843 Contributions by: Renee Cuisia (Page 16)

Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She’s also seen You’ve Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it’s one of the greatest films out there.

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226. Official Competition, 2022

After receiving virtually unlimited funding from a wealthy businessman, Lola (played by the always excellent Penelope Cruz) sets out to mount an ambitious adaptation of a bestselling novel. To make her vision work, she employs renowned actors Ivan Torres (Oscar Martinez) and Felix Rivero (Antonio Banderas), knowing full well that their opposite philosophies in art and life will clash. What follows is a series of preps and rehearsals that play out like social experiments in their twistedness, which all in all speak to the outrageousness of film, art, and life itself.

In this Spanish dark comedy, no one is spared from satire—from the idiosyncratic auteur down to the sell-out actor, all are parodied in equal measure, each of their egos broken down in great and hilarious detail.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Actor: Ana Belén, Antonio Banderas, Daniel Chamorro, Irene Escolar, Isabel García Lorca, José Luis Gómez, Juan Grandinetti, Ken Appledorn, Manolo Solo, María Guinea, Mary Ruiz, Melina Matthews, Mónica Bardem, Nagore Aranburu, Oscar Martinez, Penélope Cruz, Pilar Bergés, Pilar Castro, Sue Flack

Director: Gastón Duprat, Mariano Cohn

Rating: R

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227. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, 2024

	
Mountain Queen isn’t just a movie about a professional mountain climber, although Lhakpa Sherpa is certainly impressive as she trudges through the deathly terrain of Everest (and at 50 years old at that!). It’s also the heartbreaking story of a broken family in repair. Sherpa reveals shocking details about her abusive husband, fellow climber Gheorghe Dijmărescu, and we see how it’s affected her two daughters, one of which is so hurt, she can’t bring herself to speak to her mother. The main thread of the movie is her 10th attempt to scale the tallest peak in the world, but Director Lucy Walker smartly intercuts this with tales of Sherpa’s own life—a laborious obstacle on its own—rightfully framing Sherpa as the strong woman that she is.Genre: Documentary
Actor: Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, Shiny Dijmarescu, Sunny Dijmarescu
Director:  Lucy Walker
Rating: R

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228. Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer, 2024

	
Before the documentary, I knew very little about Dr. Ann Burgess, and as I watched it, I realized it’s not because her contributions to history were so little (just the opposite, they’re incredibly important and far-reaching) but because Burgess doesn’t like to promote herself all that much. “There are too many things to do to be bothered by all that,” she says with impressive urgency at 87. Thankfully, Mastermind director Abigail Fuller distills Burgess’ storied career into three deeply engaging episodes for all to witness and enjoy. Here, you see Burgess standardize criminal profiling and help agents capture serial killers like the notorious Ski-Mask Rapist. You also see other sides to Burgess—the nurse, mother, mentor, professor, and advocate—and you start to feel frustrated on her behalf, because she should get way more credit than what she’s been given thus far.Genre: Crime, Documentary
Actor: Ann Wolbert Burgess
Director: Abigail Fuller

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229. Mars Express, 2023

	
The premise of Mars Express may not be novel, especially when films like Blade Runner have already gracefully explored the philosophical ramifications of the human-tech conflict. But the French animated movie’s richly built world, (digitally) hand-drawn characters, genuinely gripping action, and far-reaching ideas about space make it a refreshing watch. The plot is taut and tight, too, peppered with twists and grounded by character depth. It may look simple at first glance, predictable even, but by the end, you’ll be over the moon by the film’s imagination and ambition.Genre: Action, Animation, Mystery, Science Fiction
Actor: Daniel Njo Lobé, Emmanuel Bonami, Geneviève Doang, Léa Drucker, Marie Bouvet, Marie Chevalot, Marthe Keller, Martial Le Minoux, Mathieu Amalric, Sébastien Chassagne
Director: Jérémie Périn
Rating: NR

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230. Jim Henson Idea Man, 2024

