Favorite films

Pinned reviews

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  Lilya 4-ever 2002

  Watched 17 Feb 2023

  This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

  I can’t stop thinking about the WW2 hero who died alone in a cramped filthy apartment, amidst the decaying ruins of the country he fought to save. And then the kids find his box of medals, passing them around for a laugh while they drink and huff glue to distract from the utter hopelessness of their lives.

  I’m also transfixed by the repeated motif of McDonalds throughout the film, and the way its meaning and emotional charge changes over time.…

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  Project Wolf Hunting 2022

  Watched 26 Sep 2022

  This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

  I had a very negative first impression walking out of the theater, which has tempered slightly over time. 

  There are three phases to this film. The first: a shockingly brutal, no-frills take on Con Air-meets-Under Siege. It features some stylish and charismatic, if bloodthirsty and sadistic, turns from the baddies, and I was really into it. The second phase reveals itself as a monster film, and has fun exploding the conventions and expectations laid down earlier - but overall I…

Recent reviews

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  Manhunter 1986

  ★★★★½ Rewatched 13 Apr 2023

  Never gets old. Almost every moment has some new dazzling stroke of audiovisual genius that keeps me on the back foot. Anchored by fantastic performances from all the main players (especially William Petersen) and a gripping, propulsive narrative. This thing MOVES.

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  Inherent Vice 2014

  ★★★★★ Rewatched 31 Mar 2023

  I think I will watch this movie at least a dozen more times

Popular reviews

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  Manhunter 1986

  Watched 21 Jul 2022

  There are a few moments in this film where Graham is on his own exploring a crime scene or reviewing evidence, and starts talking to the killer. At first asking rhetorical questions as a way of thinking out loud, then berating the killer and raising his voice, until he’s yelling hysterically as he uncovers a new clue. I found myself fixated on these moments, but I couldn’t articulate why. Then it hit me - he’s performing a seance. Will’s ability…

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  The Banshees of Inisherin 2022

  ★★★★ Watched 26 Sep 2022

  Brought me to the verge of tears more than once.