Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  F Marry Kill 2024

  ★★ Watched 15 Mar 2025

  A missed opportunity to really tap into how men are mostly awful and women live in the very real fear of being murdered at any moment, but that's all window dressing to the mildly amusing and barely thrilling FMK. A lot of its scenes and situations feel too forced and phoney, Eva's motivations and actions are either flimsy or plain dumb, and though many of its red flags inevitably end up red herrings, they're still red flags. There's enough mystery and residual charm to pull you through, but even undemanding fare like this can surely dare to add a little more zing?

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  Blue Spring 2001

  ★★★★½ Watched 10 Mar 2025

  A gang of trouble-making students on the cusp of graduation stare down a future without hope or meaning, turning to brutality, bullying and extreme violence - though there are glimmers of beauty to be found in the surrounding bleakness. With the film set within the confines of the school grounds, there is little sense of life beyond the white institution walls, which are daubed with black graffiti, resembling ripped manga pages, and eventually a toxic mould. Heavy and unforgiving stuff, but Toyoda balances the teenage angst and rage with skill, heart, humour and poignancy. Plus, great music from Thee Michelle Gun Elephant.

Popular reviews

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  Finding Dory 2016

  ★★★ Watched 01 Nov 2016

  A fairly simple retread of a Pixar film I never really thought much of first time round, so diminishing returns here. When it's cute, it's cute. Though it mostly seems concerned with trying to make you cry every 15 minutes, which is okay as it is set mostly underwater, so they can't see your tears. Which is fine, even if you do feel like you're getting played a bit too much.

  There is one good cameo gag. You know the one I mean.

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  And Your Bird Can Sing 2018

  ★★★★ Watched 31 Jan 2020

  A naturalistic slice of life, depicting aimless youth drifting through summer days and nights with little direction but at least they have each other, not yet found their place in society but not actively rejecting it, just enjoying the moments they have together. The central trio wake up, coast through their jobs (if they have one), before going out and drinking all night until the sun rises and the next day begins.

  While that sounds like it has the potential…