reviews
Superbad (reviewed on DVD)
Superbad is a coming of age story about two best friends in their last days of high school, about to attend separate colleges. Their college prep includes going to parties, buying alcohol with fake id’s, and trying to have sex. This film succeeds as a comedy about the dilemmas teenagers face as they become adults. It’s light-hearted and entertaining, and does a good job of not preaching in its portrayal of some of the consequences of irresponsible behavior.
This is England (reviewed on DVD)
This is England is a low-budget independent film about a low-income boy in England who gets recruited into a group of skinheads. Set amidst the Falkland War in the 1980’s, the film features an impressive reggae and ska soundtrack. Much of the film looks like it was shot on handheld video, and features excellent performances by a number of child actors. It’s also a tense and explosive drama that explores national identity, the need to belong, and gang mentality.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Theatrical review)
Sweeney Todd is a musical horror film about a barber who’s been cast out of society by a crooked judge, for “acting foolish.” After a lengthy exile, he returns with a vengeance and a new name, and he hooks up with a delusional baker. Eventually, they become partners in crime. The film depicts a bleak and run-down world where corruption is the status quo, and spilled blood fills the streets. Cannibalism, class hierarchy, deceptive business practices, and broken families are other themes this film explores.
Superbad is a coming of age story about two best friends in their last days of high school, about to attend separate colleges. Their college prep includes going to parties, buying alcohol with fake id’s, and trying to have sex. This film succeeds as a comedy about the dilemmas teenagers face as they become adults. It’s light-hearted and entertaining, and does a good job of not preaching in its portrayal of some of the consequences of irresponsible behavior.
This is England (reviewed on DVD)
This is England is a low-budget independent film about a low-income boy in England who gets recruited into a group of skinheads. Set amidst the Falkland War in the 1980’s, the film features an impressive reggae and ska soundtrack. Much of the film looks like it was shot on handheld video, and features excellent performances by a number of child actors. It’s also a tense and explosive drama that explores national identity, the need to belong, and gang mentality.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Theatrical review)
Sweeney Todd is a musical horror film about a barber who’s been cast out of society by a crooked judge, for “acting foolish.” After a lengthy exile, he returns with a vengeance and a new name, and he hooks up with a delusional baker. Eventually, they become partners in crime. The film depicts a bleak and run-down world where corruption is the status quo, and spilled blood fills the streets. Cannibalism, class hierarchy, deceptive business practices, and broken families are other themes this film explores.