HankCoT Reviews

The Midnight Gospel (2020)

An emotional journey coated in a trippy cartoon style, providing a unique and immersive expirience unlike any other.

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

Just the idea alone of creating a trippy animated show around a podcast that seriously discusses death, as well as multiple aspects connecting the topic (such as loss, faith, understanding, acceptance) is fascinating. And the series actually works, not only with its narrative constructed around real recorded conversations, but for elaborating on the giant themes expressed, all packaged in an emotionally charged cartoon that had me bawling by the end.

I'm sad the show was canceled, but at the same time it's kind of crazy that this was able to be made in any capacity. And It's not as if Pendleton Ward has stopped working. Just last year (2023) he gave us a great Fionna and Cake series, which is connected to Adventure Time show, and it's great! So if you are still craving some odd and fantastical adventures after watching Midnight Gospel do not despair, just jump into Ward's other projects.

Fiona Apple: Hot Knife (2013 Music Video)

It's a fantastic display of the warmness that comes with new-found love.

[9/10 · 5 April 2024]

This is just airtight, I love the multiscreen effect, all variating close-ups of Fiona chanting passionately, separating the layered lyrics into distinct sections, in extension accentuating the feeling expressed. The camera is right next to her, watching her genuine smile as she sings, rocking back and forth, sometimes in and out of the screen, making these simple little movements seem big and dynamic. A warm spotlight surrounds her, either in black-and-white or in colour, distinguishing nicely the panels who shift between the two styles, guiding our attention as the song progresses. It's a fantastic display of new-found love, in perfect synergy with audio and video.

This is probably my favourite PTA music clip, with 'Across the Universe' in second place, also by Fiona Apple. That being said, I recommend every fan of his to watch all his musical projects, as this particular rabbit hole is filled with great grooves, all immaculately presented.

Hundreds of Beavers (2022)

Taking all the best elements of old school cartoons, with a hint of video-game logic, and out of it constructing one of the best slapstick comedy flick in the last decade

[9/10 · 2 April 2024]

There are so many great old-school type gags running past the screen at full tilt, built-on or even combined in ways that I never saw coming, encouraging multiple viewings (which I will gladly do with giddy enthusiasm).

This flick is like a combination of the best classic cartoon skits, all mooched together, added with a hint of video-game logic, then stretched out into a full length feature, and somehow nailing it. With barely any downtime, it keeps upping the ante, getting more and more zany, yet always with a focused eye on the narrative. Not to mention, for such a small budget they really got the animated style down, with prefect settings or simple but effective tools, such as goofy costumes and multiple humorous props.

One of the most fun theatre experience I've had in quite a long time, the audience belly laughing the whole was trough.

Something in the Dirt (2022)

A film making and breaking it's own rules

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

This film has fun barely toeing the line of its foundation ; A story that's already nonsensical and could easily crumble if it tried to apply too much logic on itself, yet somehow manages to stack clues upon clues that serve to either get us further into the rabbit hole or peel away at the veneer of its narrative. In essence, it's an enjoyment that comes from pushing the boundaries of metacinema with the use of conspiracy theories, pulling the audience away by revealing its facade, while simultaneously keeping them hooked by caring about its characters. A really interesting approach to story telling that I'll be sure to revisit.

Women Talking (2022)

Giving a voice to something that can never be expressed enough.

[5/10 · 28 March 2024]

The topics explored throughout could bring great energy and emotion from many of the players, yet simultaneously feel forced due to the awkward direction.

Most of the interactions looked stilted, as if the characters were speaking similarly to well written think pieces that were precisely organized, taking away the illusion of an organic thought process, and made the actors seem like they ''were'' character traits rater than real individuals containing these traits. The editing did not help, as it prompted everyone to unnaturally wait for their turn to deliver each line. Also, most of the music would start at the end of every exchange (which is the whole movie) getting old real fast, and not just because it's mostly the same beat looping but for forcing the desired effect of the scenes. Lastly, the film did not look good with its muted tones, which I understand reflects on how these women were taken away everything that brought them colour into their world, but you could have made it black-and-white, accentuate the shadows reflecting the mood, or just have done something else to have an ecstatically pleasant movie.

All that being said, there's lots to appreciate here, as this story goes in depth discussing its heavy subject with focused and sincere intent, and tho it falters in its execution it clearly touched the hearts of many, as well giving a voice to something that can never be expressed enough.

