Movie Review: A MONSTER CALLS (Review #3)

A Monster Calls is the third film by Spanish director J.A. Bayona. The film follows the story of a young boy dealing with his mother being very ill and being bullied at school as he is visited in his dreams by a monster set on teaching him some kind of life lesson. The film stars Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Toby Kebbell, and Liam Neeson as the Monster. I was floored by this movie as it was a wonderful combination of stunningly beautiful and emotionally resonant. One of the best films of the year.

Movie Review: THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN

Capturing the pain that comes with growing up in a meaningful, compelling way is no easy task. Films that showcase one of the most unforgettable periods of life – the pivotal point between childhood and adulthood – oftentimes are completely forgettable themselves. This year, however, fans of independent cinema were treated to The Edge of Seventeen, the directorial debut of Kelly Fremon Craig. Rich, authentic performances and a compelling, genuine story drove this small-scale film to critical acclaim and it is one of the best films of 2016.