Movie reviews of Richard Alaba

Despite the lack of historical authenticity, character development, and consistency of narrative purpose, 1917 is an outstanding example of excellence in cinematography. Review

Despite the enjoyable visuals, this film struggles to be a great work because of its uneven direction. Review

Jojo Rabbit may have worked had it opted for clarity or gravity of purpose; its stellar cast make little difference. It is a mashup of so many genres that any meaningful message is lost, and all is sacrificed to low brow gags. Review

In its honesty, intimacy, and artistic expression, this film is the nearest thing to cinematic art in years. Review

Marriage Story is an insightful, witty, and sad portrait of how easily a marital fairytale can turn to a nightmare. Review

Those looking for higher narrative purpose may find it in the tension between vengeance and justice, or the struggle of good over evil, or the assertion of feminist agency. On the other hand, fans of the thriller genre simply looking for unpredictability will find that The Good Liar offers much to keep them guessing. Review

Despite the desk-bound inaction and dialogue-heavy script, this is a riveting and important film. Its tension curve is driven by the enormity of CIA criminality and Adam Driver’s ability to portray a humble David who took on an arrogant Goliath. Review

The sole redeeming feature of this film is its forensic attention to reproducing the sets, fashion, styles, and social mores of the 1960s. Review

Phoenix single-handedly drives this film and he deserves critical acclaim. It was risky to bypass the usual magical fantasy of super-heroes and super-villians and take a serious look at a serious issue. Review

Garland’s story has been told many times, and those who do not know about it generally don’t care. In times of turbulence, this film is hardly a celebration of enduring American values. Knowing the ‘true story’ behind the Garland legend shatters illusions and empowers new generations to be wary of the Hollywood dream factory. Review

A stellar ensemble cast supports Emma Thompson in one of her most powerful character portraits in years. Review

As a piece of soccer history, the story is told well, aided by excellent acting and cinematography. The sets, costume and mood of the times are artfully constructed, although the pace and the weaving of sub-plotlines into the main frame loses balance at times. If the storytelling can be faulted at all it is the tendency to gloss over dark corners and shine fairy lights onto the heart-warming side of the tale. Review

There are several scenes of infinity that we come to expect from space movies and lots of shiny steel with buttons and switches and flashing lights to remind us that space exploration is at the front edge of technological innovation. But that’s about all this moderately entertaining film achieves, despite being hailed as the space epic of the year. Review

For many, the critical pendulum swings towards the masterpiece label. But it is perhaps closer to reality to describe this as an original, engaging, and disturbing tale of endemic class tension, oppression, and helplessness. Although tenuous, the message has universal relevance. Review

Despite its uneven pace and meandering narrative arc, this powerful non-fiction storytelling is backed up with excellent acting performances and cinematography. The Cold War tensions are palpable and the political battle lines drawn clearly. You do not need to be a ballet fan to appreciate this film. Review

Palm Beach is pretty to look at, light-hearted and mildly entertaining. It is also slow moving, over-acted, and lightweight. Review

Just being an historical figure is not sufficient for holding viewers’ attention or creating emotional engagement. With many of the key filmic ingredients readily available, the story could have been told differently and been both enjoyable and worthwhile. Review

Visually rich cinematography echoes the artistic themes running through the film’s narrative layers. The pace of direction is remarkably tight given the film’s running time, and the entire cast contribute equally to a sustained tense performance. Review

The interplay of commercial, legal, and political imperatives is well drawn by an excellent supporting cast and a filming style evocative of the loneliness that comes from being one voice standing on principle. Review

The acting is first class and Nicholas Hoult is the perfect mix of innocence and romantic. Above all else, this film offers a view of the seamless interconnection between life and art. Review

Taron Egerton channels the icon with mesmerising brilliance; it is a performance made more astonishing by singing with authenticity a dozen songs from Elton John’s enormous repertoire. Review

This is a mixed film with several quality ingredients. However, it’s achievement boils down to three things: the authenticity, charm, and emotive range of Miranda Tapsell... Review

Anything for a laugh is a golden rule in show business, and there are a few funny moments in this film, but that’s all folks. Review

Beautiful cinematography and period sets are the film’s redeeming features. Moderately entertaining, if at times melodramatic, it has ample visual pleasures despite a finalé devoid of climactic satisfaction when this too long film simply comes to a halt. Review