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David Gonzalez
Tomatometer-approved critic
David Gonzalez is the founder and chief film critic of The Cinematic Reel (formally Reel Talk Inc.) and host of the Reel Chronicles and Chop Talk podcasts. As a Cuban American independent film critic, David writes fair and diverse criticism covering movies of all genres and spotlighting minority voices through The Cinematic Reel. David has covered and reviewed films at Tribeca, TIFF, NYFF, Sundance, SXSW, and several other film festivals. He is a member of the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA), New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) and Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA).
Movies reviews only
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Saltburn (2023) |
Lavish, intoxicating, and audaciously provocative, Saltburn is a fearless work from Fennell. A wicked character study that delivers an uncompromising look at social class, eroticism, and youth. It’s an amusement park of sex, lies and seduction. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Nov 12, 2023
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Poor Things (2023) |
Poor Things is a whimsical and inventive creation that stands as Yorgos Lanthimos' best film yet. It is an ambitious tale of sex, bolts, second chances, and liberation led by a tour de force Oscar-worthy Emma Stone performance. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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The Zone of Interest (2023) |
It is a haunting examination of evil that, while often quiet, its messaging and themes remain loud and poignant as Glazer challenges cinephiles to paint the picture individually. It is a sickening reminder of the complicity in which evil can run rampant. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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The Taste of Things (2023) |
Tran Anh Hung's The Taste Of Things is a tender love letter to the power of exquisite cuisine, love, and the careful intimacy it takes to succeed in both. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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All of Us Strangers (2023) |
All Of Us Strangers reflects on one's past while examining an individual's inability to move forward from loss and trauma. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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Anatomy of a Fall (2023) |
Anatomy of a Fall subverts the traditional courtroom drama trope, creating a tense, dense deconstruction of the home and marriage. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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Hit Man (2023) |
It's a stylishly sexy comedy that stands as Linklater's best film since Boyhood. Hit Man captures Linklater's finesse in implementing laugh out loud moments while incorporating unmitigated tension. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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Priscilla (2023) |
Sofia Coppola's Priscilla lands with grace. An intimate portrait that captures a young woman's dream-like wonder crashing into life's realities. Coppola's vision is subtle and delicate but emotionally satisfying. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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Maestro (2023) |
Bradley Cooper's Maestro is a harmonious, majestic, and tender symphony that beautifully captures an icon's legacy and the romance that enraptured his life. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Oct 11, 2023
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Blue Beetle (2023) |
Ángel Manuel Soto’s Blue Beetle is the cinematic VICKS Bibaporrú for the DCU! Oozing Latin pride and authenticity, Blue Beetle is an inspiring and heartfelt journey that embraces its Latin American roots while forgoing the universe-building entanglements. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Aug 16, 2023
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Oppenheimer (2023) |
Perfectly capturing the spirit of JFK and The Social Network, Oppenheimer cements its place as the best film of 2023 and one of the greatest biopics ever. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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Barbie (2023) |
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a dream house of cheers and tears. A whimsical and emotional journey of self-discovery and growth. No longer can we say she’s everything. He’s just Ken. They are everything. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jul 18, 2023
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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One (2023) |
Dead Reckoning is a mission that demands acceptance. A film that self-destructs into a dazzling action spectacle that not only shows off Christoper McQuarrie’s impeccable direction but a screenplay that does not shy away from its timely examination of AI. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jul 05, 2023
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Maggie Moore(s) (2023) |
Maggie Moore(s) is a film with an identity crisis. Is it a mystery? Is it a romantic comedy? No one truly knows, as the film left me wondering if I was supposed to laugh because if so, I must've missed the memo. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (2023) |
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed embraces all aspects of Hudson’s life and, in turn, offers a lens of appreciation for a man whose public perception never wavered and continues to shine nearly 40 years after his death. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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Chasing Chasing Amy (2023) |
Chasing Chasing Amy captures the importance of Chasing Amy and its ongoing discourse on the nature of the film’s subject matter on the cinephile community. It’s a film that remains imperfect but important as an essential conversation starter. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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Cold Copy (2023) |
Debut writer/director Roxine Helberg’s screenplay examines the moral ambiguity of succeeding within the field. It’s a confident and stunning debut that celebrates the area and condemns its selfishness. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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Bucky F*cking Dent (2023) |
Bucky F*cking Dent is one of Tribeca 2023’s finest offerings. It’s a film that, like Bucky Dent, will come out of nowhere and hit a home run of tears and cheers in one of the year’s most enjoyable entries.
- The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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The Good Half (2023) |
It was hard not to be excited for Schwartzman’s next film, The Good Half. With that expectation came a film that went toe-to-toe with an incredibly moving tale of grief, mourning, and guilt over the inability to say goodbye. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) |
Like every great band, great franchises deserve a “greatest hits” compilation, and James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny covers the memorable hits of Indy’s past while molding a path for a fitting finale. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 22, 2023
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The Flash (2023) |
What if Back to the Future Part II met the DC Universe? Director Andy Muschietti’s The Flash answers that question with a nostalgic journey filled with stunning action, emotional stakes, heart, humor, and universe-bending time travel. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jun 06, 2023
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) |
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a marvelous & unforgettable cinematic triumph.From its spellbinding & breathtaking animation to all those spiders. Spider-verse exudes all the makings of another animated masterclass of storytelling & world-building. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted May 31, 2023
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Fast X (2023) |
Fast X will not bring new fans into the fold.However, Fast X does its best to get faith back to those who felt the tires were coming off this car. If you’ve suspended your disbelief for 20 years,prepare for even more nonsensical summer blockbuster action. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted May 17, 2023
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) |
Its epic performances, scope, & soundtrack cement this gem as one of the MCU's best. When I think of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and the MCU, I think of Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Apr 28, 2023
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Sanctuary (2022) |
Rich with dominating performances by Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley, the film examines power within gender, class, humanity, and relationship dynamics in a delicious fashion. It's a one-night stand all cinephiles should desire. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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Paint (2023) |
Paint takes a blank canvas and leaves it as it began – blank. A bland, boring, nonexistent satire that would lead audiences to be more entertained by watching paint dry than sitting through 96 minutes of this film. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Apr 08, 2023
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) |
The Super Mario Bros. Movie warps you back into childhood with nostalgia and dino eggs. Impeccably animated with a score that’s an utter delight, the film captures the charm and appeal the game has evoked for decades.
