Chad Hartigan’s film Morris From America is a vibrant and unique take on the coming of age story. Not particularly a film about race, creed, or even location, Hartigan explores relatable themes like loss, friendships, puberty and single parenthood. Christmas makes his feature film debut and feels so embedded in the character it never feels […]
What a perfect blend of visual beauty, creativity, magical stories, and delightful lessons for life! The American stop-motion animation studio Laika is well known for its quality work (Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls), and Kubo and the two Strings represents their best in my opinion. The visual beauty lies mostly in the sheets of paper that
In many ways Todd Phillips new film War Dogs follows the marketing principle of last years The Big Short. It’s all comedy and energy in the trailer, about two young goofy arms dealers. Ticket buyers are likely to feel the bait and switch, since Phillips trilogy The Hangover is used as a lure. Like The
Remakes have become a plague on American cinema. There are few times in history where a classic film has been remade with improvement. Steven Soderbergh had a good idea when he remade a Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin film that was not well received when originally debuted in 1960; “Oceans Eleven” 2001 however was a huge hit.
Most of the time, I can spot a first-time feature film director without looking. More often than not, those directors come from short films. The reason I can spot this is the simplicity in the narrative, which is what Imperium drowns in. Directors like Jeff Nichols make small-budget films feel humongous in scope on a
The Commune is an improv comedy troupe in New York City, with member aspirations to make it big by being chosen to write or perform on the popular television show, Weekend Live. It’s a close-knit group of people, some of whom have been together for a long time, and they see themselves as a family.
In the first of two potential comeback vehicles for disgraced Oscar winner Mel Gibson, Blood Father is a throwback to cheesy 90’s action flicks. “You can’t be a prick all your life and then just say never-mind,” Gibson’s character says. In the film’s opening moments, featuring our beef jerky skinned, main character in group therapy
Denis Villeneuve’s creative direction with “Sicario” last year was nothing short of masterful. His work, so good, that it nearly overshadowed the stellar script by actor turned screenwriter Taylor Sheridan. The sophomore script from Sheridan is the real main character in Hell or High Water and the most original writing I’ve seen this year. Similar
As Disney films go, Pete’s Dragon, the latest in their crusade to turn all animated films into live action, is exactly what you expect from the family friendly studio. It’s got all the touchy feely moments, all the predictable outcomes, cue the positive music at the end, you know it’s time to exit. Disney (and
Meryl Streep looks to nab her 30th Golden Globe nomination playing a singer who was considered the worst vocalist of her time. Florence Foster Jenkins is directed by Stephen Frears (Philomena, The Queen) who has become synonymous with assembling award worthy leading female projects. His latest film won’t be a huge hit, or a heavy