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IR Film Review: PAIN HUSTLERS [Netflix]
It is always great to see a filmmaker stretch his wings beyond his comfort zone and see what new energy he can bring to certain material. Director David Yates and his lead actress Emily Blunt have taken an inherent American but global story and gave it an energy that shows different facets.
IR Film Review: THE KILLER [Netflix]
The approach to a thriller depends on perspective. The consequence of action usually depends on the efficiency of concept and the relationship of the protagonist to the audience. In David Fincher's "The Killer" written by Se7en's Andrew Kevin Walker, it takes both perspectives.
IR Film Review: THE CANTERVILLE GHOST [Shout]
The legend of the Canterville Ghost is one that has been heard about in different forms of literature. However transforming it into a kids' animation of sorts is an interesting approach. Non-Disney or Dreamworks outlays sometimes have a bit of trouble with tone, mostly because their brand has not been created yet. "The Canterville Ghost", directed by Kim Burdon, has good pedigree in his cast and a clear view on its progression.
IR Film Review: THE ELDERLY [Dark Star]
The aspect of heat as a perception of change and growth and eventual disassembling of society is a real and practical fact. "The Elderly" takes this but changes it to a chaotic tome of people knowing what is coming and painting it in almost a reversal rapture.
IR Film Review: THE CONFERENCE [Netflix]
The essence of work structure and the context of team building is an interesting background for a horror movie depending on what the characters come to represent. in that way, "The Conference", a Swedish language slasher, does accomplish its mission.
IR Film Review: THE PUPPETMAN [Shudder]
The concept of demon possession can be an interesting mode of psychological tells depending on how the story is told. With "The Puppetman", premiering on Shudder, it is about taking on a protagonist that doesn't quite know where the antagonist fits into the story.
IR Film Review: THE EXORCIST - BELIEVER [Universal]
The aspect of innocence lost is sometimes based in the context of ignorance. The original "Exorcist" painted in the lines of the proponent of purity versus the conservative nature possibly of the church. With "The Exorcist: Believer", the filmmakers try to take a similar approach but with not enough narrative backbone and delivery to create the stakes.
IR Film Review: FAIR PLAY [Netflix]
Jealousy can bite in a context of misery but the way "Fair Play" moves the game is undeniable, truthful and murky at the same time. It takes an older story of love in the workplace compounded by competitiveness and ups it for the new era.
IR Film Review: THE ORIGIN OF EVIL [IFC Films]
The aspect of wanting a better life can be reflexive depending on what is willing to be sacrificed. With the throughline of "The Origin Of Evil", the basis comes on the conception of what becomes psychopathic behavior and where does it completely cross the line (there is one very good barometer). Laura Calamy as the lead Stephane does so from almost the inception in her very existence in terms of her disassociative behavior.