augustkellerwrites Reviews

Lu Over the Wall (2017)

Unique yet limited

[7/10 · 4 June 2018]

A mixture of delightfully refreshing and painfully stale, Lu Over the Wall is a film that shows flashes of greatness but never really comes together as a definitively above-average film. Just like its lead character, Kai, Lu Over the Wall spends a lot of its time going through the motions. While much of this movie is uniquely displayed from a visual standpoint, most of what's being conveyed is an obvious plot-line told through point-blank dialogue & characterizations. Simplicity is sometimes to be expected from cartoons but Lu Over the Wall plays its narrative hand so plainly that it may have its viewers bored before the halfway point.

The playful direction and cinematic choices of this movie may help hold the attention of its viewers but, due to Lu Over The Wall's meandering pace, I would not be surprised if some will be eager for the ending. There is beautiful, frightening and humorous imagery in this movie and enough overall quality that I would say the film was an enjoyable experience. But there is also enough fat along the way that I won't be eager to experience it again. In the end, Lu Over the Wall's combination of ancient folklore, modern music and striking images gives it a special feel that is, unfortunately, overshadowed by its limited script.

Writing: 5/10 Direction: 7/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Acting: 7/10 Editing: 6/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 7/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 6.9/10

Action Point (2018)

Insulting lack of preparation

[3/10 · 4 June 2018]

Johnny Knoxville may still be taking lumps for laughs but it is his audience that will be feeling the pain after Action Point. Crude humor can be a fun experience but when the craft of the movie itself feels juvenile, it alienates its audience. The story is plain, many scenes aren't earned and much of the acting is half-assed. I find it telling that Eleanor Cox (merely 16 years old) was the only cast members consistently doing her job. Action Point is so sloppy, it's unprofessional.

Essentially, the direction and editing of Action Point are non-existent as the film aimlessly jumps across loosely-connected situations. Many scenes are blatantly pointless but that really could be said of Action Point overall. In the end, this movie might be good for some grins & nostalgia here & there, but it comes with an insulting lack of preparation. Skip Action Point because it doesn't respect your time.

Writing: 1/10 Direction: 1/10 Cinematography: 2/10 Acting: 2/10 Editing: 2/10 Sound: 5/10 Score/Soundtrack: 6/10 Production Design: 5/10 Casting: 2/10 Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 3.2/10

Adrift (I) (2018)

Shallow characters in deep waters

[4/10 · 4 June 2018]

Shallow characters in deep waters, Adrift is lost at sea. Centered around uninteresting people and their uninteresting relationship, this movie gets its audience from start to finish with the suspense of drying paint. To be fair, there are parts of Adrift that are surprisingly refreshing: an interesting plot development, a quality closing shot (pre-unnecessary epilogue) and immersive sound throughout the scenes on water. However, these refreshing moments are like islands dotting a vast ocean of mediocre romance.

Fundamental aspects of Adrift (such as dialogue and editing) are conducted in such obtuse and formulaic fashions that the film is doomed to be forgettable. Because its emotional connections never truly hit its viewers, the direction of Adrift lands somewhere between clumsy and inept. The sequence of scenes is arbitrary, the relationships are underdeveloped, and the clashing special effects undercut the tension. Adrift does make occasionally good efforts but, overall, it's washed up.

Writing: 4/10 Direction: 2/10 Cinematography: 5/10 Acting: 5/10 Editing: 2/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 5/10 Production Design: 4/10 Casting: 5/10 Effects: 3/10

Overall Score: 4.4/10

First Reformed (2017)

A piece of art

[9/10 · 4 June 2018]

First Reformed is solid gold. The film is striking on a visual level because every shot is rich with balance, depth and artful levels of symmetry; despite the fact that the film is presented in an unusual aspect ratio, it pulls its viewers in with nonstop beautiful photography. Meanwhile, a thought-provoking story unfolds with some of the best acting we've seen from each elite performer. The entire cast (from Hawke to Seyfried to Cedric Kyles) delivers fantastic performances that are essential in bringing the chilling messages of the film home.

The story is expectedly spiritual and surprisingly political. The pace of the film is deliberate and switches seamlessly between snapshots and extended takes. The scoring slowly builds its ominous tone and the effects are tastefully done. Every aspect of First Reformed is built with intention that serves its sobering themes. Ultimately, First Reformed's elite qualities combined into an experience that is more than a movie, it is a piece of art. If you like technique, you will love First Reformed.

