Category: Legacy

My reaction to this film is somewhat muted in part, I admit, because the title, poster, and opening few minutes suggest something far trippier and more ambitious than what this really is

I’m not sure that The Circle ever had any bite. But it certainly doesn’t in 2022. Pretty much every major headline has undercut the film’s satire as not a world-gone-crazy fantasy, but everyday life.

The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons aren’t exactly peak popcorn cinema, but they each offer a diverting brand of cheeseball religious conspiracy faux-Sherlock stories.

Aaron Sorkin has always played fast-and-loose with truth in the name of good drama. Typically, this is a strength of his: The Social Network and Steve Jobs are both improved by ignoring fidelity in favor of modern tech-mythology.

I am of the opinion that there’s a pretty high floor for a competently crafted conspiracy thriller. The genre naturally captures the imagination and builds tension and sets up big twists.

There is something poignant about the central image of The Great Buck Howard: a washed up celebrity who finds the hidden money every night, as if by magic.

Perhaps take my opinion with a grain of salt, as I have seen less than half of the Coens’ filmography and never seen the acclaimed 1955 original, but I found more to like than dislike in The Ladykillers.