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Film reviews

Frankenstein Review

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The mind of Guillermo del Toro finds creative connections in a powerhouse effort which includes wonders of cinematic imagination unlike any other. From the worlds of Pan’s Labyrinth, The Orphanage, and Pinocchio, he creates new meaning with Frankenstein, one where an emergence of lights evolves, but the political aspects regarding humanistic value fall in the middle.

To provide context, this is not your common Halloween-type Frankenstein film. This one has a storyline with emphasis which gives the monster meaning. There is a strong sense of purpose in del Toro’s direction. The madness in this breathtaking storyline takes viewers on a journey of suspense and amazement filled with mind-boggling grandeur. The creator and monster both have their own story. Frankenstein should be seen on a big screen over the Netflix platform, because the big-screen experience will amplify del Toro’s immersive surreal portrait.

The plot focuses on Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). He is a scientist with a clever mind but also cruel with a massive ego. He has a history of inventions as well as trials of deceit. There are many political feuds with Victor. The setting is the 19thcentury, and the film focuses on Victor’s creation of a monster. With the help of his assistant Harlander (Christoph Waltz), some moving parts begin to go awry. The scientific aspects of the film have a backstory starting with Victor trying to run from what he has created. He ends up with sailors and begins to tell them why he is running from his creation—the film proceeds in acts from that point forward.

One captivating part of the film is the fact that it uses cinematics to lay out the events which provide context of how terror evolved. It also loops in Victor as the victim. Guillermo del Toro is accomplished at introducing enemies as the source of material for major emphasis in his projects. He is not afraid to bring out the worst of his characters and shine the light of terror with aftermath upon them. This situation comes into play for Victor in Frankenstein after creating The Creature (that is the character’s name, played by Jacob Elordi). He slowly develops humanistic attributes, but with Victor treating him like a slave, his monstrous avenues begin to expand rapidly. The Creature begins to feel love for a girl named Elizabeth (Mia Goth). With Victor, however, the life of The Creature is a living nightmare. Victor’s prison-like lifestyle fuels The Creature’s desire for ravenous vengeance.

Frankenstein is quite an enjoyable thrill ride. The story is very well-written and extremely well directed. All The Creature wants is to feel loved. His creator, Victor, wants to feel accomplished for his creation. Where do they both find happiness? Given the difference between being a real live human being and a man’s creation, del Toro creates a unique vision of life filled with many wonders in his version of Frankenstein. Suspense, love, lust, and ego all combine into cinematics which result in incredible genius. Four out of four stars for Frankenstein.

61 Chicago International Film Festival, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Chicago International Film Festival 2025-A Useful Ghost

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A Useful Ghost is one of the most well-written films in the Chicago International Film Festival. The film benefits fromcreative direction and a skillful use of personification in a story in which a widower is desperate for attention. Haunted vacuums are falling apart in this entertaining movie written and directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, I found this film to have heart and an aftermath of dazzling karma. There is almost more disconnect than imaginable because A Useful Ghost has lots to “imagine.”

The film’s main character is March (Wisarut Himmarat), and his wife is Nat (Davika Hoorne). He sees her in his dreams a lot. She may be gone, but apparently, she comes to life as a vacuum. These vacuums stir up much mayhem in a factory which cause a whirlwind of problems among other individuals. The setting is Thailand, and there are many cultural moments in this film, including some that are challenging. The word “useful” in the title is meaningful because it indicates there may be help in circumstances where people are struggling.

The film may seem silly, but I appreciated its invigorating ability to bring lightness especially for the widower. It also brings out the light in others who face devastating moments. A Useful Ghost is one of the most audacious and promising films in the Chicago International Film Festival. It begins with a vacuum, and then many changes and events cause things to spiral out of control. The film’s writing evokes empathy for the characters struggling in the story. The cinematic creativity is a force of nature. Four out of four stars for A Useful Ghost.

61 Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

Chicago International Film Festival 2025-If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You

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This film is melancholy, filled with plenty of potions to amplify the sadness. Rose Byrne delivers a spellbinding performance in this anxiety-filled story. If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You is written and directed by Mary Bronstein who has an eye for creating tolerance in the face of a conflicting pattern. There are a bucket of problems only getting worse while an individual struggles to keep standing and thriving. The concept of resilience runs deepin If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.

Rose Byrne plays Linda, a mother dealing with her daughters’severe illness. Her husband is not very present in her life, andher home has fallen apart. This puts her and her daughter in a situation where they must live in a motel. Linda finds herself trying to tango with all the moving roadblocks. This includes dealing with a relationship with her therapist, played by Conan O’Brien. Overall, her choices and decisions keep falling down a slippery slope resulting in negative impacts. Given all that is on her plate, her head is speeding with anxiety.

The whole film feels like a ride that just won’t stop. It is a lot to handle, especially in moments when Byrne’s character goes to the motel lobby to buy wine late at night. There are also scenes in which she argues with others, including staff at her daughter’s schools or at resource centers. What is unique in these situations is that they capture the daily human annoyances in life. Bronstein’s direction shows humans can only take so much when many different crises come rushing down like a waterfall.

The film is brilliant. While not Oscar-worthy, it is quiteexperimental. Byrne’s performance is audacious and fearless. I love how the title speaks to the anger in the film. If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You made me want to kick seats in the theatre around me. (Not literally of course!) The anxiety stuck with me throughout my screening during moments when the daughter is having issues and again during the therapist scenario. The director created a vivid portrait which piqued my curiosity. It made me wonder, “When does life give us a break?” If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You inspires viewers to have a stronger mindset…even in times when it seems there are too many mental challenges to face.

There is a point in the film in which questionable choices occur, and Linda thinks about doing drugs to cope with her anxiety. However, that also has consequences. The main conflict in this matter is who will be impacted by this behavior. Clearly, it won’t just impact Linda, but also her daughter’s illness and safety. Despite the troubling aspects explored in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, the story makes viewers think and leaves them with an important message. Specifically, if you’re going through hell,you’ve got to just keep going. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.