Monos
Think Apocalypse Now meets Lord of the Flies but there is still so much more weight, layers and terror that will leave the viewer truly short of breath
Klaus
Every frame is so gorgeously rendered it will have people begging for studios to make films like this again
The Knight Before Christmas
Despite its flaws, the film excels in catering to its target audience. It is meant to be cheesy and is quite a fun, brainless watch
Hatsukoi (First Love)
Even among its bare repetitiveness, First Love is a genuine crowd-pleaser, whether the viewer is familiar with the works of Takashi Miike or not, they will be fully satisfied with their viewing experience
American Son
A stagnant and flat racial drama that is heightened beyond belief and results in one of the most frustrating portraits of a one-note society
Black and Blue
Tone-deaf might be an understatement to describe Deon Taylor's Black & Blue, a film released in perhaps some of the most traumatising times for minorities during this current hectic and traumatising social climate
The Report
The Report is a solid political thriller with an interesting plot and some excellent performances with minor faults in some over-indulgent exposition and long sections of heavy dialogue partnered with slow-burn pacing.
The Garden Left Behind
This is a feature with heart and bravado that does tremendous justice to the story of Tina and others like her: people who are underrepresented in mainstream media but now know that their journey does not have to be travelled alone.
Suzi Q
The self-titled documentary Suzi Q is one for much adulation and disappointment in the same breath
Rise of the Footsoldier 4: Marbella
To take these exaggerated characters of dire personality seriously would be no different than believing in Santa Claus at sixty; it is time to grow up
Frozen II
The animation is vividly beautiful and though it has its missteps, it thankfully is one of Disney’s best sequels and will be enjoyed by all ages
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
A dumbfounded and hollow drama that fills itself with heart and tenderness that is tonally misjudged and excessively flat
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
If there is one film this year that is going to leave one audience member feeling a sense of emotional captivation and the other devoid of emotional response, it is A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Noelle
Noelle is an unsatisfying Christmas concoction made up almost entirely of pieces from other better holiday films
Amazing Grace
Provides a stunning portrait and insight into this deeply moving and extraordinary experience of faith and culture
Ai-naki Mori de Sakebe (The Forest of Love)
Sono, along with editor Takayuki Masuda, can't quite find a balance between necessity and self-indulgence, ultimately plaguing this feature as a nonsensical collection of thoughts and ideas rather than a strong indication of conviction.
Jojo Rabbit
Jojo Rabbit is a visually beautiful, heartfelt and poignant look at the innocent casualties of war on three fronts: the manipulated, the freedom fighter and the victim. All crafted in an entertaining, comedic sensibility that has no restraint yet against all the odds curates a magically layered and dynamic feature
Fight Club - 20th Anniversary
The film remains a modern masterpiece and classic. A defining legacy that is still felt in recent times with it being brought back to cinemas for anniversary screenings and genre seasons and a passionate fanbase still lining up for more
Earthquake Bird
Those who manage to break through the boredom barrier of Earthquake Bird’s slow narrative will thoroughly enjoy the fantastic cinematography on offer as well as the performances from Vikander and Keough
Late Night
Late Night has a dazzling and effective provocation that surges in such a powerfully poignant manifestation of themes that surround acceptance