fairbrother’s Film Reviews

201 Films have been rated or reviewed by fairbrother.

Modern Times (1936): Side–splittingly funny. For all it's '30s trappings, Modern Times is shockingly modern, arguably even MORE relevant in today's corporatised digital–era: it fizzes with wonder, excitement, imagination, and pathos. Brilliant beyond words.; DVD ~~$24.95~~ $18.70
Memento (2000): Watch it once to grasp the narrative puzzle. Watch it twice to appreciate it as (an extremely troubling) meditation on the idea of life without context, and the role memory plays in shaping identity. Watch it a third time just 'cause it's damn cool.
Horseman, The (2008): Structured around one torture–scene after another, this is horribly gripping for a bit... but soon gets tedious and grating. "Pulling punches" isn't only done in the name of Good Taste, pal – sometimes it's in the name of Good Story–telling, too.
Van Diemen's Land (2009): Richly atmospheric and wide–open to social or political reading, this grim and grisly tale ends (against all expectations) with a moment of sublime transcendence. Every shot, every cut, every sound, every gesture feels right. Amazing.
In The Loop (2009): Politicians are self–absorbed hype–puppets incapable of appreciating the true gravity of their position – a joke as old as politics itself. But In the Loop tells it with a soul–mate's understanding of profanity and sarcasm; a marvel of verbal brutality.
I'm Not Harry Jenson (2009): Like alotta thrillers, it goes haywire–silly toward the end – but til then, I was hooked. Solid cast and atmospheric locations help keep the familiar pulp material fresh and intriguing. I'll be curious to see what writer–director Robertson does next.
Humpday (2009): Scarily authentic characters and conversations (guys, this Lynn Shelton has us totally figured out) will no doubt put some people off – for those of us who dig that sorta thing, Humpday is a treat. Sophisticated, funny, oddly poignant.; DVD $14.95
Antichrist (2009): If you're curious, see it: you'll have to, in order to believe it. Plays like the "artiest" art–horror ever, veering from morbid fascination to unintentional hilarity to shameless show–offiness. Hysterical, messy, maddening – Gold help me, I did enjoy
Wild Things (1998): Soft–core sex, amusing casting, and twist upon twist upon twist (they keep coming, even through the closing credits!) ignite this tongue–in–cheek pulp thriller. Shamelessly – and irresistibly – trashy entertainment.
Burn After Reading (2008): Doesn't have No Country's serious gravity – but it's just as savvy a piece of film–making, and the entire cast (right down to Richard Jenkins and JK Simmons) are pricelessly funny. Biggest crack–up I can remember having in ages.

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fairbrother’s Film Reviews