Movie Review: Can Unplanned Reach All Audiences?

PureFlix presents a case for pro-life stances but undercuts pro-choice ideas with sloppy writing and a lack of sensitivity. Abortion is a largely off-screen procedure. Very few movies candidly show an abortion on-screen, but “Unplanned” does with horrific brutality that forces the viewer to reckon with the filmmaker’s intentions. “Unplanned” is based on the memoir by Abby Johnson, an anti-abortion activist who resigned as the … Continue reading Movie Review: Can Unplanned Reach All Audiences?

Oscar Outcasts Finale: The Favourite

A case of why the Favourite should win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The Academy Awards have taken a severe beating in the past couple months in a series of controversies. Losing Kevin Hart as the host, deciding not to broadcast technical awards like Best Cinematography and Best Editing and nominating a couple films deemed “problematic”, the awards season has had a rocky start. … Continue reading Oscar Outcasts Finale: The Favourite

Oscar Outcasts: Eighth Grade

A look at the unusual authenticity in Bo Burnham’s directorial debut. The era of John Hughes is over. Idyllic movies about buoyant teenagers who have blissful lives and deal with superficial problems are now artifacts. The brilliance of Hughes was that during the decade he was able to show how seemingly insignificant problems are monumental struggles for teenagers. Today, if someone made a Hughes film, … Continue reading Oscar Outcasts: Eighth Grade

Oscar Outcasts: Annihilation

An autopsy of the widely snubbed sci-fi masterpiece. I just want to say upfront that “Annihilation” is truly a great film. Its unique plot structure, attention to detail, score and mesmerizing production design create an incredible movie-going experience. Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Gina Rodriguez give standout performances, and director Alex Garland clearly has a strong aesthetic and is able to carry the themes … Continue reading Oscar Outcasts: Annihilation

Oscar Outcasts: First Reformed

An overview of the religious drama, First Reformed, in context of the church and Christianity. Doubt, heresy and conviction have been some of the most enduring themes throughout film history. Since D.W Griffith’s 1919 silent masterpiece “Intolerance”, the struggle between those who see themselves as carrying out the divine will of God against the oppressive godless masses remains one of the most intriguing struggles in … Continue reading Oscar Outcasts: First Reformed