I had hoped that Jason Reitman would steer his new political satire in the direction of “Wag the Dog” or “Primary Colors.” Surprisingly it’s closer to last years “The Post” (with quite a few scenes at Washington Post), and that’s a problem. “The Front Runner” (already taking flack for being “anything but”) is an exhaustively talkative movie that […]
Just as many people were drawn to and repelled by the great opera singer, Maria Callas, I had a similar reaction to this documentary. It’s by turns inspiring (in its giving us extended samples of her voice and her personality) and frustrating (in its provoking questions without providing answers). Perhaps it accurately reflects the artist and her
Shoplifters became the first Japanese film to win the Palme D’or since 1997. Typically that honor shortlists the winner for the Academy Awards best foreign language top five. Hirokazu Koreeda’s slow, meditative drama about a family living in poverty is the type of cinematic story that unfolds through patience and understanding. Shoplifters presents some difficult
Ethan and Joel Coen have chosen to produce a western anthology containing six stories for their latest film. Most of the main characters in each are loners, and there is at least one death in every story, but there are surprises in every one, particularly for the victims. Characteristic of the Coens as well, humor—even if it’s
Films about famous painters have always proven a challenge for filmmakers to connect with audiences. Julian Schnabel doesn’t speak English well, so there was an even greater challenge for the director working with his American and European actors. However, he used that alienated feeling in the film as one of many techniques to portray Vincent
If you love animation and you don’t mind the shameless plugging of Disney, you are likely to enjoy this film. Ralph (Reilly) and Vanellope (Silverman) remain fast friends, and have discussions about their attitudes toward their lives, such as that Ralph is completely happy and Vanellope finds day-to-day a little boring. Racing is easy peasy (she has
Steven Caple Jr. takes over for director Ryan Coogler, currently working on Black Panther 2. Creed, a box office hit back in 2015, and an awards contender that very nearly nabbed Stallone his first acting Oscar. It’s a new generations Rocky, a prequel that brought old and new fans to the franchise. The sequel doesn’t
Writer-director Luis Ortega has created a novel biopic of famed “Death Angel” thief and murderer Carlos Robledo-Puch. The events of the crime and the psychology of this 17-year-old are shocking and gruesome. Ortega creates a parallel between the baby-faced teenager and the films stunning production value and cinematography juxtaposed with such vile circumstances. Ortega balances
The Farrelly Brothers have plagued film critics with stupid comedies like Dumb & Dumber To, Hall Pass and Stuck on You for years. In his first solo venture, Peter Farrelly gives drama a go and the results couldn’t be more rewarding. Green Book slid into the 2018 Toronto Film Festival as an afterthought, but emerged
Writer/director Sean Anders has turned a corner from, junk food comedies like Daddy’s Home and That’s My Boy, to junk food comedy with a purpose. Instant Family draws from Anders own personal experiences with adoption and foster parenting. He said his intent was to show a different side of the story than the usual serious dramas, such as the