Author: Anika Guttormson

Anika Guttormson is a film student studying at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

‘The Great Hack’ Examines Cambridge Analytica Scandal

The Great Hack directors Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim uncover the disturbing truth of cyberspace, focusing primarily on the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal that affected the 2016 presidential bid. (BKP: 4/5) Review by Vice President and Managing Editor Brigid K. Presecky Social media: a phrase that, a decade ago, was not used in our… Continue reading ‘The Great Hack’ Examines Cambridge Analytica Scandal

‘Sword of Trust’ Carried by Fantastic Improv Actors

Synopsis: Sword of Trust opens with Cynthia (Jillian Bell) and Mary (Michaela Watkins) returning to the countryside to sift through the remnants of Cynthia’s late grandfather’s belongings. In town Mel (Marc Maron) and Nathaniel (Jon Bass) run a small pawn shop. The two parties meet when Cynthia and Mary try to pawn a left behind… Continue reading ‘Sword of Trust’ Carried by Fantastic Improv Actors

SWORD OF TRUST (2019): Review by FF2 Media

From IMDb: Cynthia and Mary show up to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather, but the only item she receives is an antique sword that was believed by her grandfather to be proof that the South won the Civil War. Sword of Trust opens 7/12. FF2 review coming soon!

OPHELIA

Synopsis: Director Claire McCarthy has breathed new life into the story of Hamlet with her latest film following Hamlet’s lover, the character of Ophelia. This adaptation of Lisa Klein’s novel, which retold the original William Shakespeare classic Hamlet in young adult form, features stars Daisy Ridley and Naomi Watts playing outstanding and commanding women as… Continue reading OPHELIA

GHOST FLEET (2018): Review by FF2 Media

Synopsis: Ghost Fleet, directed by Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron, follows a rescue operation across Southeast Asia performed by Patima Tungpuchayakul, co-founder of LPN (Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation), and her crew. Their mission is to find and bring home those that have escaped the modern-day slavery that often goes undetected on Thai fishing vessels,… Continue reading GHOST FLEET (2018): Review by FF2 Media

‘Back to the Fatherland’ a muddled portrayal of Israeli expatriates

Documentary filmmakers Gil Levanon and Kat Rohrer explore the current state of Israel and its connection to the outside world in their film Back to the Fatherland. Their honest efforts fall short as the story gets muddled within a poorly constructed structure and moments of questionable politics. (AG: 1/5 stars). Review by FF2 Intern Anika… Continue reading ‘Back to the Fatherland’ a muddled portrayal of Israeli expatriates

‘Ghost Fleet’ Documentary A Chilling Look Into The Lives Of Thailand’s Trafficked Fisherman

Synopsis: Ghost Fleet, directed by Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron, follows a rescue operation across Southeast Asia performed by Patima Tungpuchayakul, co-founder of LPN (Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation), and her crew. Their mission is to find and bring home those that have escaped the modern-day slavery that often goes undetected on Thai fishing vessels,… Continue reading ‘Ghost Fleet’ Documentary A Chilling Look Into The Lives Of Thailand’s Trafficked Fisherman

GHOST FLEET (2018): Review by FF2 Media

From IMDb: A small group of activists risk their lives on remote Indonesian islands to find justice and freedom for the enslaved fishermen who feed the world’s insatiable appetite for seafood.Ghost Fleet opens 6/7. FF2 review coming soon!

‘Woodstock: Three Days That Defined A Generation’ a nostalgic reminder of a poorly run festival

Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation gives us a look into the ups and down of the historic Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York. It is a magical and nostalgic look into the 1969 festival that set the precedent for what all modern festivals have become. (AEG 3.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson… Continue reading ‘Woodstock: Three Days That Defined A Generation’ a nostalgic reminder of a poorly run festival

‘The Souvenir’ a Murky Look into Complicated Relationship

The Souvenir, directed by Joanna Hogg, is a period piece set in 1980s London that follows the life of budding film student Julie as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with an older man. (AEG: 2.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson Joanna Hogg attempts a great feat in her latest film, The Souvenir: she allows… Continue reading ‘The Souvenir’ a Murky Look into Complicated Relationship

‘Charlie Says’ a sympathetic study of Manson family cult victims

Synopsis: Mary Harron, director of American Psycho and I Shot Andy Warhol, has just released her newest true crime film Charlie Says (2019). Headlining stars such as Matt Smith, this film asks its viewer to recontextualize the myth of the Manson family cult to become more understanding of the women who were trapped in his… Continue reading ‘Charlie Says’ a sympathetic study of Manson family cult victims

