As we wipe our collective brow after the four-year fever that was the Trump administratio the temptation remains to call him the worst president in our history. For whatever reason, long-term amnesia has set in for the sins of previous presidencies. Lest we never forget, the new film “The Mauritanian” is here to remind us of Bush-era transgressions. “The Mauritanian” is directed by Kevin ... more >
ARCHIVES
In “The Mauritanian,” so many reminders of our past errors with the Iraqi campaign and why due process must prevail | REVIEW
Film was adapted from 'Guantanamo Diary'
Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch
Directed by Kevin Macdonald
“Money Monster”
Film was shown out of competition in Cannes
George Clooney and Julia Roberts
Directed by Jodie Foster
I liked "Money Monster," thought I'd that off the top. If that seems like an unusual or lame or unusually lame way to start a film review, that's fine. I wanted to state it firmly. Because there are things in the Jodie Foster-George Clooney political thriller that just made the rounds of the ongoing Cannes Festival that should go wrong. To start with, "Money Monster" quickly violates two of my ... more >
Carnage
And the point of it all was ...
Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and John C. Reilly
Directed by Roman Polanski
Carnage tells the story of two couples who meet to discuss in as civilized and understanding a manner as possible the schoolyard spat of their sons that resulted in broken teeth and harsh words. One pair of parents comes to the other pair’s apartment to discuss the situation. After they come to an agreement about the wording of a document describing the incident, things start going ... more >
Roman Polanski’s Carnage
The New York Film Festival opener
Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly
Directed by Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski's latest effort is an adaptation of French dramatic auteur—and, for a short while, Nicolas Sarkozy confidante--Yasmine Reza's play “God of Carnage.” After being favorably received onstage, both Broadway and the West End mounted productions to mostly positive acclaim. It seems natural, then, that a film version—a ninety-minute set piece in which the characters barely leave the ... more >
The Brave One
How many wrongs to make it right?
Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard and Naveen Andrews
Directed by Neil Jordan
Blurring the line between good and bad is a good bet for a screenwriter nowadays. Good versus evil is so passe. The good guys usually win and they're often uninspiring. Oftentimes I find myself rooting for the bad guy, hoping he'll change his ways. Which is why The Brave One, which stars Jodie Foster and opened in the US this past weekend, is my redemption--kind of. Foster plays Erica Bain, ... more >