One of the more extraordinary films out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival was ironically extraordinary. “One Life” could easily have been another World War II survival film full of heroes and do-gooders. It’s certainly a film with familiar themes and patterns, yet the performance from two-time Oscar winner […]
As Generation Xers enter the fullness of middle age, many are examining their formative years for perspective on where we are now as a society. James Gray (Ad Astra, Lost City of Z) wrote and directed Armageddon Time, a semi-autobiographical tale about a sensitive boy who has trouble making sense of it. Armageddon Time navigates the currents of familial,
A virtuoso in crime with a conscience… That’s a tall order. Not one that could happen? Maybe. It’s not far-fetched, but that’s what this movie is based upon. It starts out and we can see the virtuoso planning very carefully what he does ahead of time, with strict rules for self-behavior. We’re impressed with his forethought in planning for contingencies and
Of all the recent plays adapted into feature films, “The Father” stands tall as the most impressive. Equally impressive is the directorial debut of Florian Zeller, who unlike other first-time directors this season, displays natural cinematic gifts. “The Father” is a literal mind-bending mystery about a man suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s, or is he? In a
You don’t have to be Catholic, know anything about the Papacy, or even follow religion to be moved by Fernando Meirelles’ (“The Constant Gardner”) latest film. “Any journey can start with a mistake.” The Two Popes isn’t about mistakes, despite featuring the subplot of the first Pope to resign in over 700 years. It’s also
Disney is working overtime, trying to convince audiences that the third installment of Marvel’s “Thor” is better than the previous. With five appearances as the God of Thunder, Chris Hemsworth (“Ghostbusters”) gets a new look, inventive director Taika Waititi injects life to the franchise and the cast is more impressive than ever. However, only so
King of the “If you have seen one of them, you have seen them all” franchise. Michael Bay’s profitable special effects blockbuster series is on its 5th installment. Were taken back in time with this latest sequel, incorporating King Arthur and Merlin into the Transformers origin story. “The Last Knight” absorbs elements from other franchises
Script revisionist James Vanderbilt (Independence Day Resurgence) is probably not the guy you want trying to fix a troubled script. Nonetheless, Solace offers viewers two things: icon Anthony Hopkins back on the big screen and at least some entertainment value in a bizarre crime drama. This psychological and borderline paranormal thriller opens up like a