Joe Friar
Tomatometer-approved critic
Joe Friar is the Vice President of the Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS), a member of The Critics Choice Association (CCA), Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), and reviews films for 104.7 KVIC (radio), Fort Worth Report (online), and The Victoria Advocate (print/online).
Movies reviews only
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Monica (2022) |
Trace Lysette is terrific in one of the best performances of the year. The slow-burn drama isn’t concerned with how we got here, but how do we fix it. Forgiveness is the first step. Andrea Pallaoro’s third feature film is powerful. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 04, 2023
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Gods of Mexico (2022) |
A visual and auditory treat from writer-director Helmut Dosantos. Surreal and haunting at times, the documentary is a beautiful tribute to the indigenous people and the breathtaking landscape of Mexico. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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The Eight Mountains (2022) |
It’s hard these days to find pure films based on male bonding. Vandermeesch and van Groeningen capture the process in its purest form strengthened by the strong performances of Alessandro Borghi and Luca Marinelli. One of this year's best films. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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BlackBerry (2023) |
The rise and fall of the smartphone-turned-status symbol is chronicled in the funniest film of the year by writer-director Matt Johnson. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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Master Gardener (2022) |
If there’s one thing Paul Schrader knows how to do, it’s to write about tormented men. The film features good performances by Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, and Quintessa Swindell, who, like the writer-director, are working in reserved mode. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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The Starling Girl (2023) |
Eliza Scanlen is superb in a moving performance that lingers long after leaving the theater. Betrayal and liberation appear in the final act which feels a bit rushed and sensational, but it left me longing for more. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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The Boogeyman (2023) |
The modern story feels more like an 80s throwback complete with an eerie atmosphere and real frights. Director Rob Savage effectively builds the horror and Sophie Thatcher is great to watch. The film may cause you to sleep with the lights on. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jun 03, 2023
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Showing Up (2022) |
Writer-director Kelly Reichardt tests the comedy waters while marking her fourth collaboration with Michelle Williams. It's breezy, observational cinema, with a terrific cast. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted May 05, 2023
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What's Love Got to Do with It? (2022) |
Lily James and Shazad Latif have good chemistry and they are quite charming in the predictable culture clash rom-com. It's hit-and-miss but also entertaining. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted May 05, 2023
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A Thousand and One (2023) |
A.V. Rockwell gives us one of this year’s best films driven by Teyana Taylor's superb performance. Gentrification and racial profiling simmer in the background as the film remains focused on a strong mother-son bond. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 24, 2023
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Somewhere in Queens (2022) |
Funny, heartfelt, and charming. It strays into a few melancholy moments but remains uplifting thanks to the humor, most of it courtesy of Laurie Metcalf’s rambunctious performance and Ray Romano’s loveable goof. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 23, 2023
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Evil Dead Rise (2023) |
Scary as hell with gruesome practical effects, and small increments of humor, deadpan not slapstick, proving it’s a blood relative of Sam Raimi's brood. Biological horror with its own identity that lets you fall in love with the franchise all over again. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 23, 2023
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The Five Devils (2022) |
Hard to decipher but it’s visually stunning and mesmerizing at times. The cast is first-rate, especially Adèle Exarchopoulos. All the elements of a great psychological thriller are present, they just don’t come together as well as they should. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) |
Fun and entertaining. The film will appeal most to fans of the video games and young kids. The animation is so true to the Nintendo franchise that you may feel lost without a controller, - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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Paint (2023) |
It doesn’t have the wit of a Wes Anderson film and it lacks the zaniness of a Farrelly Brothers comedy, so its weak point is McAdams’s script which has trouble balancing the laughs with its gloomy storyline. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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Godland (2022) |
Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason and cinematographer Maria von Hausswolff have created a film that is epic in scale and beauty, reminiscent of Hungarian auteur Béla Tarr. A cinematic achievement. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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Renfield (2023) |
