All articles tagged with #film criticism
A look back at Roger Ebert’s infamous exits from films—most notably his sprint from Rod Amateau’s 1971 The Statue, which he called one of the worst films and ideas—illustrating his blunt, influential approach to film criticism across the decades.
The piece recalls Roger Ebert's infamous walkout from Mediterraneo (1991), the Oscar-winning Italian war comedy-drama, which he labeled “utterly without redeeming merit,” making it the only film he said he could not finish, despite the film winning Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars and achieving notable US box office.
The article lists and criticizes the ten worst movies of 2025, highlighting films like 'Flight Risk', 'Death of a Unicorn', and 'The Electric State', which are characterized by poor casting, weak storytelling, and lack of artistic integrity, reflecting a disappointing year for cinema amidst industry chaos.
The article discusses the 2025 Movie Club, highlighting films that explore complex themes like narrative, community, and tragedy, with a particular focus on the film 'Weapons,' which subtly examines the aftermath of a tragedy in a small town without providing clear explanations, emphasizing the ambiguous and often incomprehensible nature of such events.
The article is a heartfelt tribute to Rob Reiner, celebrating his versatile career as an actor, director, and industry pioneer, and reflecting on his impact on Hollywood and popular culture, especially through his work on iconic films and TV shows like 'All in the Family' and 'Spinal Tap.'
Quentin Tarantino criticized actor Paul Dano during a podcast, calling him weak and uninteresting, particularly in his role in 'There Will Be Blood,' despite Dano's acclaimed performances in other films. Tarantino also suggested that actor Austin Butler would have been better suited for Dano's role, which Dano originally played as a minor part before being cast in a dual role by director Paul Thomas Anderson.
The article criticizes Hollywood's portrayal of Broadway legends in musical biopics, highlighting how many films from the 1940s inaccurately depict the creation of American musicals, often resulting in poorly received and exaggerated portrayals, with recent commentary emphasizing the genre's overall poor quality.
'Materialists' is a thought-provoking film that critiques the commodification of modern love, featuring strong performances by Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. It challenges viewers' expectations of a typical rom-com, offering a more serious exploration of love's complexities, and is recommended for those interested in artful cinema and nuanced storytelling.
Dinesh D'Souza, director of the documentary '2000 Mules,' has admitted that the film contains flaws. This acknowledgment comes amidst ongoing discussions about the film's content and its reception.
Suriya's latest film, Kanguva, has been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, citing issues such as poor direction, a disjointed screenplay, and lackluster performances. Despite Suriya's extensive promotion and genuine belief in the film's potential to revolutionize Tamil cinema, audiences found his portrayal unconvincing and the film overall disappointing. This misjudgment may affect his credibility with fans and the industry, as Kanguva was intended to be his comeback in Tollywood.
Actor and comedian Tim Dillon, who played a guard in "Joker: Folie à Deux," has criticized the film as "the worst ever made," citing its lack of plot and poor reception. Despite a $204 million box office gross on a $200 million budget, the film was quickly moved to digital platforms. Dillon's comments reflect broader dissatisfaction among the cast and crew, suggesting the film was a cynical response to the success of the original "Joker."
Quentin Tarantino praised Nicolas Cage's film "Pig" as one of the best movies of the last five years during a segment on the Video Archives Podcast. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, "Pig" features Cage as a truffle hunter searching for his kidnapped pig, and it has received critical acclaim for its creative direction. Tarantino highlighted the film's divergence from typical revenge narratives, commending both Cage's performance and Sarnoski's direction.
The article argues that the decline in Hollywood's box office success is due to underwritten films lacking depth and emotional payoff. It highlights the success of well-written movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer, suggesting that audiences crave intelligent and literate scripts. The author reminisces about past films with rich dialogue and complex characters, advocating for a return to challenging and thoughtful screenwriting to revive the movie industry.
Legendary Disney filmmaker John Musker has criticized The Walt Disney Company for prioritizing political messages over storytelling in its recent films. Musker, known for co-directing classics like "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin," suggested that Disney should focus more on creating compelling characters and stories rather than pushing a "woke" agenda. He noted that the political agenda was less aggressive during his tenure in the 1990s and 2000s. Disney has faced financial losses and backlash in recent years, partly due to its progressive messaging.
The Los Angeles Times highlights six standout films from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, including Sean Baker's "Anora," Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel's "Armand," Andrea Arnold's "Bird," Guan Hu's "Black Dog," Mohammad Rasoulof's "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," and Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance." Each film offers unique storytelling and memorable performances, making a significant impact on the festival's audience.