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The six-part limited series Expats from creator, director, and writer Lulu Wang debuts on January 26 with two episodes. The series is based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s book “The Expatriates,” with Lee serving as a writer on the series, as well as Alice Bell, Vera Miao, and Gursimran Sandhu. While Wang directs all the episodes,… Continue reading Prime Video releases the Expats limited series on January 26, 2024

In director and co-writer Matt Brown’s “Freud’s Last Session,” the narrative embarks on a precarious journey, struggling to maintain a cohesive focus. While cinematic ventures often thrive on exploring multiple themes, this adaptation of Mark St. Germain’s play faces challenges in sustaining a clear and engaging direction, leaving the audience yearning for a more definitive… Continue reading Freud’s Last Session: A Cinematic Odyssey Struggling to Find its Narrative Anchor Amidst Brilliant Performances

Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, ‘Role Play’ dares to take the conventional contract killer narrative and infuse it with a refreshing twist—a double life. Kaley Cuoco, known for her comedic prowess, embraces the role of Emma, a deadly assassin leading a seemingly normal suburban life as a wife and mother. Cuoco’s character, a globetrotting killer… Continue reading Role Play: A Lighthearted Thriller with Killer Laughs

From writer/director Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest is an incredibly outstanding movie but is challenging to endure. The film takes place in Auschwitz during World War II. That sentence alone should raise some red flags about the troubling subject matter. It did for me when I sat down for this press screening late last… Continue reading THE ZONE OF INTEREST Is an Extraordinary Film, But Is A Very Difficult One to Watch

From writer/director Jeymes Samuel, musical artist and filmmaker behind The Harder They Fall, comes a comedic and satirical take on the Gospel stories of Jesus Christ. Going into this film, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The trailers made the film seem like an edgy satire on the concept of religion, particularly Christianity. This movie… Continue reading THE BOOK OF CLARENCE is a Fresh and Entertaining Take on the Jesus Story

I am a fan of Westerns and glad to see the genre is alive and well for storytelling about events, some better known than others. Many stories often go untold, and if they are told, they have a limited perspective. I need to catch up on reading about who Rufus Buck is and the gang… Continue reading The Night They Came Home

In the contemporary landscape of movie musicals, often reluctant to embrace their musical essence, ‘Mean Girls’ negotiates this trend with a nuanced blend of success and awkwardness. The reincarnation of the beloved 2004 film into a fresh adaptation delivers moments of excitement and stiltedness, ultimately presenting an intelligent take on the original material. The film… Continue reading ‘Mean Girls’ Musical Film: A Double-Edged Ode to High School

If life is a dream, our memories of our past are like a dream within a dream. This best describes my incredible experience watching this new phenomenal film by writer/director Andrew Haigh. All of Us Strangers is a surreal, beautiful, and haunting journey into the heart of a man who is coping with the untimely… Continue reading ALL OF US STRANGERS Is An Incredible Dream-Like Experience

People, particularly those who do not know how to swim, often fear water. Whether it is a fear of drowning within a natural body of water or in a swimming pool, this particular type of death has fueled the fears of people for centuries. This new horror film by Bryce McGuire, in his feature directorial… Continue reading NIGHT SWIM Delivers Scares and Thrills, But Left Me Wanting More

The year 2023 was a very interesting one in film. It marked a turning point for comic-book superhero movies. While I liked and enjoyed some of the offerings from both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros/DC, most other critics did not feel the same way. I am not saying I completely adored all these movies and… Continue reading Mark’s Review of Cinema in 2023