2016

Posted on January 8, 2016 by bofca

THE REVENANT

“This is the action-adventure film as arthouse epic, where a tighter script and more clearly defined characters might have made it more engaging.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

“It’s a Malick film by way of Gibson and Herzog—but mostly The Revenant is a testament to Iñárritu’s machismo.” – Andy Crump, Paste Magazine

ANOMALISA

“A brilliant, if disheartening look at ourselves, Anomalisa is wonderful.” – Deirdre Crimmins, Cinematic Essential

THE FOREST

“…one of those generic horror films you find at the video store or your online streaming service, unsure if you saw it but willing to take a chance. On your laptop this should do fine.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

“‘Why aren’t there any good horror movies to be seen anymore?’ the people decry. Well, stop seeing the bad ones.” – Sam Cohen, Under the Gun Review

BOFCA REVIEW ROUND-UP: 12/18/2015

Posted on December 18, 2015 by bofca

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

“The battle scenes had me cheering, the story is layered and leaves enough dark corners to make us wonder what secrets various characters hold, but not so complicated that it takes itself too seriously or pulls us out of the simple pleasures that STAR WARS at its core has always held.” – Joyce Kulhawik, Joyce’s Choices

“With STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, Abrams accomplishes the herculean feat of transitioning George Lucas’s original STAR WARS films into a new series, while still making his movie feel like a part of the same cinematic universe.” – Evan Crean, Star Pulse

“THE FORCE AWAKENS is a fine movie that fans of the original trilogy will almost certainly fall in love with, but it’s a typical sci-fi movie that should have been more than what it actually is.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“After a Marvel film, I’m usually groaning about their tedious setup for future films. After STAR WARS, however, these groans were replaced with glee. I can’t wait to see what comes next.” – Greg Vellante, Sound & Picture

“…sadly reeks far too often of deja vu and reboot infection by returning to the well of past glory in its narrative theme, storyline and perhaps a tad too many knowing references to memorable moments from the past films.” – Tim Estiloz, Boston Examiner

“This is the cinema of pre-built parts. If it’s filmmaking, then assembling a LEGO set is architecture.” – Jake Mulligan, Dig Boston

“…no need to fret about spoilers, because this is déjà vu all over again.” – Sean Burns, North Shore Movies

“Turns out, it is possible to go home again.” – Brett Michel, The Improper Bostonian

SISTERS

” …it’s a movie that lets Gen Xers indulge in their wild youth while reminding them that time has marched on.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

BOFCA REVIEW ROUND-UP: 12/11/2015

Posted on December 11, 2015 by bofca

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

“There’s no sense of direction here—as though Howard couldn’t figure out which movie he wanted to make, so he decided to make them all.” – Andy Crump, Paste Magazine

“We get it, the pen is mightier than the harpoon.” – Sam Cohen, Under the Gun Review

“It’s possible that IN THE HEART OF THE SEA will find lasting acclaim rather than fading pretty promptly into obscurity, but I’d wager neither hardtack nor a day’s rum on it.” – Kilian Melloy, Edge Boston

“Not only does this film’s “demon” look like the digital creation it is, but almost everything on land and sea looks like it was shot against a blue screen nearly 60 years ago.” – Brett Michel, The Improper Bostonian

“IN THE HEART OF THE SEA is so full of unnecessary and unconvincing green-screen work I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the actors shot their scenes on a soundstage in Burbank.” – Sean Burns, Movie Mezzanine

YOUTH

“Much as THE GREAT BEAUTY positioned itself as a sorta-sequel to LA DOLCE VITA, for YOUTH Sorrentino borrows the setting from Fellini’s 8½ and shares The Maestro’s penchant for grotesques.” – Sean Burns, The Artery

“YOUTH is a free form, plotless effort, much like Sorrentino’s 2013 Best Foreign Language Film winner THE GREAT BEAUTY. But that film had fire where YOUTH has coals.” – Andy Crump, Birth.Movies.Death.

“…a complicated, messy affair at times, but there’s always beauty to be found.” – Greg Vellante, Sound & Picture

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT

“Directed and co-written by Kent Jones this documentary explores one of the most illuminating conversations in the history of film.” – Joyce Kulhawik, Joyce’s Choices

BOFCA REVIEW ROUND-UP: 11/20/2015

Posted on November 20, 2015 by bofca

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2

“…a rather disappointing crash and burn for a series that brought attention to positive action role models for young girls.” – Monica Castillo, International Business Times

“…the war against the Capitol gallops to a finish, the battle for Katniss’ heart concludes long at last, and we can all go home with a sigh of relief that the saga is over.” – Kilian Melloy, Edge Boston

“MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is at once just another franchise finale, but at the same time something far more in depth in its thematic focus.” – Greg Vellante, Sound and Picture

“If it is the job of fiction to turn a mirror back onto ourselves, then THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is successful in that vein.” – Deirdre Crimmins, Cinematic Essential

“In spite of the unnecessary padding that led to “Mockingjay” being split in half, the series ends on a strong note.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

SECRET IN THEIR EYES

“… it’s the movie you go out to during Thanksgiving week when you’ve just got to get out of the house.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

THE NIGHT BEFORE

“Prudes and PCs need not apply.” – Greg Vellante, Sound and Picture

TRUMBO

“The film tribute to Trumbo is entertaining, swiftly moving, and just as witty as the man himself.” – Deidre Crimmins, Cinematic Essential

BOFCA REVIEW ROUND-UP: 11/13/2015

Posted on November 13, 2015 by bofca

THE 33

“It’s hard not to lose interest – perhaps even laugh – at some of the authentic blunders director Patricia Riggen (GIRL IN PROGRESS) made in casting.” – John Black, Boston Event Guide

“THE 33 is too wrapped up in its theatricality to maintain a sense of authenticity.” – Andy Crump, Movie Mezzanine

“It sounds strange, but THE 33 is the feel-good mining disaster of the movie of the year.” – Daniel M. Kimmel, North Shore Movies

BY THE SEA

“Jolie Pitt takes a lot of big swings and quite a few of them don’t connect, but the film is exciting to watch because it comes from someplace daring and real.” – Sean Burns, Spliced Personality

“BY THE SEA is a movie that everyone on the planet should skip.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

“Jolie-Pitt’s screenplay leaves much to be desired as its characters languish under the coastal sun.” – Monica Castillo, International Business Times

LOVE THE COOPERS

“Watching LOVE THE COOPERS will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy in the same way that looking at those poorly photographed tables of obviously fake food will leave you feeling hungry.” – John Black, Boston Event Guide

“…the most grotesque Christmas film I’ve seen in ages, a lump of coal that not even the naughtiest of children deserve to find in their metaphorical stockings.” – Charlie Nash, Edge Boston

BROOKLYN

“The chemistry on screen feels as if it’s inventing entirely new elements as it goes along.” – Greg Vellante, Sound and Picture

“BROOKLYN is a soft, affectionate tale about the love and growth that we experience in life.” – Jaskee Hickman, Cinematic Essential

HEIST

“Competently directed by Scott Mann, HEIST isn’t bad for a brazenly derivative, time-killing knock-off.” – Sean Burns, Movie Mezzanine

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The Boston Online Film Critics Association was established in May of 2012 to foster a community of web-based film critics.

Tag Archives: Review Round-Up

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