masonsaul

The Belko Experiment wastes no time setting things up and getting the plot going but it really takes its time getting to the bloody carnage, which never feels like it goes as far as it could've. Thanks to an effectively brief run time, decent characters and a solid amount of unpredictability it's still an engaging watch that doesn't completely waste the potential of its unforgiving premise.

John Gallagher Jr. Is a good protagonist who's easy to root for because he's so determined to do the right thing in an increasingly dark situation. Tony Goldwyn and especially John C. McGinley are very convincing as the more threatening workers. It's fun to see the most frequent James Gunn collaborators in here too and Adria Ajorna is really good as someone struggling to retain their humanity.

Greg McLean's direction saves the best creative choices for the end. The kills can get pretty brutal but they undoubtedly would've benefited from using more of the everyday office items that are easily at its disposal because a reliance on guns in a film like this just feels like cheating. It also understands that some kills need to be shockingly quick and others should be a bit more drawn out.

Phantom Thread is a consistently handsomely crafted picture about an incredibly complicated artist and his difficult yet still deeply romantic relationship that unfolds at a methodical pace. It's a funny, intentionally frustrating and kinda twisted watch which might be a bit too long however, it ultimately remains a rewarding experience thanks to a surprisingly satisfying ending considering all the conflict beforehand.

Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the best to ever do it and his unwavering commitment to the role is clear in every little detail of his brilliant performance. He also has a genuinely palpable chemistry with a fantastic Vicky Krieps as a complex character who is almost equally determined to get what she wants. Lesley Manville is a quiet presence throughout but makes her intimidating confidence very clear.

Paul Thomas Anderson's writing & direction is meticulous and since he acts as his own cinematographer here, it feels like a vision that's truly been fully realised. It's always gorgeous to look at with subtle camera movements, artfully composed framing and a rich grain in the images. Composer Jonny Greenwood brings a beautifully understated score that fits the precise tone and overall atmosphere instantly.

Tron: Legacy's plot and characters aren't very memorable but it remains an undeniable visual spectacle comfortably sustained by how consistently impressive the CGI and faultless production design is. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for the plot to get to The Grid and once it does the film has never ending exciting visuals worthy of their IMAX enhanced aspect ratio changes and engrossing worldbuilding that makes it easy to get swept up in.

Garrett Hedlund fits the generic leading man role well with a good combination of quips, charm and heart. Jeff Bridges gets two completely opposite roles and does great work in both despite the presentation of one of them working against his performance. Michael Sheen is having an absolute ball and quickly becomes a highlight even though his screen time is minimal. Olivia Wilde is a likeable presence even if the role is thankless.

Joseph Kosinski's really dynamic direction ensures this almost always looks absolutely stunning and has genuinely thrilling action sequences that feel substantial in length. It's just so polished with a seriously striking colour palette, complimented further by gorgeous visual effects that have aged gracefully apart from the uncanny de-aging which rarely looks good enough these days. Daft Punk's score is a perfect fit for a film as stylish as this.