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: 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?: 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.

Side By Side: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY vs. FIFTY SHADES DARKER

Welcome to another installment of SIDE BY SIDE, where we dissect the differences and similarities between two films, be it a remake/reboot with its original, a sequel with its original or two similar movies. This week I'll be comparing FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and FIFTY SHADES DARKER.

At the end of Fifty Shades of Grey, I yearned for more. Questions left answered would hopefully be answered by the next film in the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker. And after watching the sequel, all my questions were answered and so much more.

Trash Bin: BECAUSE I SAID SO

Welcome to another installment of the TRASH BIN, where we watch the worst movies Hollywood has to offer, according to the critics, and give you out thoughts, good or bad. This week's pick is the adorable 2007 romantic comedy...BECAUSE I SAID SO.

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.

Short Film Spotlight: SILENT LOVE

Welcome back to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT, where we highlight some of the best short films out there. I googled short films about love for ideas on what I should do my review on. A film called SILENT LOVE popped up and I immediately fell in love with it.

Directorial Debut: Richard Curtis' LOVE ACTUALLY

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 great holiday romantic comedy by Richard Curtis, LOVE ACTUALLY.

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. 

Retro Review: ANNIE HALL (1977)

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 Woody Allen's 1977 romantic comedy, ANNIE HALL.  Enjoy!

Movie Review: ALLIED

In 1942, a Canadian intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) in North Africa encounters a female French Resistance fighter (Marion Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. They join forces, disguised as husband and wife, but after spending precious time together, both realize that their fictitious roles might just be a truth for the both of them.

When Robert Zemeckis makes a film I am sure to be there, he has graced the silver screen for four decades with quality pictures for worldwide audiences, always maintaining a romantic sensibility without ever loosing a masterful sense of filmmaking and storytelling. Allied is once again a solid, well told story that reaches for all audiences out there.

Movie Review: LA LA LAND

A quick Google search will find hundreds upon hundreds of positive La La Land reviews. This review will be written from a bit more personal of a perspective. The last thing I want to do is spoil a single moment of this movie for you as it slowly cycles through its limited release. So, instead of just discussing the technical achievements and directorial triumphs of La La Land, since we’re all part of one big movie-loving family, I’d like to take you through the evening where I discovered (dare I say it) one of my favorite movies of all time.

Movie Review: ALLIED

Allied is the latest film from acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis. The film follows the story of two spies during World War II who meet, fall in love, and get married before some revelation or rumor bubbles to the surface and drives the primary mystery plot forward. The film stars Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris, Simon McBurney, and Lizzy Caplan. Overall, this film struck me as a pretty basic storyline that didn’t get me overly invested but was executed extremely well.

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.

Movie Review: 32 AOUT SUR TERRE (AUGUST 32nd ON EARTH)

Welcome to this mini-series of reviews of the feature films* of revered filmmaker Denis Villeneuve in the lead-up to his latest film Arrival. This first review in the series is for Villeneuve’s debut feature film Un 32 août sur terre (August 32^nd on Earth).

Directorial Debut: Martin Scorsese's WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR

Welcome to a new installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUTS, 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 debut of master director Martin Scorsese with the film WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR.