A generic poster, a rudimentary trailer, and a bland title suggest this latest crime thriller is a new version of something we have seen before. If you caught director Damián Szifron’s explosive film “Wild Tales,” you have an idea of his creative eccentricities. He applies those instincts here, turning left […]
“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
If you’re looking for one last vacation before school starts, “Beast” takes the audience to South Africa on a treacherous adventure. Depending on your expectations, this made-for-TV movie delivers predictable thrills, and suspense and functions mostly like a watered-down “Jurassic Park.” Baltasar Kormákur is a hit-or-miss director, with surprising nuance in thrillers like “Adrift” (2018),
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
This is a crime drama as thrilling as any you would want to see, with the best of writing and directing by Anna Gutto and a cast containing the illustrious Juliette Binoche in a completely divergent role from her past and the inimitable Morgan Freeman being in his quintessential role of the quiet, irritating upsetter. Close
The only reason a new release hits theaters in early January, is because the studio — Universal in this case — has lost all hope in the product and is dumping it among flashier awards contenders in a platform release. “The 355” is such a film. Sure, it has an all-star cast, two of which
With a new title, marquee names on the poster and no jigsaw puppet, “Spiral” is a reboot of sorts to the “Saw” franchise (2004-2017) that ran out of steam around its third installment. Technically, “Spiral” is the ninth film in the franchise, and while there is new blood in front of the camera, director Darren
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
Yakov (Davis) is in a rather fragile state as a result of a traumatic event and subsequent stay in a protected Hassadic Jewish community. Those around him are supportive and helpful in guiding him through the transition back into normal life. He assures them he is just fine, only strapped for funds. When his old rabbi and friend