Nicholas Hoult as Dracula’s loyal servant resembles a cross between a Marvel superhero and John Wick. There’s action, comedy, and massive amounts of gore, but let’s face it, you’re here to see Nicolas Cage as the archetypal vampire and he’s fangtastic! - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) |
The first-rate eco-thriller moves at the swift pace of a Michael Mann film accompanied by strong performances and riveting moments. Gavin Brivik’s synth-heavy score, reminiscent of Tangerine Dream’s work adds to the tension. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 19, 2023
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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) |
A very funny Chris Pine leads the cast that includes the always tough Michelle Rodriguez, while Hugh Grant gets to ham it up once again as the villain. Hasbro meets Monty Python meets The Princess Bride. It's loads of fun. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 02, 2023
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A Good Person (2023) |
Writer-director Zach Braff goes dark with the addiction film “A Good Person” featuring compelling performances by Florence Pugh as an opioid addict and Morgan Freeman as a recovering alcoholic. Freeman is terrific and Pugh has never been better. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 01, 2023
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All the World Is Sleeping (2021) |
Melissa Barrera delivers an emotional and honest performance supported by a strong cast. The story segues into melodrama a few times, but the heartfelt film clearly depicts the struggle of opioid abuse from a fresh perspective,women in Latino communities. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 01, 2023
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Rodeo (2022) |
Lola Quivoron’s debut feature contains many unforgettable moments and a breakthrough performance by Julie Ledru. Quivoron’s imagery, bold and unexpected, will haunt you for days. Highly recommended. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 01, 2023
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Malum (2023) |
Apart from Jessica Sula’s immersive performance, the practical effects by RussellFX recall the work of Bob Keen from Clive Barker’s Hellraiser. The finale takes the viewer on a rapid descent to hell that signifies horror is alive and well. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Apr 01, 2023
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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
JW4 brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. The ending is perfect. Anything else would have been a dishonor to such a passionate franchise made whole by Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves. More kills, thrills, and spills. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 25, 2023
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Moving On (2022) |
Paul Weitz adds substance to what could have been another wacky farce showcasing what old people can’t do. Just the opposite, the film showcases what golden agers can do while tackling weighty issues. The A-list cast fires on all cylinders. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 21, 2023
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Inside (2023) |
The film will test the tolerance level of even the biggest Willem Dafoe fan. The actor delivers another superb performance that outweighs the source material which includes 100-minutes of logic-defying moments. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 19, 2023
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The Quiet Girl (2022) |
It's been a while since I have been touched by such a beautiful coming-of-age film. Catherine Clinch delivers an unforgettable and tender performance. Stephen Rennick’s dreamy score with lush melodies provides an ethereal atmosphere. A must-see. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 19, 2023
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Palm Trees and Power Lines (2022) |
Jamie Dack's film feels authentic which is why it’s so disturbing, Lily McInerny and Jonathan Tucker deliver bold performances, and the ending will resonate with many as the story’s impact lingers days after viewing. Should be required viewing for teens. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 12, 2023
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Scream VI (2023) |
Take a stab at The Radio Silence sequel to last year’s film. It’s entertaining and tense, the cast is first-rate, and there are some good tense-filled scenes. The NYC location is over-hyped and the movie-within-a-movie concept at this juncture is diluted. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Mar 12, 2023
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Cocaine Bear (2023) |
It’s funny, gory, and features the late Ray Liotta doing what he does best, chewing up the scenery while Pablo Escobear chews up his victims. Great cast, soundtrack, and score by Mark Mothersbaugh. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 25, 2023
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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
31 films deep in the MCU means there are bound to be a few duds. The barrage of overblown effects and a story devoid of emotion makes this entry a bottom dweller. The good news, Phase 5 can only get better. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 25, 2023
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Jesus Revolution (2023) |
Co-directors Jon Erwin, and Brent McCorkle deliver the first feel-good movie of 2023 with mass appeal that just happens to feature quite a few mass baptisms. First-rate performances, humor, and plenty of inspiration without preaching. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 25, 2023
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Of an Age (2022) |
Simplicity is part of the LGBTQ film’s beauty with magnetic performances by Elias Anton and Thom Green. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 19, 2023
