collin-sandoe Reviews

Saint Omer (2022)

A tough sit, but worth reflection.

[7/10 · 1 February 2023]

I have to start by saying as I was left the theater, I was pretty certain I did not like this movie. The acting was impeccable, but there were many long scenes of people sitting and thinking and it caused me to lose focus. But after leaving and reflecting on the story - and more importantly the facts of the real-life court case - it stuck with me. This movie has clear philosophical aspirations and asks the viewer to think about the limits of the present criminal justice system.

It would represent a failure of imagination to not be able to think of at least a couple reasons that a perpetrator may be justified for such a heinous act. Maybe the mother was coerced in some way (blackmail or threat of violence); or maybe it was an internal force like a psychotic delusion. All of which could - while not fully absolving her of guilt - lessen the immorality of the act. But what if the explanation were not something rational? Her explanation to the mystified judge is that sorcery was responsible and while that explanation may not make sense in the context of a western judicial system - it also does not mean she is entirely unjustified.

What happens to a solitary life that resulting from an unfair hand dealt to them? A life that in turn, echos affecting others? Are we truly better off locking them and sending them away? Or should we be bringing them in?

Waves (I) (2019)

Magnetic, Tragic, Triumphant, Human

[10/10 · 27 November 2019]

This movie is such a beautiful and magnetic film. Every single character in it felt real, human and worth feeling. It starts with tragic insight into a pressured teen and pivots to the energetic relationship that is borne from the rubble. In the former, we feel the incredibly high-stakes world of a high school athlete. We witness the climax and a relationship that reminds you what it feels to be in love for the first time with energy and excitement. Both th.e brother and sister give stellar performances as the most human characters I have seen on screen all year.

Wildlife (2018)

Restrained yet heartfelt.

[9/10 · 5 November 2018]

I have so much respect for restrained filmmaking for which this movie is an example. Its steady pace and tasteful design gives it authenticity, allowing you to feel like you are living the life of the main character Joe. The acting is superb and the characters are living, breathing individuals filled with hopes dreams and independence. Though Jeanette falters at times, she is doing what is she sees is necessary for her and her son's survival. The emotion on her face, flickering like a shorted lightbulb, portrays her fragility with great depth. The score of the film is great. The story, though maybe too subdued for some, stays with you long after this earnest movie reaches its resolution.

Baby Driver (2017)

Shiny and cool, but kind of obnoxious

[6/10 · 10 January 2018]

After seeing this movie a week ago and talking to friends and family, I began to truly get a sense of how polarizing this movie is. To start though, I want to note what is remarkable about this movie: the soundtrack of Baby Driver is thrilling and executed with special attention timing. The main character, Baby has a special attachment to his ipod - a plot device that turns what would normally be non-diegetic music (not audible to characters) into diegetic music and thus a way for us to hear to everything Baby is hearing. What this should have provided is a window into the character and a way for us to relate to Baby. However, where this movie falters and what I believe is its critical failure is how unremarkable but still cocky Baby is. We know that we are supposed to care for this guy (evidenced by the contrived heartfelt, yet superficial backstory that the writer threw in), yet I couldn't care about him less. None of the characters are that interesting and the story completely lacks emotional depth. All this serves to turn what could have been an entertaining, fast-paced heist movie into another shiny, stylish blockbuster that thinks it's hot sh*t. Meanwhile, I was left wishing Baby would get hit by a bus.