Reviews

Reviews, Arthouse Films—

Worst Person in the World

In spite of its romcom status, “The Worst Person in the World” avoids trite formulas associated with romantic comedies and delivers something vivaciously fresh. We see Julie move through 12 discrete chapters in her life over four pivotal years through and beyond her twenties. Director Joachim Trier captures exploration and imperfect discovery as Julie seeks to find the life that she wants, rather than fulfilling the expectations of those around her. Does wanting your own life make you the worst person in the world? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, Renate Reinsve holds the screen delivering an engaging and totally relatable performance. Read the full review…

Pedro Almodovar’s Parallel Mothers

Almodovar never seems satisfied with just doing one thing well or expressing one simplistic idea. Rather, “Parallel Mothers” offers a great deal to consider, with a historical treatment of the Spanish Civil War, sexual orientation and cultural misogyny. All put together so cleverly that as the film moves with these layered story threads, we go with the journey, leaving behind a fair amount of rationalization along the way — which is a very good thing in terms of movie-making and entertainment. There is never a dull moment or predictable second-guessing as the plot develops, turns right, then left, then back to center — wait a minute! Is that center? Read the full review…

Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley

Characterized as a neo-noir thriller, “Nightmare Alley” provides a clear-eyed perspective on the bankruptcy of soul-starved wealth and its parallel to the less-privileged carnival life. Which, the viewer may be left to wonder, is more depraved? Read the full review…

Reviews, Indie Documentary —

if_a_tree_fallsOrion Magazine: If a Tree Falls_film review

A first person story on how green is the new red.

BacktothegardenSierra Club’s Green Life: Back to the Garden

A closer look at off the grid hippies 20 years later and the lessons they have learned.

revengeoftheelectriccarSierra Club’s Green Life: Revenge of the Electric Car

Checking with Tesla and Nissan as well as indie builders on the fast paced EV market.

SushiglobalcatchSierra Club’s Green Life: Sushi: The Global Catch

Learn why scientists see Blue Fin Tuna being extinct before fossil fuels.

Adobe_icon_150_150Crosscut: SIFF_festival overview

Seattle International Film Festival is a very busy hub of cinematic creativity. Sort out the approaches that work for you in advance.

Adobe_icon_150_150YubaNet.com: Dear_Governor_Brown

Film maker Jon Bowermaster examines the environmental record of California’s ‘green Governor’.