Along with Richard Pryor, George Carlin was a groundbreaker in the comedy world. As Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio’s documentary “George Carlin’s American Dream” shows, the comedian had a comic vision of Nostradamus-like proportions. The film digs deep and gets to the soul of Carlin’s philosophies. The man could be called a comedic prophet, as his political and social work observations are ... more >
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TV: “GEORGE CARLIN’S AMERICAN DREAM” on HBO, film examines what made the man a genius and shows us the bits that make him resonate today | REVIEW

Two highlighted films from the 2022 Human Rights Watch Festival, the Dina Amer-directed “YOU RESEMBLE ME” and “REBELLION”
Human rights are universal--or so we’d like to believe. The debate rages on and on, and several brave filmmakers have taken to weighing in at this year’s Human Rights Watch Film Festival, taking place this week. Here are two films deserving of attention as the meaning of the universality of rights for all continues to be in doubt for far too many. You Resemble Me Director: Dina Amer In this ... more >

CANNES FESTIVAL: Ruben Östlund makes his return to the Croisette with “Triangle of sadness,” biting satire about our times
CANNES, France -- “Triangle of Sadness” is a comedy about fashion, trends, social media influencers, how to set yourself apart but not too much, the enduring power of social hierarchies, the #metoo and virtue-signaling maelstroms. The pitch for “Triangle of Sadness” goes like this: the film starts in the fashion world, then the action moves to a cruise ship to finally end on a deserted island, ... more >

CANNES FESTIVAL: Twenty years after the serial killings in Mashhad, Iran, “HOLY SPIDER”
CANNES, France -- Lately, it seems there’s been a change in attitude among some directors in the new generation of Persian filmmakers: through their films they’re more willing to show more, more of the dark underbelly of the beast. In films like “Tehran Taboo,” “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” “Just 6.5,” themes and motifs, two shades darker than before, are explored: Iranian society has ... more >

CANNES FESTIVAL: James Gray’s return to his childhood with “ARMAGEDDON TIME”
CANNES, France -- There were problems with booking seats to the screening of James Gray's latest film, "Armageddon Time," this caused frustration. Finally, I managed to snag a ticket to join my group. Gray doesn't come to the Cannes Festival often. Fascinated by marginal characters left to fend for themselves, like Joaquin Phoenix's Leonard Kraditor of "Two Lovers," Gray casts a spotlight on ... more >