Writing: 9/10 Direction: 10/10 Cinematography: 10/10 Acting: 10/10 Editing: 9/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 10/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 9.1/10

The Seagull (I) (2018)

Well made but lacking connection

[7/10 · 4 June 2018]

Drama abounds as The Seagull navigates a journey of romantic entanglement. Set in late nineteenth century Russia, this film follows a cast full of characters experiencing unrequited love. Exquisitely produced and scored, The Seagull does all it can to surround viewers with its elegant world. Unfortunately, the many proficiencies of this movie are limited by a key weakness: emotional connection.

Ultimately, it is difficult to truly care about the characters in The Seagull because they aren't fully likable, developed or interesting. Through monotone writing, acting & direction, their bonds to the audience are superficial. Perhaps we are supposed to find some characters unrelatable but, when the entire crux is the drama between them, it leaves me wondering why I should care about the film as a whole. The Seagull is undoubtedly a well made film that displays the perils of romance but also lacks the pop to be universally memorable.

Writing: 6/10 Direction: 6/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 7/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 9/10 Casting: 8/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 7.2/10

Revenge (II) (2017)

Sexy & Sickening

[8/10 · 4 June 2018]

Relentlessly brutal and radiating with style, Revenge is a movie that hauls its audience through a ride almost too extreme to handle. The story may be basic and rather predictable but it is rich with symbolism and vibrant themes. Meanwhile, the stylistic imagery and vivid flow of the movie raise the experience to a highly memorable level. Likewise, the entire cast (lead by Matilda Lutz) strikes the difficult balance of authenticity and exaggeration. Overall, the vision of Coralie Fargeat (writer/director) is clear.

Whether you like exotic cinematic moments that artfully build connection or you prefer breakneck action that will have you at the edge of your seat, Revenge is a film that flawlessly switches gears and drowns its viewers in its vile situations. Some may call Revenge too flashy for its own good but those viewers are missing the point. Among other messages, Revenge is about the union between beauty & ugliness which it packs together into a powerful punch. Sexy and sickening, if you're ready for the wicked, check out Revenge.

Writing: 7/10 Direction: 9/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Acting: 8/10 Editing: 9/10 Sound: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 8/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.2/10

Life of the Party (I) (2018)

A Waste of Time

[3/10 · 4 June 2018]

Life of the Party is the most painful film I have sat through in many years. It's story lacks any focus or insight and it's characters are maddeningly inconsistent. It's direction is practically nonexistent as scenes are never sure of when to end or what they are culminating to. While Maya Rudolph and others are sometimes refreshing, much of this cast provided limited performances. All around, Life of the Party feels like a mess slapped together by people who couldn't be bothered with ideas of craft.

Melissa McCarthy does provide good energy with her positive confidence but it is not enough to carry such a half-baked project. Improvisation can be a wonderful technique for comedy but when a film seems to have improvised its entire production, it comes across as unprofessional and lazy. Ideas, characters and plot points enter and exit this movie with such carelessness that everything ends up feelings like nothing. Sporadic funny moments are nice but do not offset how insulting this whole experience is. Life of the Party is a dump of a film and a waste of time.

Writing: 1/10 Direction: 1/10 Cinematography: 3/10 Acting: 3/10 Editing: 1/10 Sound: 5/10 Score/Soundtrack: 5/10 Production Design: 3/10 Casting: 3/10 Effects: 4/10

Overall Score: 2.9/10

Beast (III) (2017)

Ferocious & Gratifying

[8/10 · 4 June 2018]

From arresting visuals to piercing dialogue, Michael Pearce's Beast is a symphony of thrills and chills. Pearce's vision is crystal-clear as he guides us through a web of red-hot passion and ice-cold abuse. This vision is only elevated by the spectacular performance of the lead, Jessie Buckley, who vividly embodies these two sentiments and proudly drives the film. It can be difficult for a film to remain so thoroughly mysterious but the unity of all its working parts makes Beast a firm victory.

While Beast may sometimes get bogged down in familiar plot-points, everything comes to fruition because the movie is ultimately playing a delicate game with our expectations. Greatly offsetting those familiar points are moments that turn everything upside. Displayed with expert craftsmanship (namely the scenic and cerebral cinematography), these moments create an air of true uncertainty. Authentic and raw, this twisted journey is one that will have viewers guessing until the very end. Brilliantly executed in a variety of measures, Beast is a ferocious yet gratifying ride.

Writing: 9/10 Direction: 8/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Acting: 9/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 9/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 8.1/10

Disobedience (2017)

Dignified & Wise

[8/10 · 4 June 2018]

A tale of suppression, connection and liberation, Disobedience exudes respect in times of misunderstandings. Despite boiling with passion, Disobedience carries itself with stoic dignity through its measured scoring, direction and cinematography. The technical aspects of this film quietly maintain a traditional yet tense atmosphere as the cast is given room to express the depths of their skills. Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola all show off their range and ability to build layers within their characters; filled with moments of true vulnerability, the performances in this cast are nothing short of valiant.

