For a moment, let’s set aside all manufactured controversy and outdated views of art, and examine the spectacle that is Todd Phillips’ JOKER from its strongest point: its storytelling. Fundamentally, we are the main character of our own story. Because we are ourselves, because we see ourselves from the inside out, we feel justified in…
All posts by Cody Lakin
The Tao of Forrest Gump
“Stop thinking, and end your problems.What difference between yes and no?What difference between success and failure?Must you value what others value,avoid what others avoid?How ridiculous! “Other people are excited,as though they were at a parade.I alone don’t care,I alone am expressionless,like an infant before it can smile. “Other people have what they need;I alone possess…
The Deeper Meaning of “You Were Never Really Here”
I’ll give you a hint: the key is in the title. Major Spoilers ahead. In this reviewer’s opinion, You Were Never Really Here is undoubtedly the masterpiece of 2018 so far, so much so that it’s hard to imagine any film surpassing it. Crafted with a sense of immaculate style that assaults your every sense, it tells…
Review: You Were Never Really Here
Title: You Were Never Really Here Rating: R Director: Lynne Ramsay Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov, Judith Anna Roberts Runtime: 1 hr 29 mins
The Failure of Scott Cooper’s “Hostiles” (2017)
Hostiles tells the story of a legendary army captain (Christian Bale) who is known for the hundreds of Native Americans he has killed. He is tasked with escorting a dying war chief (Wes Studi) and his family to their homeland, which he accepts with intense reluctance. This is a journey that will test all involved,…
The Brilliant Existentialism of The Grey
The Brilliant Existentialism of The Grey: An Analysis of an Overlooked Film When The Grey (2011, directed by Joe Carnahan) was first released, it was marketed—very wrongly, might I add—as another Liam Neeson action vehicle, but this time it’s out in the wilderness and Neeson is fighting wolves. The general reaction was as to be…
This Film is About You: How “The Truman Show” is about waking up
Who are you, really?
Why the “Three Billboards” Backlash is Getting it Wrong
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, directed by Martin McDonagh (2017) (Minor spoilers regarding the film’s themes) It’s interesting and usually nothing more than annoying when “Oscar Backlash” strikes a film. And the controversy usually comes from out of context, has very little to do with the film(s) it surrounds. In the case of Three Billboards,…
Review: Lady Bird
Title: Lady Bird MPAA Rating: R Director: Greta Gerwig Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Lucas Hedges, Laurie Metcalf Runtime: 93 Minutes
Review: Blade Runner 2049
Title: Blade Runner 2049 Rating: R Director: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Ana De Armas Runtime: 164 Minutes