Movie Review: STILLWATER (2021)

Written by: Josh "The Merc" Raynor

Sundance 2021 Review: CODA (2021)

When I was in college, we were required to take a language credit as one of our core classes. I had taken German in high school, but didn’t really want to take it again. My girlfriend at the time told me she was going to take ASL and suggested I do the same. So I did. And I loved it. It’s a beautiful language and taking those classes provided me with an experience I will never forget, one that opened my eyes to a whole community of amazing, talented people. It’s something that everyone should learn at some point in their life. So when I heard about CODA, I was instantly drawn to it.

Movie Review: IN FULL BLOOM

As a film lover, I’ve dove into pretty much every genre there is - from cheesy rom-coms, to splattergore horror, to existential dramas - but two genres I don’t typically jump to are sports films and foreign language films. Now, that’s not to say I don’t watch them at all, because I do, just not on the level of some of those other genres. I mean, Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire were two of my favorites from last year, but I’m still lacking in my film knowledge in both areas. So when I was offered the chance to watch a screener of this new film called In Full Bloom, I was worried a bit, as it falls into both of those categories.

Short Film Spotlight: BREATHE (2019)

Welcome back to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT, where I highlight some of the best short films out there.  This week, I take a look at the powerfully dramatic short film... BREATHE.

I recently discovered this brilliant and emotional short film after listening to the writer and director, Devon Stewart, talk about it on an episode of a podcast I listen to called Collider Live. He spoke about this being his directorial debut, and if I hadn’t known that, I never would have guessed it. Breathe is a stunning piece of filmmaking, on every level. Devon Stewart proved that he is made for this, as his eye for composition and his ability to pull emotion from the audience is blatantly evident here.

Movie Review: LONDON FIELDS (2018)

Every once in a while, you come across a film that you know little, to nothing about, but it’s premise is so intriguing that you just have to check it out.  London Fields was that film for me.  Prior to four months ago, I had never even heard of this film, but after seeing the trailer and reading the synopsis, I knew it was something that I’d have to experience for myself.  And no matter what the critics say, and that includes myself, this is advice everyone should follow, as the subjectivity of film is what makes it such a beautiful experience.

YouTube Review: COBRA KAI - Season 1

Anyone who came of age during the 80's remembers The Karate Kid. A tale about a scrappy kid named Daniel LaRusso who learns to stand up for himself.  Now, fast forward 34 years and a new rivalry begins. I had the pleasure of watching the first season of the YouTube Red series Cobra Kai, and I loved it. I was obsessed with this movie as a kid and to see it back in any form was fantastic.

Movie Review: MARY SHELLEY (2018)

I love films that tell the stories of writers, especially if they are female. Most people have heard of the classic, Frankenstein. However, its true author, Mary Shelley, almost didn't get the credit she deserved. Besides being a great writer, she's also known for her marriage to Percy Shelley. During the time period in which they both lived, his views on love and wealth were radical, to say the least. The film, Mary Shelley, explores her relationship with Percy and her writing. It's a great depiction of a woman who was ahead of her time.

Movie Review: LOVE, SIMON

Every so often a movie comes out that hits you in a way you never would’ve expected.  Maybe it makes you laugh in a certain way, or think about things differently.  Maybe it makes you cry, or look inside yourself.  These are the films that stick with you, the films that you remember and watch time and time again, the films that you share with friends and family because it’s something you believe they truly need to see.  These are the rare films that remind you just how great filmmaking can be because they’re able to reach in and touch your soul.  This year, for me, that film was Love, Simon.

Movie Review: FIFTY SHADES FREED

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, just in time for Fifty Shades Freed to come out.  The third film in the Fifty Shades franchise was more about forgiveness and redemption. Of course, it still had steamy scenes like its predecessors.  However, this last film focused more on Christian and Ana's relationship and the ups and downs they endured.

Movie Review: PHANTOM THREAD

I first heard about this film in the early part of 2017 when we were working on our Most Anticipated Films of 2017 list for Merc With A Movie Blog.  One of our writers had on his list “Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Fashion Project”.  It had no name, and Daniel Day-Lewis’ name was nowhere near it, but ever since then, it had me intrigued.  Then a few months later, a rumor popped up that the film was being called Phantom Thread.  No one knew if this was real or just a working title, and it wasn’t until a few more months later that it was confirmed as the title and revealed that Daniel Day-Lewis would be starring in it, for his final role ever.

Why Haven't I Seen That?: SEVEN SAMURAI (1954)

Welcome to a new installment of WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN THAT?, where we talk about a must-see or iconic movie that we have never seen ... until now. This week we review an epic masterwork from famed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, SEVEN SAMURAI.

Why Haven't I Seen That?: BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Welcome to another installment of WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN THAT?, where we talk about a must-see or iconic movie that we haven't seen...until now. This week we take a look at the independent drama BEFORE MIDNIGHT, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

Whats On Netflix?: OZARK

Welcome to another installment of WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans. This week's selection is the original, provocative series, OZARK.

Retro Review: AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998)

American History X is a film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna, about a former neo-nazi skinhead who attempts to stop his younger brother from following in his old footsteps. The film stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, Edward Furlong as Danny Vinyard, Beverly D’Angelo as Doris Vinyard, Jennifer Lien as Davina Vinyard, and Avery Brooks as Dr. Bob Sweeney. There is a much larger cast, but the film revolves around the five characters these actors play.

Directorial Debut: Patty Jenkins' MONSTER

Welcome to another installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUT, where we look at some of the best, most interesting and iconic directors and the films that started their careers. This week we take a look at Patty Jenkins' brilliant and intriguing bio pic, MONSTER.

Directorial Debut: Jason Reitman's THANK YOU FOR SMOKING

Welcome to a new installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUT, where we look at some of the best, most interesting, and iconic directors and the films that started their careers. This week we take a look at the film that started Jason Reitman's career, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING.

Retro Review: THE APARTMENT (1960)

Welcome to another installment of RETRO REVIEW where we take a trip back in time to look at films made before the year 2000.  Today we review the 1960 romantic dramedy, THE APARTMENT.  Enjoy!

The Apartment is a romantic dramedy written by Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond, and directed by the aforementioned Billy Wilder. It stars Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray and Jack Kruschen. It's a satire about sex and rat race centres on a pushover company man, who lends his apartment to executives for their affairs until he falls for his boss' latest girlfriend.

Directorial Debut: Ben Stiller's REALITY BITES

Welcome to another installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUT, where we look at some of the best, most interesting and iconic directors and the films that started their careers. This week we take a look at the 1994 debut of Ben Stiller...REALTY BITES. 

What's On Netflix?: BURNING SANDS

Welcome to another installment of WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans. This week's pick is the 2017 fraternity hazing drama BURNING SANDS.

Movie Review: MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

An uncle (Casey Affleck) is obliged to return home to care for his nephew (Lucas Hedges) after his brother dies. Unbeknownst to him, he is to be the guardian of this young boy and struggles with the decision. Throughout the movie he recounts past memories that caused him to leave Manchester and distance himself from his past.

Manchester By The Sea is a highly character driven piece, an almost classical drama of present-time. Whilst keeping itself at distance from a highly-stylized approach to the story, it presents the events in a perfectly orchestrated scene weave which makes this 140 minute drama pass in the blink of an eye, almost leaving you wanting more.