Skinamarink: A Dreamy, Experimental, No-Fi Nightmare

April 11, 2023 / Aaron Haughton

Made for meager $15k, Kyle Edward Ball’s debut feature, Skinamarink, garnered a lot of attention during its festival run due to its unique approach to the genre (and because a pirated copy leaked online). With a viral word-of-mouth and a theater run that saw an exponential return, the film has generated buzz and reopened the conversation — like The Blair Witch Project did before it — about horror’s ability to cause big waves with very little.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Skinamarink, Horror, Horror Film, Experimental film, Avant-garde, Shudder, Shudder Original, Kyle Edward Ball, No-Fi, Dreamy, Nightmare, Nostalgia, Analog Horror, David Lynch, Blair Witch, 2023 Films

Babylon: A Raucous, Livewire Romp Through The Golden Age Of Hollywood

March 07, 2023 / Aaron Haughton

With Babylon, Damien Chazelle takes a charged up look at the seedy underbelly of early-era Hollywood as it transitions from silent to sound. Trading in the quiet intensity of First Man for in-your-face insanity, Chazelle doesn’t just return to his stylishly kinetic roots, he doubles down on them. This is Chazelle unhinged; a raucous bacchanal romp that you’ll either want to experience once or mainline regularly.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Babylon, Hollywood Babylon, Babylon Film, Babylon Movie, Damien Chazelle, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Katherine Waterston, Tobey Maguire, Flea, Eric Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Spike Jonze, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, Jean Smart, P. J. Byrne =, Boogie Nights, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Goodfellas, Magnolia, Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Ensemble Comedy, epic period comedy-drama, Oldschool Hollywood, Golden Age, Kenneth Anger, La La Land, Hedonistic, Debauchery, Film about film, Films about the film industry

The Whale: A Sentimental Drama That Gets By On Its Performances

March 06, 2023 / Aaron Haughton

Following up his bonkers studio art film mother!, Darren Aronofsky pivots in an even smaller, more minimal, and restrained direction with his adaptation of Samuel Hunter’s 2012 play, The Whale. A self-professed “small movie with a big heart,” it’s a film overflowing with feeling, much of it sincere and played up to the rafters, that might not fully connect due to its narrative conveniences and overly stagey demeanor.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, The Whale, Darren Aronofsky, Samuel D. Hunter, Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton, Ty Simpkins, Chamber piece, Transcendental, Adaptations, Drama, Films about loss, Films about family

The Fabelmans: A Heartfelt Ode To Film & Family

February 19, 2023 / Aaron Haughton

Family and art collide in Spielberg’s infectiously charming ode to the power of cinema, The Fabelmans. Hilarious and heartfelt, this movie about movies is a blissful sight to behold, and it’s masterfully told by one of its greatest makers. In short, it’s intimate filmmaking at its finest

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, The Fabelmans, Steven Spielberg, Spielberg, Spielberg Films, Films about Film, Films about cinema, Films about family, autobiographical, memoir film, Family Drama, Films about divorce, Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Judd Hirsch, John Williams, Tony Kushner, Janusz Kamiński

White Noise: A Faithful Adaptation Of Don DeLillo's Death-Obsessed Postmodern Masterwork

December 12, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Writer/director Noah Baumbach tackles Don DeLillo’s mid-80s postmodern masterwork, White Noise, in his most ambitious film to date. Although he struggles under the weight of this purportedly “unfilmable” novel’s heady themes and concepts, Baumbach faithfully captures the book’s essence and commendably brings it to life with a great deal of inspiration and enthusiasm.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver, Don Cheadle, Don DeLillo, White Noise, White Noise 2022, Netflix, Netflix Original, Comedy, Drama, Family Drama, Adaptations, Apocalyptic, Movies About Death, Raffey Cassidy

Violent Night: A Bloody, Boozy Holiday Hammer To The Head

December 07, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

David Harbour slays in the latest film from Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night. The film satisfyingly channels the the ghosts of Christmas cinema’s past to deliver a bloody, boozy holiday hammer to the head. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it’ll have you ho-ho-hoing with laughter.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing But Movies, Nothing but movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, John Leguizamo, David Harbour, Tommy Wirkola, Edi Patterson, Alexis Louder, Alex Hassell, Beverly D'Angelo, Leah Brady, Violent Night, Santa Slays, Holiday Film, Hard-edged holiday films, bloody good, Holiday Hammer To The Head, Home Alone, Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Action Comedy

Fantastic Fest 2022: Unicorn Wars — Adult Themed Cartoon Bloodshed With A Strong Anti-War Message

December 03, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Acclaimed filmmaker and illustrator Alberto Vazquez marches straight into the heart of candy-colored darkness with his latest film, Unicorn Wars. Don’t let its cute and cuddly exterior fool you, this animated flick ain’t for kids. Overflowing with adult themes and erupting with cartoon violence, Unicorn Wars will floor you with its slick animation and stick a heart-tipped arrow through your chest its vigorous anti-war message.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Unicorn Wars, Alberto Vázquez, Anti-War, Cuddly, Gory, Trippy, Animated Film, Apocalypse Now, Bambi, Full Metal Jacket, Care Bears, My Little Pony, Teddy Bears vs Unicorns, Poignant, Potent, Comedy, Horror, Fantastic Fest, Fantastic Fest 2022, FF22, Spanish Films, 2023 Films, 2023 Film