Due to the restrained nature of Disobedience, there will be some who find the film lacking. This feeling could extend to the motivations of characters or the film's muted style. However, it is precisely this reservation which gives Disobedience its real impact. Among other themes, this film's message is about moving through conflict with honor and Disobedience leads by example. This movie may not fit everyone's tastes but it holds universal wisdom that all could benefit from. Disobedience is mature film-making done with dignity.

Writing: 8/10 Direction: 8/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Acting: 10/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 10/10 Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 8.0/10

The Rider (2017)

Touching & Honest

[9/10 · 4 June 2018]

It is rare for a film to be as moving as The Rider. Taking place in the smallest of settings while being unveiled as the slowest of paces, a heartfelt story is told with the upmost care. While the core plot of The Rider is an old one, the precision with which this film is crafted elevates the experience to a level of relatability and immersion that few motion pictures achieve. From top-notch casting to seamless editing, this is a movie done right.

The direction, sound and acting of The Rider will garner praise for their elite qualities but it is the cinematography of this film that is the real gem. Whether it's the extended takes of genuine, emotional interactions between living creatures or the deeply cinematic sequences of horse-riding through the sunset, the camerawork of The Rider is undeniable. There is much to love about The Rider and it is because of this diversity in its strengths that the film truly succeeds in a real way. If The Rider doesn't make you feel something, nothing will.

-Writing: 7/10 -Direction: 9/10 -Cinematography: 10/10 -Acting: 9/10 -Editing: 9/10 -Sound: 9/10 -Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 -Production Design: 7/10 -Casting: 10/10 -Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Rampage (2018)

Noisy & Cheap

[4/10 · 4 June 2018]

Excessive explosions, inconsistent one-liners, and lazy storytelling. We've come to expect these tired tropes from pictures starring B-movie champion, Dwayne Johnson and his newest release, Rampage, delivers it all in droves. While the script does put minor efforts into creating characters & relationships, much of the story recedes into sorry excuses for one excessive action sequence after another. Again, that is what a movie like Rampage is supposed to do to a certain extent but this film often slips into pointless, incoherent chaos.

The limitations of Rampage's action (from production to direction to writing) would be more excusable if the entire film wasn't centered around it. All narrative scenes are executed with a level of disinterest that can only be described as negligent. In fact, some of the more emotionally dramatic moments feel outright inappropriate as this movie clearly wants to get on to blowing more stuff up. In the end, the charm of Dwayne Johnson, the playful supporting cast and the special effects all have their moments but the positives of this movie are mostly washed out by its noisy and cheap qualities. A film that hardly has any interest in itself, there are better movies to see than Rampage.

Writing: 2/10 Direction: 2/10 Cinematography: 3/10 Acting: 4/10 Editing: 2/10 Sound: 6/10 Score/Soundtrack: 5/10 Production Design: 2/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 4/10

Overall Score: 3.7/10

Chappaquiddick (2017)

Sleek & Mixed

[8/10 · 4 June 2018]

The sleek and dark feel of Chappaquiddick is apparent from the start as we are taken on a journey through the underbelly of American politics. A well executed film, Chappaquiddick takes its time delivering its drama out in the right doses. While the weak links (the script, acting & casting all have their hits and misses) of this movie sometimes undermine the tone, everything comes across well enough to maintain engagement.

Chappaquiddick's biggest issue is most likely the mixed tonal signals it sends. Sometimes a political thriller, sometimes a satirical comedy; Chappaquiddick doesn't always feel like it knows what it wants to be. Despite that, the strengths of this film (percise cinematography, editing and production) give it a strong vibe through compelling sound and imagery. Crescendoing with the delivery of Kate Mara's performance, the film's weaknesses are overcome and the message is ultimately received. Far from flawless, Chappaquiddick is still a strong movie and worth a view.

Writing: 7/10 Direction: 8/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Acting: 7/10 Editing: 9/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 7.7/10

The Endless (I) (2017)

Niche Following Potential

[7/10 · 4 June 2018]

The Endless is a film that is easy to get pulled into due to the variety of its techniques and the intention of its direction. A daunting atmosphere is created almost instantly with ominous scoring and dramatic transitions from scene to scene. Tensions rise as the plot carefully creeps along and the cast is given room to hit notes as diverse as comedic and horrifying. However, while the craft of this movie may be clear, the drawbacks are clear as well.

