Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

Film Review: The Cloverfield Paradox

Netflix, in an unprecedented move, dropped an entire feature-length film onto unsuspecting audiences right after the Super Bowl last night. The third film in the Cloverfield franchise developed by J.J. Abrams, The Cloverfield Paradox is a new sci-fi film that attempts to tackle parallel universes, space adventure, and giant monsters...and fails miserably. Uninspired, lazy, and mostly just nonsensical, The Cloverfield Paradox is a waste of a perfectly executed marketing stunt. Mild spoilers ahead...

Read More
Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

Film Review: Brawl in Cell Block 99

Don't let its grindhouse and exploitation trappings fool you, Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a fantastic film that puts Vince Vaughn to great use in a way you'd least expect: as a take-no-prisoners asskicker. A film that depicts a slow unraveling of a man's life that suddenly explodes into bone-crunching madness and gruesome violence in its third act, Brawl in Cell Block 99 will change the way you look at Vince Vaughn forever. Minor spoilers ahead...

Read More
Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

The Top 5 Greatest Tracking Shots (Long Takes) of All Time

The tracking shot. The long take. Whatever you decide to call it, no other cinematic device tests the prowess of a film director like a long scene uninterrupted by any cuts. Directors love the tracking shot because a beautiful long take proves more than anything that they know what they're doing: dialogue must be timed perfectly, camera operators must be on point, action choreography must hit their marks, and no mistakes can be made. The longer the shot, the harder it is to film. So, in my humble opinion, here are the five greatest tracking shots of all time...

Read More
Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

Film Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second installment of the modern trilogy of films that started with The Force Awakens. The Last Jedi is an uneven film that has lower lows than its predecessor, but also higher highs. The film is saddled with dull subplots and wheel-spinning, but a rollicking and completely unpredictable third act revives an otherwise limp entry in the Star Wards canon. Minor spoilers ahead...

Read More
Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

Film Review: Justice League

Justice League avoids DOA status like Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, but Wonder Woman it is not. An attempt is made to inject much needed levity and fun to the franchise; however, a rotten foundation of previous stinkers, a cookie-cutter plot, and the worst comic book film villain in recent memory sabotage the film. Mild spoilers ahead...

Read More
Film Jeffrey Zhang Film Jeffrey Zhang

Film Review: Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 is not for everyone, but the film is a remarkable slow burn that not only improves upon, but elevates, the original. Deliberate in its pacing and world-building, the follow-up to Ridley Scott's dystopian vision of Los Angeles uses breathtaking cinematography, impeccable production and costume design, and interesting character moments to make our second visit even more revelatory than the first. Mild spoilers ahead...

Read More