Wyatt Johnson

I hate to write this review. I’m a huge fan of Wes Anderson, the Royal Tenembaums, Fantastic Mr Fox and Moonrise Kingdom are all in my top 10 movies.  However, the French Dispatch… was a massive disappointment. The heart at the core of the three aforementioned films (as well as other Anderson projects) is completely gone in this recent effort. Even the typical charm in most of his films fades after the first half hour. While all of the dialogue is typically smooth and quirky, the pacing of this is incredibly inconsistent, moving at an uncharacteristically slow pace for an Anderson film for the majority of the runtime, but then abruptly moving rapidly at the beginning/end.  The visuals, even, left me disappointed at points. Although I like Wes’s continued use of different aspect rations and color palettes, it seems like he switches between them here at an almost self-indulgent rate. Sometimes the changes are used for a time period shift, and sometimes not, leaving me confused and annoyed at several moments. I’ll quickly mention the 3 stories in this anthology - the first 2 were interesting, but perhaps too over complicated, and the 3rd left me totally ready for the ending to come.  The acting is the best part of this - everyone gives it their all.  I’m greatly disappointed in this recent movie and hope Anderson’s next effort is better. 5/10

Warning: this is NOT an action film. It’s not the next Lord of the Rings, if you want to see that, do not see this film. You won’t like it. I’m sure 90% of the criticism this has received is because people believed it to be a new action/adventure blockbuster. However, if you would like to see a very well made art house film that amazingly adapts not only the ancient poem’s story, but the feel of an Arthurian legend - all of the oddities and themes in those -, go see this. You’ll love it. David Lowery’s “a Ghost Story” was beautiful and amazing, but this is definitely his best work to date. Cinematography/Sound - 5/5: every frame in this is gorgeous, you could give me a canvas depicting any shot in this film, and I’d display it front and center. Also, the makeup and CGI in this is INCREDIBLE! The score is also very fitting, haunting, time-period fitting and not too prominent, but “there” enough to notice it’s beauty. Directing/Acting - 5/5: of course, the art direction is phenomenal, but every scene feels so meticulously put together and intentionally built how you see it, blocking and shot decisions are also on point. Of course, the standout in this film is Dev Patel, very understandably so. He committed so hard to this role and it shows. Sir Gawain is simply one of the best a24 characters, almost solely because of his performance. That being said, Ralph Ineson and Barry Keoghan deliver phenomenal supporting performances as well. Story (writing)/Feel - 9/10: though I was at first unsure about the story (especially some events that happen near the end), after much thought, I’ve definitely confirmed for myself that everything serves a purpose here. But I will deduct a point, just because in-the-moment, a few of the scenes feel unnecessary, even if they aren’t in retrospect. The feel is, as said earlier, immaculate: this FEELS like an Arthurian tale. How certain things are shot and edited contributes to this extremely well. David Lowery and everyone involved should be proud of this epic film - it’s definitely one of a24’s best. So this gets a 19/20 from me, a 9.5/10. In all, I’m a bit sad this is getting such horrible audience reviews, because it truly is incredible - as long as the right audience sees it. At least most critics are enjoying it! If you want to see a phenomenally crafted mind bending art film, go see the Green Knight. It might just blow your mind like it did mine.

Just watched this, maybe 20 minutes ago. I sat in a state of tearful silence as credits rolled. Not sad tears necessarily. Just a reaction to the morbid beauty of the film. This is one of the most suspenseful and intense films I have ever seen. Not in an intense, booming music way, like Uncut Gems or even a film that depicts a naturally nerve-racking situation, like Never Rarely Sometimes Always. Both great movies, by the way. Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because this film works INCREDIBLY hard to work up to its somewhat quiet suspense. The first half is all building up Ethan Hawkes character. The second is what it builds up to. This makes more sense if you've seen the film. The ending (don't worry, I won't spoil) is the thing that has stuck most prominently out in my mind. A lot won't like this. It's pretty disturbing and doesn't spell everything out for you. I respect that deeply. This film can easily be described in three words: darkly, morbidly beautiful. Again, makes more sense when you've seen it. I highly recommend. 5 stars.

This film is simply one of the greatest of all time. In my opinion, it's Kubrick's best. If you haven't seen it, you really have to. I'm well aware that the experimental style that is apparent throughout the runtime is not for everyone, and for some viewers it might be boring. Maybe so. But you have to give it a try, because it may change your life like it did mine. That's pretty subjective but it's still worth a shot for sure. I love this film, it circles around my Top 10 movies list, sometimes it is the first. I bought it on Blu Ray even though it's free on HBO Max. That's how much I love this thing. Please, PLEASE give it a try.