Pearce’s Film Reviews

224 Films have been rated or reviewed by Pearce.

Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018): This retread goes for mindless button–pushing over innovation or entertainment and finishes with a frustrating non–ending which hints at a sequel that isn't getting made. Some amusing bits and a nice cast but mostly a waste of time
Dagon (2001): On the one hand, this is just about the most faithful HP Lovecraft adaptation of all time. On the other hand, it's kind of a remake of Splash.
We Are Still Here (2015): Acceptable homage to early '80s Italian horror that manages to fall into that deadly zone where the plot isn't nonsensical enough to be Weird but isn't coherent enough to be interesting. Great cast,
Doll & Em (TV Series) (2014): People who dismiss this as "lightweight" or "pleasant enough" should read The Male Glance by Lili Loofbourow, which contrasts the reception this got with the overrating of True Detective.; DVD ~~$19.95~~ $14.95
Night of the Hunter, The (1955): I'd like to go back in time and kick the arse of every critic who slammed this and every audience member who stayed away, so that we were robbed of more movies directed by Charles Laughton.; DVD ~~$24.95~~ $18.70
Thunder Road (2018): One wonders what Robert Mitchum would have done with this material.
Thoroughbreds (2018): If A24 remade Heathers it would look a lot like this coldly effective black comedy about two young women who realise that empathy is a hindrance in getting what you want.
Top Gun (1986): This isn't the beginning of supposedly 'liberal' Hollywood making recruitment films for the military (nor the end – see Captain Marvel for a particularly blatant example) but it is one of the most blunt.
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda (2017): Unusually rich and thoughtful documentary that goes into Sakamoto's obsessions and activism as much as his music.; DVD $29.95
Josie and the Pussycats (2001): This funny & subversive satire on media manipulation and product placement got a hostile reception from the entertainment press so out of proportion to the actual movie, I have to wonder if they struck too close to home.

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Pearce’s Film Reviews