CFTCA Digest: February 2024 - Cascadia Film & TV Critics Association

Welcome to CFTCA’s monthly digest for February 2024, a roundup of recent reviews, features, interviews, and more by CTFCA critics.

Film Reviews

Argylle | Reviewed by Darren Zakus | Read the full review

“Argylle is a wickedly fun spy thriller full of Matthew Vaughn’s signature cinematic flair that results in a grand globe-trotting adventure with great performances from its talented cast and a story that will keep you on your toes and guessing as to what is going to happen next right up until the final scene.”

Darren writes for Movie Scene Canada.

Dune Part II | Reviewed by Taylor Baker & Thomas Stoneham-Judge

Taylor and Thomas offer opposing views of Dune Part II.

Read Taylor’s full review | Watch Thomas’ video review

Taylor writes for Drink in the Movies.
Thomas writes and creates video reviews for ForReel.

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt | Reviewed by Michael Clawson | Read the full review

“With storytelling that’s achieved almost entirely through visual and sonic means, All Dirt Roads represents a poetic harmonization of film direction, sound, editing, and cinematography. It isn’t without flaws… But in my eyes, Jackson’s formal ingenuity is remarkable, her sensuous artistry often ravishing.”

Michael writes for Drink in the Movies.

Perfect Days | Reviewed by Christopher Cross | Read the full review

“Brought to realization by Koji Yakusho’s tender, introspective performance, Perfect Days isn’t just a zen-like exercise in minimalism – it’s the balm needed amidst neverending chaos.”

Christopher writes for Asynchronous Media.

Television Reviews

Shōgun | Reviewed by Matthew Simpson | Read the full review

“Is this a show for kids or adults? Is it trying to recreate the original or remix the show into its own thing? The answer to both of these questions is “yes.” As a result, neither goal is achieved…”

Matthew writes for Exclaim!

Avatar: The Last Airbender | Reviewed by Matthew Simpson | Read the full review

“As with any adaptation, Avatar walks a tricky line, seeking to please fans of the original material and appeal to new fans. Showrunner Albert Kim has publicly said that one of his goals was to broaden the appeal to an adult audience, citing Game of Thrones as an example of the tone he’d like to set…”

Matthew writes for Exclaim!

The Oscars 2024 | 96th Academy Awards

Contra Zoom Pod co-hosts Dakota Arsenault and Rachel Ho continue their annual tradition of breaking down the Oscar Best Picture nominees and the odds they have to win each of their categories. Watch or listen to episodes 267 – 269 to find out which nominees will be deemed the Frontrunner, Dark Horse, Longshot, or Just Happy To Be There.

Plus, listen to Episode 270: 2024 Oscar Draft with fellow CTFCA critic Thomas Stoneham-Judge to hear their draft picks.

Ep. 267: Anatomy of an Oppenheimer Zone

Oppenheimer⁠, ⁠Anatomy of a Fall,⁠ and ⁠The Zone of Interest⁠.

Dakota Arsenault and Rachel Ho review films for Contra Zoom Pod.
Special guests Paulo Bautista, host of the ⁠Oscars Death Race Podcast⁠, and owner of ⁠⁠Red Carpet Rosters⁠, John Richards.

Ep. 268: Killers of the Barbie Maestro

Killers of the Flower Moon⁠, ⁠Barbie,⁠ and ⁠Maestro⁠.

Dakota Arsenault and Rachel Ho review films for Contra Zoom Pod.
Special guest Kyle Garzon, who was last heard on ⁠Ep. 228: Oscars 2023 – The Way of WesTÁRn Sadness⁠.

Ep. 269: Poor Lives and American Holdovers

⁠Poor Things⁠, ⁠American Fiction⁠, ⁠The Holdovers,⁠ and ⁠Past Lives

Dakota Arsenault and Rachel Ho review films for Contra Zoom Pod.
Special guests Jeff Bulmer and Pierre Frigon, co-hosts of the podcast, ⁠Classic Movies Live⁠.

Ep. 270: 2024 Oscar Draft

The draft is simple: each participant selects five movies that are nominated at this year’s Oscars, and whoever gets the most awards, wins.

Dakota Arsenault and Rachel Ho review films for Contra Zoom Pod.
Special guest Thomas Stoneham-Judge, writer and video reviewer for ForReel.