Michael McNeely, Author at That Shelf

Michael McNeely

Michael McNeely is an avid film-goer who is equally passionate about accessibility in film. He is also a former English teacher, current filmmaker and future human rights lawyer.

Articles by Michael McNeely:

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: About My Liberty Review
Hot Docs 2017 About My Liberty review.

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: Hobbyhorse Revolution Review
Hot Docs 2017 Hobbyhorse Revolution review.

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: 69 Minutes of 86 Days Review
Hot Docs 2017 69 Minutes of 86 Days review.

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: Sunday Beauty Queen Review
Hot Docs 2017 Sunday Beauty Queen review.

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: Still Tomorrow Review
Hot Docs 2017 Still Tomorrow review.

April 26, 2017
Hot Docs 2017: Recruiting for Jihad Review
Hot Docs 2017 Recruiting for Jihad review.

February 14, 2017
KEDi Review
A cute doc on the lives of street cats in Istanbul, KEDi will easily win the hearts of animal lovers.

January 9, 2017
A Monster Calls Review
A Monster Calls meets the challenge of creating a family-friendly film about mental health issues that’s also entertaining and fun to watch.

December 22, 2016
Ghostland: The View of the Ju’/Hoansi Review
Ghostland: The View of the Ju’/Hoansi documents the experiences of a few members of the Namibian Ju/’Hoansi tribe as they venture out, for the first time, to the rest of Namibia, then later, to Europe

November 17, 2016
Being 17 Review
A review of Being 17 , split into three trimesters for some reason.

November 16, 2016
TIFF Retrospective: Fassbinder on Love
In honour of TIFF’s Rainer Fassbinder retrospective, we continue our own exploration of the auteur by looking at his depiction of love in several key works.

November 11, 2016
TIFF Explores Rainer Fassbinder
The TIFF Bell Lightbox is currently running a retrospective of Rainer Fassbinder’s films so we’re examining key titles from the prolific director’s oeuvre and assessing their relevance today.

October 28, 2016
Miss Hokusai Review
Inspired by the real-life artist Katsushika Hokusai and his daughters, Miss Hokusai is a stunning film about art, patriarchy, and independence.

October 21, 2016
Maliglutit (Searchers) Review
Inuk film Maliglutit pays homage to John Ford’s The Searchers with a revenge plot set in Nunavut, 1913.

October 20, 2016
The People vs. Fritz Bauer Review
An interesting look at how Nazis were dealt with in post-war Germany, The People vs. Fritz Bauer it too distanced from its compelling protagonist.

Search for:
Instagram
@thatshelf
THAT SHELF
@thatshelf
Film 🎥 TV 📺 Music 🎶 Podcasts 🎧 Contests 🏆 — News, reviews, interviews! —
View on Instagram

@thatshelf

•

Follow

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket struggling to survive in a city that has moved on from cash and the old ways of doing business. When he unknowingly steals a USB key tied to a dangerous criminal operation, Harry finds himself caught in a race against time that forces him to confront his past and the people he has left behind. John Turturro delivers a tender, compelling performance as a man caught between nostalgia and a changing world, with Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany adding to the film’s strong cast. However, an overly predictable plot and underdeveloped character motivations prevent this crime drama from reaching its full potential, despite its evocative New York atmosphere and glimpses of a more compelling story. 📝 Full review by Andrea Miller now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

Wicker follows a lonely Fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who has grown tired of being judged by her medieval village for failing to meet its beauty standards and expectations of womanhood. She asks a local Basketweaver to make her a husband, resulting in a devoted companion made entirely of willow. But as their unconventional romance blossoms, their happiness begins to threaten the village’s established social order. Blending fairy-tale fantasy with raunchy humour and heartfelt romance, the film offers a thoughtful exploration of gender politics, societal expectations, and the freedom to define happiness on your own terms. Colman and Alexander Skarsgård share charming chemistry, while the imaginative craftsmanship and beautiful visuals bring this strange, whimsical story to life. What begins as an absurd premise becomes a surprisingly tender celebration of love beyond convention. 📝 Full review by Rachel West now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

