Sam Van Hallgren Pro

Producer, co-founder Filmspotting.

"Favorite Films" my fave of each of the last four years (h/t Tim Hoiland).

Favorite films

  • Janet Planet
  • Asteroid City
  • White Noise
  • The Lost Daughter

All
  • Sinners

    ★★★½

  • One of Them Days

    ★★★½

  • The Wedding Banquet

    ★★★½

  • Easter Parade

    ★★★★★

More
Sinners

2025

★★★½ Liked Watched

This happens to me occasionally, especially when material is explicitly metaphorical: I get a little lost trying to connect all the dots and I fail to let the movie work its magic on me. I’ve come around on other films like this, so hoping a rewatch unlocks things.

For now, my impression is of a film with big ideas, impressive scale, bold strokes and good performances, that is also weighed down by exposition (all these reunions and relationships) and a…

One of Them Days

2025

★★★½ Liked Watched

The trajectory of this comedy may be familiar, but the characters and their circumstances have a refreshing specificity. But that's honestly just gravy when you've got Keke Palmer in the lead. We should get a movie a year built around Palmer's unique comic gifts, which are a rare alchemy of precision and unpredictability. "Controlled zaniness." Really solid ing cast, too, including a strong debut from Sza, who gives a real performance and is a great foil for Palmer. Many laughs! Strong recommend.

More
La La Land

2016

★★★★★ Liked 28

I've taken all of your criticisms into and have determined that you're all wrong.

Before Sunset

2004

★★★★★ Liked 6

The first shot of Celine in the bookshop. The car ride when they nearly touch each other. The look on Celine's face as they walk up the stairs. Nina Simone.

The whole f'ing thing.