Monthly Archives: January 2017

Jackie (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Who is Jackie?

Posted on January 31, 2017 by kaist455

Calmly examining the formation of that lasting public image of Jacqueline Kennedy, “Jackie” works as a compelling observation on a woman who happened to be in the middle of one of the darkest historical moments in the 20th American history. … Continue reading →

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Deepwater Horizon (2016) ☆☆(2/4): Lots of mud, water, oil, and fire

Posted on January 30, 2017 by kaist455

When I heard the news about the explosion on Deepwater Horizon for the first time, I was about to begin the first day of the 2010 Eberfest along with my critic friends and acquaintances. I thought it was just a … Continue reading →

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Maggie’s Plan (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): That was her plan, but…

Posted on January 28, 2017 by kaist455

“Maggie’s Plan” is full of lightweight comic touches to delight and tickle you. As smart, witty, and charming as you can expect from your average sassy New Yorker comedy movie, it serves us with a number of hilarious moments to … Continue reading →

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Snowden (2016) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The Snowden Files

Posted on January 27, 2017 by kaist455

As a story about one famous real-life whistleblower, Oliver Stone’s new film “Snowden” often feels redundant despite some fascinating parts. While its subjects are certainly relevant especially at this point, the movie does not have many things to surprise or … Continue reading →

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It’s Only the End of the World (2016) ☆☆(2/4): It’s only the end of his life….

Posted on January 26, 2017 by kaist455

The characters in “It’s Only the End of the World” talk a lot throughout the film, but their words signify nothing but sound and fury as they go through one miserable day together. Maybe that is its whole point, but … Continue reading →

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Hidden Figures (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Three black female figures in NASA

Posted on January 22, 2017 by kaist455

Based on the remarkable professional careers of three real-life figures who worked in NASA in the early 1960s, “Hidden Figures” confidently moves forward along with its three main characters. While never overlooking how things were hard and difficult for them and … Continue reading →

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Fences (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): At the backyard of his house

Posted on January 21, 2017 by kaist455

“Fences” trusts its performers, and we gladly go along with that. Even if you are not that familiar with August Wilson’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, you can easily notice a number of theatrical aspects on the screen, but this … Continue reading →

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Toni Erdmann (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Along comes her prankster father…

Posted on January 16, 2017 by kaist455

In comedy, timing is always important. Not only you have to find the exact right moment to draw maximum laughs from your audiences, but also you have to make it sure that your audiences never see that coming beforehand. In … Continue reading →

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Moana (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): When she follows the Ocean’s call

Posted on January 15, 2017 by kaist455

“Moana” is a model Disney animation feature film which dutifully follows its familiar storytelling formula with a number of nice changes and variations. Again, we have a spirited young heroine who comes to find her inner strength through one adventurous … Continue reading →

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Nocturnal Animals (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Deliberate nastiness

Posted on January 14, 2017 by kaist455

“Nocturnal Animals” makes it very clear from the beginning that it will not be a pleasant experience at all. As reflected by the bold, striking opening sequence which shows an intentionally tasteless art exhibition featuring naked overweight women, this is … Continue reading →

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