Moonlight

2016. Directed by Barry Jenkins. Written by Barry Jenkins (adapted from story by Tarrell Alvin McCraney)

This poignant film is a masterpiece in the “less is more” film school of thought. The colors, imagery, usage of sound (music vs. silence), and basic slow motion techniques all combine to beautifully and delicately tell the story of the main character, Chiron, at three transformative stages in his life. Despite coping with an unkind upbringing, and following the path of the only role model and father figure he’s ever known (played by Mahershala Ali) he confronts his ultimate challenge yet: self-discovery.
Thumbs up 👍

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenFebruary 27, 2017In Theatres, Now Playing, oscarworthy, oscar buzz

La La Land

2016. Directed and written by Damien Chazelle.

My “Best Picture” vote; not because it's the easy or obvious choice but because it was the most impressive in music, scale, and originality. Yes, it’s a musical, but don't be deterred—this is no fairytale but an "Everyman" story about going for your dreams and the struggle and sacrifices that come with that pursuit.
Thumbs Up 👍

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenFebruary 26, 2017oscarworthy, oscar buzz, musical, ryan gosling, emma stone, whiplash, comedy, drama

Lion

2016. Directed by Garth Davis. Written by Saroo Brierley and Luke Davies, adapted from Saroo's book "A Long Way Home."

Saroo (played by Dev Patel) is pretty frustrating in his hemming and hawing and in his alienation of others, but once he gets decisive about his journey the pace picks up and the movie becomes tolerable. Pure cinema gold for a solid 30 minutes in the latter part of the film; everything else is filler; keep tissues on hand. First half: Meh 😐 , Last half: Thumbs up 👍

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenFebruary 26, 2017In Theatres, Now Playing, drama, oscar buzz, oscarworthy

Manchester by the Sea

2016, Directed and written by Kenneth Lonergen.
The poster is misleading and doesn’t feature the characters at the heart of the film, who are the uncle (Casey Affleck) and nephew (Lucas Hedges). Despite the story’s tragedy, there is dry humor that sheds light on the tough fabric of the people in Manchester—the town itself being the third main character in the film.
Thumbs up 👍

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenFebruary 26, 2017Now Playing, In Theatres, oscar buzz, oscarworthy

Hidden Figures

2016. Directed by Theordore Melfi, Written by Alison Schroder, Theodore Melfi (adapted from the book by Margot Lee Shetterly).

A feel-good predictable yawn. The story is pleasant and uplifting, but the film isn’t anything spectacular, aside from exposing the details about the American space program that up until now, were largely omitted from history’s retelling. Meh 😐

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenFebruary 26, 2017oscar buzz, oscarworthy, In Theatres, Now Playing

The Light Between Oceans

The Light Between Oceans, 2016. Directed by Derek Cianfrance. Written by Derek Cianfrance, adapted from the novel by M.L. Stedman.

The best “worst” movie; yes it’s beautiful and yes Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender fell in love while shooting the film, but dammit if in every scene after the first 15 minutes there’s not something terribly awful happening that makes you just want to wince or start bawling. Bring tissues. Thumbs Up 👍

20 Second ReviewsShindy ChenSeptember 2, 2016oscarworthy, In Theatres, drama

20 Second Reviews

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