Film Reviews

“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 Sheeran’s (Robert DeNiro) long journey […]

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 forward and deftly move […]

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 in a tortured, conflicted way […]

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 audience is put on notice […]

“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 of “Jojo Rabbit” also appears […]