A problem with today’s family-oriented films is that they feel they must dumb everything down so the kids will sit quiet for an hour and a half and enjoy the movie. Many modern kid’s films refuse to put much substance into their characters and think their young audiences will be happy with messy slapstick and flatulent humor. It is this way of thinking that leads to so many family films insulting ... more >
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It’s the story of a silverback named Ivan, “The one and only Ivan” – REVIEW
Disney's newest family-oriented venture won us over
Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston and Phillipa Soo
Directed by Thea Sharrock
“Woman walks ahead” | Ahead of history: a conversation with Susanna White
A film from the Tribeca 2018 program
Interview with Susanna White
The film “Woman Walks Ahead” opens this weekend but I was fortunate enough to see it at the Tribeca Festival. It is an honor to finally review it and therefore close out my festival coverage by indeed saving the best for last. Like many films this year it was directed by a woman and judging by the response of the audiences, it’s proof that female directors are certainly on an even playing field ... more >
Seven Psychopaths
Wacky and wonderful criminal world
Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell
Directed by Martin McDonagh
For his follow-up to “In Bruges” director Martin McDonagh has assembled a cast touched upon by the eccentric-comedy gods. Everything about “Seven Psychopaths” defies convention and logic, an asset that adds to the outright lunacy on display. I loved how over-the-top it is, both in its bloody violence (people set afire, heads sawed off, a sequence so dementedly funny I wouldn’t want to ruin it) and ... more >
Conviction
Can we please talk about it?
Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell and Minnie Driver
Directed by Tony Goldwyn
Why are so few people talking about “Conviction”? Is it boring to talk about Hilary Swank being very strong in a quintessentially awards-style role? Over-awarded or not, it shouldn’t stop talk of how real and involving she is as Betty Anne Waters, a Massachusetts waitress who saves her imprisoned brother by becoming a lawyer and absolving him of murder. Swank is sturdy as the accidental ... more >