Film Reviews

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 and the staggering heights one […]

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 caught themselves with a light […]

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 stranger to brilliant political and […]

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 for.

At 97 minutes, it’s […]

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 “prequel.”  Joaquin Phoenix brilliantly portrays […]