Tag Archives: Alcoholism

Standing Up, Falling Down (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): Billy Crystal still has it

Posted on March 9, 2020 by

I could not help but become a bit nostalgic as watching Billy Crystal in “Standing Up, Falling Down”. While considerably dialing down his distinctive comic persona here in this small comedy film, he still knows how to engage and then … Continue reading →

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Burning Cane (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): Southern lives stuck in anger and despair

Posted on November 25, 2019 by

“Burning Cane”, which won two awards including the Founders Prize when it was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival early in this year, is a small but remarkable work to be appreciated. Although this is the first feature film of … Continue reading →

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Doctor Sleep (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): An eclectic sequel between King and Kubrick

Posted on November 8, 2019 by

Mike Flanagan’s new film “Doctor Sleep” is an eclectic sequel sandwiched between two contrasting sources of inspiration: Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick. While officially based on King’s novel of the same name which is a sequel to his famous horror … Continue reading →

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The Confirmation (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A weekend between father and son

Posted on September 9, 2019 by

“The Confirmation” is more entertaining and touching than I thought at first. While its overall mood is dry and glum just like its hero, the movie gradually reveals its sweet and humorous side as moving from one small good moment … Continue reading →

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Glassland (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4): This young man’s hard daily life

Posted on July 30, 2019 by

Irish independent film “Glassland” is a dry, somber character drama revolving around the daily life of one young man who has been driven to lots of frustration and desperation. He has tried to make things better for himself and a … Continue reading →

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Krisha (2015) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): An unwanted guest in one Thanksgiving family dinner

Posted on December 24, 2016 by

The opening shot of “Krisha” caught me off guard during my first viewing. At the beginning, ominous music is played on the soundtrack, and then there comes the close-up shot of an old woman who clearly looks disturbed and devastated. … Continue reading →

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Son of Clowns (2016) ☆☆(2/4): Coming back to his circus family

Posted on August 18, 2016 by

Dear Mr. Evan Kidd Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity for watching your first feature film “Son of Clowns” in advance. As a matter of fact, you are the very first guy who has ever sent me … Continue reading →

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Snow Paths (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A confused alcoholic at Catholic sanatorium

Posted on March 13, 2016 by

South Korean film “Snow Paths” is seemingly simple at first. A man struggling with his personal problems comes to a quiet place, and then he meets someone who brings some bright change into his troubled state. While this is a … Continue reading →

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Top Five (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : An interview during one day in New York

Posted on August 30, 2015 by

“Top Five” works best when it is driven by a good chemistry between its two engaging lead performers. Whenever we see their characters walking together along the streets of New York, we can sense that they really enjoy each other’s … Continue reading →

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A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A sombre but intense noir thriller

Posted on September 23, 2014 by

 Through its tarnished hero’s melancholic investigation process, “A Walk Among the Tombstones” looks into the dark, twisted face of human evil, and there are several chilling moments which will make you cringe or gasp for the horror implied during these … Continue reading →

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