Review: What We Do In The Shadows & The Twilight Zone (2019)

New TV Reviews (Early 2019)

What We Do In The Shadows (2019)

For those that enjoyed the film, the new TV reboot is an absolute success. It may not have any of the same stars on-screen but original creators, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clemant (gotta love both of them), are at it once again with producing, writing and directing duties. The show, taking place in the same universe as the film, takes the same formula and transports this new family of vampires to New York City. The humour is both similar and fresh enough to appeal to fans of the original and newcomers alike. The core cast is fantastic - playing similar caricature-esque archetypes while also imbuing the world's lore with some new surprises, such as with Colin Robinson, the 'Energy Sucking Vampire' - 'we all know one of them'. There have only been two episodes released so far and therefore everyone still has time to jump on-board with this additional sure-to-be-hit by FX.

The Twilight Zone (2019)

It is always difficult to review an anthology series without discussing each episode, however, here, I will try to give my initial opinion on the first two episodes that have been released so far. Firstly, Jordan Peele stepping into the lofty shoes of Rod Serling and acting as this iteration of the show's executive producer couldn't be a more perfect fit. Peele, as we know, is an acolyte of the social horror/thriller genre and he clearly understands the draw and foundations that The Twilight Zone the TV behemoth that it is. Though there are bound to be some weaker installments of the show, one can be confident that with Peele spearheading it behind the scenes, there will equally be many stellar episodes that come out.

So far, the two episodes released are 'The Comedian', starring Kumail Nanjiani and 'Nightmare at 30,000 Feet', starring Adam Scott. Both episodes very much the feeling of classic Twlight Zone. The Comedian revolves around a struggling comedian who learns that he must make his sets more personal to connect with his audience. Along the way he learns that, in doing so, he must sacrifice things closest to him... Nightmare is a retelling of the very famous episode starring William Shatner as he is tormented by a creature on the wing of the aircraft that only he can see. This re-telling similarly contains a threat to the plane that only Scott's character can see... It is fun that the show clearly has a substantial budget and the stories are told with high production value, including the big-name stars that star in the episodes. However, both episodes lose steam partway through and 'Nightmare' specifically really does not stick the landing (no pun intended...). Overall, I am intrigued by the show and look forward to more episodes as I know soon enough there will be episodes that are must-sees.

Review: Whiplash (2012)

Whiplash (2012) TLDR: On multiple levels Whiplash is a brilliant film. A dual character study. An ode to jazz music supremacy. And a cautionary (or inspiring?) tale of what it takes to become the world's greatest. In an instant, Whiplash cements Damien Chazelle as one of today's youngest and most talented filmmakers brimming with artistry, intensity and craftsmanship. This is not one to miss. It was surprising that the first time I saw Whiplash, I left the theatre with a slightly nauseous feeling in my gut. Not because of the film itself - its visuals or audio per se - there is nothing to criticize about its radiance. It was in its simple yet utterly-effective and haunting discussion of what it takes to become the greatest in one's field that left me feeling torn and conflicted. While most of the film seems to be a cautionary or reprimanding tale of jazz instructor Fletcher's (JK Simmons) brutal methods of 'mentorship', its ending posits perhaps an equally stron...

Review: The Before Trilogy (1995, 2004, 2013)

The Before Trilogy TLDR: As a whole, and in each of its separate parts, Richard Linklater's 'Before Trilogy' is the cinematic experience in its absolute finest form. The story of Celine and Jesse speaks to the core of the human experience - surprising joys, inevitable obstacles and eventual pains, and, most importantly, the mystery and intrigue of love - and it does it in an affecting way that, almost unlike any other film, is simultaneously theatrical and also remarkably raw and realistic. "It's just, people have these romantic projections they put on everything. That's not based on any kind of reality." - Jesse, Before Sunrise Even more than the multitudes of other incredible introspective bits of wisdom and philosophy that Celine and Jesse converse in across the three movies, this quote perhaps sums up the trilogy best of all. What are romance movies other than certain individuals' projections of what romance - often, idealized romance - is. Most o...

Review: Pierrot le Fou (1965)

Pierrot le Fou (1965) TLDR: Despite being a 'classic' and perhaps one of the quintessential European New Wave films, Godard's Pierrot le Fou is the antithesis to today's contemporary mainstream movie-going experience. It is an entertainingly goofy affair yet also baffling and often indecipherable. It is both an homage and also a commentary on the medium of film, and one that requires a good deal of contemplative afterthought to ponder what exactly it is you've just watched... I will admit that Pierrot is the first film by the legendary Jean-Luc Godard that I have seen. While I knew his status as an auteur and as one of the best of his craft, I didn't quite know his 'style' going into this film. As anyone who has seen some of Godard's will know, within twenty minutes or so, I was taken for quite the turn - I quickly felt like I was part of Ferdinand and Marianne's chaotic joy ride through the European countryside filled with romance, crime, non-se...

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