Ben Cahlamer
‘Freud’s Last Session’ Film Review
Going into Matthew Brown’s Freud’s Last Session, I knew very little about it, other than it was being championed as a vehicle for the eminent Anthony Hopkins, who takes up the role of Freud, who matches wit with Matthew Goode’s
Phoenix Critics Circle 2023 Winners
For 2023, the members of the Phoenix Critics Circle gathered at their annual Awards dinner to reveal the best films of the year. Each awards season, members are asked to nominate the best five films in each respective category: Picture,
‘The Holdovers’ Review: Paul Giamatti Shines in Alexander Payne’s Endearing Return to Form
When director Alexander Payne’s name is mentioned in film circles, ears perk up, especially with this critic. The modern crafter of the almighty curmudgeon, Payne’s eyes for isolation, survival, and “oh woe is me” attitude is something to cherish as
‘The Persian Version’ Review: Vibrant, Richly-Layered Generational Gap Story Is Full of Laughs
As our cultures evolve and our values expand, our understanding of the family dynamic changes, too. Such is the way of the mostly true story of The Persian Version from writer-director Maryam Keshavarz, which is expanding in theaters this weekend.
‘Strange Way of Life’ Review: Almodóvar’s Western Drama is Exquisite; Hawke and Pascal Shine
I was in the theater lobby waiting for Pedro Almodóvar’s Strange Way of Life (Extraña forma de vida) to screen, talking with another critic. She had not previously seen any of Almodóvar’s works. I’m not exactly a stranger en la
‘Bobcat Moretti’ Film Review
A uniqueness exists within the human spirit; it can either drive us toward greatness or, in the case of Bobby Moretti, into a pit of hell. However, it is what we choose to do within these two walls that define
‘Shortcomings’ Film Review
Reflecting on Randall Park’s Shortcomings, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. On the one hand, Adrian Tomine’s adaptation of his own graphic comic book is a fascinating slice-of-life snapshot of the conflicted reactions that I have toward the social media
‘Oppenheimer’ Review: Nolan Captures a Perfect Trinity in Politics and Technology
Life is a choice, a rather bold statement considering that, too often, our subjective perspective does not lend itself very well to making a choice. Living with the consequences of those choices, and the resultant fallout, is where we most
‘Die Hard’ at 35: An Ode to Joy That Keeps Giving
Mention the name Die Hard, and audiences and fans immediately think of “that movie that spawned Bruce Willis’ career,” “that movie that started a wave of action movies by using its name,” or my favorite, “it’s a Christmas movie.” I’m
‘The Miracle Club’: Film Review
Too often, we’re so involved in our own lives. Our self-involvement results from closing ourselves off to the world or being cast out. We don’t get the opportunity to understand why; we accept what is, harden our skins, and move