In the realm of endless streaming websites and the twilight zone of cable television, one art medium has managed to withstand change and remain in its classic form: movies. In reflecting on the calmer periods of spring break and the lighter workload at the start of the quarter, here are reviews of a few movies that I’ve watched recently.
‘Sinners’ – 9.9/10
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As someone who almost always despises horror movies, I would say this recent release leans much more into the thriller category, with its horror rating likely stemming from the extensive gore in the film’s second half and the occasional scare. That being said, I adored this movie.
Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of the twins Smoke and Stack was incredibly elegant as he contrasted the two characters with vastly different mannerisms, despite both being played by the amazing actor. The film’s historical accuracy, achieved through Ryan Coogler’s five years of work put into its research, production and filming, made it near-perfect. Minuscule details created a captivating experience while watching the movie. Mary’s culturally accurate representation of the spiritual practice of hoodoo via a mojo bag, a pouch containing charms to protect against evil spirits, and the Irish and Italian styles of Smoke and Stack’s suits respectively simultaneously paid physical homages to Black Chicago and the beauty of the Delta. The soundtrack was the cherry on top, especially during the juke scene as Preacher Boy (Miles Caton) sings his solo a cappella while surrounded by different generations of Black people in dance and celebration. This scene pays homage to Ernie Barnes’ “The Sugar Shack,” epitomizing the Black joy that sprouted in times of economic strife. The film pays respect and honor to the Black South masterfully, and I can’t wait to watch it again.
‘A Real Pain’ – 8.7/10
With an Oscar-winning performance from Kieran Culkin and direction and acting from Jesse Eisenberg, this movie was a short, emotional piece that I would describe as delightfully satisfying. Culkin’s performance is the central highlight of the film, as his emotional sporadicity and impassioned facial expressions capture the complexity of grief, mental illness and immensity of human emotion, despite the basic plot. Aside from Culkin’s amazing performance, the cinematography is what made this movie worthy of awards. Beautifully colored Polish plains and numerous time accelerations through unimportant scenes with clean jump cuts overlay instrumental jazz, smoothing these transitions and illuminating the calm between intensely emotional bouts.
My only criticisms stem from the film’s runtime – the 90-minute film plays like a short film, and I believe its story would have been better served in the packaging and advertising of a short film. The movie lacks the rich character development that usually comes from movies of this cinematographic caliber, mostly due to the simplicity of Eisenberg’s character and the plot’s heavy focus on Culkin. That being said, I think the lack of familial explanation for the duo could have also been a conscious choice to allow the viewer to solely perceive the two based on what the audience can gather in an hour and a half. A solid film with excellent visuals.
‘Nickel Boys’ – 9.2/10
This was a phenomenal film, to say the very least. There’s a special beauty in films that you have to watch twice to fully grasp, so my 0.8 off of the rating stems from this fact. An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book by the same name, the film’s unique realism (lending heavily to its greatness) comes from the movie being shot entirely from the first-person perspective. The movie depicts the lives of Elwood, a book-smart boy who ends up at Nickel Academy after hitchhiking with a questionable stranger, and Turner, a street-smart Nickel Academy returner who finds Elwood’s optimism foolish. I felt genuinely terrified while watching the movie through the duo’s eyes as they navigate the trauma of a Jim Crow reformatory school ridden with racial violence and abuse. The embodiment of radical fear, horror and hope of the two boys is an emotional battle for all involved, which, combined with the intricate set design, made this film a masterpiece.
‘Rush Hour’ – 9.5/10
Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are a devious combination, and the ‘Rush Hour’ series epitomizes a comforting, feel-good movie jam-packed with quick humor and intense fight scenes. The satisfying and advanced fight choreography in this movie speaks volumes about the production’s attention to physicality and Jackie Chan’s remarkable athleticism. Characters Lee, played by Chan, and Carter, played by Tucker, are forced to work together to halt an international villain after the FBI disregards their efforts to return a Chinese diplomat’s abducted daughter back home safely. The two go from enemies to compatible collaborators, combining Lee’s intelligence and fighting skills with Carter’s sly convincing tactics and Los Angeles connections to pull off the ultimate heist. In my opinion, the movie’s high rating comes primarily from its intricate yet convincing fight scenes as well as the chemistry between the duo, which kept my undivided attention for the entire 90 minutes.
date: 2025-05-20 00:37:00
Teh Movies That I’ve Adored This Spring: North by Northwestern
Spring is the perfect time to curl up with a captivating film, and this year I’ve embarked on a cinematic journey exploring a diverse range of movies. But given my location, I found myself especially drawn to films that resonate with the themes, atmosphere, and even the architectural beauty of the Northwestern region. This isn’t just about setting; it’s about a feeling, a vibe, a particular aesthetic that I’ve come to associate with this part of the country. So, while some selections are thematically linked, others tap into that undefinable Northwestern spirit. Here are the films that have defined my viewing experience this spring.
Classics Re-Watched: Films that Endure
Some movies simply get better with age. Revisiting these classics this spring reminded me why they are considered timeless.
*Vertigo* (1958): A Psychological Thriller That Still Haunts
Alfred Hitchcock’s *Vertigo* is a masterpiece of suspense and psychological depth. While it’s not geographically linked to the Northwestern US, its exploration of obsession, identity, and the unreliability of perception mirrors the introspective atmosphere I often associate with life around here. the film’s visual storytelling, particularly its innovative use of color and camera angles, continues to impress. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and discussion.
- Key Themes: Obsession, identity, psychological trauma.
