MAKING THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY
There is an ethereal elegance to Eric Forstmann’s work – an almost hypnotic aura that brings viewers back again, and again. And, each time, they are rewarded with another whisper of an idea … a moment of discovery that may bring a smile or simply be celebrated with a shake of the head.
His iconic painting […]
FILM REVIEW – STAR WARS – THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Episode IX of the trilogy of trilogies that is the “Star Wars” franchise has one important element to commend it. It brings “the band back together.” With the possible exceptions of Darth Vader (his crushed and melted helmet stands in). Obi Wan Kenobi (actor Alec Guinness died in 2000) and Yoda. Director J.J Abrams has […]
FILM REVIEW – BOMBSHELL
“Bombshell” doesn’t begin with an obliterating explosion. It simmers and bothers … it teases and terrifies. Then, with targeted force, it explodes.
This is the story of the total collapse of Roger Ailes, the legendary creator of the Fox News juggernaut who took his experiences promoting the elections of Ronald Reagan, the Bushes, Rudy Giuliani and […]
FILM REVIEW – CATS
And, now we have “Cats,” the film. How, in the name of all that is magical about movies, did we get to this forsaken place?
Well, once upon a time, there was a brilliant set of poems by British poet T. S. Eliot. When wildly celebrated composer Andrew Lloyd Weber gathered up a copy of “Old […]
FILM REVIEW – MARRIAGE STORY
Clarity above all. “Marriage Story” is about a marriage that falls apart … right before your very eyes – somewhat reminiscent of the celebrated “Kramer vs. Kramer.” “Marriage Story” is, however, both unique and worthy of notice beyond comparison. It is one of the best acted, crispest films to come forward during the current “Oscar […]
FILM REVIEW – KNIVES OUT
And, you think your family is dysfunctional? A simple investment of 2 hours and 12 minutes with “Knives Out,” Rian Johnson’s truly enjoyable comedy/mystery film will put things in perspective.
An ensemble cast of brilliant actors (among them Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson and Chris Evans) gathers at the Thrombey mansion outside of Boston to sort […]
FILM REVIEW – THE IRISHMAN
“The Irishman” is a 3 ½ hour Master Class in acting. The portrayals of mob bosses, “wise guys,” “hit men,” long-suffering family members and befuddled government officials is mesmerizing. … so intoxicating that the audience barely seems to register the time that has elapsed since they sat down, rustled through their popcorn and began Frank […]
FILM REVIEW – FROZEN II
Sequels can be dangerous things. What may have energized an audience for “Frozen” may be missing in “Frozen II.” The impact of the musical score in the first episode may overshadow the score of the second time around. Or, the second iteration of the theme can carry some messages of its own that can carry […]
FILM REVIEW – A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
It’s true. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a beautifully crafted film about television icon Fred Rogers, played with magnetic charm by one of our greatest living film actors, Tom Hanks.
It’s true. The film centers on the relationship between Mr. Rogers and Lloyd Vogel (mirroring the experience of journalist Tom Junod). Matthew Rhys portrays Vogel […]