Josiah Teal

Though it may not be as iconic as the 1940s version, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is still astounding. Every character is fleshed out and filled with eccentricities lacking in prior versions. Themes of empathy, fascism, dealing with death, and learning to live again run deep within this masterpiece. And for all the complexities, the film is just plain enjoyable.

A lack of flash or energy does nothing to detract from the sheer depth of film exploration present in The Story of Film: A New Generation.

The massive amount of information Echoes of the Empire: Beyond Genghis Khan has to offer is split between several subjects. While all these facts are bound to pique curiosity, it sometimes forgets to satisfy its audience by not focusing on more of each element.

We Are The Thousand is a phenomenal music documentary and experience for anyone, especially musicians.

Meet Me in the Bathroom is a moving memory of each band and their legacy in a larger musical landscape. It captures the ethos of each artist and is an excellent visual companion to Lizzy Goodman’s oral history.

Thurier’s direction gives the production its soul. His vision for Kicking Blood creates a visual motif invoking exploration and inviting the audience into a world of tortured, blood-addicted vampires.

The film features several highs but ultimately too many lows to craft a compelling rallying cry.

For me, the relevance outweighs my enjoyment of Ailey, but this relevance bears a massive weight. Alvin Ailey has a fantastic story, but this might be a narrative that lends itself more to a bio-pic than a detail-oriented documentary.

The story, centering around family, culture, and identity, comes from a unique perspective. Some sub-plots go unaddressed, yet Tedaishivili’s excellent performance always brings you back with the worn gaze of a battle-weary wrestler.

Despite pacing issues, the film is a good look at imperialism and the mind of “the white Rajah.” The beautiful locations give the film an ambiance of mystery and adventure.

Leaving a traditional narrative structure in the dust, Beshir uses breathtaking cinematography to bring you into the Horn of Africa. The movie is moving poetry about the struggles in khat fields and Ethiopia itself.

The movie gushes about films in a way only cinema buffs could and tells the unknown story of a Hollywood giant in a way only his daughter could.

The Good Traitor is still a solid movie for history buffs and does contain several moments of genuine style, making it well worth the watch.