My Year of Dicks (2022)

Hilarious and intentionally cringy (in a good way)

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

The super cheesy narration of our young protagonist secret journal nicely embellishes the numerous animation styles presented ; continuously changing depending on the emotion or the effect any person in the scene has on her, which augments the ''could have been corny dialogue'' with some much-needed support by elevating what it tries to communicate quite successfully. It's also cool to have the 90s portrayed this well, especially since there isn't much cinema venturing into the nostalgia of that era. It's positively intimate, hilarious and intentionally cringy (in a good way). Favourite Oscar short of 2022.

Donks (2023)

Another playful and odd little world by Felix Colgrave.

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

The sounds made by the deep sea dwellers as they build themselves thanks to all the rubbish would quickly start an awkward beat, only to be completely distorted when they are forcefully and repeatedly merged together.

This is another fantastic world to explore thanks to Colgrave's insatiable imagination, filled with 3d items so well rendered that you can almost pick them from the screen. Boings, bangs and other onomatopoeia that make up the music drive this short ; a place where our stuff defines the ever-changing house of cards of interests and personality traits we've stacked on top of each other for ourselves, all making unique tunes that won't last but will change.

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

A jumbled mess of interesting ideas

[3/10 · 28 March 2024]

The ending : play some fun music because we saved the world, or turn it off because we're sad about loosing someone close as well as countless others? How about ; be angry at the god who would do such a stupid and nonsensical thing! If the film is trying to say this much it failed miserably.

It brings up the topic of sexism mostly to have us and our protagonists be even more wary of the four strangers who are all viewed in bad ways (Cult leader, bigot, fool and religious nut), only to then have each of their messed-up rational be legitimized through their sacrifice that conjure super well timed apocalyptic events. Yes, most of these creeps are shown by the end to not actually be sexists, but the whole film is structured around christian iconography (apocalypse brought by four horsemen). All this, is forced on a gay couple who literally are not allowed to stay together and have a child because god-be-mad. So, even if the strangers themselves are not bigots, they still push this deplorable behaviour. And even though this film is clearly pro queer, it ultimately undermines its own message as well as unwillingly legitimizing backward thinking. I understand that the film is *trying* to present a flawed world in which the characters are stuck in, but it does so little to clarify that this deity and it's disciples are morally wrong that You could show this film to any religious extremist (in which a dangerous amount actually believe that queer people are corrupting and destroying the planet), and they would only be pleased by what they see.

I found out that the film is based on a book, and that the ending changed quite a bit. Apparently, the child gets shot by accident thus killing her, it does not count as a sacrifice so the apocalypse begins. And so, the two men decide to give a big F-you to god and wait for the world to end. This makes way more sense, because even though in real life (I believe) most individuals would sacrifice themselves to save their families and the rest of the world, as a story, the complete dismissal of this wicked supreme being is the right answer and closes the narrative in a much more principled manner.

Alrighty, so ...an interesting story in which M. Night really did not know how to approach, tho it is one of his best shot film (nothing that wowed me but still, really nice). Lots of bad dialogue which did nothing to help the actors, tho Dave Bautista for his part mostly makes it work. But yeah this flick is bad.

A Message from Akira Kurosawa: For Beautiful Movies (2000 Video)

Kurosawa's passion for films overflows the whole way through.

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

Segmented by the preeminent parts of what makes a feature, this documentary gives us only but a fragment of how this master works to give us, as he calls them ''beautiful movies''. That being said, this limited pursuit is of no detriment for fans of his (like myself), as every subject approached here gives so much intrigue and wonderment for the artist in question and his craft ; Wether its by showcasing some backstage footage that hints at the process of his filmmaking style, or from the help of interviews in which he regales us with his views on the medium, Kurosawa's passion for the medium overflows the whole way through.

Living (2022)

A decent take on a classic.

[6/10 · 28 March 2024]

The main character, in his introduction is made out to be an enigma, his coldness and thoughtlessness grandiose when it should be the opposite; nothing to glamour at, rather underwhelming, monotonous and all too familiar. This is something the original material implemented quite nicely, as even tho with this rendition we get to peal away at the mental barriers our protagonist made for himself, and is shown to be just like us, the latter understood that its audience would already be aware of this fact. Then, the journey is more about putting ourselves in the shoes of an everyday man and realize that we are all able to take part in something bigger than ourselves. And this is my problem with the film, it does a nice job with the story, but is never able to reach the subtle flourishing development the first version builds for the audience. It passes by more quickly through the man's attempts at living (Entertainment, vicarious enjoyment), which again makes us care for him, but fails to be the mirror in which it is supposed to be.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)

Culture cemented by forceful art

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

The film portrayed nicely the approach Nan Goldin has towards her activism ; through artistic expressions that always heavily connect with her life. She is consistently at the side of marginalized groups, filled with compassion and understanding, cementing their existence with her photography, making them public as they should while calling out those who wish for them to disappear. This made the all too familiar ''exposition of the artist's career'' used in this documentary actually worth telling in this way, as all her work expresses the overarching goal of civil liberties by the accountability of oppressive powers.

