Inflammatory and Ultraviolent ‘THE HUNT’ Triggers Both Sides of the Aisle

March 12, 2020 by Matt Oakes Posted in Out in Theaters Tagged Betty Gilpin, Blumhouse, Craig Zobel, Damon Lindelof, Emma Roberts, Glenn Howerton, Hilary Swank, Ike Barinholtz, Macon Blair, Nick Cuse, Out in Theaters, Reviews, The Hunt Leave a comment

Originally scheduled for release in September of last year, Craig Zobel’s satirical modern spin on “The Most Dangerous Game” factored political divisions into the equation to decidedly contentious results. The Hunt became so controversial that its release was pulled indefinitely when the President (in a totally characteristic ego trip of a move) slammed the film, calling it “a tremendous disservice to our country” and threatening that “we’re going to be very tough with them.” Soon after, the death threats came flying. Read More

Out in Theaters: Z FOR ZACHARIAH

August 27, 2015 by Matt Oakes Posted in Out in Theaters Tagged Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine, Craig Zobel, Margo Robbie, Out in Theaters, Reviews, Robert C. O'Brien, Z for Zachariah 1 Comment

*This is a reprint of our 2015 Sundance review

There are so many pivot points in Z for Zachariah that it becomes hard to nail down exactly what director Craig Zobel intended for it. At one point, it seems decidedly about gender politics, at another about race relations, and eventually it boiled down to themes of suspicion, greed and jealousy. Spliced with a domineering amount of ambiguity. All this from a cast of three. To call it thematically rich may be overly generous – maybe thematically crowded would hit the nail on the head more – but nonetheless, it strives for something thoughtful and great, even when it comes up just short. Read More