AwardsWatch - Film Reviews

Toronto Review: Another take on the graceful, sharp and impeccably acted ‘Just Mercy’

Mina Takla September 7, 2019

Destin Daniel Cretton’s new feature film is a model of restraint and grace in the social justice film genre Films about social justice have long... Read More

Toronto Review: Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ is packed with wit and intrigue

Mina Takla September 7, 2019

Rian Johnson’s latest is an entertaining and compelling mystery tale with a comedic twist Crime/mystery films, or as Rian Johnson prefers to call it ‘whodunnit’,... Read More

Toronto Review: ‘Certified Mail’ is a risky debut with a career-best performance from Egyptian star Basma

Mina Takla September 6, 2019

Hisham Saqr’s debut may not be narratively exciting but it marks an assured debut by a new voice willing to take rare risks in Egyptian... Read More

Toronto Review: ‘Just Mercy’ is a superbly crafted drama with a standout performance by Jamie Foxx

Erik Anderson September 6, 2019

Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx shine in the true story of a man wrongfully imprisoned and the civil rights hero who fights for him... Read More

Toronto Review: ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ is unremarkable despite strong performances by Patel and Swinton

Mina Takla September 6, 2019

Armando Iannucci’s period piece is a charming yet incoherent film that hold commercial potential but lacks artistic risks In a departure from his more satirical... Read More

Toronto Review: the inventive and touching ‘La Llorona’

Mina Takla September 5, 2019

Jayro Bustamante’s atmospheric film is a unique, inventive look at dictatorship and racism in war-torn Guatemala In his much anticipated follow up to Tremblores and... Read More

Toronto Review: Scott Z. Burns’ ‘The Report’ is an an essential celebration of the pursuit of truth

Mina Takla September 5, 2019

Scott Z. Burns’ film is an engrossing, gripping look at one of the most crucial and eye-opening reports in US history Known for his intriguing... Read More

Toronto Review: ‘You Will Die at Twenty’ is a stunning and sophisticated debut

Mina Takla September 5, 2019

Amjad Abu Alala creates one of the best, if not the best, Middle Eastern film of the year with a daring, poetic and reflective film... Read More

Telluride Review: Trey Edward Shults’ ‘Waves’ is an undeniable masterpiece

Erik Anderson September 3, 2019

“History never repeats itself but it rhymes.” That Mark Twain quote is a wonderfully reoccurring motif that pops up in Waves, the third film from... Read More