“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 […]
“Jojo Rabbit” is an emotional rollercoaster of a film. It has light headed moments of silliness and deep dives into tragedy. It has vaudevillian comedy and the most tender moments of love and loss. It is entirely — from opening titles to closing credits — worth the ride.
Taika Waititi, writer, director and co-producer […]
Let’s begin at the end. “Harriet” is an overwhelmingly impressive film and one that deserves attention, discussion and appreciation across a wide audience. Kasi Lemmons’ directing is sure, imaginative and unyielding. The life of Harriet Tubman, played by Cynthia Erivo with almost frightening force, compassion and depth, is a complex story of the obscenity of slavery […]
There was an awkward moment in the darkened theater as the last notes of “Hitch Hikin’” reverberated in Bruce Springsteen’s New Jersey barn as the opening salvo of his concert film/autobiographical exploration “Western Stars” started the journey through his newest album of the same name.
Several members of the attentive audience began to applaud … then […]
The film begins calmly enough. It’s a lovely autumn day and a group of vacationers are taking a guided tour on Lake George. A rogue wave. A series of painful funerals. “The Laundromat” has just begun to unveil what personal tragedy can look like … all in pursuit of the “almighty dollar.”
Steven Soderbergh is no […]
This film may be a welcome relief from the “adult” fare that is populating theaters as the ramp up to “OSCAR Season” continues. If the intended audience is a bit too young for “Joker” and unenthused by the prospect of 2 hours of “Downton Abbey,” then “Abominable” may just be the outing you’re looking […]
The title character’s performance is magical. Oscar-worthy. Mesmerizing.
The cinematography by Lawrence Sher presents the gritty, hard-edged beauty of New York City in rich detail.
The musical score by Icelandic composer Hildur Guonadottir elevates the role of the cello to full stardom.
But, “Joker” is a movie without a soul.
The “tent pole” film from Warner Brothers is an unabashed […]