As a retired literature teacher who read and later introduced students to Emily Brontë’s only novel, I approached the 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights with anticipation—and, I admit, protectiveness. Directed and written by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the adaptation is visually sumptuous and boldly acted. Yet… Continue reading Wuthering Heights: visually sumptuous, boldly acted, yet deeply disappointing
Author: Laurie Coker
Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once
I didn’t expect to fall for Solo Mio, but I did. Kevin James is the first reason—it’s hard not to carry the shadow of Paul Blart, and yet he’s fully human, fully charming, and quietly heartbreaking. He plays Matt, a grade school art teacher whose carefully planned wedding in Rome… well, let’s just say life… Continue reading Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once
Anaconda: leans fully into its absurdity, presenting itself as an intentionally silly
The new Anaconda doesn’t pretend to be a reinvention, a reboot, or even a particularly clever update. Instead, it leans fully into its absurdity, presenting itself as an intentionally silly, self-aware comedy that knows exactly how ridiculous its premise is—and occasionally dares the audience to keep up. Inspired by the so-called cinematic “classic” rather than… Continue reading Anaconda: leans fully into its absurdity, presenting itself as an intentionally silly
Song Sung Blue: delivers exactly what it sets out to do with care and sincerity
Based on the documentary of the same name, Song Sung Blue: An Unbreakable Dream is a musical biopic rooted in the simple, deeply human idea that music and performance can bring real happiness—even when the songs belong to someone else. The film centers on Lightning & Thunder, a Neil Diamond tribute duo, and suggests that… Continue reading Song Sung Blue: delivers exactly what it sets out to do with care and sincerity
Song of My City: captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York
Song of My City, a 2025 short film directed by David C. Roberts, runs just under twenty minutes and captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York through a vibrant collage of archival B-roll. Instead of telling a traditional story, the film functions like a visual poem, blending images of neon signs, crowded sidewalks, smoky… Continue reading Song of My City: captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York
AFF 2025 – Hamnet: a haunting and heartfelt act of imagination
Having taught Shakespeare for thirty years, I approached Hamnet with both anticipation and caution. The life of William Shakespeare, as most scholars understand, can almost fit on a postage stamp—an extraordinary creative legacy paired with a frustratingly sparse historical record. So, when Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel premiered, I knew I wasn’t… Continue reading AFF 2025 – Hamnet: a haunting and heartfelt act of imagination
AFF 2025 – Rental Family: Fraser delivers a luminous, deeply grounded performance
Having visited Japan twice and fallen in love with its blend of quiet elegance and modern energy, I was instantly captivated by Rental Family—a film that explores both the poetry and contradictions of life in Tokyo. Director Hikari portrays the city not as a neon-lit spectacle, but as a deeply human landscape, full of small… Continue reading AFF 2025 – Rental Family: Fraser delivers a luminous, deeply grounded performance
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine – a fitting tribute to a storyteller who never required the spotlight to shine
Watching You Got Gold felt like stepping into a room full of people who not only loved John Prine’s music but also truly understood his heart. I had the privilege of seeing Prine perform live years ago, and even then, what struck me most was his gift as a storyteller. He didn’t just sing songs;… Continue reading You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine – a fitting tribute to a storyteller who never required the spotlight to shine
SpongeBob SquarePants: a loud, empty echo of better times
I went into the latest SpongeBob SquarePants movie (2025) with a surprising amount of goodwill. This franchise has survived for decades because, at its best, it balances absurd humor with genuine wit and a kind of anarchic charm that works for kids while slyly entertaining adults. Unfortunately, this installment is not just a misstep—it’s easily… Continue reading SpongeBob SquarePants: a loud, empty echo of better times
Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective
Watching Arrest the Midwife felt less like being swept into a dramatic crusade and more like being dropped into a complex situation that’s been developing for years. Director Elaine Epstein presents a case that’s emotional, yes, but also complicated — legally, culturally, and personally. The documentary follows three certified professional midwives in upstate New York… Continue reading Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective