Review: The Legend of Barney Thomson, 2016, dir. Robert Carlyle

Generally, I expect talented people to make good movies. This doesn’t seem like much to ask, right? So imagine my disappointment on watching the perfectly okay The Legend of Barney Thomson, which stars Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone, Emma Thompson, and Tom Courtenay, and which Carlyle directed himself. “Perfectly okay” isn’t a phrase that anyone should use … Continue reading →

Review: The Brothers Bloom, 2009, dir. Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson‘s follow-up to 2005’s paean to noir, Brick, wants you to put your trust in its narrative. And in point of fact, The Brothers Bloom goes to great lengths to ensure it gains your confidence. Maybe in some cases, Johnson’s sophomore film tries too hard but the effort is undeniably genuine and as enthusiastic … Continue reading →