“High Flying Bird” Film Review & Analysis

High Flying Bird (2019) is the newest Netflix release from director Steven Soderbergh, which sees him teaming up with one of the co-writers of Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney. It stars Andre Holland (also of Moonlight fame) and Zazie Beetz in a story about an ambitious sports agent who hatches a plan to elevate his client during an NBA lockout. Like Soderbergh’s previous film Unsane, this film is shot entirely on an iPhone 7, one of his most recent efforts to demonstrate the viability of modern technology and empower young filmmakers everywhere. Is this a bold, pioneering step forward for the industry, or just a gimmick?

“Revenge” Film Review

With a lack of good options in theaters this time of year, and in preparation for a busy awards season, I recently decided to do some catching up on VOD for earlier 2018 titles I missed. One of these was Revenge, from director Coralie Fargeat, starring model Matilda Lutz as a woman seeking *cough* revenge after her rape and attempted murder. A variety of factors kept me from seeking this one out in theaters the first time around. Generic title, uninteresting setup, no-name filmmaker and actors, no major promotion or hype. But man, I’m glad I eventually got around to it, because what a doozy this film is!

“The Miseducation of Cameron Post” Film Review

The Miseducation of Cameron Post was written and directed by Desiree Akhavan based on the coming-of-age novel by Emily M. Danforth. It starts Chloe Grace Moretz as title character Cameron, a gay teenager who is sent to conversion therapy camp by her ultra-religious aunt. The film made waves at Sundance earlier this year, taking home the coveted U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize. Is it worthy of such a prestigious honor?

“Leave No Trace” Film Review

Leave No Trace was written and directed by indie filmmaker Debra Granik, best known for 2010’s Winter’s Bone, and is based on a book by Peter Rock. It stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie as a father-daughter duo who live in the wilderness and are forced to reintegrate into society. Granik has launched the careers of several young actresses with her films before (Vera Farmiga and Jennifer Lawrence in their breakthrough roles). Can lightning strike a third time with young McKenzie? *Mild Spoilers Ahead!*