At the end of last year, much was made of whether or not the TV series “The Crown” should put a disclaimer before episodes which, essentially, explain that the series is not a documentary. Yes, the show may feature real… Read More ›
review
Movie Review: “Skyfire”
Human beings have blind spots and movies are a result of the work of human beings, so it’s probably not terribly surprising that they have blind spots as well. We should expect them, but perhaps not forgive them. They are… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Wonder Woman 1984”
The 1980s, we are often told, was a decade of excess, a decade of nonstop movement centered around a push for more; for bigger, which is always better. That ethos seems to be the guiding principle of Patty Jenkins’ new… Read More ›
Movie Review: “News of the World”
There are movies which sometimes cause me to struggle. For one reason or another, there’s a bit of them that just feels off. I’m talking about movies where I am incredibly, insanely, hugely engrossed in what’s going on; where I… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Promising Young Woman”
There are a number of amazing things about writer/director Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman.” Starring Carey Mulligan—whose performance is undoubtedly amazing thing number one—this is the story of a woman whose life was derailed in medical school following a rape…. Read More ›
Movie Review: “Greenland” (2020)
One of the many horrible lessons of 2020 is that all too often we choose to look out for ourselves even if it means hurting others; that we do not care when we see—or inflict—pain on someone else. Yes, there… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Monster Hunter” (2020)
Not every movie works, we all know that. Generally speaking, people go into making a film with the best of intentions and for various reasons it doesn’t pan out. Because of my faith that individuals who make movies want to… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Wild Mountain Thyme”
Some romances are meant to be. Whatever gets in their way, whatever surrounds them, it doesn’t matter – they are meant to be. With “Wild Mountain Thyme,” writer-director John Patrick Shanley gives us one such tale and it is heartwarming… Read More ›
Movie Review: “All My Life” (2020)
It is always interesting to think about the exact story being told when one is watching a movie (or reading a book, watching a TV show, etc.). Who is it that is telling the tale? What is their POV? What… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Half Brothers” (2020)
Regrettably, I have no “clever” little entry point into this review. I wish I could relate the thing back to some bigger picture idea. I wouldn’t mind riffing on the meaning of road trip films or lost fathers or found… Read More ›
Movie Review: “The Croods: A New Age”
Some movies are balancing acts—or at least attempt to be—trying to manage two disparate things at the same time. Whether that’s because the movie is a mix of genres or attitudes or ideas or anything else, finding the perfect blend… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Uncle Frank” (2020)
Losing a family member is an incredibly difficult time in people’s lives. Not being able to lean on your support structure in such a moment only makes it that much worse. With “Uncle Frank,” Alan Ball gives us a completely… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Sound of Metal”
editor’s note: it was not until the credits started on this movie that I realized I know one of the executive producers of the film and have worked with him in my community for years (completely outside the world of… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Girl” (2020)
What does it take to be a brutal, stripped-down, thriller? How much plot is one allowed to expect in a movie which, seemingly, has amongst its goals, topping out at just about 90 minutes? How much blood? How much violence?… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Ammonite”
Ideas that look good on paper don’t always work out in reality. Even when it seems like all the elements are there the end result isn’t always a winner. Would that such were not the case, would that everything went… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Freaky”
The body swap concept has been around for quite a while (so long, in fact, that the very opening of this review sounds familiar). We have no fewer than three different movie versions of “Freaky Friday” which doesn’t count the… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Dreamland” (2020)
What is the truth? Or, perhaps more importantly, how do we convey stories that are true? Is it a question of getting the sentiment right; of getting the facts right; or of making sure that it is all, on every… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Let Him Go”
It only took about five minutes with “Let Him Go,” a new movie written and directed by Thomas Bezucha, based on the novel by Larry Watson, to realize how absolutely great Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are as an on… Read More ›
Movie Review: “Mortal” (2020)
One of the fascinating—and insidious—things about conspiracy theories are the way they change and adapt in order to fit any incoming morsels of information which, logically, should force them to be dismissed. Someone out there will, undoubtedly, look at all… Read More ›
Movie Review: “The Craft: Legacy”
As much as I, personally, may enjoy a good movie franchise or a great “cinematic universe,” the truth is that not every movie has to be a part of a franchise. More than that, they certainly need not be wedged… Read More ›