A rousing celebration of the Dominican community of Washington Heights, Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Mirand’s stage show is joyous, emotionally resonant, and an essential theatrical experience.
Category Archives: Film Reviews
‘Shiva Baby’ Review: Simultaneously Entertaining and Stressful Viewing
A fine tonal juxtaposition, a breakout turn for Rachel Sennott, and an enthralling unveiling of Seligman’s writing and directorial talents, it will be difficult to find a movie that is as simultaneously stressful and thrilling as this one in 2021.
What I’ve Been Watching in March: Japanese Cinema – Five Highlights
Having delved into Japanese cinema over the past month, I spotlight five highly impressive films from the nation, ranging from historical dramas to psychological horror.
‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Review: Disney Animation Studio’s Scintillating Showcase of Southeast Asian Cultures and Female Companionship
Brimming with sumptuous visuals, presenting a stimulating mythology built upon East Asian cultural facets, showcasing a vibrant and very likeable set of characters superbly voiced by the cast, and promoting a valuable message to a young audience, Raya and the Last Dragon ticks almost all the boxes when it comes to family entertainment.
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Review: An Absorbing Biographical Drama with Memorable Turns from its Cast
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ serves as an enthralling illustration of the complex dynamics apparent in a revolutionary organisation’s struggle against oppression.
What I’ve Been Watching in January: Five Highlights
A tribute to a handful of films that struck a chord with me during the first month of 2021, old and new.
‘Education’ Review: ‘Small Axe’ Closes with a Sublime Chapter
‘Education’ serves as a profound and deeply poignant illumination of the systemic flaws which have hindered the academic progress of young West Indian immigrants in London.
‘Alex Wheatle’ Review: The Penultimate Instalment of ‘Small Axe’ is a Compelling Coming-of-Age Tale
The latest piece in the anthology occasionally takes a few missteps in its depiction of the Jamaican-born titular figure’s challenges, but is ultimately tale of an individual making something out of nothing.
‘Red, White and Blue’ Review: Third Entry in ‘Small Axe’ Anthology Tackles Systemic Racism in the Police Force
‘Red, White and Blue’ is yet another captivating entry in the Small Axe anthology, offering stimulating insight into the challenges in shaping reform and questioning whether the sacrifices made to do so are warranted.
‘Lovers Rock’ Review: Second Entry in ‘Small Axe’ Series is a Lyrical and Blissful Celebration of Young Love and Reggae Music
An effervescent, sultry counter to the intense and emotionally overwhelming Mangrove, this piece marks a welcome change of pace for McQueen in his filmography, demonstrating his ability to craft an engaging love story distinguished by reggae music.
