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fairbrother’s Film Reviews

201 Films have been rated or reviewed by fairbrother.

KluteKlute (1971)Recommended
5 stars (Exceptional) As stylish and intelligent a thriller as one could hope for, not least for the way "whodunit?" fades into the background, leaving us to consider the bigger mystery of Fonda's character. An astonishing performance; a fascinating film.
Body DoubleBody Double (1984)
2 stars (Good Try) De Palma sends up himself; it's bad but amusing. A knowingly outrageous murder scene is the highlight, and the score is ace, but the plot and leading man are both risibly dopy. For mid–80s kitsch, and pure male gazery, it's a must.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)Recommended
4 stars (Very Good) I have little love for comics or superhero flicks – but even this cynical snob concedes that Into the Spider–verse (slight over–length notwithstanding) is a zippy, witty, exciting hoot. Time for Marvel to abandon live–action altogether?
Most Violent Year, AMost Violent Year, A (2014)Recommended
5 stars (Exceptional) Criminally under–seen. Too low–key for those wanting an outright thriller, perhaps, but a must if you prefer suspense built on credible characters and the incremental raising of stakes. Palpable atmosphere, superb performances.
Sex, Lies and VideotapeSex, Lies and Videotape (1989)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) A witty diamond of a script, superbly acted, and realised with a very cool sense of style – the coy restraint of which is perhaps, in retrospect, the sexiest thing about the film. Sundance would never be the same again afterwards.
CandymanCandyman (1992)Recommended
4 stars (Very Good) Works as a literal urban spook flick or as a metaphorical riff on white privilege (and the great American taboo of miscegenation). There maybe imperfections but overall it's a classy, thoughtful, and truly frightening genre gem.
Visit, TheVisit, The (2015)
3 stars (Good Enough) A found footage thriller that, otherwise, avoids gimmickry. The suspense is subtle but well–sustained, leavened with humour, and built around two kids you can root for. Slight but enjoyable, a good "gateway horror" for young viewers.
AuditionAudition (1999)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) A wicked dissection of male romantic illusions. Deliberate pacing pays dividends as the story gradually enters feverish nightmare territory. Try to go in blind: love it or hate it, this one's unforgettable, worthy of a 'modern horror classic' rep.
A Dark SongA Dark Song (2017)
3 stars (Good Enough) Oram's performance outshines Walker's, and it could stand to be 15 minutes shorter. On the plus side, it mostly avoids the obvious (the third act turn is a doozy), favouring dread and mystery over easy shocks. Flawed but interesting.
Once Upon a Time in AmericaOnce Upon a Time in America (1984)Aro Favourite
4 stars (Very Good) Often overlooked when considering the modern gangster genre – a shame. The four–hour cut is a masterful, if devoutly old–fashioned (and sexist), epic: baroque, melodramatic, and deeply engaging once you surrender.
DVD $20 $15

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