Saint Omer (2022)

A good companion piece to Anatomy of a Fall.

[6/10 · 28 March 2024]

This paints a clear picture of how commonly forced social norms and cultural barriers can largely effect people leading to deplorable acts of violence, almost like a curse that cannot be broken.

I loved what this film presented, a well written, acted and precise story that delivers an interesting broken individual filled with misery. I just wish there was a bit more going on overall with its shot composition, which does the job nicely but in no way stands out, and with it's narrative that, as intriguing as it was, (in my opinion) gave everything it had to give with one viewing.

A good companion piece to Anatomy of a Fall.

Klondike (2022)

A dire warning

[8/10 · 28 March 2024]

The film, for long moments will frame its characters in front of large landscapes, the camera mostly fixed, giving the subjects lots of time to work out their conflicts while in the background ominous situations creep in. This gives a strong sense that talking about problems has its limit, and that time is running out. Our protagonist lets her husband decide her faith, when she knows he lacks understanding and control. She hopes he will provide and secure a future for their forming family, when he only sees a false image of what a man is ; to stand with the ones who subjugate. She is stuck in a standstill, unable to accept the imminent danger facing her.

This story illustrates with righteous confidence the importance of swift and crucial action for self preservation, beginning with recognizing those who want to inflict harm, then moving away towards safety. A beautiful tragedy that builds tension perfectly, and strikes its audience with an unquestionable ending.

Rye Lane (2023)

Quirky angstyness

[6/10 · 28 March 2024]

This film is filled with Wacky characters who act out with cartoonish flair, and at times seem like they're about to break the fourth wall, barely containing their composure during some scenes, keeping the whole thing light and fun.

Ultra-wide lenses warp everything on screen and colourful cinematography hyper-stimulates nicely this odd world presented, as well as reflecting on the two leads headspace ; recounting stories that clearly showcase their insecurities and inferiority complex.

I just wish the style (colours, shot composition) was more tightly focused, as it feels way too much all over the place, but at least always motivated. Also, The characters were fun to follow, tho a bit one-note. Overall, an enjoyable flick with a few hiccups that don't deter the narrative too much. Oh, and the film gets extra cred for being the director's first full length feature, not bad at all! Definitely gonna check out their next project.

Sleep Has Her House (2017)

The best film to fall asleep to, in a good way!

[8/10 · 28 March 2024]

Scott Barley's biggest and most ambitious project yet deliverers an entrancing experience that enkindles fascination as much as relaxation.

A film guided by the pacing of nature, letting the climate pass by, slowly revealing a story more akin to music, not by telling a concrete narrative but elaborating on mood and atmosphere ; as mysterious as it is wonderful, a place engulfed in darkness, yet surrounded by calming sounds of waterfalls, winds and leaves.

I am so surprised by just how much a few simple shots of nature can be this skilfully utilized, conveying the beauty and harshness of a forest in a truly unique way.

The Teachers' Lounge (2023)

An anxiety inducing experience.

[8/10 · 28 March 2024]

The camera is always close to the main character, tracking her every movement as she runs around the school trying to put out rumours that are spreading like wildfire. She is someone who actually cares, to such a degree that it becomes her blind spot, pushing herself into corners always trying to find solutions, involuntarily burning herself and others in the process. The music reflects as much, a reoccurring theme that makes you feel the pressure rising, uncomfortable and always there when our protagonist notices something amiss.

With all that, the narrative has so many conflicts that it can seem extravagant, tho it is fulfilling to see the teachers and the kids dispute, especially since the writing and acting makes everyone sound like real people. Their rationales budding heads, trying to solve the issues in their own way; As some don't take the adequate measures. Well, others don't understand. You don't listen. And you lack empathy..

The Taste of Things (2023)

engrossing in the culinary arts with passionate love

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

Most prolific artists work meticulously and with great respect for their craft, no matter how small or arbitrary some chores may seem.

