Jay Leal Blog
All Articles
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All Articles 〰️
Returning to Past Lives
So many threads woven together. Leaving native land, spiritual kinship, love. It’s one of my favorite movies and was my favorite of 2023.
The Sound of Metal Review, You Hurt Yourself You Hurt Me
This movie is a must watch. It’s about shedding yourself of old ways to survive through desperate times.
The Sense of Dread in Killers of the Flower Moon
What a powerful movie. Scorsese is still innovating, and cutting us deep with a mirror on society.
C’mon C’mon Movie Review: Star Children
A movie about childhood, motherhood, and adult problems. There are deep meanings shown in the most human ways.
The Many Saints of Newark and Many Reasons to Like It
My Many Saints Review. It tinkered with time and narration. It gave me classic Sopranos elements and origin story. What’s not to like?
Women Talking Review: Powerful Anti-Violence Plea
I review Sarah Polley’s Woman Talking. It’s a dialogue heavy movie, but I found the conversations thought-provoking and filled with tragedy.
Inside Man Review: Masterful Denzel
I review Spike Lee's, Inside Man. An under appreciated gem and one of my favorite Denzel Washington performances.
After Yang: AI, Family Bonds, and the Profound Tree Grafting Scene
Analyzing After Yang, comparing it to Ex-Machina, and understanding the meaning of the family dance and the grafting scene.
Gladiator Review: Gladiator 2 is Happening, Let's Look Back at the Original
Examining the performances of the lead actors, the characters they play, and how the movie has stood the test of time 23 years after its release.
Beau is Afraid Review: Beau is Relentless
The meaning behind this perplexing film. Discover the dark and disturbing world of Beau is Afraid, a psychological odyssey that will leave you questioning reality.
[Spoilers] The Whale: A Heart Wrenching Movie About Reckoning With What Matters Most
The Whale movie starring Brendan Fraser & directed by Darren Aronofsky is Charlie's journey to reconnect with his daughter while battling an eating disorder.
Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, Entire Cast Devastate with the Dialogue in Women Talking
Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, & Sarah Polley deliver a devastating & meaningful cinematic experience in Women Talking.
Coronado Film Festival Movie Review: Juniper
I attended the Coronado Film Festival in 2022. Here’s my review of the movie, Juniper starring Charlotte Rampling.
So many threads woven together. Leaving native land, spiritual kinship, love. It’s one of my favorite movies and was my favorite of 2023.