A personal journal of film and documentary reviews, and reviews of anything else that intrigues me.
German and German-language Films, North American Films
Todd Field, “Tár” (2022) It has all the ingredients to be a great film – an excellent cast, a stunning performance from its main star Cate…
Wolfgang Petersen, “Troy” (2004) Loosely based on Homer’s epic poem “Iliad”, this blockbuster spectacle of the Trojan War plays hard and fast with the details of…
Max Pearce, “Apotheosis” (2022) A very polished short film, with similarities in themes and plot to the better-known movie “Gattaca”, itself not a great money-maker on…
Laura Moss, “Eureka!” (2019) I confess, I saw this comedy sci-fi fantasy short because Karen Gillan, star of Doctor Who and of various films in the…
Mark Mylod, “The Menu” (2022) A satirical commentary on Western gastronomy culture – and through it, much of contemporary Western culture – “The Menu” carries a…
Scott Woodburn, “Rick and Ruby” (2019) Playing like an episode in a never-ending road-movie series across America, “Rick and Ruby” is a buddy mini-movie packing comedy,…
Ihsanul Huq, “The Collector” (2021) A very moving story thanks to its lead actor Frank Collison, this short film revolves around a choice his character is…
Ridley Scott, “Thelma & Louise” (1991) Two best friends – one a waitress whose musician boyfriend frequently leaves her on her own when he goes on…
Michael Koerbel, “In Captivity” (2011) Superficially in the style of a “Truman Show” situation comedy, this short film is an amusing riff on what a future…
Robert Rodriguez, “Alita: Battle Angel” (2019) Based on Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s cyberpunk “Battle Angel Alita” series, this film works as both an origin story…