FROM “GREEN ROOM” TO “FREE FIRE” – MARKING A YEAR IN MOHAWK MOVIE REVIEWS

This week marked a full year of Mohawk Movie reviews, and oh what a cinematic year it has been. It’s only fitting that the same studio that made the first film I reviewed for KFOG made this week’s film as well: Free Fire from English director Ben Wheatley.
The film takes place in the 1970’s in Boston and is shot essentially in one location. While Free Fireis not the most original of original films, the enjoyment the cast had making it is clearly visible on screen. Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy and Sharlto Copley star, taking a B-movie plot to A-list levels of fun. I sat down with Copley to discuss the film, and from our discussion it was clear that the camaraderie and freedom they felt on set led to some truly enjoyable moments for an audience.
There are multiple comparisons that have been drawn to Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, or even The Hateful Eight. I think it’s unfair that one director gets to corner the so-called market on shootout movies. Where does one draw the line? Does any movie with a plot twist have to immediately be accused of copying M. Night Shyamalan?
It’s films like Free FireGreen RoomGet Out or even Colossal from a few weeks ago that are so unexpected and are the reason I keep coming back to the box office. As a self admitted nerd movie junkie, I know I’m part of the problem of the countless sequels we see clogging up the box office. Those types of films can certainly have their merits, and are often ridiculously enjoyable. However, there’s something untouchable about the experience of seeing a novel story or performance.
I hope over the next year of Mohawk Movie Reviews I get to see more unique work highlighted. Seeing a film like Moonlight win the Best Picture Oscar gives me hope for a brighter, more original future.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get my Infinity Gauntlet refitted for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

This article originally appeared on KFOG.com on April 24, 2017