Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Talented Leads Propel a Satisfactory Sequel
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice recaptures the macabre humor, ghoulish fantasy, and literally eye-popping visual effects of the classic original film. What’s noticeably missing in a satisfactory, if not spectacular, sequel is the ensemble cast’s overall chemistry and a truly innovative plot that wowed 1988 audiences. The new supporting characters are hit or miss. Willem Dafoe’s B-movie cop…
Read MoreHappy Campers Review | Heartfelt Portrait of Everyday Americans Getting By
Happy Campers immediately recalls the illuminating 2020 Oscar-winning film, Nomadland, which earned Frances McDormand another Best Actress Oscar. With its simplistic yet effective and heartfelt storytelling, that film beautifully showcased a fringe side of American life that is not often brought to the screen. It was a story about everyday people, unfettered by societal pressures…
Read MoreThe Thicket Review | A Riveting & Gritty Western Thriller with Superb Actors
Peter Dinklage hunts a ferocious Juliette Lewis in a riveting period thriller that captivates from the first savage frame. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by bestselling author Joe R. Lansdale, The Thicket shows zero mercy to the weak and forlorn in a brutal, icy setting. It is kill or be killed as a desperate man…
Read MoreWolfs Review: George Clooney & Brad Pitt’s Classy but Tired Crime Comedy
Its no spoiler to report that George Clooney and Brad Pitts characters survive the ending of director Jon Watts crime thriller, Wolfs. After all, the writing of the sequel has already been announced, whether thats just a crafty play by Apple TV+ for an additional news cycle or not. What may not survive this film…
Read MoreOut Come the Wolves Review | All Bite & No Brains in Hunting Thriller
Out Come the Wolves pits man versus nature in a bloody and visceral fight for survival that doesn’t quite pass the logic test. The simple premise has a journalist and his fianc joining her best friend for a weekend wilderness hunting trip that goes horribly awry. Sharp camerawork, quick edits, and a literally growling soundtrack…
Read MoreI’ll Be Your Mirror Review | A Sluggish Romance Finds Meaningful Footing
A grieving photographer on assignment in Japan finds unexpected comfort with an old friend and his precious daughter in I’ll Be Your Mirror, which washes over the viewer like a gentle breeze of loss, solace, and rediscovery. Writer/director Bradley Rust Gray meanders at times with an overly artistic intent and sluggish pacing, but achieves his…
Read MoreCrumb Catcher Review | Ridiculous Home Invasion Thriller Is Pure Cringe
There are characters we hate, from Amon Gth in Schindlers List to Cal Hockley from Titanic. Then there are characters who are simply so annoying that our dislike for them ruins the movie, including, but hardly limited to, Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Mutt Williams from Indiana Jones and the…
Read MoreNFF2023 Event Review: Women In Film
This year’s selection of Women in Film shorts offered up a rich and varied experience. It is impressive that all five films, being shown in quick succession, managed to stay so clearly distinct from one another, even now, as I reflect on this event in the week following. The opening film, Helen Simmons and…
Read MoreNFF2023 winners announced!
Last night, we proudly unveiled the Norwich Film Festival 2023 winners, showcasing exceptional talent across six award categories. From nearly 1800 national and international submissions, the winning films were celebrated at a ceremony hosted at Norwich University of the Arts and sponsored by Creative Enterprise. This year’s winning films explore themes of friendship, love, resilience…
Read MoreEvent Review: Nat Luurtsema Q&A
Writer and filmmaker Nat Luurtsema joined Norwich Film Festival for a screening and Q&A event. Nat’s comedic experience as a stand-up comedian were obvious through her humorous yet honest answers and interactions with the audience. Both her answers in the Q&A and the three films screened had the audience laughing together, creating a comfortable, fun…
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