Filmrecensies van Alex Brannan

The Gallows Act II looks bad, it sounds bad, and its narrative is conventional at best. Recensie

Smith is giving it his all. Lee’s ambition to redefine digital cinema is certainly worth rallying behind, and his action sequences are visually immersive enough to match his technological goals. But the story is thin and superficial, ultimately not holding the weight of this ambitious production. Recensie

It follows such a stark, Scorsese-esque display of violence that it is an empty gesture. It is a creative flourish without any soul. Recensie

We get characters which are sympathetic with ease, and we get a story which is thoroughly compelling until the very last frame. Recensie

It may be cliched to refer to beautiful-looking films with the phrase “every frame is a painting,” but in the case of Robert Eggers’ latest, The Lighthouse, many of the shots are picturesque. Recensie

The Platform is an entertaining, grisly genre picture, but it doesn’t fully escape from its own puzzle box. Recensie

Maddin’s use of old aesthetics is motivated in some way. Here it feels like a gimmicky choice that hides the inconsistencies in the film’s construction. Recensie

Long story short: VHYes is a hilarious, delirious ride through a 1980s broadcast hellscape littered with incongruities and tonally pitch perfect comic delivery. Recensie

The performances are engaging. The Vast of Night is a stellar debut for Patterson, and it is a fun, low-key science fiction film. Recensie

After Midnight is a film with valiant aims but a stumbling execution. Recensie

For fans of the sport, there will certainly be kernels throughout that make the film worth investing in. For the uninitiated, there is some perspective given to the many layers involved with the profession. But it doesn’t go deep enough in either direction of its narrative focuses—Ian’s personal life and the professional life. Recensie

Night Has Come has some poetic and cinematic import. The integration of archival film begs to be studied further. But even at 56 minutes it feels too lengthy. Recensie

It blends tones with a deft directorial hand, and it never stops being entertaining. Recensie

The heartwarming message is not lost on me; it resonates to a degree where the ending is emotionally satisfying. And the comedy shines through in enough moments. It just lacks the unification of tone, a hurdle that if cleared could have propelled Jojo Rabbit into the more rarefied realm of satire that it is shooting for. Recensie

Amigo may not have the perfect execution of its narrative, but Oscar Martin has an aesthetic sense that is extremely promising. Recensie

What stays with you at the end of the film may be a small combination of these aspects or a certain combination of scenes, but these pieces add up to an enriched whole that is bursting at the seams with the spirited life of humanity. Recensie

If it is a funhouse you’re looking for, then It: Chapter Two may excite just as much as its predecessor. Muschietti clearly cares about how scenes are crafted and blend into an experience of bumps and jumps. But even the jump scares are bland. The imagery is less gripping. And you won’t be presented with much more than this mechanical funhouse. Recensie

But Charlie Says is an engrossing look at psyches which are difficult for people on the outside to understand. The film may be a thriller, and nearly a horror film in its climax, but the time spent with the women makes for a psychological drama that is fascinating. Recensie

Ready or Not is an exciting and witty addition to the horror comedy genre. This is largely due to the script and the excellent cast. Recensie

47 Meters Down: Uncaged is grating, dull, and uneventful. Recensie

The Angry Birds Movie 2 is not particularly impressive. It advances its protagonist’s arc by taking a step back, and its plotting is overbearing for the narrative scope. And ultimately, it isn’t all that funny. Recensie

This lack of discussion in a film so pointedly about political ideology makes Luce feel somewhat hollow. The performances carry the weight of the talky script in a way that makes this appear like a psychological thriller. But it isn’t really a thriller. And it isn’t thematically rich enough to be what it sets out to be. Recensie

People may talk about that raunchy new comedy where 10-year-old boys swear and ride a sex swing (how scandalous!), but it isn’t a particularly lively or fulfilling comedy experience. Recensie

It is bulky and slightly overlong. It hits onto a somewhat odd tone with how it decides to resolve some of its characters’ arcs (which leads to an even odder sequel-baiting ending). But it is also effectively composed. The character designs are well-executed. Recensie