- The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Apr 08, 2023
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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
John Wick: Chapter 4 is an all-timer, cinephiles! It’s a 3-hour action spectacle that jumps into the pantheon of action movie classics. Its pacing is frenetic and action pieces are jaw-dropping, and it’s rich with stakes, heart, and consequences. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Mar 23, 2023
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Tetris (2023) |
All the blocks fall right into place with Tetris. The unbelievably true tale of corruption, political entanglement, and deceit that led to one of the most popular video games ever. It's a winning high score for the video game genre. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Mar 23, 2023
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Air (2023) |
Like Michael Jordan, Air defies gravity and expectations in a film rich with hope, affection, inspiration, and a jumpman — it's an impeccable and memorable way to iconize the greatest sneaker and athlete ever. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Mar 23, 2023
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Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) |
The familial bond remains stronger than ever in a movie that’s not breaking the mold but follows the trajectory of its predecessor as a charming and delightful cinematic escape. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Mar 18, 2023
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Scream VI (2023) |
Scream VI is how you do a slasher. Pay respect to what came before you while creating a new and original horrific journey for cinephiles. There's no denying it; this one's an absolute scream. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Mar 08, 2023
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Creed III (2023) |
Can this legacy sequel stand toe to toe with Balboa once Sylvester Stallone stepped away from the series? That question was answered with a first-round KO in Creed III – a film rich with unique and original fight sequences that are sure to spellbind fans. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Feb 27, 2023
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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, a film that blasts into a galaxy far, far away. While there are plenty of bumps on the journey, it's hard not to be fully invested in Jonathan Majors' magnetic presence and Paul Rudd's contagious charm. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023) |
A raw and powerful look at one of our most beloved actors. Never failing to bring humor and inspiration, Michael J. Fox’s journey is a recipe for one of the year’s most fascinating documentaries. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Feb 01, 2023
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Magazine Dreams (2023) |
A complex psychological character study that examines the trajectory of familial trauma and escapism. Bynum’s film blends Pumping Iron + Whiplash + Taxi Driver into a movie set to live rent-free in my mind for the remainder of 2023. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Feb 01, 2023
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Fifty Shades Freed (2018) |
With all-time great, comes all time-bad, and 2018 has provided cinephiles with the conclusion, oh I’m sorry, the climax of the worst trilogy of all time, the Fifty Shades trilogy. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Tomb Raider (2018) |
Tomb Raider is a step in a the right direction for a genre desperately needing a turn-in critical performance. While nothing to boast about with 34 films in the genre thus far, the 50 percent rating on rotten tomatoes moves the needle up. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Action Point (2018) |
Action Point is as agonizing of a film experience I’ve had all year. A year that has already had its share of agonizing experiences with 50 Shades Freed leading the way. The story of Action Park deserved better and Action Point certainly was not that. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Halloween II (1981) |
The tagline, “More of the Night He Came Home”, never felt truer than when watching Halloween II. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) |
It has taken 40 years for Halloween III to gain the cult status it rightfully deserves. Next time, that Silver Shamrock commercial plays, always remember kids, take those masks off. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) |
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later is a film that I am happy exists. Despite being extremely dated, its finale would have ended the Halloween franchise on a high note and given it well deserved closure. Regrettably, we don’t get to feel that end for long - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Halloween: Resurrection (2002) |
Halloween: Resurrection is an embarrassment to a franchise that I hold near and dear to my heart. A franchise that has entertained viewers for the past 40 years and its fans deserved more than this film. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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First Man (2018) |
First Man is more than just a technical marvel. It is a film that truly captures the struggle and journey of not just America’s race to space but a man’s sacrifice to reach his ultimate goal of walking on the moon. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Saint Maud (2019) |
Saint Maud is an unsettling, shocking ride that journeys into the mind of possession in an untraditional fashion. It will leave cinephiles questioning their ideas of faith and one’s life purpose. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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A Quiet Place Part II (2021) |
John Krasinski crafts a masterclass in suspense with Hitchcockian anxiety that would make the master proud. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Cruella (2021) |
Cruella doesn’t just retell an old story. It creates a lavish comic-book villain-style origin that opens up the film to an even larger audience. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Censor (2021) |
A film that offers something far different and more unique by not harking back to horror films of yesteryear, instead of providing cerebral, meta-yet-direct protection of the genre from the often given ignorant criticisms about horror as a whole. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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Zola (2020) |
Zola is a transformative roller-coaster ride that is incredibly entertaining, energetic, and downright fascinating. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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No Man of God (2021) |
Amber Sealey’s No Man of God examines the final years of Bundy’s (Luke Kirby) life in a psychological thriller that looks to answer the question of Why? rather than the glorification of his murders. - The Cinematic Reel
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| Posted Jan 31, 2023
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