movie review Archives – The Statesman

The Mulan adaptation is just a lackluster remake

Ryan BaileArts MoviesSeptember 17, 2020

Despite the likable parts of the movie, overall Mulan was another disappointment from the House of Mouse.

“Onward” is a magical experience, but it falls short of the high standards that Pixar has set.

Alexander BakirdanArts MoviesMarch 8, 2020March 8, 2020

I’ve never been disappointed by a fun and enjoyable movie like this before, but the entire time I was watching “Onward,” it felt like Pixar was holding back on me.

Director Jérémy Clapin impresses with animated film "I Lost My Body"

Claudia MotleyArts MoviesFebruary 4, 2020February 4, 2020

Jérémy Clapin’s critically acclaimed animated feature, “I Lost My Body,” premiered on Nov. 15, 2019. The award-winning film is in the running for this year’s Oscars race.

“Joker”: A deep dive into the origins of a beloved madman

Alek LewisArtsOctober 26, 2019October 26, 2019

“Joker,” directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, brings an original and detailed dive into the psyche of Batman’s enigmatic villain, while simultaneously creating one of the most memorable character performances of the last decade.

It: Chapter 2 is a thrill ride that starts fast and doesn’t slow down

Alexander BakirdanArtsSeptember 10, 2019September 10, 2019

“It: Chapter 2” doesn’t pull any punches from the very beginning as the movie sets the tone quickly for what is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Now I feel I can’t discuss this movie properly without spoiling it a bit, so consider this a warning, there will be massive spoilers ahead.

Directors cut supersedes the original “Midsommar”

Lajiere BlakeArtsSeptember 8, 2019September 9, 2019

The debut of “Midsommar” in July 2019 was met with fervent excitement from fans of the director’s first feature film, “Hereditary.” The wide success of “Hereditary” gave Aster the golden pass to join with the likes of Jordan Peele.

“Dark Phoenix” fails to rise from the ashes

Alexander BakirdanArtsJune 11, 2019June 19, 2019

The final installment in 21st Century Fox’s X-Men franchise, “Dark Phoenix,” crashes and burns on its opening weekend on Friday, June 7.

“The Predator:” Just another mediocre reboot

Matthew RainisArtsSeptember 26, 2018March 18, 2020

If the filmmakers had been willing to stay in their lane on this one, this would have been a solidly entertaining action flick.

“Love, Simon” is the optimistic coming out story we needed

Matthew RainisArtsMarch 25, 2018

The positivity and normalcy the film portrays Simon’s struggles makes it pleasant and watchable, occasionally tugging at the heartstrings a bit.

Review: Remake of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”

Zoya NaqviArtsNovember 12, 2017November 12, 2017

Director Kenneth Branagh attempts to reintroduce famed 20th century English mystery writer Agatha Christie’s best-selling 1934 mystery novel, “Murder on the Orient Express,” but his stubbornness to cling onto the last speck of cinematic nostalgia hurts the film in the long run.