	
It’s hard not to be enchanted by Henson’s furtively creative world, which here is charmingly sectioned into nostalgic archival footage, stop motion art, and clips of Henson’s own experimental films early in his career. Those unfamiliar with Henson might think his story is simply the history of the Muppets and Sesame Street (though even then it would be a full one), but Henson has plenty of other creations too. He’s part of a line of chronically dissatisfied artists who are constantly reinventing and restlessly one-upping themselves, which is why his work evolved into early CGI, as well as The Dark Crystal franchise and films like Labyrinth. This lovingly told documentary tries to match Henson’s heart and creativity, while also showing the darker aspects of his life, such as the effect his nonstop artistry had on his family and health.Genre: Documentary
Actor: Alex Stevens, Alice Cooper, Anthony Daniels, Bernie Brillstein, Bob McGrath, Brian Henson, Caroll Spinney, Chevy Chase, Dave Goelz, David Bowe, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Elton John, Fran Brill, Frank Oz, George Lucas, Harry Belafonte, James Frawley, Jennifer Connelly, Jerry Juhl, Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson, Jimmy Dean, Johnny Carson, Jon Stone, Julie Andrews, Lisa Henson, Liza Minnelli, Loretta Long, Mark Hamill, Michael Eisner, Orson Welles, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Raquel Welch, Richard Hunt, Richard Schaal, Rita Moreno, Roger Moore, Sonia Manzano, Steve Martin, Steve Whitmire, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee
Director: Ron Howard
Rating: PG

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231. Invincible, 2023

	
It sounds bizarre to say that out of all the superhero media out there, it’s a cartoon that seems to have the most realistic storylines. But it’s also true. Thanks to its serial format and animation style, Invincible has more freedom to explore universal feelings like guilt and pressure, but also problems that are specific to this world, such as the moral ramifications of killing for good, for instance, or whether there is such a thing at all. Superheroes also question how human they are and what they deserve. It goes in deep, a bit like The Boys but with less irony and more humanity. Also, it’s just a very refreshing world to enter, watch, and explore. There are overlaps in heroes to be sure, but Invincible gives them their own spin, plus the 2D animation gives it a nostalgic charm.Genre: Action & Adventure, Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Actor: J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Steven Yeun
Rating: TV-MA

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232. Ilo Ilo, 2013

At the height of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, a small Singaporean family scrambles to keep their middle-class status afloat. The parents shave their expenses and work extra-long hours, but their busyness causes them to neglect their misbehaved son. When his misdemeanors prove to be too much, the mother is forced to hire a stay-at-home nanny, and her presence (along with other external pressures) brings about a change in the house. Suddenly, everyone becomes a bit more aware of their limitations and potential, and from this, a shared empathy grows. In other hands, this story might come off as bare and forgettable, but under first-time-feature director Anthony Chen’s helm, Ilo Ilo comes to life in rich detail, thoughtful shots, and captivatingly natural performances. Despite its many heartbreaking scenes, the film rarely dwells in sentiment, and it's this restraint that makes Ilo Ilo all the more gripping to watch.

Genre: Drama, Family

Actor: Angeli Bayani, Chen Tian Wen, Chen Tianwen, Jialer Koh, Jo Kukathas, Koh Jia Ler, Peter Wee, Stephanie Kiong, Tian Wen Chen, Yann Yann Yeo, Yeo Yann Yann

Director: Anthony Chen

Rating: Not Rated, PG-13

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233. Howards End, 2017

	
Is a TV adaptation necessary when we already have a novel and film version of Howards End? Probably not, but this four-parter from the BBC is beautiful and damning nonetheless. As in previous texts, the show follows two families of opposing ideologies—the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes—as they ponder on ideas of class and politics, ultimately becoming the thing they claim to despise. The Wilcoxes, conservatives, are more obviously judgemental, but it’s the liberal Schlegels who are more interesting to watch. They assuage their guilt and impose their supposed goodness by trying to help someone of the lower class, but the results are varied, if not downright tragic. Like most British period dramas, the costumes here are beautifully detailed and the speech wonderfully eloquent. But Howards End, appropriately, is less dramatic and sensual than the usual fare. As other critics have pointed out, this is a show about ideas and people above all, so if that’s your cup of tea, then this should come as an enjoyable, bingeable treat.Genre: Drama
Actor: Alex Lawther, Bessie Carter, Donna Banya, Hannah Traylen, Hayley Atwell, Joseph Quinn, Julia Ormond, Leonie Benesch, Matthew Macfadyen, Miles Jupp, Philippa Coulthard, Rosalind Eleazar, Sagar Arya, Sandra Voe, Tracey Ullman, Yolanda Kettle
Rating: TV-14

