Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave refuses to abandon noir trappings Andrea Thompson | October 21, 2022 The director’s latest thrills despite never truly surprising.
Sci-fi noir Reminiscence is best left forgotten Andrea Thompson | August 25, 2021 Hugh Jackman chases down the ghost of Rebecca Ferguson through futuristic memory tech in Lisa Joy’s ponderous, limp tech-noir pastiche.
The Protege is the kind of solid meat-and-potatoes thriller we don’t get anymore Andrea Thompson | August 20, 2021 Maggie Q gets a down and dirty action vehicle that doesn’t reinvent the lady-assassin wheel but has plenty of fun along the way.
50 years on, “Klute” is still its own kind of noir Andrea Thompson | June 25, 2021 Alan J. Pakula’s first installment of his Paranoia Trilogy remains a slyly feminist tale anchored by breakout work from Jane Fonda.
“Seance” is a solid, scary directorial debut from Simon Barrett Andrea Thompson | May 18, 2021 The long-time horror screenwriter’s eerie-boarding-school-set first feature is worthy work that takes full advantage of its spooky setting.
How “Bridesmaids” put female friendship center stage Andrea Thompson | April 28, 2021 Ten years ago, Paul Feig’s uproarious comedy centered the lives and relationships of women in revolutionary ways.
“In the Mood for Love” is a masterclass in cinematic yearning Andrea Thompson | March 29, 2021 Wong Kar-wai’s arguable masterpiece is a sumptuous, meditative ode to unconsummated passion.
Sam Pollard on what “MLK/FBI” can teach us about the Capitol riots Andrea Thompson | January 26, 2021 The director of MLK/FBI talks about assembling a doc in a pandemic and what the ’60s can teach us about the movements of today.
“Spider-Man” swung us into the brightness of the modern superhero era Andrea Thompson | October 29, 2020 Sam Raimi brought his camp sensibilities to Marvel’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, launching a bright new era for superhero filmmaking.
Inside the blood-soaked Gothic romance of “Crimson Peak” Andrea Thompson | October 16, 2020 Guillermo del Toro’s criminally overlooked ode to Daphne du Maurier turns five, and it’s as potent as ever.
“The Handmaiden” explored the passion of female friendship Andrea Thompson | August 27, 2020 Park Chan-wook’s most recent film is an erotically charged but non-salacious look at women finding shelter & understanding in each other.
“Batman and Robin” struggled under the weight of its own excess Andrea Thompson | July 18, 2020 Joel Schumacher’s second go at the Batman franchise has its undeniable charms, but relied too much on tired stereotypes.
Jon Stewart’s “Irresistible” is toothless, out-of-touch political satire Andrea Thompson | June 23, 2020 The former Daily Show host’s sophomore film is a dated, centrist screed that fundamentally misunderstands our current political moment.
Is “Captain America: Civil War” More Political Thriller or Comic Book? Andrea Thompson | April 19, 2020 Building off the political intrigue of their first MCU entry, the Russo brothers further blended reality and fantasy in their second smash hit.
Sundance 2020: “Cuties” Tries to Find Freedom for Its Young Girls Andrea Thompson | February 2, 2020 Maïmouna Doucouré has a lot on her mind, but digs uncomfortably into oversexualization.
The Addams Family Review: A Real Case of the Wednesdays Andrea Thompson | October 11, 2019 This animated reboot of TV’s spookiest family plays its kid-friendly scares a bit too safe.
TIFF: “Sound of Metal” Gives Riz Ahmed a Rollicking Solo Turn Andrea Thompson | September 16, 2019 A punk drummer loses his hearing in Darius Marder’s intense, layered personal drama, with an intense lead performance by Ahmed.
TIFF: “Harriet” Is a Rare Misfire for Kasi Lemmons Andrea Thompson | September 16, 2019 The acclaimed filmmaker stumbles in her slick, but inaccessible portrait of the iconic civil rights figure.
How Not to Talk to Women: the “Catwoman” Disaster Andrea Thompson | July 28, 2019 Fifteen years later, the spectacular failure of Catwoman still stings.
“Death Proof” is Tarantino’s Purest Grindhouse Work, For Better or Worse Andrea Thompson | July 26, 2019 Quentin Tarantino’s half of the nostalgia throwback Grindhouse is as problematic as it is strangely empowering.
Sam Raimi’s “Drag Me to Hell” Remains a Bloody B-Movie Delight Andrea Thompson | May 31, 2019 Ten years after its release, Sam Raimi’s return to Evil Dead-like horror remains a gory good time.