Reviews (Page 40) | The Spool

Reviews (Page 40)

Fantasia 2022: Goodbye Don Glees!, Popran, Princesse Dragon

By: Clint Worthington

Our first dispatch of the fest includes two sweet, animated coming-of-age stories and a tale about dude's dingalings popping off.

How to (And Not To) Adapt Jane Austen

After the disappointing Persuasion, a guide to making the author's stories work on-screen.

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight offers up some diverting kung fu fun

It can’t hold a candle to the earlier movies, but Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is a fresh new take on the world of Po.

Unraveling pop-culture one thread at a time

The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

Netflix presents the complete idiot’s guide to Persuasion

By: Shannon Campe

Dumbed down doesn't even begin to describe this disastrous treatment of arguably one of Jane Austen's best novels.

Better Call Saul slashes the border between two worlds in its most tense hour yet

By: Andrew Bloom

Lalo’s hunt for Gus Fring puts Jimmy and Kim in the line of fire in a masterclass of terror and foreboding.

Moonhaven is an imperfect but radiant lunar gem

Moonhaven, AMC's new science fiction serial, offers welcome pluck and strong craft but takes time to find its space legs.

Dreaming Walls is a melancholy look at the last days of the famed Hotel Chelsea

By: Gena Radcliffe

While lacking in any real historical background on the New York City bohemian mecca, Amelie Van Elmbt & Maya Duverdier’s documentary bids a sober farewell to the era of the starving artist.

The Newton Brothers on the hymnal hell of Midnight Mass

Welcome to Right on Cue, the podcast where we interview film, TV, and video game composers about the origins and nuances of their latest works. While Netflix is firmly in the grips of Stranger Things fever, another, more quietly affecting horror series made waves through the back half of 2021 — Mike Flanagan‘s haunting, meditative ... The Newton Brothers on the hymnal hell of Midnight Mass

“They Haven’t Built A Circuit That Could Hold You!” Tron at 40

A look back at the notorious sci-fi bomb that ended up becoming one of the most influential movies in the genre.

All secrets have beginnings in “Part One” of Flowers in the Attic: the Origin

By: Megan Sunday

A shaky start leads to high melodrama in this prequel to the Dollanganger Saga.

Inside the weird, wild Gothic drama of V.C. Andrews movies

As Lifetime premieres a new addition to the Dollanganger Saga, we offer a crash course on what’s led us all to this.

10 films sure to spook us at Fantasia 2022

A few films to thrill the blood and stir the loins at Montreal's premiere genre film festival.

Both Sides of the Blade is dull no matter how you slice it

By: Marshall Estes

Despite its stellar cast, Claire Denis’ latest romantic drama fails to engage with its audience. NOW STREAMING: Powered by JustWatch Despite society’s conviction that love is everlasting, a relationship is, in fact, a fragile thing. With a single act, you can sever a bond that takes years to create. As such, the tenuous nature of ... Both Sides of the Blade is dull no matter how you slice it

HBO docuseries The Anarchists underdelivers

By: Michael Frank

HBO's docuseries suffers from rehashing too much information viewers already know.

What We Do in the Shadows Season 4 is a balm for the soul in these troubled times

By: Gena Radcliffe

While not quite as much of a non-stop joke machine as past seasons, it’s more than made up for by the genuine warmth that develops between the four roommates (and Gizmo).

Strange New Worlds remakes The Original Series with a twist in its rousing season finale

Reimagining the Enterprise’s first encounter with the Romulans leads to meaningful moments for Pike, Kirk, and Spock.

Thor: Love and Thunder commits too hard to the joke

By: Clint Worthington

Taika Waititi buys too much into his own hype with his followup to Thor: Ragnarok, a scattered farce that grows tiring faster than a bolt of lightning.

The Sea Beast sets out for sea with an entertaining action-oriented tone in its sails

The Sea Beast, which channels Treasure Planet more than The Secret Life of Pets, is swashbuckling fun for kids and adults.

Criterion Corner: Shaft remains a bad mutha, on a great 4K upgrade

The first Black superhero in cinema history gets a groovy 4K release, packed with extras (and the film's sequel).

Apples sees Christos Nikous harvest the seeds of identity to appealing results

By: B.L. Panther

Apples' memory-destroying pandemic proves a juicy, multilayered vehicle for its musings.

Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 flouts traditional running times to largely emotionally satisfying results

By: Tim Stevens

The 80's nostalgia trip wrangles the messy, fractured season into a conclusion that somehow largely works.

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