Movie reviews of Joanna Orland

Funny, likeable, charming, Boyz II Men – Long Shot ticks all of the boxes for what you’d want from a modern day rom-com. Review

With Moore’s performance, she’s perfect in her own right, yet much more subtle than Paulina García‘s more overt Gloria. There was something more visceral, vulnerable and brutal to the original whereas the location move to America makes everything feel much more reserved. Review

Taking universal themes and putting them through cultural lenses, director Lulu Wang has turned a family drama into something special. The Farewell is neither hard-hitting as a drama nor hilarious as a comedy, but has a lot to say about familiar subjects, bringing a fresh voice to a family drama. Review

While Late Night mostly fails to see its message through, it thrives in producing a likeable female-fronted romcom of sorts, with a plum role for Dame Emma Thompson – and let’s face it, that in itself is enough reason to be counted as a success. Review

With Dragged Across Concrete, for all of its many many flaws, Zahler again succeeds in building tension through the tedium, justifying very unforgiving casting choices, being just ambiguous enough in his views, and delivering a finale that exceeds expectations. Review

The perfect level of camp meets high art, Greta is a self-aware humourous matriarchal take on the horror thriller genre. Isabelle Huppert is brilliant as always, and much of the film rests solely on her shoulders. Review

For a timely story, well-rounded characters and excellent performances, Ben Is Back ticks all of the boxes. While it may not linger with you long after viewing, the emotion of the moment is quite a powerful thing to observe. Review

Told confidently by director Sara Colangelo, the film balances empathy, sympathy, comedy and thriller to give us a completely new perspective on an old idea. Review

Never preachy, but always questioning, the film uniquely combines its perspectives from both the person attending the program and the parents who sent them there. An emotional and upsetting film, it’s too heart-wrenching to be a comfortable watch, but too important to not give your attention to. Review

It’s better than some other modern YA adaptations (The Golden Compass, the latter Hunger Games, Divergent) but does not reach its own potential, nevermind the heights of enduring series’ like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. Review

A powerful film with career-best performances, Disobedience affirmatively puts Sebastián Lelio on the map as a director who goes beyond cultural restraints to truly conquer universal themes and emotions. Review

Fiercely funny and surprisingly (somewhat) poignant, Tag may appear to be a generic run-of-the-mill modern comedy, but raises its game to win my laughs and affection. Review

Any flaw in the film’s ending is eclipsed by the film’s brilliant wit and performances. A black comedy for the ages, The Favourite will have little trouble winning your favour. Review

The first half is beautifully awkward, the second overshadowed by its wannabe cleverness; Papi Chulo is both a hit and a miss. Review

The chemistry between McCarthy and Grant is obvious, and some of the film’s best humour is in their scenes together, whether they’re playing with each other or prank calling those they can’t stand. Review

A master of cinematic martial arts, Yimou does create a visual and aural masterpiece with Shadow; if only there were less dialogue and more movement, this film would have been perfection. Review

May have deeper layers underneath its slow-burning surface, but taken at face value, the film succeeds as low key, highly engaging Sci-Fi. Review

All of this footage is used to great effect to make us realize we are living in the now – that terrible time is here and we cannot be complacent. Review

May not be a masterpiece, but as an inspiration to have hope during dark drug-fueled times, it’s a meaningful film for present day. Review

Unfortunately, the exploration of this grand idea in Vox Lux is too pretentious and emotionally flat to leave an impact. Review

Empowering and inspiring. The great performances and fabulous musical score really lift the film, making it a joy to watch. Review

Decent acting and directing carry it through... Review

There is a dark humour in watching these complex characters interact and a sense of futility that reigns throughout. Review

Political, clever, engaging and suspenseful, Lizzie retells the infamous story of the alleged axe murderer for the modern era. Review