‘American Fiction.’ directed by Cord Jefferson and based on Percival Everett’s novel, navigates the complex landscape of the literary world through the lens of Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison, portrayed with brilliance by Jeffrey Wright. Monk, a frustrated novelist and college lecturer, returns home to care for his mother, Agnes (Leslie Uggams), who battles dementia and reconnects… Continue reading American Fiction- A Satirical Yet Emotional Journey into Literary Limelight
Author: Laurie Coker
May December – Complex Morality Unraveled
In Todd Haynes’ latest psychological drama ‘May December’ the acclaimed director takes audiences on a riveting journey into the complexities of truth, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. Anchored by stellar performances from Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and breakout star Charles Melton, the film explores the aftermath of a scandalous affair and… Continue reading May December – Complex Morality Unraveled
‘Saltburn’: Navigating the Complex Tapestry of Aristocratic Opulence and Dark Manipulation
Emerald Fennell, renowned for her Oscar-winning debut, “Promising Young Woman,” unveils her sophomore film, ‘Saltburn,’ a captivating exploration of the British aristocracy’s intricacies. The film boldly defies the tendency in cinema to relegate the upper class to a relic of the past, offering a compelling portrayal of their contemporary existence. Set against the backdrop of… Continue reading ‘Saltburn’: Navigating the Complex Tapestry of Aristocratic Opulence and Dark Manipulation
Candy Cane Lane: Lacks the Holiday Sparkle
Eddie Murphy, in ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ takes on a role that feels akin to driving a sportscar to the local supermarket—an unnecessary extravagance for a holiday movie aimed at family-friendly audiences on Amazon Prime. With full-on-flashy-smile charisma, Murphy tries to compensate for the film’s lackluster energy but often appears to sleepwalk through the festivities, contrasting… Continue reading Candy Cane Lane: Lacks the Holiday Sparkle
Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Disney’s centennial celebration takes an unexpected turn with ‘Wish,’ a lackluster animation that leans heavily on nostalgia but falls short of capturing the magic of its predecessors. While the film introduces a promising premise in the magical kingdom of Rosas, ruled by the enigmatic King Magnifico (Chris Pine), it ultimately succumbs to a formulaic plot,… Continue reading Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Quiz Lady: A Hilarious Quest of Laughter and Family Ties
The wild and whimsical world of ‘Quiz Lady,’ directed by Jessica Yu, unfolds with a delightful focus on the intricate tapestry of its lead’s fractured family life rather than the traditional pursuit of victory in a game show. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo (“Hocus Pocus 2”) injects a generous dose of humor into the charades-based final round,… Continue reading Quiz Lady: A Hilarious Quest of Laughter and Family Ties
‘The Killer’: Fincher’s Symphony of Precision in a Soulless World
David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’ offers a chilling glimpse into the mind of an assassin, portrayed with meticulous brilliance by Michael Fassbender. Guided by the mantra of “Stick to the plan, trust no one,” the film unfolds as a brooding action thriller, delving into the neo-noir landscape crafted from the pages of French comic books by… Continue reading ‘The Killer’: Fincher’s Symphony of Precision in a Soulless World
The Burial: Foxx Shines in David and Goliath Legal Drama
In the world of legal dramas, ‘Burial’ stands out as an interesting tale of justice with a David versus Goliath spin. At the forefront is the tenacity of an ostentatious personal injury attorney. Directed by Maggie Betts and available on Prime Video, this based-on-a-true-story film brings to life the courtroom battle between a small-town funeral… Continue reading The Burial: Foxx Shines in David and Goliath Legal Drama
Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
Featured as the closing film of Fantastic Fest 2023, ‘Totally Killer’ director Nahnatchka Khan decently combines two fun genres into one delightful Halloween-appropriate movie. Feeling at times like ‘Back to the Future’ and at others, ‘Scream,’ ‘Totally Killer’ is exciting enough for adults and mild enough for older teens. Perhaps missing is a better soundtrack… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise
The opening moments of “Reptile” are undeniably riveting, setting the stage for an enticing murder mystery anchored by Benicio del Toro’s character, Detective Tom Nichols. However, before we delve into the film’s merits and drawbacks, it’s necessary to dispel any initial misconceptions about the “reptilian” title. Contrary to what one might assume, ‘Reptile’ is not… Continue reading ‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise