Pump it up

 

Le Moulin a Eau (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated short film. A boy pumps water.

A nice little animation of how a water pump works. Maybe more technical than filled with personality. Good for the period it is from.

3/5

Fair and balanced

 

We're All Going to the World's Fair (2021)

Written & directed by Jane Schoenbrun this film stars Anna Cobb and Michael J. Rogers. A lonely teenage girl makes videos engaging in internet horror culture.

This is one of the best films I have seen for capturing the way the internet can connect lonely people with niche interests. Cobb's performance is incredible, really carries the film, and I am disappointed I have not seen her in more since. Handles the subject much better than other attempts, I am all in on Schoenbrun's career at this point.

5/5

Too many clowns

 

Les Clowns (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated short film. A short clown act.

To be honest this one is a bit jerky and not that interesting. Too many figures split the attention. Not worth seeking out in my opinion.

2/5

Spinning around

 

Les Petits Valseurs (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated short film. Children dance.

A bit simplistic and jerky in my opinion, not the smoothest animation from Reynaud. Image quality on the version I saw was not great either. Not the best from this director.

2/5

One disappointment

 

One Battle After Another (2025)

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson this film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro and Chase Infiniti. A former revolutionary and his daughter are on the run from the powers that be.

While everyone else loved this one it sort of passed me by. While I found it enjoyable I am not sure it has a much depth to it as some claim. Has a few moments that were really funny.

3/5

Chicken feed

 

Le Repas des Poulets (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated short film. A young girl feeds chickens.

Very simple in concept and execution. The animation works just about well enough. I could not find a good quality version online unfortunately.

3/5

Swimmingly

 

La Nageuse (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated short film. A girl swims in water.

A charming little short that works fairly well. Only a small clip but nicely done. Pretty good perspective.

3/5