The Taste of Things showcases this mindset in a way that is calm and warm, thus providing its audience with an enjoyment that follows the same pace as the cook(s) working. This serene vibe is partly achieved with its attention to detail on the meals created, whether it be their sounds, or how the camera flows around to show us minute details. And of course,, the time, setting and art form is perfect for a slow film like this one. I just wish the characters would give me more emotionally, as they felt more like vessels for the craft and the themes presented.

Still, I really like what is being told here, not only about the enjoyment and the commitment of creating something, but also the burden of knowing that this is a privilege that will not last.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Power and control jumbled by hot, messy, horny love.

[8/10 · 28 March 2024]

Our two mains, each running away from their roots as to regain control of their lives, using sex and drugs to forget what is close behind as well as providing some sort of edge for their physical strength that ; like many, can come to believe it will compensate for the insecurities lying underneath. A false sense of power develops, an escapism that provides the best excuses to use others and still feel a sense of gratification. But what happens when love stabs them and won't leg go? They're problems flowing out in front of each other, bursting their bubble and forcing them to acknowledge the flaws in their pride.

A retro infused sexual thriller filled with droning beats, neon lighting and with plenty of hardbody shots that provides great vibes throughout the runtime (even tho it felt oddly paced) and elevates the raunchy dynamic between our protagonists.

Querelle (1982)

Shame filled desires trying to break free through violence

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

At one point, Querelle (the protagonist) literally 'shovels coal' to hide the smell of intercourse he just had with another man, and.. Yeah, every scene with every character is like that ; oozing with self loathing and unsubtle with lustful cravings, all presented in this hyper aware style.

A darkly humorous world constructed of phallic symbols, where innuendos dominate every conversation and violence eases sexual repression. Background paintings and evident stage sets make this film look like an uncomfortable dream, heightened by the players' one note performances. Which gives this borderline pornographic story a bizarre and unique flair, but also weights it down too heavily, feeling repetitious with its themes.

Still, this flick is one of a kind, weird, erotic, and unapologetically so.

Problemista (2023)

Karen powers activate !

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

It's no easy task to present a character like Elizabeth, who is this neurotic and annoying yet somehow still likeable. But of course, if someone can take on that challenge it's Tilda Swinton, who has cemented herself as one of the best living actor, with a long list of great and distinctive roles. And it's not to say Problemista is dependent on her, as it showcases a variety of oddball scenarios, all filled with imaginative imagery that accentuate the protagonist point of view as well as a peculiar sense of humour. A style that can feel a bit clunky, but at the same time adds to the charm of this quirky story. A quest for prosperous endeavours, like a knight confronting a dragon hoarding its gold... but the dragon is a bunch of corporate greed, exhausting bureaucracy and Karens.

*SPOILERS*

This story is actually smarter than that, as when confronting the dragon an understanding emerged that you can't just slay it, you have to work with it, change it, call it out and see the individuals behind it.

The Peasants (2023)

beautiful but ponderous

[5/10 · 28 March 2024]

A lot of the shots are framed in a way that compliments nicely the animation style, perfectly looking like moving paintings, tho the editing and pacing made the film's structure lackluster. There's lots of movement around plenty of beautiful sceneries, but all of it just serves the visuals and in no way tends to the narrative, which I found to be really basic, and without any real emotional complexity. Throughout the story there's an increasing pressure choking the life out of the main character, giving weight to her dire situation, except every scene lack subtlety, each with clear goals way too clearly explained to us then restated.

It's a 'burn the witch' type flick that doesn't really go beyond what's on the surface, and with a two-hour runtime its admittedly lush painted style does way too much heavy lifting.

Summer Vacation 1999 (1988)

Like an enchanting melancholic dream enclosing a multi-love, maddening and blinding.

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

A battle for love and acceptance between four students, all trapped in an empty school located in what seems to be the middle of a forest, with nothing else in sight but a lake filled with tragedy, as well as a train station that brings unrest in the form of a ghost. Brightness pierces the screen, like a warm and cozy summer, the same summer as the one our leads desperately want to live in eternally. Calm winds blowing leaves accompanies a soothing score, guiding us with care through a jumbled mess of emotions, which slowly rises up to the surface as they untangle. This gives an illusory feeling to the story, even more so for the artistic choice of casting all girls in the roles of the four boys, which adds even more peculiarity to this futurist world.

Not much else to say, there's some over-explanation, but it never cheapened my enjoyment of the narrative.