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234. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, 2024

	
Grandparents are often depicted as innately loving, especially towards their grandchildren, so it’s a delight to see someone like M’s Amah, who is testy and tenacious, and quite proud to be doing her own thing even in her old age. She runs her house alone and sells congee in her neighborhood, and even when presented with the worst possible news, she refuses pity, only allowing M back in her life after he proves his motives are sincere. M, to his credit, is believably selfish and sensitive as a young school dropout. Together, the two and their crackling push-and-pull chemistry are a blast to watch. It’s tender, but never overly saccharine, and no matter how much you resist you’re sure to shed a few tears. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies may not have the most original plot (I’m sure you’ll be able to guess the ending just by reading the premise alone), but it’s thoroughly engaging, not only because of the two leads, but because of it’s relatable messages about family dynamics (especially Asian family dynamics), money, and legacy. The gentle, unobtrusive cinematography by Boonyanuch Kraithong makes it extra easy on the eyes too. I only wish the movie explored the misogyny of tradition more, instead of merely touching upon it (“Sons get the goods, daughters only get the genes” is such a brilliant line), but I suppose that would need a female writer/director at the helm.Genre: Drama
Actor: Himawari Tajiri, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Putthipong Assaratanakul, Sanya Kunakorn, Sarinrat Thomas, Tontawan Tantivejakul, Usha Seamkhum
Director: Pat Boonnitipat

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235. Housekeeping for Beginners, 2024

	
Only a few people in Dita’s house are related by blood, but you wouldn’t know that by how they move. They’re tight-knit but argumentative, loving at times but spiteful in other instances. In other words, they’re complicated just like any other family. Housekeeping for Beginners makes a compelling case for the validity—and at times necessity—of found families like Dita’s, who all found each other after being shunned by their race and sexuality. As in his previous works, Director Goran Stolevski paints a realistic and relevant portrait here, one tinted with striking pain and poignancy, bound to leave your heart aching long after the credits roll.Genre: Comedy, Drama
Actor: Aleksandra Peševska, Alina Serban, Anamaria Marinca, Bislim Muçaj, Blagoj Veselinov, Irena Ristić, Mia Mustafa, Rozafa Celaj, Samson Selim, Sara Klimoska, Strezo Stamatovski, Vladimir Tintor
Director: Goran Stolevski
Rating: R

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236. Henry Fool, 1998

	
It’s easy to mistake Henry Fool for one of those stylish, aimless movies that only look smart but are, essentially, hollow. But it’s not one of those films. Directed by indie director Hal Hartley, Henry Fool is a funny and poignant look into American blue-collar life. The deadpan look, blocky colors, and unrealistic but philosophical dialogue add to the charm. Still, the film’s surprising capacity for hope and humanity makes it a timeless and highly watchable film. This is peak American independent cinema, and it’s one that deserves more credit.Genre: Comedy, Drama
Actor: Camille Paglia, Christy Carlson Romano, Chuck Montgomery, Dave Simonds, Don Creech, Fay Ann Lee, Gene Ruffini, James Saito, James Urbaniak, Kevin Corrigan, Liam Aiken, Maria Porter, Marissa Chibas, Miho Nikaido, Nicholas Hope, Parker Posey, Paul Boocock, Paul Greco, Paul Lazar, Rachel Miner, Thomas Jay Ryan, Valorie Hubbard, Veanne Cox, Vivian Bang
Director: Hal Hartley
Rating: R

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237. Heartstopper, 2022

Life should be difficult for Charlie Spring, an openly gay student in an all-boys high school. And it is, to be sure—he's mocked, ridiculed, and at times literally shoved to the sidelines. But Hearstopper doesn't just dwell on misery; rather, it shows us the many colors, the multifaceted wonders, of Charlie's life. His friends, family, and newfound crush, Nick, help keep him afloat in the murky waters of teenhood.

