‘The French Dispatch’ Film Review: A Slice of Life

The French Dispatch (2021) is the latest film from filmmaker Wes Anderson. It stars an ensemble cast including Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Benicio Del Toro, Frances McDormand, Timothee Chalamet and more in the story of the French foreign bureau of a Kansas newspaper following the death of its editor-in-chief. The film debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival following over a year’s worth of delays due to COVID-19, and finally hit theaters this Friday. Where does it stack up among the eclectic director’s quirky filmography?

‘Belfast’ Film Review: In Loving Memory

Belfast (2021) is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama film from writer-director Kenneth Branagh. It tells the story of a young boy (Jude Hill) growing up in Belfast during the Irish Troubles, as his working-class parents (Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe) and grandparents (Ciaran Hinds and Judi Dench) grapple with the prospect of leaving their hometown behind. The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival and has been racking up Audience Awards ever since, leading many to believe this is our next Best Picture winner. Would the honor be well-deserved?

‘Dune’ Film Review: Barren Beauty

Dune (2021) is a science-fiction epic from director Denis Villeneuve based on the best-selling book by Frank Herbert. It stars Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, son of a powerful duke who inherits control of the desert planet Arrakis, as sinister galactic forces threaten to take control for themselves. The film was delayed a full year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and finally released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Is this a successful adaptation of one of the most famous sci-fi properties ever?

Best Picture Power Rankings: October 2021 Edition

Welcome to another monthly edition of Best Picture Power Rankings, in which we look at the year’s major Oscar contenders and gauge how they are faring in the ongoing awards race! With the fall festivals now behind us and the first batch of awards-season releases happening, what’s up and what’s down? Let’s dive in and find out!

My 2021 Mill Valley Film Festival Experience!

Yesterday I attended the Mill Valley Film Festival in person! I didn’t get to see as many films as I hoped, but I still got to make a nice little day trip out of the event. Come join me on my journey and see what I thought of the films!

‘The Last Duel’ Film Review: Hell Hath No Fury

The Last Duel (2021) is a historical epic action-drama film from director Ridley Scott. It tells the true story of a French squire (Adam Driver) who is accused by his close friend (Matt Damon) of raping his wife (Jodie Comer), leading to the two of them fighting to the death. The film debuted at Venice Film Festival last month ahead of its October 15th theatrical release. Will this mark the return of its all-star cast and crew to the Oscars?

‘The Rescue’ Film Review: The Best Worst Option

The Rescue (2021) is a documentary from directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, who became famous for helming 2018’s climbing doc Free Solo. It tells the true story of the Tham Luang cave rescue, in which 13 Thai boys were rescued from a flooded cave through the combined efforts of military personnel and amateur volunteers. The film debuted at Telluride Film Festival last month ahead of its October 8 theatrical release. Will this effort bring Chin and Vasarhelyi back to the Oscars?

‘Ted Lasso’ Season 2 Review: Punchlines with Purpose

The second season of comedy show Ted Lasso (2021) continues the story of the titular football coach who takes over a Premier League club in England and wins over everybody with his relentless charm. The first season was critically acclaimed and won a boatload of Emmy’s, while the second drew similar praise. Can the show maintain its relentless optimism for another full season?

‘Titane’ Film Review & Analysis: Auto Erotica

Titane (2021) is a French body-horror thriller film from sophomore writer-director Julia Ducournau. It stars Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon in the story of a young woman who suffered a traumatic car crash as a child and now performs sexually-charged acts on cars. The film debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or, and it was released by Neon in theaters this Friday. What has audiences buzzing about this wild ride?

**Spoilers ahead!**