“Introducing, Selma Blair” Directed by Rachel Fleit The actress Selma Blair had a promising career in Hollywood going at the turn of the millennium, appearing in major roles in “Cruel Intentions” and “Hellboy,” among others. She was on an upward trajectory, appearing in dozens of other films and television shows. However, in recent years the actress was cruelly struck with a diagnosis of multiple ... more >
ARCHIVES
DOPESICK ON HULU: “This con was so outrageous that I thought we’ve got to dramatize this” (OUR INTERVIEW WITH DANNY STRONG AND BETH MACY)
Over a twenty-year stretch, half a million people have died from opioids, according to the CDC. And one of the crisis’s major killers is OxyContin, which earned the already-wealthy Sackler family billions of dollars. Even though the family’s firm, Purdue Pharma, is now in bankruptcy proceedings and ordered by courts to pay billions in penalties and compensation, members of the Sackler family ... more >
LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH IS HERE and with it, new documentaries to take note of: “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “The Capote Tapes”
There are some especially strong documentaries out there to see to celebrate some LGBTQ Americans who have made incredible contributions to this land, its culture and, more importantly, its present. “My Name Is Pauli Murray” Directors: Julie Cohen and Betsy West Pauli Murray (featured image) might be among the most important lawyers of the twentieth century that most of us (myself included) had ... more >
MOVIE REVIEW | “23 Walks” is one of THE YEAR’S BEST
Starring Dave Johns and Alison Steadman Directed by Paul Morrison Writer-director Paul Morrison has fashioned an endearingly sweet later-in-life romance fable that follows two senior citizens who first meet walking their dogs and then, over the course of several seasons, deal with the joys, pittfalls and pains of what it means to start a relationship at any age, never mind in the autumn of the ... more >
BRIEFLY CONSIDERED: “Tougher than a Tank” and “Prince of Luna Park”
“Tougher Than a Tank” Marine Eddie Ryan was hit in the head by friendly fire in Iraq, and his condition was so grave that his parents came to his bedside expecting to say goodbye. Against all odds, Ryan not only survived but was soon able to speak and use his left arm. He maintained his sense of humor, even if certain emotional cues were now absent due to his injuries. The medical bills were ... more >
SHORT FILM OUTING: L.A.’s DANCES WITH FILM FESTIVAL to showcase a short that caught our fancy
I’m a fan of a short film that can tell a complete story and foster a solid atmosphere in only so many screen minutes. Accordingly, if you happen to be in Los Angeles in time for the Dances With Film Festival, on september 1st do yourself a favor and check out “A Good Couple,” a dreamy psychological thriller from filmmaker Robert Gregson. Gregson’s short stars Julie Ann Earls and Alex Mandell ... more >
Nearly thirty years later he’s back: “CANDYMAN” | MOVIE REVIEW
Directed by Nia DaCosta Stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett Co-written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta "Candyman" is now out in theaters Earlier this week I re-watched the original “Candyman” from 1992 in which a pair of enterprising though credulous graduate students (Virginia Madsen and Kasi Lemmons) seek to catalog and/or debunk Chicago ... more >