Film writing by Sean Michael Erickson
Is it possible for an Alien movie to still offer surprises? If you've been following the trajectory of these movies for the past few decades, you'd be forgiven for considering the series exhausted. And while I'm willing to admit that lowered expectations may influence my appraisal, it doesn't diminish the fact that Alien: Covenant is by far the best of the last thirty years. But not only that, it's a terrifically twisted horror movie that stands rather well on its own.
Read MoreWhat Ben Wheatley's Free Fire does have is a gleeful bloodlust and rambunctious charm that carries it surprisingly far.
Read MoreA look back at Spike Jonze's adaptation of a popular kids book that is anything but a kids movie.
Read MoreThe latest film from Jim Jarmusch is a another meditative character study that proves the auteur is still a master craftsman at the top of his game. Though it might be considered a "small" movie, Paterson has a big heart, with a lot to say about how and why we create art.
Read MoreWith help from the magical Tilda Swinton, and a physics-defying set piece that is a high-point in the Marvel filmography so far, Doctor Strange has enough style to overcome some weak points in the character department and actually make the 3D surcharge worthwhile.
Read MoreA look back at the 1970 film, The Landlord, the directorial debut of Hal Ashby and one of the first feature films of legendary cinematographer Gordon Willis. Written for the screen by the influential artist Bill Gunn, the racial satire remains vital and perhaps more relevant than ever.
Read MoreFilm isn't dead, and neither is film criticism. What's deteriorating is the thoughtfulness surrounding the medium and how we treat and share our opinions. I try to work my way toward the cause of today's message board mentality, shed some light on my own tastes, and offer some advice on how we can tone down the unproductive nonsense. Fair warning: it's a long one.
Read MoreBrace yourself for yet another Oscar think piece as I brace myself for Mad Max: Fury Road's inevitable best picture loss. Then I get more philosophical about what effect the Oscars really have on the movie's we watch and how bad Spotlight's win is for movies in general and for the chances of anyone taking the Academy Awards seriously.
Read MoreAnother great apocalyptic Aussie flick featuring memorable performances from the reliably brilliant Guy Pearce and a more surprisingly great Robert Pattinson.
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