By Laurie Coker Rating: C Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker feels, at the same time, both disgusting and admirable. Joker’s director and co-writer, with Scott Silver, Todd Phillips explores the dingiest, darkest, and most disturbing aspect of the character and still, he disappoints with his dismal, in-your-face social commentary. Were it not for its… Continue reading Review: JOKER
Author: Laurie Coker
Review: ABOMINABLE
By Laurie Coker Rating: A- In the hit and miss world of animated features, Abominable is far more hit than miss. In a mixed-up world of mix-ups, an unlikely buddy story evolves between a trio of teens and an abominable snowman. Universal Pictures has created a cuddly cute character in “Everest” and kids will love… Continue reading Review: ABOMINABLE
Review: LUCY IN THE SKY
By Laurie Coker Rating: C- There is a history, a deep one, behind Natalie Portman’s latest film, Lucy in the Sky. Stories and rumors flew like fireflies about the Paul McCartney, John Lennon song first performed by the Beatles for their Sgt. Pepper album in 1967. LSD (acid, Lucy) certainly, according to tabloids, was the… Continue reading Review: LUCY IN THE SKY
Review: HUSTLERS
By Laurie Coker Rating: A Everyone hustles – for a job, to care for the kids, to win a race or earn a promotion, but no one hustles like actress Jennifer Lopez in her latest film Hustlers. Writer-director, Lorene Scafaria brings out the best in her cast and Lopez uses every gift that nature gave… Continue reading Review: HUSTLERS
Review: AUGGIE
By Laurie Coker Rating: B What if someone could read your mind? And what if that someone came in the guise of a life-like AI image? Such is the case in Auggie, an Indy film co-written and directed by writer-director Matt Kane and Marc Underhill. Starring Richard Kind, Auggie plods along much like its lead… Continue reading Review: AUGGIE
Review: MAIDEN
By Laurie Coker Rating: A Girl power is at the forefront of many movies this summer, but often the effort to promote female strength and equality feels forced and faked. In 1989, Tracy Edwards, a twenty-four-year-old boat cook, put together the first-ever, all-female crew to sail in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Documentarian Alex… Continue reading Review: MAIDEN
Review – On DVD & Streaming September 9th: YESTERDAY
By Laurie Coker Rating: B+ Yesterday were the Beatles and today, only a glimmer remains – or no memory of them all. Director Danny Boyle takes his viewers on an enchanted journey in this twist on the music of the Fab Four. Written by Richard Curtis, Yesterday offers a modern mix of Beatles music in a sentimental and… Continue reading Review – On DVD & Streaming September 9th: YESTERDAY
Review – Now Available on Amazon Prime: GAGS the CLOWN
By Laurie Coker Rating: F- Gag! Everything in Gags the Clown is rotten. Taking the hand-held camera production approach does nothing to bring terror or entertainment to this half-baked, horror flick, now available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime. Director and co-writer, with John Pata, Adam Krause fails miserably at the found-footage genre, but not as… Continue reading Review – Now Available on Amazon Prime: GAGS the CLOWN
Review: THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
By Laurie Coker Rating B- Garth Stein’s transparent, yet touching tale and Kevin Costner’s gravelly voiceover of the canine lead in The Art of Racing in the Rain offer a breath of fresh air in a season fraught with dismal dramas and over-blown action thrillers. Regardless of the formulaic story ploys, director Simon Curtis manages to rise… Continue reading Review: THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
Review: EDIE
By Laurie Coker Rating: B People who complete amazing feats of strength, determination, and perseverance fill the world. However, we rarely hear about octogenarians who climb mountains. Director Simon Hunter and screenwriter Elizabeth O’Halloran weave a beautiful tale of life after death – death of a husband that is. Sheila Hancock stars as Edie, a… Continue reading Review: EDIE