Every year, Oscar lets us know what matters to people who make movies. While those of us who write about film may have our favorites, only Academy members get to choose who gets nominated. This year, as the industry continues to wish upon a star for audiences to return to theaters, the honored films reconfirm […]
“Avatar: The Way of Water,” the much-anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar,” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant masterpiece that builds upon the themes and world-building of its predecessor.The story, set several years after the first film’s events, follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family, who have settled into a peaceful
There’s much to enjoy about “The Woman King” and even more to celebrate. Gina Prince-Bythewood’s big studio, semi-historical epic, is full of exciting roles, characters, and colors. Oscar winner Viola Davis (“Fences,” “Suicide Squad”) steps onto the screen as head of an elite group of warriors, and it’s one of
Netflix has its first fall movie season blunder on its hands. The controversial and fictionalized account of bombshell Marilyn Monroe is worlds apart from the 2011 “My Week with Marilyn,” which earned Michelle Williams an Oscar nomination. Director Andrew Dominik has a particular style of making films that worked well on his eerie western “The
“Barbarian” is written and directed by Zach Cregger, a non-household name actor, jumping behind the camera in an attempt to deliver pre-Halloween returns for 20th Century Studios. What starts as an Airbnb horror movie, playing on our worst fears about staying in a stranger’s home, evolves into a distinctly unconventional horror
Not your average bank robbery film, “Breaking” is based on the true story of a war veteran desperate to be seen and heard. Writer/Director Abi Damaris Corbin has orchestrated a small film that’s personal and intimate compared to stereotypical heist films. Nearly all conversations take place inside a Wells Fargo and with leading actor John
For those afraid of heights, “Fall” might be one of the scariest films you’ll ever see. The sweaty palm-inducing thriller opens up with three friends on an intense vertical climb. The filmmakers waste no time putting the viewer on the wall with the characters, showing some impressive aerial and drone camera work. The prologue for
Short, sweet, and visually poetic, “A Love Song” is a slice of “Nomadland” with Wes Anderson’s aesthetic. Writer/director Max Walker-Silverman graduates with honors from short films to this, his first full-length feature. Longtime character actress Dale Dickey (“Hell or High Water” and “Winter’s Bone”) finally receives the space for a complete performance. Walker-Silverman leans heavily