of the best franchise sequels

With many movie franchises out there, it’s always possible that their novelty could potentially wear thin. Though the franchise’s first film may have received a strong opening night, it’s always possible for the sequel to fail to deliver the hype the previous film was known for like Jaws: The Revenge (1987) or RoboCop 3 (1993). …

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977): May the Force be with you

With the death of Dave Prose today, I thought it would be a good tribute to review the most popular franchise he starred in, the original Star Wars trilogy, where he is best known for physically portraying Darth Vader. I will start this by reviewing the film which kickstarted this epic trilogy and expanded into …

Rear Window (1954): Hitchcock Halloween Part: IV

Whenever you think of a prominent director or actor, there’s a very good chance the film or TV series you consider their most prominent will appear too. In the case of Hitchcock, most will think of Psycho (1960), Vertigo (1958) or North by Northwest (1959) but for me, it’s undoubtedly Rear Window (1954). Rear Window …

The Birds (1963): Hitchcock Halloween Part III

Despite being renowned for his career in directing feature films, Alfred Hitchcock never restricted himself where variation is concerned. His synonymous films all represent a different type of thriller, and The Birds (1963) is no different, serving as what is considered Hitchcock’s first foray into the supernatural. The Birds follows socialite Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) …

Vertigo (1958): Hitchcock Halloween Part II

One of the many things that made Hitchcock such a lauded director was that he never stuck to the same formula in his films; each of his best movies have their own unique feel and characteristics to make them stand out even when compared to one another. Vertigo is particularly distinctive, both as a complex …

Psycho (1960): Hitchcock Halloween Part I

Throughout his long and illustrious career, director Alfred Hitchcock thrilled and captivated audiences everywhere. He is one of the most influential and extensively studied filmmakers in cinema history with critics and filmgoers alike citing his works as revolutionary for the big screen, earning the title “Master of Suspense” with many of his features becoming staples …

The Iron Giant (1999): A Masterpiece of Two Worlds

Animation as a whole have always been considered a product of children’s entertainment. The old Disney classics that started it all are indeed aimed at kids, but they are still watchable for adults too. However, it hasn’t been until recently when animation has started to become worthy of serious critical attention, focusing on mature content …