joe_marlow

A narrative Holocaust drama that's defined by its rigorous compartmentalization and steadfast refusal to show any hint of explicit violence, Jonathan Glazer's profoundly chilling "The Zone of Interest" stands out for how formally the film splits the difference between the two opposite modes of its solemn genre - a genre that may now be impossible to consider without it. No Holocaust movie has ever been more committed to illustrating the banality of evil, and that's because no Holocaust movie has ever been more hell-bent upon ignoring evil altogether. There is a literal concrete wall that separates Glazer's characters from the horrors next door, and not once does his camera dare to peek over it for a better look. It doesn't even express the faintest hint of that desire.

Fans of the British franchise that this extremely violent action crime drama exists within, should find something to enjoy in this prequel. No less because Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins brings all of their favorite characters together once more, though it remains a flawed production on the whole. As a piece of visual filmmaking, there is plenty to be admired. Cinematically it's a very accomplished piece, there's sharp editing, and the cinematography is impressive. The narrative too is interesting, taking the viewer on a voyage through British culture at a time of significant change, through the tumultuous period of the former prime minister, Margaret Thatcher and the Falklands War, through to the rise in soccer hooliganism, and then rave culture and the drug use that came with it.

I felt like watching an action movie with a short but sweet runtime. Judging from the awesome poster, RoboWoman did seem like the perfect choice. Unfortunately, this felt more like an amateur drama, with some very short action scenes near the end. More than anything, it actually left me feeling sad for Dawna Lee Heising's character Vivica, and what she had to go through so it's a bit depressing if you like character development... I just wish I'd known beforehand that it was so light on the action, and I also wish that Brinke Stevens had been given more screen time but I guess that they ran out of money.