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“Little Women” is not a little film.  In fact, it is quite large – in production scope, in reception and in the concentration of creative genius it crams into 2 hours and 15 minutes. And, one more.  It is quite large in heart.

Greta Gerwig, who rocketed to fame and recognition with “Lady Bird” has crafted a script based […]

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 […]

“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 […]

“Ad Astra,” currently in wide release, is as much about the vastness of inner space as it is about the vastness of outer space.  Brad Pitt, who stars as Roy McBride, astronaut son of a legendary astronaut father (Tommy Lee Jones) is chosen for, rejected, then commandeers his way back into a mission to seek […]

There are clearly two audiences for what the producers’ publicists have dubbed “The Downton Abbey Motion Picture Event.” And, an event it is.

The first audience is most predictable. For those who immersed themselves in the intrigues, fortunes and failures of the aristocratic Crawley family through five seasons of “Downton Abbey” on PBS, it is a […]