If you like sarcastic, campy humor, Todd Haynes’ latest “May December” might be the indie entertainment you have been waiting for. Haynes has never been a “general audience” kind of director. His films are specific, layered, and better enjoyed if you know exactly what he is trying to pull off. For instance, when he collaborated […]
Her eyes say everything. When Evelyn (Julianne Moore), a social worker, looks into her patients’ eyes, she radiates a kind superiority that makes her feel good about the difference she tries to make. Rarely looking beyond what she first sees, Evelyn maintains a distance as she observes, reminding us that she will always be the
By now you have seen the trailer, read my thoughts from the world premiere at TIFF, and heard how “Dear Evan Hansen” has been drug through the social-media mud all before hitting theaters. That begs the question, is the film adaptation of the Tony Award Winning “Dear Evan Hansen” really that bad? The answer will
Too young to remember writer, feminist, and political activist Gloria Steinem? This film by Julie Taymor (“Frida”), based on Steinem’s autobiography, not only documents her achievements but her struggle along the way. Taymor doesn’t give you a run-of-the-mill biopic, which is based on Steinem’s recent book. “The Glorias” aims for the details you don’t know
After the Wedding is a rare film that is solely for mature sensibilities, no special effects, guns or killing. Powerful performances by Oscar-winner Julianne Moore and four-time nominee Michelle Williams are its selling point. If you don’t mind a script full of “only in the movies” plot twists, it’s also an engaging drama. Filmmaker Bart Freundlich
Here they come. Hollywood is currently half a dozen or so foreign language hit films in English. “Gloria Bell” is the Americanized version of director Sebastián Lelio’s 2013 film “Gloria.” Why an up and coming director would want to revisit something he has already seemingly accomplished is beyond my understanding. “Gloria Bell” debuted at the
A well-known American opera singer, a wealthy Japanese businessman, and South American politics all get mixed up together in this tense drama when the singer, Roxane Cross (Moore) is invited to give a concert in an unspecified Latin American country in honor of businessman Katsumi Hosokawa (Watanabe). They all arrive at Vice-President Ochoa’s mansion—Japanese translator Gen
His follow-up to Carol is an ADD suffering viewers nightmare. Wonderstruck again promotes the inventive ways filmmaker Todd Haynes chooses to tell a story. Wonderstruck will likely divide audiences who can’t make it past the sharp contrast of two stories being told simultaneously; one is silent, in black and white, while the other in color
Here is a good reason why only the Coen Brothers should be directing their scripts. George Clooney’s first time directing a film without playing an acting role, might hint at his disinterest in the material. If you know anything about Coen Brothers films, it’s their genius toying with underlining comedy. “Suburbicon” has all the right
The Americans are here to ruin a promising franchise. Two years ago, director Matthew Vaughn made a star out of newcomer Taron Egerton (Eddie the Eagle) with a witty, sarcastic and intelligent script. Kingsman didn’t play as well in America, so for the sequel, everything from the pace, humor and Taron’s charisma is altered. The