Like the show itself, Charlie and Nick are insistently sweet and charming, which can feel bold in a world that is driven by so much cynicism and hate. It's this glowing sensitivity, coupled with the show's inclusive characters and levelheaded insight, that make Hearstopper a heartwarmingly good watch.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Kit Connor, William Gao, Yasmin Finney

Rating: TV-14

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238. Gaslit, 2022

As one of the biggest political scandals in recent memory, Watergate has had its fair share of film and TV adaptations. But while plenty fixed their eyes on President Richard Nixon and his men, only a handful focused on the surrounding but equally vital participants. Gaslit seems like an attempt to fix that—it’s a political thriller that looks at the affair’s forgotten players and examines how their seemingly trivial actions formed ripples and grew into the massive wave that brought a presidency to an end.

One such player, the main one in this limited series, is Martha Mitchell, played to jumpy perfection by Julia Roberts. Previously dismissed as a hysterical gossip, here Martha is finally given her due as a political whistleblower. Sean Penn, Shea Whigman, and Betty Gilpin make up an all-star cast, but along with Roberts, it’s Dan Stevens who really steals the show. He’s a chameleon as junior counsel John Dean, deeply immersed in the character’s confused but well-meaning intentions.

Another thing that sets Gaslit apart from the others is its self-aware humor. It has a bumbling quality to it—where others replay the infamous break-in with solemnity, Gaslit pokes fun at its absurdity. It's a series that knows when to be serious and when to dole out the jokes, making it a finely balanced and refreshing political drama.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Betty Gilpin, Dan Stevens, Darby Camp, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Shea Whigham

Rating: TV-MA

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239. Fallout, 2024

	
Upon first watch, it’s easy to relegate Fallout to the heap of video game adaptations that are all show and no substance. There’s the Twisted Metal adaptation that came out with zero fanfare earlier this year, and the Halo series that continues to divide fans and critics alike. Thankfully, Fallout escapes that curse: it’s genuinely good, not because it strains itself to remain faithful to the source material, nor because it strays too far, but because it builds on the existing world with plenty of imagination and original characters. These characters are complex, too, with conflicting morals that are challenged in interesting ways. Lucy is a principled do-gooder, but whether that’s because of her nature or privileged circumstance is continually questioned in the Wasteland. Maximus is a brave warrior you want so badly to root for, but his end-justifies-the-means approach complicates that urge. But probably the best thing about Fallout is its incisive commentary on the evils of capitalism. “The future is management” and “We are all products” are genuinely scary themes that could lead to the end of our world too.Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Actor: Aaron Moten, Ella Purnell, Kyle MacLachlan, Moises Arias, Walton Goggins, Xelia Mendes-Jones
Rating: TV-MA

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240. Emily, 2022

Of the three Brontë sisters—all of whom are accomplished writers in their own right—it’s Emily who remains the most enigmatic to this day. She died early and left in her wake just one work: her first and only novel, Wuthering Heights. The book shook England back then; it was rugged and sexual and violent, and the film honors that by filling the gaps in our knowledge of Brontë’s life with the excitement of her work. Emily, the film, may be historically inaccurate, but it is wildly enjoyable, even if it is pure fantasy. The cinematography is sensual and the sound production screeching; the vibe is equal parts erotic and eerie as Emily loses herself in the mysticism of the moors. It seems apt that a film about Emily leans more toward arthouse than commercial, but it’s also impressive that director Frances O'Connor is able to achieve all this while maintaining a universally romantic appeal about it.

Genre: Drama, History, Romance

Actor: Adrian Dunbar, Alexandra Dowling, Amelia Gething, Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead, Gemma Jones, Gerald Lepkowski, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Paul Warriner, Philip Desmeules, Robert Pickavance, Sacha Parkinson, Veronica Roberts

Director: Frances O'Connor

Rating: R

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