The traditional Dracula is, of course, known for draining his victims of blood and life-force. Not a great guy, but still not one you necessarily expect to command you to “suck” his “cock,” especially from numerous horrific A.I. interpretations of the character. As the literal opening line in Radu Jude’s riotous vampiric polemic, the irascible director is giving you a heads-up on what to expect for the rest of the film’s nearly three-hour runtime. 

As a filmmaker, octogenarian Sir Ridley Scott has opted toward the bombastic: spectacle-laced CGI effect showcases, attempting epic sweep with a fulcrum of bombardment.

A masterwork that stands head and shoulders above Nolan’s already-impressive past catalogue.

Like a detailed treatise on the Holocaust, summarizing it as a great example in character building.

Amsterdam is a plethora of pomp, but little requisite circumstance.

A flawless deconstruction of the unholy trinity of truth, honor and avarice.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye keeps all (other) eyes on Jessica Chastain as she inhabits the controversial first lady of televangelism.

It immediately reminds us of Goodfellas, and the comparison does this film no favors.

Zellweger inhabits Garland so fully that we quickly forget that there’s just an actor behind the makeup.

If you can stave off the initial boredom, the plot takes off like a rocket for the film’s second half.

It packs a lesson every bit as pertinent today as it was nearly five decades ago.

This is the first great film of 2019.