Jonathan Christian

In the case of a film conceived by a clearly talented artist, one would hope that Sandoval’s work would mirror her potential, but “Lingua Franca,” a film preoccupied with formulaic ideas and distracted by speaking points, falls short of its goals.

All These Small Moments succeeds in simplicity.

Regrettably, the documentary is too oblique for the casual viewer, too rudimentary for the film savvy, and unfortunately proves that style cannot supplant substance for a project with too little to say.

In an era marked by omnipresent terror and universal doom, 7500 sparks fear and soothes anxiety in the same breath. Although the film utilizes violence as its foundation, 7500 promotes the idea that heroes exist everywhere, proving that, even amid turbulent opposition, survival, and endurance are sometimes the bravest acts people can ever accomplish.

The film is not meaningless, or even trifling, but, Stockholm never rises above mediocre, and that is what hurts the most.

There is some fun to be had with Bird Box. Despite its sporadic eye-roll moments, the film is charming. It’s the epitome of a rainy day movie – a flick that you can watch wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of cocoa when it’s too dreary to leave the house.

If Waddington’s fairy tale harbored any substance to counterbalance its external beauty, it might have established itself as a pleasingly subversive piece of pop art. Yet, despite its commendable goals, Paradise Hills will likely be lost to time.

You might not feel the need to attend church this Sunday after the credits roll, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself praying for your time back.

It is an old-fashioned case of vision overstepping budget constraints and unchecked creativity exceeding much-needed limitations.

In a parallel universe, perhaps Naked Singularity might have delivered on its bold aspirations, but in the world in which it exists, that is, sadly, not the case.