LONG SHOT (2019)

Long Shot is a political romantic comedy following journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) as he is appointed to the role of speech writer for secretary of state Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) as she begins her presidential campaign. (AEG: 3/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson Long Shot, directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Dan… Continue reading LONG SHOT (2019)

LONG SHOT

From IMDb: When Fred Flarsky reunites with his first crush, one of the most influential women in the world, Charlotte Field, he charms her. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter and sparks fly. Long Shot opens 5/3. FF2 review coming soon!

‘Reinventing Rosalee’ Documentary Is A Heartfelt Portrayal of Rebuilding One’s Life After WWll

Budding director Dr. Lillian Glass reveals a moving portrait of her mother’s life in the new documentary Reinventing Rosalee. The story follows Rosalee through various stages of her life, from her escape from WWII Germany to her time spent in Soviet prisoner-of-war camps to rebuilding her life in the United States. (AG: 3.5/5) Review by… Continue reading ‘Reinventing Rosalee’ Documentary Is A Heartfelt Portrayal of Rebuilding One’s Life After WWll

‘Roll Red Roll’ Delivers Honest Look Into The Toxic Masculinity That Defines One Small Town

Director Nancy Schwartzman delivers a hard-hitting portrait of a small Ohio town that is forced to reconcile with a culture that keeps women from coming forward about assault and the technology that helped a young woman find justice. (AG: 4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson [Content warning for mentions of sexual assault] Budding director… Continue reading ‘Roll Red Roll’ Delivers Honest Look Into The Toxic Masculinity That Defines One Small Town

‘The Mustang’ Exhibits Moving Portrait of a Changed Inmate

The Mustang frontlines American inmate Roman Coleman as he struggles to overcome his temper so he can remain eligible for the outdoors rehabilitation program at his prison. Here he must put aside his own demons and learn what it means to be patient in order to tame an unbreakable stallion. (AG: 3.5/5 stars) Review by… Continue reading ‘The Mustang’ Exhibits Moving Portrait of a Changed Inmate

‘The Competition’ Exposes Troubling Inner Workings of France’s Elite Film Institute

The Competition (2016) follows the application process of France’s premier film institute La Fémis. Claire Simon’s observational style delivers moments of insight and honesty that are enough to keep any viewer thoroughly engaged. Even so, there are times when this documentary film feels, perhaps unintentionally, directionless and obscured. (AG: 3.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika… Continue reading ‘The Competition’ Exposes Troubling Inner Workings of France’s Elite Film Institute

‘Berlin, I Love You’ Paints a Spectacularly Horrid Picture of Germany’s Capital

Berlin, I Love You is a messy portrait of the capital of Germany that knits together ten short stories told from the perspective of ten different directors. (AG: 1/5 stars) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson Berlin, I Love You undertakes a difficult challenge in its compilation of ten different short stories but ultimately fails… Continue reading ‘Berlin, I Love You’ Paints a Spectacularly Horrid Picture of Germany’s Capital

‘Daughter of Mine’ delivers moving look into the trials of motherhood

A withdrawn ten year old named Vittoria is confronted with the reality of her past when her biological mother attempts to come back into her life. (AG: 3/5 stars)    Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson Daughter of Mine (2018) is an Italian film by director Laura Bispuri, and co-written by Francesca Manieri and Laura… Continue reading ‘Daughter of Mine’ delivers moving look into the trials of motherhood

‘Maniakarnika’ an epic woman warrior biopic

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) follows the story of Rani Lakshmibai, a leader and warrior who fought against the British occupation of India in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. (4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) was co-directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut’s directorial debut takes… Continue reading ‘Maniakarnika’ an epic woman warrior biopic

Documentary ‘Bathtubs Over Broadway’ Provides Touching Insight Into Industrial Theater

Documentary Bathtubs over Broadway follows the Late Night With David Letterman writer Steve Young as his unique interest in old records takes him on an adventure through the behind the scenes art of corporate America. (4.5/5)   Review by FF2 Intern Anika Guttormson   Dava Whisenant makes her directorial debut in documentary Bathtubs Over Broadway… Continue reading Documentary ‘Bathtubs Over Broadway’ Provides Touching Insight Into Industrial Theater