Monday, February 20, 2023

Vikki Dougan

 

ph: Ralph Crane

Shikoku (1999)

 

Years after moving to Tokyo with her parents, Hinako returns to her hometown in rural Shikoku. She soon learns that her childhood friend, Sayuri, died several years ago and that Sayuri's mother, who used to perform seances and exorcisms, has gone almost insane with grief.

Although this movie offers some visually good settings, it does disappoint as a rather formulaic horror flick with hardly any genuine scares.


 

Lidia Judickaite

 

ph: Carlijn Jacobs

Sunday, February 19, 2023

New Stuff: Lana Del Rey


 

Morgan Cunningham

 

ph: Elizabeth Jose Pablo

Big Night (1996)

 

New Jersey, 1950s. Two brothers run an Italian restaurant. Business is not going well as a rival Italian restaurant is out-competing them. In a final effort to save the restaurant, the brothers plan to put on an evening of incredible food.

Wonderfully light-hearted comedy with an excellent ensemble and good period detail is not just great entertainment, but also a culinary experience.

Halliwell**: "Charming small-scale comedy of brotherly rivalry and love, immaculately done." 

Maltin**1/2: "Endearing story...Finely tuned performances, amusing vignettes and observations make this small endeavor worthwhile, but it's too slow and quiet for its own good...The feast on-screen is mouthwatering."