- Why it Resonates: The film’s focus on internal struggles and the weight of the past connects with my own experiences and those of many others around me.
- Fun Fact: *Vertigo* was initially met with mixed reviews but has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made.
*Rear Window* (1954): A Masterclass in Suspense and Storytelling
Another hitchcockian gem, *Rear Window*, takes place almost entirely within a single apartment, yet it’s a thrilling and engaging ride. The film’s exploration of voyeurism and suspicion mirrors the challenges of observation and interpretation, relevant to intellectual pursuits, and has a somewhat worldwide storytelling approach. James Stewart delivers a compelling performance, and the film’s clever use of limited space creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia and tension.
- Key Themes: Voyeurism, suspicion, human nature.
- Why it Resonates: The film highlights the dangers of making assumptions and the importance of critical thinking,themes that resonate deeply with intellectual conversations.
- Practical Tip: Watch this film with the lights off for a truly immersive experience.
Northwestern flicks: Movies With a Local Connection
These selections tie more directly to the Northwestern United States, either through filming locations, thematic resonance, or capturing the essence of the region.
*Certain Women* (2016): Small Town Stories, Big Impact
Set in Montana, Kelly Reichardt’s *Certain Women* is a quiet and understated film that tells the interconnected stories of three women navigating life in a rural setting. The film’s purposeful pace and naturalistic performances create a sense of authenticity and intimacy. The stunning Montana landscapes add another layer of beauty and complexity to the narrative. It captures the beauty and isolation of the NorthWestern rural landscape.
- Key Themes: Isolation, resilience, female relationships.
- Why it Resonates: The film captures the spirit of self-reliance and the importance of community in rural areas NorthWestern states.
- Cast: Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams
*Wendy and Lucy* (2008): A Poignant Tale of Loss and Hope
Also directed by Kelly Reichardt, *Wendy and Lucy* is a heartbreaking story of a young woman traveling to Alaska with her dog in search of work. When wendy’s car breaks down in Oregon, she faces a series of challenges that test her resilience and her bond with her canine companion. The film is a stark and minimalist portrayal of poverty and the human-animal connection. It subtly captures the feel of the small towns you pass through travelling across the Northwestern states.
- Key Themes: Poverty, companionship, resilience.
- Why it Resonates: The film highlights the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
- Benefit: Showcases the beauty and starkness of the Pacific Northwest.
Spotlight on Indie Gems
these autonomous films captured my attention with their unique perspectives and compelling storytelling. They may not have massive budgets, but the creativity and passion behind them shine through.
*Leave No Trace* (2018): A Father-Daughter Story of Self-Reliance
Debra Granik’s *Leave No Trace* tells the story of a father and daughter living off the grid in a forest park near Portland, Oregon.Their secluded existence is disrupted when they are discovered by authorities, forcing them to adapt to a more conventional lifestyle. The film is a nuanced exploration of trauma, independence, and the complex relationship between a parent and child. The scenery is grand.
- Key Themes: Trauma, self-reliance, family dynamics.
- Why it Resonates: The film raises questions about our relationship with nature and the meaning of home.
- Fun fact: Shot on location in Oregon.
*First Cow* (2019): An Unexpected Friendship Blooms in the Old West
Another Kelly Reichardt film (yes,she’s clearly a favorite!),*First Cow* is a unique and charming tale set in the Oregon Territory in the 1820s.A cook and a Chinese immigrant form an unlikely friendship and start a business baking and selling cakes made with milk stolen from a local cow. the film is a slow-burn character study that explores themes of friendship,capitalism,and the American dream. It offers a refreshing and unconventional take on the Western genre.
- Key Themes: Friendship, capitalism, the american dream.
- Why it Resonates: the film provides a thought-provoking commentary on the early days of American capitalism.
- Practical Tip: Pair this movie with a homemade pastry for an extra-satisfying viewing experience.
Looking Ahead: Films I’m Eager to Watch
The cinematic journey never ends! Here are a few films I’m looking forward to watching in the coming weeks.
- *Nomadland* (2020): A powerful film about a woman who embarks on a journey through the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession.
- *The Killing of a Sacred Deer* (2017): A psychological thriller with a chilling premise and unsettling atmosphere.
- *Prisoners* (2013): A gripping crime drama with a stellar cast and a complex moral landscape.
First-hand experience
After watching *wendy and lucy* for the first time, I was struck by the raw portrayal of vulnerability. I decided to volunteer at a local animal shelter. It’s a small thing, but it’s a direct result of the empathy sparked by that film.
impact of Spring Movie Choices
Curating a specific selection movies in the spring has had a surprisingly positive impact on my mood and perspective. Here’s a breakdown:
- Inspiration: The visual beauty of some of the Northwestern landscapes inspired me to explore some local hiking trails I’d been putting off.
- Empathy: The arduous stories encouraged reflection on my own privilege and motivated me to become more involved in the local community.
- Creativity: Analyzing the filmmaking techniques of directors like Hitchcock and Reichardt sparked some new ideas for my own projects.
Movie Data
| Movie Title | Director | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertigo | Alfred Hitchcock | 1958 | Thriller |
| Rear Window | Alfred Hitchcock | 1954 | Suspense |
| Certain Women | Kelly Reichardt | 2016 | Drama |
| Wendy and Lucy | Kelly Reichardt | 2008 | Drama |
| Leave No Trace | Debra Granik | 2018 | Drama |
| First Cow | Kelly Reichardt | 2019 | Drama / Western |