Fantastic Fest 2022: Country Gold — A Well Done Country-Fried Comedy

December 02, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Country Gold marks another banger for Oklahoma filmmaker Mickey Reece, who steps out from behind the camera to lead the film alongside Ben Hall. The two go entertainingly head-to-head in this well-cooked, country-fried comedy that thoughtfully contemplates ego, fame, and legacy. This one hits all the right notes, creating a near-perfect blend of poignant, wistful, warm, and tender absurdist-surrealist hilarity that is sure to two-step straight into your heart.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Mickey Reece, Mickey Reece's Alien, Country Gold, Agnes, Climate Of The Hunter, John Selvidge, Ben Hall, Comedy, Comedy Film, Contemplative Comedy, Wild Night Out, Garth Brooks, George Jones, Nashville, Oklahoma Film, Absurdist Cinema, Surrealism, Fantastic Fest 2022, Fantastic Fest, FF22, 2023 Films, 2023 Film

Fantastic Fest 2022: A Wounded Fawn — An Experimental Arthouse Slasher That Unleashes The Furies

December 01, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Travis Stevens is totally unhinged in his latest film, A Wounded Fawn, a psychedelic giallo-tinged arthouse horror that embraces the psychotic. The film is a gritty and grimy vibe that blends slasher and cabin-in-the-woods subgenres to interesting affect.

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tags / Fantastic Fest, Fantastic Fest 2022, FF22, FF Diaries, Fantastic Fest Diaries, Viddy Well, Viddy Well Film Blog, Nothing But Movies, I Love Cinema, Genre Film, Film Festival, Austin Texas, Alamo Drafthouse, A Wounded Fawn, Travis Stevens, Josh Ruben, Nathan Faudree, Serial Killer, Horror, Horror Film, Avant-garde, Experimental film, psychodrama, slasher, Giallo, 16mm, Dario Argento, Kenneth Anger, Sam Raimi, dreamy, cabin in the woods, VAAAL, Sarah Lind, Ksusha Genenfeld

Fantastic Fest 2022: Mister Organ — Another Wild Rollercoaster Ride From David Farrier

November 29, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

New Zealand journalist David Farrier is back with another dark documentary that exposes another real-life monster. With Mister Organ, Farrier takes audiences down another wild rabbit hole that must be seen to be believed.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Mister Organ, Michael Organ, David Farrier, Fantastic Fest 2022, Fantastic Fest, FF22, Documentary film, Dark Thriller, Dark Comedy, Real-Life Monsters, New Zealand Film, World Premiere, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, 2023 Film, 2023 Films

Fantastic Fest 2022: Decision To Leave — A Solidly Crafted Romantic Police Procedural

November 28, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Director Park Chan-wook is back with another masterful slice of cinema in Decision To Leave. The film puts the “pro” in “police procedural” with its meticulous craft, detail-oriented story, and many twists and turns. The film is a neo-noir that boasts a compelling mystery to unravel, but its most surprising feature is how palpably romantic it is.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Fantastic Fest 2022, Fantastic Fest, FF22, Decision To Leave, Park Chan-wook, Oldboy, The Handmaiden, romantic thriller, police procedural, US premiere, Korean Cinema, Korean Film

Fantastic Fest 2022: The Menu — A Well-Plated Dark Comedy That's Sharp And Flavorful

November 16, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

The Menu is a devilishly delectable dark comedy that satisfyingly skewers elite types. It’s easy to see why the film pulled down the Audience Award at this year’s Fantastic Fest; it’s well-plated, flavorful, and nicely spiced. This sharply written multi-course sendup of foodie culture is one tasty dish that will have you coming back for s’more.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, Mark Mylod, Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Ralph Fiennes, John Leguizamo, Fine Dining, Revenge, Revenge is a dish best served decadent, Comedy, Foodie, Succession, Fantastic Fest 2022, Fantastic Fest, FF22, Crowd Favorite, Audience Award

Fantastic Fest 2022: Bones And All — An All-Consuming Road Film

November 13, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Luca Guadagnino is making somewhat of a home out of horror, and we’re absolutely here for it! Reteaming with Suspira (2018) screenwriter, David Kajganich, Guadagnino cooks up another compelling arthouse horror flick with Bones And All. Based on the novel of the same name, the film successfully mashes coming-of-age, romance, and horror into a ravenous road film that ranks amongst the year’s best offerings.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Fantastic Fest, Fantasia Fest 2022, FF22, Genre Film, Cannibal Romance, Road film, Luca Guadagnino, David Kajganich, Camille DeAngelis, Timothée Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Taylor Russell, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny, David Gordon Green, Jake Horowitz, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Badlands, Terrence Malick, Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, Fantastic Fest 2022

