Capernaum
Nadine Labaki's third feature film, the Oscar nominated Lebanese film "Capernaum", is a bleak and deeply disturbing neo-realist film that is unpleasant and emotionally draining to endure, but also essential [...]
Climax
French provocateur Gaspar Noe is back with his new film "Climax", and this time the film ironically received far less boos and backlash that he is used to. Even with [...]
Road to the Oscars: 2019 Predictions
This insane Oscar season finally comes to an end this Sunday night, which will not have a host and, after so much controversies and mix-ups, all 24 categories will be [...]
1st Annual Defacto Film Awards: Robert Butler’s Picks
To celebrate the Oscars, I am pleased to announce the Best of 2018 nominees and winners in fourteen categories. I selected the top five picks in the following categories: Best Picture, [...]
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
by Ben Rothrock It’s easy to remember the days when DreamWorks wasn’t necessarily the highest standard for animated family fare. Back in its early days, they were known for essentially [...]
Road to the Oscars: Alfonso Cuarón Retrospective
Alfonso Cuarón is a pure filmmaking genius. He's directed a total of 8 very impressive feature films. I've seen every single one, and everyone is impressive in their own right. [...]
Isn’t It Romantic
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead! Romantic comedies have been a staple in the film industry since the very beginning. The classic story of man meets woman is part of everyday life, and [...]
Happy Death Day 2U
by Ben Rothrock It hasn’t even been two years since the surprisingly good Happy Death Day, from Universal and Blumhouse, hit theaters. From the initial trailers, it seemed like a [...]
Road to the Oscars: Paul Schrader Retrospective
With many stellar screenplays in his array that include Sydney Pollack's "The Yakuza" (1975), Brian De Palma's "Obsession" (1976), Johnny Flynn's "Rolling Thunder" (1978), Peter Weir's "The Mosquito Coast"(1986), Martin [...]
Road to the Oscars: A Star Is Born
For being a fourth version of the classic cinematic version, the 2018 version of "A Star is Born" is an impressive directorial debut that showcases Bradley Cooper as an actors [...]