fairbrother’s Film Reviews

About me: Aro resident and incorrigible video nerd.

193 Films have been rated or reviewed by fairbrother.

True Detective - Season 1 (TV Series) (2014): The mystery itself is generic cliche (with loads of sexist baggage), but the characters and mood really get under the skin, and keep us riveted. Evocative cinematography and music choices augment the two excellent lead performances.; DVD ~~$30~~ $15
Klute (1971): As stylish and intelligent a thriller as one could hope for, not least for the way "whodunit?" fades into the background, leaving us to consider the bigger mystery of Fonda's character. An astonishing performance; a fascinating film.; DVD $39.95
Body Double (1984): De Palma sends up himself; it's bad but amusing. A knowingly outrageous murder scene is the highlight, and the score is ace, but the plot and leading man are both risibly dopy. For mid–80s kitsch, and pure male gazery, it's a must.; DVD $14.95 | Blu-Ray $19.95
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): I have little love for comics or superhero flicks – but even this cynical snob concedes that Into the Spider–verse (slight over–length notwithstanding) is a zippy, witty, exciting hoot. Time for Marvel to abandon live–action altogether?; DVD $19.95 | Blu-Ray $24.95, $29.95, $29.95
Most Violent Year, A (2014): Criminally under–seen. Too low–key for those wanting an outright thriller, perhaps, but a must if you prefer suspense built on credible characters and the incremental raising of stakes. Palpable atmosphere, superb performances.; DVD ~~$15~~ $11.25
Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989): A witty diamond of a script, superbly acted, and realised with a very cool sense of style – the coy restraint of which is perhaps, in retrospect, the sexiest thing about the film. Sundance would never be the same again afterwards.
Candyman (1992): Works as a literal urban spook flick or as a metaphorical riff on white privilege (and the great American taboo of miscegenation). There maybe imperfections but overall it's a classy, thoughtful, and truly frightening genre gem.; DVD $14.95 | Blu-Ray $19.95
Visit, The (2015): A found footage thriller that, otherwise, avoids gimmickry. The suspense is subtle but well–sustained, leavened with humour, and built around two kids you can root for. Slight but enjoyable, a good "gateway horror" for young viewers.; DVD $34.95 | Blu-Ray $39.95
Audition (1999): A wicked dissection of male romantic illusions. Deliberate pacing pays dividends as the story gradually enters feverish nightmare territory. Try to go in blind: love it or hate it, this one's unforgettable, worthy of a 'modern horror classic' rep.; DVD ~~$25~~ $18.75
A Dark Song (2017): Oram's performance outshines Walker's, and it could stand to be 15 minutes shorter. On the plus side, it mostly avoids the obvious (the third act turn is a doozy), favouring dread and mystery over easy shocks. Flawed but interesting.; DVD $34.95

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fairbrother’s Film Reviews