Category Archives: Capsule Reviews

Brother Verses Brother (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)


This is one of those rare masterpieces where humanistic value hits the championship level due to an intertwining connection. Brother Verses Brother, written and directed by Ari and Ethan Gold, is an enthralling narrative in which musical tones and beats find meaning in unexpected corners. Much of this engrossing film is improvised which knocks it out of the ballpark. The vibing ride of music ebbing and flowing and the dynamics fading in and out spark feelings poetically.

The film’s inspiration is based upon family tales to the Gold brothers. It is also inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s narrative of live cinema. The pacing of Brother Verses Brother is under the control of Ari and Ethan while finding their paths in San Francisco. Family emotions and all kinds of memories make the movie tremble. When scenarios run deep, the music abounds. While this film is much like Once, Brother Verses Brother has more continuity that requires audiences to change gears repeatedly. The deep writing does not stop throughout all the mesmerizing ups and downs of the Gold brothers in Brother Verses Brother.

The film’s music is a combination of pieces from Ari and Ethan along with tracks from Brian Bell and Lara Louise. It is a journey of musical people connecting to two brothers finding themselves and experiencing tons of growth along the way. The changes the brothers go through in Brother Verses Brother makes the movie hum. Their creativity gives them a sense of power and curiosity to expand to even more positive influences. By far, one of the best narratives of the year. This is a film that is for all artists around the world. The musical component and sharing of artistic crafts are just spectacular. Four out of four stars for Brother Verses Brother.

 

 

Twinless (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)


Director, writer, and actor James Sweeney presents a Twinless, touching film about disconnect and the need to find a replacement. The story focuses on someone who has lost love but finds an understudy through an identical sibling. As part of the Chicago Critics Film Festival, Twinless is an essential title because it explores how much love can hurt, and how much one can crave what is gone. Sweeney plays the lead who is in desperation. Dylan O’Brien plays the two characters who are twins and who both fall deeply in love with Sweeney’s character.

Sweeney’s character is Dennis, an introverted man who was in love with a man named Rocky (O’Brien). They had a fling that felt special, but this all changed when Rocky passed. Moving forward, Dennis realizes that Rocky has a twin named Roman (also played by O’Brien). Dennis creates a sad story for himself to make it seem like he also lost a twin to feel more connected to Roman, who is straight. Roman’s presence makes Dennis feel that he is still with Rocky. However, there is only so much dishonesty that the relationship can handle.

Sweeney is the master of emotional writing and turmoil. Twinless twisted my emotions to the core. The performances of Sweeney and O’Brien are insanely audacious. Love and grief find common ground in Twinless. It is a mesmerizing portrait of appreciation. Despite one lying to experience love, the title reminds the audience of the power of wishful thinking. Despite the hard truths of the film, the wonders of love are a revelation. Twinless delves into grief looking to be relieved. O’Brien and Sweeney are the dynamic duo trying to combat grief after the loss of their loved one. Four out of four stars for Twinless.

The Searchers (Ebertfest 2025)


A magnificent film on an unforgettable print. This film one presents surreal empathy in a Western classic that will be remembered for ages. The festival opened with The Searcherson a 70 MM projection print. From the visionary mind of John Ford, The Searchers helped me appreciate how captivating realism is when displayed cinematically. With John Wayne (as Ethan Edwards), Jeffrey Hunter (as Martin Pawley) Vera Miles (as Laurie Jorgensen), and too many others to name, The Searchers is a boiling ride of tension and choices that I forgot existed. The print format and the array of confrontational moments in the western setting made me feel like I was in a time machine. There is nothing like viewing an essential film in the correct format. The Searchers on 70 MM print was truly one of the most spellbinding portraits of moving images I have ever experienced at Ebertfest.