Directed by Riley Stearns A man easily intimidated willfully transforms himself into the thing that intimidates him. It's following an assault at the hands of a motorcycle gang that Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) enrolls in classes at a local dojo, in awe of the calm, cold confidence of its Sensei (Alessandro Nivola). His subsequent training … Continue reading The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
dark comedy
The Weather Man (2005)
Directed by Gore Verbinski The Weather Man is about Dave Spritz’s (Nicolas Cage) general disaffection with life, both personal and professional, and his plan to escape through a “very American accomplishment,” to become the national weatherman on “Hello America,” a program very much meant to resemble “Good Morning America” or “The Today Show.” Dave is … Continue reading The Weather Man (2005)
Life During Wartime (2009)
Directed by Todd Solondz I love Life During Wartime because I love Todd Solondz's movies. I have no idea where this might rank among his works or how good of a movie it is. All I know is that it is uniquely Todd Solondz and I found several moments either very moving, very dark, very hilarious or all … Continue reading Life During Wartime (2009)
The Favourite (2018)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos Olivia Colman deserves to win an Academy Award for her performance as Queen Anne in Yorgos Lanthimos' The Favourite. She is the eye of the storm, around which chaos and politicking runs rampant. While two politically opposed party leaders vie for her attention she deals most immediately with two people who scheme … Continue reading The Favourite (2018)
