fairbrother’s Film Reviews
201 Films have been rated or reviewed by fairbrother.
Scream (1996)
Simultaneously a sincere (and scary) slasher–thriller and a clever (funny) send–up of the same. If the balance wobbles toward the end it's still thoroughly entertaining, ranking with Pulp Fiction as a key film of the '90s "self–aware" pop cinema.
Raising Cain (1992)- A thriller that's really a comedy for thriller–lovers: realism is banished so De Palma can concentrate solely on winding us up for the next twist, or sick joke, or jolt–scare (you were warned). Lithgow's a consistent hoot in multiple roles.
La La Land (2016)- Stone and Gosling's vulnerably goofy charms are a wonderful fit for the "classic" musical conceit. It sags a bit in the middle, and only a couple of songs really stand out, but at its best the synergy of colour, motion, and emotion is irresistible.
Split (2016)
Don't take it too seriously and this is suspenseful, entertaining schlock, right up to the last–minute shark–jumping. Brian De Palma's "Raising Cain" offers a scarier (and funnier) take on similar material for anyone who fancies seconds.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Its understandable that this story may need be emotionally cold – but dramatically flat, too? The unblinking espousal of CIA–approved Gospel also nags. For all the talent involved (props to Chastain and DP Greig Fraser esp), a letdown.
Your Sister's Sister (2011)
A small film by design, but it achieves what it sets out to do brilliantly: it creates characters so credibly flawed that we can't help laughing, cringing, and caring. The leads are wonderful, Duplass especially, and the final shot is just about perfect.
Keane (2004)- Spare on plot and style but rich in psychological intrigue and nagging unease. Especially impressive if you appreciate the creative risks involved in acting or film–making: Lewis ably carries the film, Kerrigan dares to never look away or explain.
Eraserhead (1977)- Lynch's "dream of dark and troubling things" cannot be explained, only experienced, so be ready to go with its subconscious–trawling flow: the trance–inducing rhythm, eerie soundtrack, and striking images weave a singular spell.
Bad Taste (1987)- Gross–out comedy at its cartoonish zenith, yes. But critical objection evaporates in the face of it's boundless enthusiasm and D.I.Y ambition: they're so palpable you can't help chuckling and cheering. See it to believe it, but do eat first.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)- Uses its own limitations (low budget, minimal resources, unknown cast) to maximize its impact as, one by one, all the rules that make horror stories "safe" are systematically broken. Snicker while you can; you'll be shivering by the end. Classic.
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