A24 A-to-Z: #26 "Mississippi Grind" (2015)

Scene from Mississippi Grind

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Review: "Darkest Hour" is a Showcase for Gary Oldman's Acting, Not Much Else

Gary Oldman

In times of struggle, a leader is the most important thing to have. But what makes a good leader? Is it someone who can provide easy answers, or is it someone who takes the tough decisions that could lead to permanent fixes? In director Joe Wright's Darkest Hour, he explores this subject in relation to England in the midst of World War II during a time when the foe was among the most notorious dictators in history and the threat of bombs were constantly over their heads. It's a taught drama, but at the center is a compelling performance by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, the aging statesman who comes to shape the war's outcome in one definitive decision. Ironically, it's his first and one that will likely make or break his role as Prime Minister. It's a gripping drama, and one that finds that the best answers aren't always the easiest. 

A24 A-to-Z: #22. "Slow West" (2015)

Scene from Slow West

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

The Runner-Ups: Derek Cianfrance in "The Place Beyond the Pines" (2013)

Scene from The Place Beyond the Pines

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

Review: "Lost River" Has a Lot of Scrappy Charm in its Unevenness

There is a legacy to films that were booed at the Cannes Film Festival. Titles like Taxi Driver, The Tree of Life and Inglourious Basterds have all faced the harshest of criticism from the most prestigious of festivals. There is an odd disconnect that comes with the territory that almost builds a film's legacy before it ever reaches the public's consciousness. The most recent entry on this list is director Ryan Gosling's Lost River, which bills itself as a twisted fairy tale. Much like the fellow booed films, it is a distinguished work and one that takes a specific mindset to enjoy. However, it may not nearly be as successful as any of them, despite occasionally showing signs of something far more brilliant than its notorious reputation.