The Irishman

One way or another, the Irishman will make you cringe.

Frank worked hard and kept his head down. No complaints, even when the job was . . . unsavory. Once powerful men recognized this, Frank’s life changed forever.

Doing dirty work came to define his life, so the movie is mostly flashback to these moments.

It’s striking how Frank’s actions had lasting implications on labor and politics in the United States. But most striking, and at the heart of this movie, is heartlessness. Frank didn’t shed a tear for his victims. But will we? After seeing such actions again and again, they can begin to feel commonplace—even boring.

The Laundromat

The Laundromat will make your head spin.

Something terrible has happened. Ellen deserves compensation, but all she receives are cryptic documents and dodged phone calls. Her sadness turns to frustration—and her frustration to determination, as she realizes that someone is covering up something big.

Unfortunately, Ellen’s story gets lost in the wash. The movie is overloaded with narration and vignettes that try to explain the basics and the complexities of the financial system. All this does is interrupt a story of injustice that is clear enough on its own.

Echo in the Canyon

The Echo in the Canyon fades quicker than you’d like.

Jakob Dylan wonders what happened in Laurel Canyon, California in the 1960s. So he asks around. And music legends answer: folk mixed with rock and roll; bands mixed with bands; just about everything mixed with drugs. The time was one of optimism and experimentation.

It is special to hear such personal stories from such influential people. But take note, this movie is more homage than history. Song covers feature as heavily as the interviews with their original performers. The movie is informative and fun, but nothing as special as the time it contemplates.

Joker

This Joker is the worst kind of wild card.

Gotham City is in decline. Most decent folk struggle just to get by. But decent folk are vanishing, as fear and anger infect the city.

Arthur Fleck is at the bottom of the deck, treated poorly by all. Many are too busy with their own problems to care. Others just see an easy target: a socially-awkward, mentally-unstable, failing-comedian street clown who still lives with his mother.

At some point, the soul-crushing monotony of mistreatment takes a toll, and Arthur lashes out. His abuse is heartbreaking to watch, and his indiscriminate, violent retaliation even more so.

Mesmerizing acting, scenery and music will disturb you from start to finish.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is truly a fairy tale. But hints of lunacy make it better suited for adults.

Rick is a former TV-star. He’s now shooting for movie stardom, though worries it may be a star too far. Cliff, Rick’s tough right-hand man, tries his best to be a calming presence.

The movie follows the two through uneasy times. They are earnest and loyal, so it’s touching stuff. But thanks to imaginative storytelling, there is another level to the story, one that is eerie and sinister and that somehow fits perfectly with the sweet stuff.

In the end, this is a sentimental yet thrilling watch.

Ramen Shop

Ramen Shop lays it on a bit thick.

Masato lost his mom years ago. His father, though still alive, seems to have died along with her. It’s no surprise then when Masato yearns for happier times.

Taking matters into his own hands, Masato travels to China to reconnect with his mother’s family. Doing so elicits happy childhood memories, especially of meals shared with his chef parents.

The story and acting are as bland as unseasoned tofu. Too many flashbacks and cooking scenes drown the few tasty parts.

Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back)

You’ll survive this movie, but may want your money back.

William is a sad (excuse for a) man. He can’t seem to do anything right—suicide included.

So, William hires an assassin. Leslie is a professional, and can make William’s death look like a suicide. Great idea. Unfortunately, William’s luck catches up with Leslie, again and again . . .

This movie often crosses the line into serious, though it always steps back. That’s to be expected from a work that looks for humor in dark situations. Even so, the dance feels inappropriate. There is little thoughtful discussion of William’s depression, and many of the jokes feel “too soon.”

The Farewell

Nai Nai is dying. Her family won’t tell her.

You see, this Chinese family believes that telling grandma would only worsen her condition. Instead, the family plans a wedding: Now Nai Nai will get to see all her loved ones together again one last time.

Billi flies over from New York City. She left her grandma when she was five, and is now an American who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She finds it difficult to keep up the charade.

It is in these difficult moments that the movie shines. It is somehow funny and beautiful, even as it explores the painful (and varied) emotions of each family member. Because of superb acting and writing, you’ll find it hard to say goodbye to The Farewell.

The Souvenir

This Souvenir is forgettable.

Julie is a film student. She comes from wealth and privilege, and is interested in making movies about people outside of her bubble. She is naive, but she knows it.

Anthony comes along. He seems to know a lot more about the world than Julie does—and she loves it. But as Julie zooms in on Anthony, she loses focus on the rest of her life.

Unfortunately, The Souvenir is exactly the kind of artsy and disconnected movie that Julie is afraid of making. It’s slow, sad, and frustrating. Early scenes build up Julie as an intelligent woman aware of her own limits, but time and again she makes decisions that can only be explained by extreme naivete. The movie simply doesn’t ring true.

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

Beyoncé never had a Homecoming. So, she created her own.

Few people have the power to do this. Even fewer would use that power to leave a message to the marginalized that they are in fact beautiful, powerful, and worthwhile.

Beyoncé’s “message” was actually the headline performance of a popular music festival. Half the movie is a recording of this performance, which is impressive and fun. But because the other half documents the making-of and reason-for the performance, the end product is something greater than its parts: something heartwarming, uplifting, and infectiously funky.

