It could be argued that the first two Harry Potter movies directed by Chris Columbus (“Home Alone” (1990)) were the best ones in the series in many ways: they were the most faithful to J.K. Rowling’s original stories; the casting choices could not have been any better there; and the movies had very logical and structured narratives. All these things were barely touched upon in the later Harry Potter films.
Author: Spotlight on Film
Providing in-depth reviews of films since 2011.
“The Painted Veil” Review
The Painted Veil [2006] – ★★★★1/2 “Lift not the painted veil which those who liveCall Life: though unreal shapes be pictured there,And it but mimic all we would believeWith colours idly spread….” (Percy Bysshe Shelley) The Painted Veil is a moving romantic drama set in China in 1925, and based on Somerset Maugham’s critically acclaimed…
Explained: David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive”
In Mulholland Drive, the person’s subconsciousness is on full display for us to see and try to make sense of. This intelligent and thought-provoking film is a real “brain-teaser” where appearances mislead, nothing is what it seems, and reality and wishful thinking intertwine.
20 “Must-See” Highly Intelligent, Complex & Thought-Provoking Films
In no particular order: 1) Fight Club (1999) 2) The Machinist (2004) 3) Inception (2010) 4) Exam (2009)
“Drive” Review
Drive [2011] – ★★★★★ Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, Drive is about a stunt and getaway driver and car mechanic man (Gosling), who gets entangled in a complicated criminal affair. With an amazing soundtrack, cast, performances, script and, above all, that nostalgic and unforgettable 1980s feel to it, Drive is an impressive…
“Melancholia” Review
Melancholia [2011] – ★★★★★ Clearly influenced by the films of Andrei Tarkovsky, Melancholia is a great film, which is certain to awaken something in the viewer, be it some inexplicable feelings of unease or awe. However, given that this film is directed by no other than Lars Von Trier (a Danish director known for his…