Some jokes fall flat, some characters feel incomplete, and some effects look weak. The Endless gives so many gifts but, unfortunately, it delivers some misses as well. Lightly peppered throughout the existential themes and sprawling imagery are cheesy lines and forced plot points, which leaves the whole thing feeling like a slightly missed opportunity. Superb sound, pacing and direction make The Endless a fascinating film from the drop but it all comes with enough miscalculations that the tonal integrity may be questioned by some. The result is a film that has potential to form a niche following but receive some mixed reviews from the general public.

Writing: 7/10 Direction: 8/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Acting: 5/10 Editing: 8/10 Sound: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack: 7/10 Production Design: 5/10 Casting: 5/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 7.1/10

You Were Never Really Here (2017)

Vivid Masterpiece

[10/10 · 4 June 2018]

There comes a point when a film is so elite in so many ways that it must be called a masterpiece. The absolutely electrifying gifts that both Lynne Ramsay and Joaquin Phoenix give us in You Were Never Really Here unite in such a way that is rarely seen in any medium. This work of art does everything it sets out to do and more; every shot is a painting, every sound is carefully chosen, and every moment brings the audience along in a way that knows better than we do. You Were Never Really Here is a film that doesn't mind being misunderstood on a surface level because it penetrates its viewers so deeply, it cannot be denied.

From the very beginning, You Were Never Really Here displays its artful cinematography and disorienting sound as it takes us through the life of a broken man. Joaquin Phoenix disappears into his role and makes the viewers feel genuinely empathetic and completely terrified at the same time. The seamless and creative editing allows the audience to soak in his ugly life and feel his disjointed reality. This precision in every frame (artfully crafted by Ramsay), in each performance (all paced by Phoenix), and in each sound results in an experience that is unparalleled. I expect You Were Never Really Here to be in the discussion for Best Picture of the Year all year.

Writing: 10/10 Direction: 10/10 Cinematography: 10/10 Acting: 10/10 Editing: 10/10 Sound: 10/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 10/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Ready Player One (2018)

Sneaking Disappointment

[7/10 · 4 June 2018]

A cool premise can only take a film so far. At first glance, Ready Player One has all the potential to be a franchise-starting movie with its large-scale world building and plethora of pop culture references. Unfortunately, Steven Spielberg's newest work falls a bit flat due to a multitude of shortcomings in key aspects of the film. The most glaring issues are in a script, which feels like common fanfiction centered around a forgettable protagonist. Meanwhile, the direction, production design & editing of Ready Player One are all satisfactorily executed but with enough inattention that the experience sometimes feels like an afterthought.

The famous Spielberg touch does show up at the tail end of Ready Player One but, at that point, it feels almost jarring. This inconsistent vision is a huge detriment to a movie based around such a stylish premise. Ultimately, there are enough cool moments and adequate techniques that should have most viewers calling Ready Player One passable. However, its unfocused and generic vibe will leave many audience members feeling sneaking disappointment.

Writing: 5/10 Direction: 6/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 6/10 Editing: 6/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 6/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 6.6/10

Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)

Wasted Potential

[5/10 · 4 June 2018]

Equipped with an interesting setting and likable lead characters, Pacific Rim: Uprising is the epitome of wasted potential. Copping out at every turn and displaying a complete lack of trust in its audience, the script to this sequel immediately devolves into spelling out everything that its viewers need to know (either through blunt voiceovers or on-the-nose dialogue). This sets the tone for the entire movie as we're exposed to every cliché in the book (an exhausted plot line and flat supporting characters) as well as inattentive techniques (negligent pacing, transitions and effects). There may be some thrilling fights and the cool monsters but the entire ride rings hollow all the way through.

While the design and potential of Pacific Rim: Uprising may have many wanting to give it a shot, its void of substance limits the film to only the shallowest of successes. In the vain of Transformers or the Fast & Furious franchise, this film has oodles of popcorn appeal and a major absence of craft or distinction. Pacific Rim: Uprising is fun at times but, just like its over-indulgent action sequences, the film is wholly unoriginal and bordering on insulting.

Writing: 4/10 Direction: 4/10 Cinematography: 4/10 Acting: 4/10 Editing: 4/10 Sound: 6/10 Score/Soundtrack: 5/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 6/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 5.1/10

Tomb Raider (2018)

Predictable & Enjoyable

[6/10 · 4 June 2018]

Tomb Raider is very predictable but does its job well enough to be passable. The writing is bare-bones and the shot selections get ugly at times but Tomb Raider counterbalances those missteps with moments of emotion and adventure. Driven by Alicia Vikander, who pulls off both swagger and vulnerability, this journey takes time to build its climax and earns its moments. Meanwhile, the variety of action sequences and character interactions throughout contribute to a steady flow of engagement.