Mid90s

Staying home can hurt, so Stevie goes out a lot. He gets lucky when he finds a group of older, cooler skateboarders to pass the hours with. It’s all in good fun.

Over time, though, it becomes clear that each of the kids is dealing with their own issues. Skating only helps them forget for so long. When simmering emotions boil over, the kids make questionable decisions.

And yet throughout it all, Mid90s remains a sweet movie with a soft touch. It captures well that paradox of growing up: of seeking independence when one is powerless in many ways.

Aurora

Aurora is scary movie lite: sometimes spooky, sometimes silly, and mostly boring.

A ship has crashed offshore, ruining a nearby hotel’s ocean view. Leana and her sister therefore find themselves running an empty hotel—until unexpected visitors arrive . . .

The climax is well done, both scary and exciting. The rest of the movie is not. Uneventful scenes try to build a spooky tension, but in reality are just boring. When things do happen, they are often not scary, or add nothing to the story.

A Home with a View

In Hong Kong, a Home with a View is something special.

That’s why the Lo family makes sure to look out their window from time to time. Otherwise, they get no relief from their outrageously noisy, cramped, and expensive city. As Dad, a real estate broker, knows well, people can go crazy living in such conditions…

Indeed. This is a fun and interesting watch, if a bit on the dark side.

Guava Island

Guava Island could be anywhere.

It’s where Deni and Kofi grew up and fell in love. Where Kofi wants to leave, for something better. Where Deni wants to stay—for the same reason. You see, the island is beautiful, but its people are too poor and overworked to enjoy it.

Deni has a plan to win the people back some freedom, if for a moment. But the island’s main employer is not a fan. Something’s gotta give.

This is a quick watch, peppered with musical performances. Some of these add to the movie’s heartfelt and quirky vibe, while others seem out of place. In any case, the story is a beautiful one, and the acting is good enough to get the point across.

Peterloo

There is power in Peterloo.

The working families of Northern England are more tired and poor than ever. And yet, employers and the government would rather punish than help. It’s not fair.

So, a movement begins. At home, at the pub, and in the fields, the people talk about change. For better or worse, these talks culminate in a massive rally called Peterloo.

This movie can drag for the same reason it can be powerful: It is authentic. There is no montage set to music, just scenes of real life. A long day’s work. A kiss goodnight. A simple discussion that doesn’t seem important—until the ideas mentioned spread like wildfire throughout the community.

Lady J

There’s something about Lady J.

The Marquis is an infamous womanizer. Madame knows this, and isn’t falling for his charms. He does seem to be a gentleman, though. And patient and thoughtful…

Madame gets dumped, of course. And when she does, the gears start turning in a revenge machine as impressive as it is heartbreaking.

Warning: This is a French period piece with flowery dialogue about love and life; it can be hard to keep up with the subtitles, let alone the substance. But, the fancy reminds us that we’re in the past—which highlights how extraordinary Madame’s plan really is.

Careful use of color and superb acting by Madame oil the engine.

Leaving Neverland

Leaving Neverland will change you. Enter at your own risk.

Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, a megastar adored worldwide. To some painfully average families, though, he professed to be lonely. This movie is an interview with a few of those few.

We start from the beginning, when Michael made connections through affection. How could those chosen say no? Out of everyone on the planet, he found them to be special. As the story continues, we learn how Michael used this and other techniques to his advantage; two interviewees recount childhood tales of what can only be considered sexual and emotional abuse.

This is a patient movie. It does not judge, it simply listens. And while it runs over four hours, such length is necessary to do (at least some) justice to the depth of delusion found in these relationships.

Climax

It is difficult to describe the point of Climax.

A dance team has finally nailed its act. Before taking the show on the road, it’s time to party! The crew relaxes, dances, gossips. It’s a good time—until somebody spikes the punch. Whatever was used, it does not mix well with the crowd.

Watching these pros dance is a good time. Music and camerawork help you experience their flow. But at several points, the director interrupts: with advertisements, credits, or philosophical messages; it’s unclear. Put that choppiness together with the horrific descent of the characters into lunacy, and the movie can feel unapproachable. Maybe that’s the point?

Shirkers

Shirkers should go down in movie history. You needn’t be a movie buff to enjoy it.

Sandi was a mean teen. But she was curious and creative, and could bond with others about how to see the world. So when writing a feature-length movie, she knew she would have the crew to make it a reality.

That movie couldn’t have been made without the help of local teacher and movie nerd, George. And strangely enough, it couldn’t be made with him, either. So begins the drama of this story.

Shirkers is different, and it’s great. It’s a world-class mystery and gorgeous time capsule, by and about master storytellers.

Studio 54

The stars that burn brightest, burn fastest.

Studio 54 wasn’t just the nightclub of 1970s New York. For those lucky enough to be allowed in, it was a safe haven from the crime, sexism, and homo/transphobia of the outside world. At Studio, the famous mingled with the oddballs, and people were too happy to judge one another.

Its creators pushed the limits, which made for legendary parties. But this also drew scorn from those turned away at the door, and caught the eye of law enforcement…

In the end, this is a story of humanity. It’s about the yearnings, weaknesses, and strengths that make us who we are.