Film Fight 2023: November

#FF23 Fingernails has an interesting premise (a test that claims to find perfect couple matches) but doesn't really deliver on it.

Riz Ahmed and Jesse Buckley are strong as always but the story doesn't go anywhere, with a flat and predictable conclusion.

Disappointing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 Quiz Lady is a surprisingly solid , easy going comedy about a quiz fanatic out of her depth.

The premise works well, the setups deliver, and both Awkwafina and Sandra Oh are excellent. With a great supporting cast, this works.

Worth seeing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 The Killer sees David Finch take on the hitman genre, with good results.

Fassbender is the titular character, whose bored, clinical monologue we're stuck in - through a botched operation and its consequences. Well-paced but dry, with some nice smaller roles.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 Dream Scenario is delightfully bizarre: a boring man starts to appear in everyone's dreams, making him an overnight celebrity.

Cage is relatively subdued, but let's the petty jealousy and resentment bubble to the surface. It's fun, weird, and takes some turns.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 The Royal Hotel sees two broke American women take a job in the middle of the Australian Outback.

The threat of harm looms over every scene, making for some very uncomfortable moments; and memorable characters. Garner is as great as always.

Very good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 Anatomy Of A Fall is a stunning drama that begins small and personal, and spans into a courtroom.

It plays in the dynamics of a relationship that has suffered tragedy, and the lies people tell themselves to cope. The lead is cold, but is she a killer?

Excellent.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023

#FF23 The Marvels shows that, while Marvel fatigue is very real, they can still do something fun.

The trio of lead characters work well together, bringing levity in certain places, and the weight of consequences elsewhere. The central mechanic allows for solid action.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 2, 2023