The Brown Note Movie Review

Dave Chappelle Sticks & Stones (2019)

The most recent of five uniformly good Netflix specials from the stand up legend is arguably the most focused and consistent.

Cold Pursuit (2019)

I'd rate this hugely unusual, winter-blown black comedic entry into the Liam Neeson multiverse even higher now. Its icy Colorado landscape is hugely appealing, its dark humor closer to something like Fargo and Tom Bateman is one of the greatest gonzo B-movie villains ever.

Bad Times at the El Royal (2018)

Superb work from writer director Drew Goddard, who takes throws the  usual post-Tarrantino school book out the window and instead allows long, slow, patient character development to occupy the front half of the film, ably abetted by an excellent cast.

Widows (2018)

If there is a flaw in Steve McQueen's UK-tv female bank heist remake, it's too much of a good thing. All of the micro-universes portrayed in this film are worthy of a film of their own and all contain outstanding acting.

Vice (2018)

Director Adam McKay continues to score after his move away from comedy. After the superb The Big Short, this undervalued look at a broken American political system that is even worse today. Christian Bale was robbed of an Oscar, again.

Upgrade (2018)

Australia continues to produce these incredibly impressive, low-budget sci-fi films. This a perfect blend of body-horror, violent action and cerebral ideas.

The Equalizer 2 (20180)

Both films have wasted the TV Show's iconic premise and the perfect star to do it justice.

Skyscraper (2018)

As I've said, being amiable goes a long way in this kind of film and the central pair of The Rock and (a welcome return for) Neve Campbell are certainly that.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

One of the most mysterious films of the decade. After the original boasted one of the greatest across the board arrays of talent assembled in a film the last decade, a drop off was to be expected - who knew it would be in the writing. Taylor Sheridan was on the imperious run of Sicario, Hell or High Water and Wind River, yet this films has the most baffling narrative choices in recent memory.

Fruitviale Station (2018)

The superb debut from director Ryan Coogler nails everything it needs to without overdoing anything.