A Talent for Murder follows reclusive author Patricia Highsmith during her final years in Switzerland, where a publishing representative named Edward Ridgeway arrives hoping to convince her to write another Tom Ripley novel. What begins as a battle of wills soon turns into a dangerous game of manipulation, lies, and murder as the two collaborate on a new story. Helen Mirren relishes the chance to play the sharp-tongued, unpredictable author, trading deliciously cutting insults with Alden Ehrenreich in a gripping battle of wits. While the film occasionally loses momentum and its psychological thriller elements could go further, the strong performances, dark humour, and eerie atmosphere make for an entertaining mystery. 📝 Full review by Colin Biggs now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

Rest in peace, Patrick Stewart (1940–2026). A distinguished actor whose career spanned more than six decades, Patrick Stewart brought an unmistakable presence, intelligence, and depth to every role he inhabited. Best known to generations of audiences as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, he helped define one of science fiction's most beloved characters, carrying that legacy across films, television, and countless adventures throughout the Star Trek universe. He also became an iconic part of the X-Men franchise as Professor Charles Xavier, bringing warmth, wisdom, and humanity to the legendary mutant leader. Beyond these defining roles, his remarkable filmography includes Excalibur, Dune, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Green Room. Before becoming a household name on screen, Stewart spent years honing his craft with the Royal Shakespeare Company, building a celebrated stage career that reflected his extraordinary command of language and performance. Equally at home in Shakespearean drama, science fiction, comedy, and animation, he was an actor whose versatility extended far beyond his most recognizable characters. His contributions to theatre, film, and television leave behind an extraordinary legacy. Live long and prosper, Sir Patrick.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

La Bola Negra weaves together three timelines to explore queer love, identity, and the stories that survive across generations. From a musician navigating love and survival during the Spanish Civil War to a playwright uncovering a forgotten piece of queer history in contemporary Spain, the film connects lives shaped by stigma, loss, and the courage to be true to oneself. With soulful music, a richly interconnected narrative, and outstanding performances led by Guitarricadelafuente and Penélope Cruz, the film becomes a moving tribute to queer artists and the histories that deserve to be remembered. Directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo build on Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play to create an expansive, deeply felt celebration of LGBTQ+ lives, love, and artistic expression. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

With just 34 days before reporting to federal prison, Elizabeth Holmes invites filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim into her home for an unrestricted look at her life. What begins as an offer of complete access becomes an unsettling exploration of truth, performance, and the difficulty of knowing who someone really is. Balancing uncomfortable humour with a fascinating sense of ambiguity, the documentary refuses to offer easy answers about Holmes or her carefully constructed public image. Through intimate cinematography, intricate editing, and Fielder’s signature awkwardness, it challenges audiences to question what they’re seeing, making for an ambitious, thought-provoking film that lingers long after it ends. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt (1933–2026). A familiar and commanding presence on screen for more than six decades, Skerritt built a remarkable career across film and television, bringing a quiet authority and understated humanity to every role. From Captain Dallas in Alien and Viper in Top Gun to his performances in MASH*, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, and A River Runs Through It, he became part of some of cinema’s most enduring stories. On television, he earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, a role that showcased his ability to balance strength, warmth, and humour. Whether playing a military commander, a father, or a small-town sheriff, Skerritt had a way of making his characters feel grounded and real. With a career spanning generations and more than 170 film and television credits, he leaves behind a body of work that will continue to find new audiences. Thank you for the performances and the lasting mark you left on cinema.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

Street Fighter brings the iconic video game franchise back to the big screen, following estranged brothers Ryu and Ken as they reunite for the World Warrior Tournament. But with M. Bison plotting to harness the fighters’ power for his own sinister purposes, the competition soon becomes a battle for the fate of the world. Packed with spectacular fight sequences, nostalgic references, and a soundtrack that takes audiences straight back to the ’90s, the film delivers a major upgrade over its predecessor. With a perfectly matched cast, genuinely funny dialogue, and faithful recreations of the game’s signature moves, it balances fan service with entertaining action that newcomers can enjoy, too. 📝 Full review by Sarah Gopaul now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9

@thatshelf

•

Follow

Whalefall follows Jay Gardiner, a young scuba diver who finds himself trapped inside a sperm whale and facing an increasingly desperate fight for survival. But as he struggles to escape before his oxygen runs out, the experience also forces him to confront unresolved grief and his complicated relationship with his late father. Led by Austin Abrams, the film delivers an intense underwater survival thriller with impressive technical work and a convincing sense of claustrophobia. However, its exploration of grief and family trauma struggles to match the tension of its central premise, relying on familiar character arcs and heavy-handed emotional beats that leave its themes feeling muddled. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9