Category: 2023
‘Merchant Ivory’ Film Review: A Moving, In Depth Look at Two Of Cinema’s Best Filmmakers
In the beginning of the quite wonderful new documentary “Merchant Ivory”, Emma Thompson is speaking of her introduction to their films. The actress remembers it was their 1986 classic “A Room With a View” and speaks of “the beauty of
‘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.
‘Nyad’ Film Review: A True Tale of Determination and Human Spirit
Pushing one’s body to the limit, seizing every ounce of courage and endurance deep within, and going even farther to overcome the odds and reach an almost impossible dream. Diana Nyad’s story of her swim from Cuba to Florida at
‘What Happens Later’ Film Review: Meg Ryan Returns to the Romantic Comedy
The modern Romantic Comedy; a wasteland of ineptitude and unfunny coincidences featuring the same actors giving the same performances time and time again. While these types of movies were not exactly Shakespeare, since the late 90s, the “Rom Com” has
Film Review: ‘The Killer’- David Fincher at His Most Playful
We have been through this world many times. The lone assassin, meticulous in his skills, who lives by a strict code. A job gone wrong leading to betrayal by former confidants and a quest to prevent himself from becoming a
Film Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’- Possessed Pizza Joint Horror
In today’s modern cinema world, the most frightening description of them all is, “Based on the popular video game.” As Hollywood has shown us time and time again (“Street Fighter”, “Super Mario Bros”, “Alone in the Dark”, “Doom”, “Warcraft”, and
Film Review: ‘Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor’- Unnerving Found Footage Horror
While it is long overdue for the “found footage” style of horror to bury itself beneath the earth, there are a few filmmakers who seem to be able to get some good frights out of the genre. Oren Peli certainly
Film Review: ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’- A Modern American Masterpiece
With its emotionally epic story, sprawling cast, and an undying ambitious vision from one of American Cinema’s true masters, “Killers of the Flower Moon” (an adaptation of David Grann’s 2017 true-crime bestseller) gives Martin Scorsese a late-career masterwork. This is
‘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