TÁR: An Unflinching Fall From Grace That Features A Powerhouse Performance

November 01, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Cate Blanchett luminously shines at the center of Todd Field’s third feature, TÁR. With striking subtlety, a character-driven focus, and an intellectual edge, the film quietly examines power, providing an unflinching and absorbing look at cancel culture through a famous conductor’s fall from grace.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, TÁR, TÁR movie, Cate Blanchett, Todd Field, Cancel Culture, Rise and Fall, psychological drama, Character Drama, Character study

Halloween Ends: A New Stab At The Slasher

November 01, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

David Gordon Green and Danny McBride return with the conclusion to their Halloween reboot/sequel trilogy, Halloween Ends. The film is just as messy and divisive as the previous entries, but it finds some unique footing and takes a new stab at the tired slasher format. As an end to the Laurie Strode saga, it’s problematic to say the least, but as a film on its own right, it’s something different and surprising.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Halloween, Halloween Kills Film, Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends, David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, haddonfield, Jamie Lee Curtis

Bros: A Mainstream Rom-Com That Proudly Plants A Rainbow Flag Into The Genre

November 01, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Comedian Billy Eichner teams up with director Nicholas Stroller and producer Judd Apatow for Bros, a historic Rom-Com that proudly plants its rainbow flag into the genre in ways it’s never been before. The film is as informative as it is fun, dishing out LGBTQIA+ history along with the jokes jokes, but its tale of opposites attracting is a familiar one. As much as it pokes fun at the genre and its sappy tendencies, it also falls prey to the conventions itself, albeit in mostly amusing and humorous ways.

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tags / Viddy Well, Viddy Well Film Blog, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Judd Apatow, Billy Eichner, Billy on the Street, Nicholas Stoller, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Luke Macfarlane, LGBTQ Film, LGBTQ+ Film, Bros, Bros Film, RomCom, Rom-Com, Romantic Comedy, Comedy, Romance, Bromance

Amsterdam: A Star-Studded Mess That Pales In Comparison To Other O. Russell Films

October 26, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Writer/director David O. Russell’s latest effort, Amsterdam, is a sprawling, star-studded mess that’s too overstuffed and unwieldy to fully connect. It contains one of the year’s most impressive ensemble casts, but for all its combined star power, it sadly can’t muster up much of a charge. It’s undeniably a David O. Russell film, but it’s drained of most of the lifeblood that makes his best work compelling, charismatic, and kinetic.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, David O. Russell, Ensemble Comedy, Films based on a true story, Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Alessandro Nivola, Andrea Riseborough, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Timothy Olyphant, Zoe Saldana, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro, period comedy, thriller, Political Conspiracies

Fantastic Fest 2022: The Banshees Of Inisherin — A Feckin' FEEL-Bad Banger

October 25, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Writer/director Martin McDonagh reteams with In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for The Banshees Of Inisherin. The film captures the fable-like quality and tragic fatalism of In Bruges, and it rivals it in terms of humor and performance.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, The Banshees Of Inisherin, Martin McDonagh, Dark Comedy, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan, Drama, Dramedy, Sad, Poignant, Irish Comedy, Civil War, Film about being nice, Fantastic Fest, Fantastic Fest 2022, FF22, genre film, Film Festival

Don't Worry Darling: A Bloated And Boring Black Mirror Special

October 20, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

Director Olivia Wilde tries to go big with her sophomore feature, Don’t Worry Darling, but her efforts amount to an extravagant bore. It’s pretty to look at, but like the film goes to show you (and as the old saying goes), looks can be deceiving. Unfortunately, this “through-the-looking-glass” tale is familiar, dimwitted, and predictable. It’s a far cry from Booksmart'‘s gut-busting good time — it just might be the biggest budget stinker of the year.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, I love cinema, I Love Cinema, Olivia Wilde, Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, KiKi Layne, Gemma Chan, Nick Kroll, Black Mirror, Stepford Wives, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Dumb, Bad Movies, Don't Worry Darling, Don't Worry Darling Movie, Sophomore Slump, Psychological Thriller, On-set conflicts, Troubled production, screaming match, Inception, The Matrix, The Truman Show

Blonde: A Harrowing And Hypnotic Horror Film

October 18, 2022 / Aaron Haughton

After a decade, writer/director Andrew Dominik’s makes he return to narrative feature with Blonde. The film is another decadently shot bold swing finds the Aussie filmmaker taking on Marilyn Monroe and her legacy. Based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, the film indulges in fictions and fixates on tragedy, which will likely make it a tough watch for many, but thanks to its transformative lead performance, hypnotic score, and striking visuals, Blonde frequently creates an intoxicating atmosphere that keeps you under its spell.

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tags / Viddy Well Film Blog, Viddy Well, viddy well, I Love Cinema, I love cinema, Nothing but movies, Nothing But Movies, Blonde, Blonde Film, Netflix, Netflix Original, Andrew Dominik, Ana De Armas, Ana de Armas, Joyce Carol Oates, Marilyn, Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane Mortenson, Films about fame, The dark side of fame, Horror, Psychological Horror, Dreamy, Tragedy