Author: Laurie Coker

By Laurie Coker Rating: B+ I hate getting older. Sure, there are some benefits, like reduced pricing at theatres, AARP membership, IHOP senior meals, and other perks, but I’m not quite there yet. Still it looms. Quartet, starring the irrepressible Maggie Smith, funny man Billy Connelly, lovable Pauline Collins and veteran British actor Tom Courtenay… Continue reading Review: Quartet

By Laurie Coker Rating: C+/B- While not overtly revolutionary, Mark Wahlberg’s new film Broken City does entertain and surprisingly, in spite of its faults, does keep the audience guessing. Even with its pat plot, director Allen Hughes (the first time at the helm without brother Albert) and his strong cast manage to toss in a… Continue reading Review: Broken City

By Laurie Coker Rating: Gangster Squad C+ Zero Dark Thirty A- With time running away from me, yet again, I’ve decided to review two films in one this week. Zero Dark Thirty and Gangster Squad. Both star exceptional, versatile actors and both entertain – one more for the overblown almost comic book feel, the other… Continue reading Two for ONE Reviews: Gangster Squad and Zero Dark Thirty

By Laurie Coker Rating: A Ah, the randomness of nature, it never ceases to amaze and stupefy even experts. When in Japan a few years back, my cohort of twenty teachers on a seminar there had to be evacuated from Okinawa early because of an oncoming monsoon. As disappointed as I felt, having to miss… Continue reading Review: THE IMPOSSIBLE

By Laurie Coker Rating: C- I have followed Matt Damon’s career, along with Ben Affleck’s, since their coupling in Good Will Hunting. Both have grown wonderfully as actors and men. Affleck’s Argo sits near the top of my best of list this year, but alas, Damon’s offering, Promised Land hardly qualifies to sit anywhere near… Continue reading Review: PROMISED LAND