The Illusionist

The Illusionist

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            “The Illusionist” gives a modern, almost realist sensibility to Shakespearean plot elements.

The Quiet

The Quiet

Film review by: Witney Seibold

It’s a chamber drama straight out of Jackie Collins:

Beowulf

Beowulf

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            Robert Zemeckis’ new cartoon film “Beowulf,” with its loud speechifying, campy monster sex, naked grudge matches and penis jokes, plays almost like a satire of the top-heavy sword-and-sandal films of old (and which seem to be making a comeback with this year’s “300”). But the dreary tone, somber acting, and use of cutting-edge animation (including a few selected cities with 3-D productions) belie any humor.  So the entire affair, while initially prompting snickers (and a few people, myself especially, were snickering at my screening), eventually bogs itself down into a dull thudding spectacle film that any American teenager has already seen at least fifty times in their lives.

Volver

Volver

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            In the small town of Alcanfor in Spain, the dead don’t seem to stay dead.

Southland Tales

Southland Tales

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            “Southland Tales” is like watching a dump truck full of vomit exploding in slow motion.

Smiley Face

Smiley Face

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            Gregg Araki has finally grown up with his stoner comedy “Smiley Face.”

Lust, Caution

Lust, Caution

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            Shanghai, 1939, during the Japanese occupation. A pretty young student named Wang Jiazhi (Wei Tang) falls in with a group of actors interested in political plays.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            A robbery is committed, and it is botched.

Rendition

Rendition

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            Y’know what I liked about “Rendition?” I liked how non-topical it was.

Sharkwater

Sharkwater

Film review by: Witney Seibold

            Sharks, thanks largely to the movie “Jaws,” are seen as horrifying monsters of the deep that do nothing more than stalk and eat people. People look at their creepy faces and see malevolent intent. People look at their jagged, knife-like teeth and see tools of destruction eager to be used.