While this film does fall victim to going overboard with special effects, the steady pace of the journey should warrant viewer investment. Like many broad action movies lately, Tomb Raider tries too hard at times but, it also accomplishes the smaller moments that many of those same action movies are missing. Tomb Raider may not strike many as a favorite but it should be mildly enjoyable for most.

Writing: 4/10 Direction: 5/10 Cinematography: 4/10 Acting: 5/10 Editing: 5/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 6/10 Production Design: 6/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 5.5/10

The Death of Stalin (2017)

Sharp & Cruel

[8/10 · 4 June 2018]

Some may be disturbed by its dark humor but the brutal honesty that The Death of Stalin is able to get across while poking fun at the absurdities of the situation is a feat to behold. Never too cheeky and just cruel enough, this film balances its tone through its brilliant acting and clever writing. From the mind of Armando Iannucci and given to the experienced cast of Steve Buscemi, Jeffery Tambor and Simon Beale; this is a movie that oozes with craft. Mixing gags with horrific moments, The Death of Stalin's ambition is only matched by its wit as it takes its viewers through the wild ride of top political power movement and shows off the mixed motivations of its devious characters.

As many comedies do, The Death of Stalin sometimes lacks mind-blowing effects or a surplus of artful camerawork but that is more than made up for with razor-sharp humor. This film's way of pointing out the extremes people will go to for power, manipulation or fear (in a word: politics) is impossible to ignore. This movie achieves every goal that a charged, political comedy wants to achieve because it gets honorable laughs and also leaves viewers with poignant food for thought. Simply put, The Death of Stalin is political satire done right.

Writing: 9/10 Direction: 8/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 9/10 Editing: 9/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 9/10 Effects: 9/10

Overall Score: 8.2/10

Game Night (I) (2018)

Sleek & Insulting

[6/10 · 4 June 2018]

Moments of genuine craftsmanship mixed with insulting storytelling, Game Night shows how far style can carry a complete lack of substance. Tilt shifts shots and a synth soundtrack are used aplenty to give this film a hip and unique feel. There is an ambitious, continuous action shot that is genuinely engaging and subtle uses of CGI that add authentic comedic effects. Performances from Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemons, Lamorne Morris and Sharon Horgon range from enjoyable to highly memorable. Yet, despite all this praise, the fundamental flaws of Game Night hold the movie back in a major way.

While clever details and wit do make their way into the script, the meat of the story is spent meandering through cliche scenes primarily motivated to get cheap laughs. This is to be occasionally expected in a comedy but there comes a point when the story being told becomes practically nothing at all. This issue is only exasperated by the performance of Jason Bateman, who spends much more time coming off as a jerk than anything else. Condescension can be a funny trait to dip into but when it is the only note our protagonist plays, it becomes hard to root for. Deceptively packaged with sleek techniques and a surprise supporting cast, Game Night amounts to a story about almost nothing and an unintentionally dislikable hero.

Writing: 2/10 Direction: 7/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 5/10 Editing: 6/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 7/10 Production Design: 7/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 6.2/10

Annihilation (I) (2018)

Ambitious & Detailed

[9/10 · 4 June 2018]

Annihilation is a movie so ambitious and fabricated with such detail, it must be celebrated. From its grand themes to its petrifying atmosphere, Annihilation is an illumination that takes its audience to parts unknown. The literal, psychological and spiritual are seamlessly woven together through elite writing, direction and editing. Like a true sci-fi, this film takes its time to carefully build its characters, environment and subtext while submerging its viewers in visuals that won't soon be forgotten. Some may question moments of overdone acting or unclear writing but, when dealing with a project this purposeful, those complaints can be excused.

Annihilation truly excels because it's intention is unwavering. The slow pace, dramatic scoring and detailed effects are all geared towards the common cause of immersing its audience into an alien land, making the bizarre familiar. Not only does this create an electric experience but it also contributes to the overall message of the film. In the end, everything comes together so masterfully that Annihilation is indisputably a triumph. From elite shot selection to unforgettable sound, Annihilation is one of the better movies around this year.

Writing: 9/10 Direction: 9/10 Cinematography: 10/10 Acting: 8/10 Editing: 10/10 Sound: 10/10 Score/Soundtrack: 10/10 Production Design: 9/10 Casting: 9/10 Effects: 9/10

Overall Score: 9.2/10