Movie reviews of Joanna Orland

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

Sorry to Bother You may shock, may repulse or may go down in history as a major cult classic along the lines of Being John Malkovich. Review

It’s hardly worth sitting through the rest for the payoff. What this film greatly needs is an edit. Review

Thunder Road will make you laugh, it will make you cry; often at the same time. Review

First Man may land on the moon, but struggles to travel further to satisfyingly explore the first man himself. Review

Intimate, grand, raw, polished, human and vulnerable; A Star Is Born has given birth to a new voice in cinema. Long live Bradley Cooper, director. Review

As the plot is so predictable, The Wife is best viewed as a character study and commentary on the ingrained misogyny of our society... Review

Outside of a few funny moments and excellent vocals from Sharp, this film is weak on plot and flat on emotion. Review

All over the place. Review

The visual stylization of the film creates a somber mood, the abstract editing contributes to the characterization of Phoenix’s troubled soldier. But the true star of this film is Jonny Greenwood’s score. Review

A hilarious yet tiresome absurdist adventure with the best cast I could possibly envision for it. Review

The film descends into madness with Ethan Hawke’s performance at its core. Review

The personal aspect of The Tale, alongside the cleverness of its structure and the fantastic performances, does not make this film any more comfortable to watch. Review

It is in fact this subtlety, through visual metaphor and meaningful scenarios, that makes Leave No Trace such a poignant social commentary. Review

While the social commentary is plentiful, it is the coming-of-age tale at its core that makes The Miseducation of Cameron Post so wonderful. Review

In spite of such issues, Yardie still stands on the merit of its content and the representation it gives its subject matter on screen. Review

The music invigorates some energy into this otherwise flat film; something the directing and lacklustre performances fail to do. Review