Review: Drive (2011) (One Of The Best Films of the 21st Century?)

“I drive”

Last week, BBC Culture released a list of the Top 100 Films of the 21^st Century, as voted for by movie critics (click here for the list). It may be a bit premature, as we are only fifteen years into the 21^st Century. ‘Mulholland Drive’ topped the list, which included critic friendly films such as ‘Tree of Life,’ ‘The Assassin,’ ‘The Diving Bell and The Butterfly,’ etc. I was surprised to see ‘The Dark Knight’ on there, as it is superhero movie, after all!

Review: The Neon Demon (2016) (Style Over Substance?)

“Am I staring?”

‘The Neon Demon’ is unlike any other film you will see this year. Of course, you could say that about any film by Nicolas Winding Refn, such as his last film, ‘Only God Forgives’ (click here for my review of it!). It’s true that his films are (mostly) a triumph of style over substance, but his style is something to behold. From the moment ‘The Neon Demon’ began to the end, I was enraptured by the events that unfolded on the screen. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I’ve been told that Refn’s films are to be experienced, not analysed. ‘The Neon Demon’ is an experience to lose yourself in. There are failings here and there, but overall I’d say it is Refn’s greatest film yet, one that I’ve struggled to get out of my head since I watched it a few days ago.

Review: Only God Forgives (2013) (An Unforgivable Bore?)

“Time to meet the Devil”

Anyone who watched ‘Drive,’ the first collaboration between Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling, would have been eager to watch their second collaboration, ‘Only God Forgives.’ ‘Drive’ was perhaps Refn’s masterpiece, a brilliant mesh of genres with a delectable soundtrack. I, too, was eager to see ‘Only God Forgives,’ but had to wait until its DVD release to watch it. Apparently no cinemas in my vicinity want to show Refn films! I’m having the same difficulty trying to find a showing for ‘The Neon Demon.’ So, to prepare for the latter, Refn’s latest film, I re-watched ‘Only God Forgives.’ I admit I fell asleep during my first viewing. If you’re expecting ‘Drive: The Sequel,’ then you’ll be sorely disappointed.