Flix At :48

UPR's film critic Casey T. Allen brings us his take on this year's Academy Awards ceremony, the surprises and the biggest contenders of the night.

During the 93 minute run-time of watching "In the Blink of an Eye" on my couch at home, a cardinal sin swept over my mind. I wanted to check my phone…and I never look at my phone while watching a film.

Although other film lovers might categorize this one as a comically grim twist on economic class differences, I feel more comfortable categorizing this as a bore alert!

I feel this film is adequately okay. It is not a conventional period drama, but it’s also not a smoothly organized one (or a carefully designed one) either.

This film explores childhood's dark side with bullying, ridicule, exclusion, and its emotionally damaging effects.

"Twinless" proves Dylan O’Brien has the range to be heartbreaking and vulnerable as well as funny and clumsy. I’m so glad I have seen this film, and I hope you feel this way too.

This film is inspired by the life story of British comedian John Bishop. So sad none of this could elevate the film to something more affecting and informative.

Marty Supreme does not give us a role model to admire, but it does give us an engaging voice with something important to say.

It deftly captures the disillusionment of an American generation lost to economic hardship and political unrest. And for this reason, I hope people will give this film a shot.

Too bad the uninspired sentimentality makes "Jay Kelly" a far cry from other thoughtful films about show biz.

"Eternity" is not something I find inspiring or even exciting, but it has notable sections that are entertaining, eloquent, and mindful.

Overall, the film does an okay job despite its many visually alluring distractions.

I didn't walk away from "Die My Love" thinking it's the artistic triumph of the year, but I'm glad I saw it, because it reminds us how films can extend beyond the boundaries of storytelling.

I like this film a lot. It's an odd combination of comedic, surreal, and frightening. This combination makes the whole experience of watching "Bugonia" an unpredictable one.

The ultimate message from this film is how someone can express their turmoil through the creative process and then find success. It's effectively moving and simple in many parts, but it's also disappointingly predictable in others.

"Tron: Ares" is a visual triumph and has some great moments of emotional depth to keep everyone watching.

One Battle After Another is one half an intense thriller an one half a sarcastic political commentary. The messages presented by this film are what make it perceptive, forceful, exciting, and current.

"The History of Sound" is a gorgeous slice of Americana in an era with no internet, computers, or television, making the use of music more than just a source of entertainment.

"Him" is not a travesty, nor is it a great achievement. Being too devoid of narrative content makes this just a little under an "okay" rating.

I finished this film thinking it was just okay. The messaging is clear and timely, but I couldn't let go of the fact this film is retreading very familiar ground.

Lots of film lovers are enjoying this film saying it’s an adventurous ride of nihilistic fun. But if I’m going to have fun, I need better ideas and better storytelling.

Its authenticity is dark and convincing without trying too hard, and the dialogue feels mostly attentive and honest.

This honestly could have been one of the best films of the year. But it falls horribly flat sacrificing its authenticity & edge for the sake of shallow, sentimental, overwrought emotions.

Without giving anything away, I have to say the ending is strong. And the metaphor of the older boomer generation living off the livelihood, and energy, of younger people is incisive and sharp. When the climax finally arrived, I was loving it.

This isn’t a great film to me, but ones like this have enough of a mixture that everyone can have a good time with a laugh.