Movie reviews of Filipe Freitas

The Way Back brings nothing new and its authors seem satisfied with the overdramatic artifice set to obstruct imagination. Review

Although the languid pace won’t serve every viewer’s motivation, Ahn manages to give the story a nice simple touch and warm coloration. Review

The lack of integrity and the disrespect shown by these spenders are outraging, and Finley was able to convey that aspect with lucidity and competence. Review

The film is a composite of classic startles and creepy scenes drawn from the horror mechanics compendium. Although ingeniously crafted, the somewhat tacky ending didn’t work for me. Having said that, Mrs. James is a gifted young filmmaker to keep an eye on in the future. Review

The story oozes emotional poignancy, but loses force as it moves forward, partially thwarted by a predictable finale. Nevertheless, Marder grabs us, not so much with the vociferous metal music or any type of artistic pose, but rather with an effective sound design and narrative quality. Review

With all the schmaltzy deceptions arriving by the end, Sylvie’s Love may still find its place in the hearts of those looking for undemanding romantic dramas. Review

Clever observations and funny lines deliciously intertwine in a eye-grabbing work of art that is both spiritually rich and terrestrially encouraging. Review

Gorgeously shot, with a dazzling camera work and a tone that ranges from disconcerting to subversive, the film is still very much recommended, even when, in its final third, subtle oscillations in intensity and flow are detected. Review

The characters reveal to be meaningful as they express ingrained thoughts and narrate disturbing stories, both personal and unconfirmed. Almost in counterpoint, the film swings unabashedly at the sound of jazz while capturing the atmosphere of that specific time. Review

Perhaps too easygoing, the film never quite transcends the sum of its parts. There are a number of awkward moments that feel way off the mark, but the wry humor and the groovy flow of things make it a watchable experience.The well-orchestrated jazzy score by Jay McCarroll contributes heavily to the private eye spirit. Review

Directorial sensitivity and narrative focus remain fundamental elements of the quality work that Hittman has been developing. Review

Evoking the old Western style, this is subtle, intimate cinema devised with pinpoint accuracy, disarming minimalism and arthouse proneness. Review

Informative but feeling somewhat ‘naked’ in its step-by-step narrative, the film has its most interesting moments when the personalities of the members are explored through a recaptured past immersed in controversy and attitude. Review

Whistlers, playing a more crowd-pleasing and less ambitious formula, never reaches the mordacity and intelligence of 12:08 East of Bucharest, Police Adjective and The Treasure. I was unimpressed except for the whistling language itself. Review

Avoiding to cut through superficial surfaces of distress, Mrs. Murphy builds a tale of implacable clarity. Babyteeth isn’t perfect, but it feels real, even in moments of chaos. Review

Like Tesla, perhaps Almereyda wanted to look ahead. Yet, this loosely adapted biopic never goes in the right direction with its unstylish retro-modern hybridity. Review

This new Benson/Moorhead oddity depicts friendship, courage and sacrifice, but feels contrived at every move. Review

His frankness is remembered in this well-acted biographical drama, which, even not as bold as other Fincher’s films, is stylish and passionately crafted. Review

Despite of a promising start, Palm Springs runs out of inspiration, settling down in a thousand unremarkable ‘wake ups’ that lead to nowhere. Review

This French experience might not have the strength of many of Koreeda’s domestic dramas, but there’s still a lot to appreciate here. Review

Even touting a repulsive spectacle for most of its duration, the film, immaculately acted, oozes an aching sadness expressed through precise camera shots that often recall the work of masters Andrei Tarkovsky, Larisa Shepitko and Bela Tarr. Definitely not for the fainthearted. Review

There can be little doubt that certain plot points don’t add up to a story that is very much Allen’s. Yet, he sort of gets away with this melting pot of contemporary and classic cinema that plays as inoffensive as warm-hearted. Review

The dazzling physical battles, captured under the supervision of cinematographer Mandy Walker, are insufficient to overcome the petty humor and faint romance. Review

This is unmistakably Nolan in his love for highly layered tales and puzzling structures, but this time he overstuffed the plot to the point of not making much sense out of it. Moreover, Ludwig Göransson’s ominous score often feels intrusive while Washington's performance is not as sharp as in BlackKklansman. Review