Joseph Boomhower

Joseph Boomhower

Favorite films

  • Apocalypse Now
  • Taxi Driver
  • Fargo
  • The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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  • The Monkey

    ★★

  • Paddington in Peru

    ★★★½

  • Captain America: Brave New World

    ★★½

  • Paddington

    ★★★½

Recent reviews

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  • Wolf Man

    Wolf Man

    ★★½

    The 2025 iteration of "Wolf Man" boasts commendable direction, expertly crafting tension throughout the narrative. The makeup effects prove particularly noteworthy, imbuing the wolfman with a convincingly menacing presence. While the storyline is generally well-conceived, the inclusion of the protagonists' marital problems feels somewhat extraneous. Nevertheless, the central theme of Bradley's futile attempts to escape his destiny, only to succumb to the very fate he sought to avoid, proves a compelling exploration of identity and inevitability.

  • Pinocchio

    Pinocchio

    ★★★★★

    The 1940 Disney animated film "Pinocchio" directed by Norman Ferguson explores the complexities of childhood, the struggle for autonomy, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectation. Pinocchio's journey from wooden puppetry to human existence serves as a prime example of these themes.

    The film portrays childhood accurately, depicting Pinocchio as naive, impulsive, and susceptible to external influence. His misadventures highlight the importance of responsible decision-making and the dangers of blindly following authority figures.

    Moreover, the film examines the…

Popular reviews

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  • How to Have Sex

    How to Have Sex

    ★★★★

    "How to Have Sex" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that tackles themes of peer pressure, consent, and the complexities of female relationships. Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Greek island getaway, the movie follows the journey of three teenage girls as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. With standout performances from its cast, particularly Mia McKenna-Bruce as Tara, "How to Have Sex" is a masterclass in storytelling.

    The film expertly captures the uncertainty and confusion that can accompany…

  • Shadow of the Vampire

    Shadow of the Vampire

    ★★★★

    Method actors often immerse themselves in their roles to achieve authenticity, sometimes blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Marlon Brando famously stayed in character as Don Vito Corleone even when cameras weren't rolling, while Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to portray Jake LaMotta. However, none of these extreme cases compare to the performance of Max Schreck, the mysterious actor hired by F.W. Murnau to star in the silent film adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," "Nosferatu." What sets Schreck…