Batman Begins: lengthy superhero origin film juggling psychology study and action
Christopher Nolan, “Batman Begins” (2005) I admit that getting to watch this film in its entirety took ages – I was put off by its length…
Hollywood Films
British Films, North American Films
See How They Run: a light-hearted comedy mystery crime caper plays with crime genre elements to question the notion of authenticity
Tom George, “See How They Run” (2022) Here is a fun and light-hearted comedy mystery crime caper which pays homage to Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” and…
A dip into the multiverse with “Parallel Man: Infinite Pursuit”
Jeffrey Morris, “Parallel Man: Infinite Pursuit” (2014) Based on a comic book series of the same name, the animated short “Parallel Man” takes place in a…
Streamline: an intriguing exploration of virtual simulation to heal and to deceive
Dan Marcus, “Streamline” (2014) Here is an intriguing if perhaps confusing short film about how a man, Max (Joel Reitsma), tries to repair his relationship with…
Holy Moses: the mundane meets a world of mystery and magic to produce a small miracle
Eli Powers, “Holy Moses” (2018) A film about how extraordinary and bizarre events can inspire people and give them purpose in life – purpose that might…
Australian and New Zealand Films, North American Films
Clash of the Titans (2010): goofy remake adapted to modern audiences’ tastes
Louis Leterrier, “Clash of the Titans” (2010) A brisk and goofy remake of the original Ray Harryhausen film of the same name, and trashing much of…
Checkpoint: a polished fantasy exploring the purpose of existence
Jason Sheedy, “Checkpoint” (2021) Here comes a 10-minute number that initially looks like a virtual reality game being played by several avatars of the same player…
Everything Everywhere All at Once: wacky science fiction exploration of the nature of nihilism and existential angst
Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022) True to its title, this wacky science fiction / fantasy / philosophy film dips into…
Dealing with plot inconsistencies as well as pests in “Alien: Night Shift”
Aidan Michael Brezonick, “Alien: Night Shift” (2019; extended version 2020) Not one of the better films out of the batch of six made in 2019 to…
A good setting and cast but weak growth in “Alien: Harvest”
Benjamin Howdeshell, “Alien: Harvest” (2019) It had stunning CGI visuals, a scary setting in a failing spaceship, a willing cast and a lot of tension ……