Writer and director Christopher Nolan's ninth feature is also his most ambitious film. Set in the near future where the humans are facing extinction on the planet, a group of explorers are sent through a wormhole to find a new planet to save humanity. Nolan and his co-writing brother Jonathan Nolan go boldly where most science fiction films rarely dare to go which is the film's greatest strength but also its weakest link. While trying to stick to reality as much as possible, the writers find themselves limited which ultimately short changes their aspirations. The film is loaded with bold ideas that's inspiring and should encourage space exploration that has been almost abandoned but also points out why human nature might be the inherent flaw why it has not been advanced. While featuring striking visuals effects, it could have gone further and bolder to tap more into the great mystery it tries to make accessible. Matthew McConaughey stars with a solid performance along fine supporting cast that includes Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Ellen Burstyn, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck and Matt Damon. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.
Writer and director Drake Doremus delivers another terrific romantic drama with this character study. An apparently happy family's life is turned upside down when they accept a beautiful foreign student into their lives which has dramatic consequences. Doremus and his talented team created a perfectly nuanced drama where all the characters are fully developed. Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones star with outstanding performances along with equally terrific supporting cast that includes Amy Ryan and Mackenzie Davis. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.
British writer and director Sean Ellis returns with his feature after a five year absence that puts him on a different path in his career. In order to survive poverty in the rural country, a family moves to Manila where more trouble awaits them than just poverty. Ellis jumpstarts his career with this riveting crime drama that takes him away from his native country and previous films much like Joshua Marston and Gareth Evans. Jake Macapagal and Althea Vega star with stirring performances in the leads while the excellent John Arcilla steals every scene. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.
Irish director Lenny Abrahamson delivered a striking film with this off-beat comedy. An aspiring musician gets the chance of a life time when he's accepted into an avant-garde band where he learns some valuable lessons that affects everybody around including the band's eccentric frontman, Frank. Abrahamson and his writers pay homage to the independent spirit of music as well as poking fun at some of its eccentric aspects in order to stand out which will resonate to most artists. Domhnall Gleeson stars with another terrific performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Scoot McNairy. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.
Writer and director Peter Sattler makes his feature debut with this powerful drama about notorious and controversial prison. A soldier assigned to Guantanamo Bay finds herself conflicted when she befriends a prisoner. Sattler makes a compelling case against Gitmo and gives a fictional glimpse into the controversial military prison where apparently guilty and innocent suspects are held indefinitely without any rights or trial. Kristen Stewart stars with a terrific performance along with equally terrific Peyman Moaadi (A Separation) which raises some troubling questions about the US war on terror. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.
Mexican writer and director Alejandro González Iñárritu delivers another dazzling film with his fifth feature which triumphs on every level. A former movie star tries stages a comeback and artistic integrity by doing a play on Broadway which proves to be an uphill battle on every level. After his dazzling non-linear trilogy, Iñárritu's second character study of men on the verge of psychological and spiritual breakdown finds him on a new path with this glorious achievement. Michael Keaton stars with his best performance leading a stellar cast that includes Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Amy Ryan, Andrea Riseborough and Zach Galifianakis. Ace cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki delivers another stunning achievement that elevates the film to another level of mastery while composer Antonio Sanchez shines in his debut. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.
