There is some emotional relief in “1917,” the latest, exceptional film by director Sam Mendes. The emotional relief lasts for about 3 minutes before the audience realizes that they are on a day, night and morning furtive journey … a foot race to halt a brutal ambush of British troops in World War I.
Once the […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The predictable segue of production company credits have not concluded at the beginning of James Mangold’s beautifully crafted “Ford v Ferrari” when the rumbling sound of a racing engine being revved floods the theater. In a moment mildly reminiscent of John Williams’ two note, muscle-clenching theme from the classic Peter Benchley/Steven Spielberg classic “Jaws,” the […]