Film Fight 2022: December

#FF22 Violent Night tries to make a festive John Wick, and doesn't quite manage.

A fun premise but, despite some enjoyable moments, the action doesn't really work: way too many cuts, and under-lit scenes for it to be slick. Harbour is solid enough.

Okay but largely forgettable

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 4, 2022

#FF22 The Stranger is a slow, unnerving film that slowly lets you in on the horrendous case hidden behind the immediate narrative.

Both Harris and Edgerton are good, as the creepy con and undercover cop. A very slow burn, as we start to understand the scope.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 4, 2022

#FF22 She Said is about the investigative journalists who break the Weinstein story.

It's very straightforward, and fast-paced; constantly moving to the next lead. It focuses, rightly, on the women impacted, including the journalists. Good central performances.

Worth seeing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 11, 2022

#FF22 The Infernal Machine is pretty dull and slow.

Pierce is fine as the lead, but he's not given a lot to go on. The twists are either very signposted or absolutely baffling, including the cut-rate Stephen King ending.

Skip.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 30, 2022

#FF22 Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is fun, if lightweight, entertainment.

The entire cast is great, especially Monae and Craig; mostly playing unlikeable, vain people. The structure works well, with some neat twists hidden in plain sight.

Enjoyable.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) December 30, 2022

#FF22 Corsage is a slow but very watchable look at rejecting what's expected of you, while still needing others.

Vicki Krieps is excellent as the lead (an Austrian Empress). The whole thing looks great, with the interesting choice of non-period elements coming through.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 7, 2023

#FF22 It's A Wonderful Binge is genuinely terrible.

Where the first one was stupid but fun, this is just an incoherent mess; none of the main threads really work or come together. Few if any funny moments. Kaitlin Olson is better than this.

Skip.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 7, 2023

#FF22 White Noise is turgidly slow, and lacks .

It tries an affect somewhere between the Coens and Wes Anderson, failing entirely. The dialogue is read in the same flat way by every character. The few good moments don't save it.

Surprisingly bad, given the cast and director.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 7, 2023

#FF22 Decision To Leave is another masterpiece by Park Chan-wook.

The story and imagery constantly brings us back to the themes (failing love, new love, betrayal etc), showing us everything from fresh perspectives.

Melancholy, but stunningly executed. Will stay with you.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 7, 2023