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Knock at the Cabin (2023) |
It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine. Stark visuals, characters that you care about, and a story that Rod Serling would embrace are more than enough to keep you entertained. A little hope never hurt anyone. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 04, 2023
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Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb (2022) |
Lizzie Gottlieb's documentary gives you an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the important relationship between a writer and editor while delivering plenty of laughs and smiles along the way. Absorbing, humorous, and essential for avid readers. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 04, 2023
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Baby Ruby (2022) |
Writer-director Bess Wohl delivers a bundle of angst, swaddled in layers of paranoia, confusion, and salvation for her debut feature which plays like a psychological thriller blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Noémie Merlant is terrific. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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Missing (2023) |
Despite the similarities to its predecessor, the material feels fresh thanks to Reid’s performance with Portuguese actor Joaquim de Almeida giving the film an extra boost. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 29, 2023
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Infinity Pool (2023) |
Cronenberg's vacation from hell is ensanguined with images so disturbing they take several hours to fully process. Think of it as the nightmare that just keeps on giving. Mia Goth keeps the Texas farm girl momentum going. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 29, 2023
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20 Days in Mariupol (2023) |
It’s a difficult watch but essential in understating the magnitude of a city ravaged by war and a population whose resilience to the onslaught serves as a testament to their struggle for independence. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 23, 2023
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Run Rabbit Run (2023) |
The psychological thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat. The focus is on mother-daughter relationships while sins of the past play a role in Daina Reid’s chiller with memorable performances by Sarah Snook and newcomer Lily LaTorre. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 21, 2023
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Skinamarink (2022) |
Kyle Edward Ball’s debut film will scare the —- out of you thanks in part to your own imagination. And just like a thrill ride, when it’s over you want to buy another ticket to experience it all over again. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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EO (2022) |
A former circus donkey is briefly liberated in the unforgettable and touching film by Jerzy Skolimowski. Stunning cinematography, a wonderful score, and empathy for our hoofed antagonist make this one of the year's best films. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 17, 2023
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Plane (2023) |
French director Jean-François Richet who gave us the riveting Mesrine gangster films formulates a flight plan filled with thrilling shootouts, fight scenes, and characters I cared about so get out of here Awards Season and extra butter on that popcorn! - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 14, 2023
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M3GAN (2022) |
It’s funny, violent, and the wackiest horror film since last year’s wonderful Malignant which makes sense since both films were written by Akela Cooper. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 14, 2023
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A Man Called Otto (2022) |
Two actors can have great chemistry that has nothing to do with romance, as in Tom Hanks and Mariana Treviño. They are great together and make this English-language remake worth watching. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Jan 14, 2023
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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) |
You’ll laugh and cry but most of all have fun as Banderas and Hayek provide spirited vocal performances while delivering the message that we all have one life so make the most out of it. The groundbreaking animation is visually spectacular. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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White Noise (2022) |
A wild ride that remains entertaining, despite the tonal shifts. Baumbach regulars Driver and Gerwig keep you invested. The film remains close to DeLillo’s novel, a work that has been regarded as “unfilmable” by many, Baumbach proves the skeptics wrong. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Holy Spider (2022) |
Abbasi tells the spider killer’s story by crafting a compelling thriller, giving it an Americanized makeover by creating a fictional character who confronts the culture’s embedded misogyny with a standout performance by Zar Amir Ebrahimi. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Memories of My Father (2020) |
The film takes a heartfelt look at one of Colombia’s foremost human rights activists. Director Fernando Trueba adapts Héctor Abad Faciolince’s memoir with sensitivity while Sergio Iván Castaño cinematography making this a pleasurable viewing experience. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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The Eternal Daughter (2022) |
The concept and execution by Joanna Hogg is admirable, unexpected, and amazing. Tilda Swinton in dual roles is a tour de force. - Fort Worth Report
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| Posted Dec 08, 2022
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