The Neon Demon

Refn’s starry-eyed lady-Drive warrants forgiveness for failed followup. Sequin sequences periodically punctuate a story that begs comparison in content and style to Ellis’ Glitterama. Decadent cinematography and superbly surreal performances make this alien film stand out in smoggy sky. Cautions against dangers of self-absorption, like monogramming NWR under the title.

Drive

Winding Refn revs up for the gold after Bronson’s disappointing bronze. Gosling proves you can’t judge a notebook by its cover in a film that’s crazy and lovely but far from stupid. Brooks and Hellboy have their careers resurrected. Unbelievably beautiful and not because of Mulligan and the frozen strippers.

Bronson

Bastard son of Ritchie and Tarantino tries to remake Clockwork Orange and fails. An incredible performance from Tom Hardy fails to bring empathy to a despicable character despite charmingly creepy smile and disturbing amount of penis floppage. Perfect example of style failing to save a movie from an inadequate plot.