Ben Cahlamer
Phoenix Critics Circle: And The 2019 Nominees Are . . .
Phoenix Critics Circle Members formally announced their 2019 Nominees with six nominations each for Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood.“ Members have narrowed the films from 2019 to the top nominees in each category. Voting
"Star Trek: The Motion Picture" at 40: Characterizing A Flawed, Feeling Film
Star Trek: The Motion Picture turns 40 this year. The Movie Revue is celebrating the film with a theory on the characters, including the inanimate, that drive the story.
‘Knives Out’: Sharp Cast Propels Witty Whodunit
RIan Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ is a rare breed of film, boasting a cast of many Hollywood luminaries, while honoring two timeless story styles using its humor to slice through the drama. Craig and de Arma are standouts.
’21 Bridges’: Boseman’s Commanding Presence Carries Familiar Cop Action-Drama
“21 Bridges” works as a compelling action-drama film with a magnetic Chadwick Boseman at its center. Strong cinematography supports Brian Kirk’s instincts, but the pacing of the film and the character development risk derailing the film. “21 Bridges” is Recommended.
‘Ford v Ferrari’: Damon, Bale Have Fun; Story Misfires
“Ford v Ferrari” is a fun and exhilarating film with strong performances from Matt Damon and Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles. James Mangold does a solid job of keeping the film moving even with a brisk 152-minute run time. The story struggles to balance its characters and the supporting corporate image in this mostly, historically accurate film. “Ford v Ferrari” is Recommended.
“The Good Liar”
As the opening credits to “The Good Liar” roll across the screen, a typewriter font scrolling each credit, director Bill Condon inserts flashes of two people filling out an online dating profile. We quickly realize he is setting the stage
‘The Lighthouse’
“The Lighthouse” from Robert Eggers is a stunning film with strong performances from Academy Award-nominated Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. The Highly Recommended “The Lighthouse” draws strength from within its confines and its gorgeous black & white images. If we
‘Jojo Rabbit’
“Jojo Rabbit” is the clever Nazi Germany satire from the brilliant mind of Taika Waititi as told through a 10-year-old’s vantage point. The polarizing story recalls Mel Brooks own brand of satire with rich characters supporting a unique comedy that
‘Parasite’
“Parasite” from master filmmaker Bong Joon-ho brings his inimitable microcosmic style to tell the tale of family and economic struggle. With a strong cast and story, the Highly Recommended “Parasite” will have you talking about the film long after the