Movie Reviews — FilmSpeak

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Bottoms' Review: A Refreshing Freshman in the High School Class [SXSW 2023]

Premiering at SXSW 2023, ‘Bottoms’ is a film that is equal parts violent, funny, surreal, meta, and weird which makes for a definite highlight of the festival. Continue for our full SPOILER-FREE review.

'My Drywall Cocoon' Review: An Aptly Named Dusty, Claustrophobic Drama [SXSW 2023]

‘My Drywall Cocoon’ sounded like a promising premise about a teenaged tragedy but it simply ended up, merely a tragedy to watch.

Drama, Festival ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023My Drywall Cocoon, SXSW 2023, SXSW Reviews, Brazillian FilmComment

‘Appendage’ Review: A Millennial Twist on Horror Classics [SXSW 2023]

For fans of Gremlins, Critters, or Evil Dead but who crave the more modern storytelling touch of having a critical social issue in the jaws of a Cronenberg-esque fleshy Muppet, Appendage is a welcome addition to stream at home.

Festival Review, Horror, Movie ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023Appendage, SXSW Reviews, SXSW 2023, Emily Hampshire, Anna Zlokovic, Hulu, HorrorComment

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Evil Dead Rise' Spoiler-Free Review [SXSW 2023]

‘Evil Dead Rise’ - the latest soft reboot of the storied franchise succeeds by finding its own campy yet terrifying place amongst not only the previous films in the franchise but in the horror genre as a whole. Continue for our exclusive SXSW review:

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' Review [SXSW 2023]

As if on the wings of a chubby dragon, the legendary tabletop RPG inspired action-adventure comedy ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ premiered as the opening film of SXSW and FilmSpeak has you covered. Continue for our Spoiler-Free Review.

'Dozens of Norths' Review: An Award-winning Ambiguous Art Show [OIAF 2022]

Countless frames within Dozens of Norths are breathtaking and could easily be imagined as separate art pieces hung up in a gallery. The viewer loses themselves in certain moments when the film pauses on a particularly emotional scene – it’s so far removed from what has become mainstream with animation in the most positive way.

'Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish' Review: A Family Portrait So Personal It Forgets About the Viewer [OIAF 2022]

Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish is a personal portrayal of a family’s memories through stories and photographs, and it is undeniably beautiful, but a little too slow and quiet at times. The experimental nature of this film sometimes enhances its emotional connection to the viewer, while at other times, it hinders it.

'Unicorn Wars' Review: Gory Violence and War Through The Eyes Of a Teddy Bear [OIAF 2022]

The childish characters so violently portrayed may come off as disorienting to some, but those on the adventurous side may enjoy the depraved Unicorn Wars. Those critics however, might have to look a little deeper at the message behind the film, as it uses extreme violence to show it’s actually against real bloodshed.

'The Menu' Review: A Biting Satirical Thriller That Will Give Audiences Something to Taco 'Bout [TIFF 2022]

Regardless of your taste in film, the eclectic ensemble of The Menu gives you something you can sink your teeth into. The script, while perhaps nothing new in terms of premise or political commentary has enough twists and turns and an overall foreboding gloom that makes the film a delicious addition to the thriller genre.

Festival Review, Movie Review, Thriller, TIFFMichael Winn JohnsonSeptember 18, 2022The Menu (2022), Movie Review, Review of The Menu, TIFF 2022Comment

'Empire of Light' Review: Sam Mendes' Ode to Cinema is an Insincere Drag [TIFF 2022]

Empire of Light is well acted, well shot, and of course competently constructed. However, it is a hollow film that has very little to actually say. It is consistently insincere in its presentation, and for that it ultimately ends up feeling rather dull.

Festival Review, Drama, TIFFGuest UserSeptember 17, 2022tiff movie review, TIFF 2022, SAM MENDES, Olivia Colman, Roger Deakins, FilmComment

‘The Fabelmans’ Review: Spielberg’s Magic Touch Makes For Yet Another Masterpiece [TIFF 2022]

While this review certainly sings the praises of Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans ad nauseam, it’s very much a film that speaks for itself, and is just an incredible force of sincerity, love, and creativity that simply cannot be missed.

'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' Review: A Layered Mystery of Gonzo Proportions [TIFF 2022]

Writer-Director Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig return with another stellar murder mystery with Glass Onion. Like its predecessor, this film boasts many of the same successful feats which lead to Knives Out becoming a franchise - An all-star cast firing on all cylinders, sharp direction, plot twists galore, and a whole lot of fun.

'The Greatest Beer Run Ever' Review: A Benign Buzzkill [TIFF 2022]

It’s almost ironic the way The Greatest Beer Run Ever wants to talk about the atrocities of war because it can’t decide what it wants to be itself. Marketed as a comedy and shot like a drama, the film is just a glimmer into comedy, drama and war.

'Women Talking' Review: Confronting The Patriarchy Both Then and Now [TIFF 2022]

Canadian director Sarah Polley brings her adaptation of Miriam Toews’ Women talking to TIFF, telling the story of resilience in the face of danger where a group of women must overcome the society around them.

'Aftersun' Review: A Tender Glimpse at a Father-Daughter Bond on Vacation [TIFF 2022]

Ultimately, Afterson was one of the best of the Toronto International Film Festival this year, with real performances and raw, honest filmmaking. Filmmaker Charlotte Wells is able to find her own style easily, regardless of this film being her debut feature.

'All Quiet on the Western Front' Review: A Familiar but Welcome War Drama [TIFF 2022]

While the prospect of yet another World War One movie may seem like a put-off to some at initial glance, All Quiet on the Western Front is able to bring an uniquely cinematic experience to the table.

'The Son' Review: Like Father, Not So Much Like Son [TIFF 2022]

If the cast of The Son wasn’t star-studded, it would absolutely be ignored by pundits and audiences alike. This is a disappointing second film from director Florian Zeller, and movie-watchers may be hesitant to trust future projects from him after this sophomore effort.

‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ Review: Only Martin McDonagh Can Make a Madcap Modern Fable Seem So True [TIFF 2022]

Martin McDonagh has crafted a modern day allegory in Banshees of Inisherin - a cinematic yarn that the small town elder tells kids as they ride their bikes through the midtown square. It serves as a lesson about love and loss, and more importantly, the reality of what those mean to those of us who wear our hearts on our sleeve.

‘My Policeman’ Review: Unless You’re a Styles Fan, This Won’t Be Your Policeman [TIFF 2022]

My Policeman, despite what it may hint at, fails to deliver a romance that meets its own storytelling ambition. It tragically leans on a misguided narrative instead of fleshing out the central love story the audience is meant to celebrate, and even the popularity of Harry Styles will not enough to draw in an audience.

'Raymond and Ray' Review: A Heartfelt and Often Funny Two-Handed Drama [TIFF 2022]

Thanks to the terrific lead performances from Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor, a solid supporting cast and a sharp screenplay, director Rodrigo Garcia is able to inject humanity into ‘Raymond and Ray’ making it extremely relatable to viewers.