Tag Archives: Capsule Reviews

Film reviews

Urchin Review

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The easy fall of relapse comes around instantly in Urchin. Written and directed by Harris Dickinson. A rising star from the UK who is now making his way into fame after starring in Babygirl with Nicole Kidman. Urchin though correlates to his type of earlier acting roles. That is because he played a depressed, young lad in Beach Rats in 2017. As one who has portrayed a character with overwhelming struggles, he now creates a story revolving around one. Urchin is a film where trial and error has plateaus in the cinematic sense, but the writing seems to fall flat.

The film takes place in London, and its main character is Mike, and he is played by Frank Dillane. Mike is one who is homeless and has been in trouble with the law multiple times. He finds himself getting into trouble with his on-and-off buddy, Nathan. Dickinson plays Nathan. After messing up countless times, he has been given multiple chances. This time though, he has a chance for reconciliation. He is put into a program where housing is provided, and he is given a job as a dishwasher. It is like a rehabilitation setup with a halfway house portion added. However, Mike finds himself still having conflicts dismissing his patterns of addiction. His irritability exists, as does his self-destructive behavior.

The many moving parts of struggle around the performance of Dillane is vivid and artistic. Especially when he is put in the moments of having to adapt to organizational skills, that is when all bets begin to fall. Because as he continues to struggle with his own thoughts and curiosities about troublesome behavior, it interferes in the routines of his daily life. Dickinson creates a portrait of how chances are abused when they are given to those who cannot overcome issues with relapses. He adds fluorescent and technical colors to add to the anxiety-provoking theme surrounding Urchin. Hard to bear in moments, but humanistic value is seen. Three out of four stars for Urchin.

Film reviews

This is Spinal Tap (Fathom Entertainment) Review

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This is Spinal Tap is a grandeur of brilliance that is filled with classic moments. Rob Reiner’s early project has led to more audiences over the years. This mockumentary/rockumentary is one for the ages. While the various moving parts and witty characterizations seem improved, in the end it is all about how the film holds up over time. It may seem by some as low-quality, but I found the quality mesmerizing in this story which still has momentum. Revisiting this masterpiece on the big screen brought back lots of forgotten nostalgia thanks to the old footage in restoration mode.

With Reiner playing the lead of Marty DiBergi and directing, it is a film that despite struggles with marketing has become a sensation. The story about an unruly band of misfits holds appeal fo all generations. The tour is filled with trials and errors as the group that keeps trying to achieve success. The picture that is painted is realistic while maintaining clever humor and outstanding continuity. “Spinal Tap” is the group’s name. Many of the members continue down the road of hoping for stardom as they showcase their creativity. Along the way, they must overcome various plateaus that arise during their tour.

The group is dubbed one of, “England’s loudest bands.” The film feels loud due to the humorous and clever aspects that fuel the comedy and narrative. Even though this was filmed during Reiner’s early days of filmmaking, he created a masterpiece. Interested fans can learn about the details of the film and its release from Reiner himself with the screening hosted by Fathom Events. For those who want to relive the moments of This is Spinal Tap with higher quality, in-depth cinematography, this event is not to be missed. Rock and Roll with grainy fun that is taken to new heights. Four out of four stars for This is Spinal Tap.

Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025, Film reviews

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)

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This film paints a portrait of what reality is like for a younger individual to be faced with poverty. On some level this truthful portrait hurts, but at the same time, it is eerie. Written and directed by Embeth Davidtz, she is legendary as she also plays one of the leads. The pacing of the film in an austere setting is done artfully. The harsh environment spirals to reveal honesty.

The film is based on a memoir focused on a young girl named Bobo (played by Lexi Venter) who tells the story. Bobo is an eight-year-old living with her family on a Rhodesian (now Zimbwawe) farm. At a very young age, she is exposed to extreme poverty. Her mother is Mrs. Fuller (Davidtz). The film highlights hardship and politics in an era before technological advancements.

What came to mind while watching this film was the theme of working hard for a purpose. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight portrays inequality in a realistic way that creates empathy. The story demonstrates resilience. It is by far one of the best features presenting the effects of poverty during childhood. The film’s subject is a great discussion starter, because the audience gets to see the world through the eyes of an eight-year-old surroundedby drugs, harsh language, and parents who provoke objectionable behavior in a country where harsh conditions are the norm. When seeing this film at The Chicago Critics Film Festival, it moved me to think more politically and empathetically.