Category: MAIN

POLITE SOCIETY Delivers Soapy Fun & Action

I missed/overlooked this delightful movie at this year’s SXSW, and now I am kicking myself for not experiencing it with a festival audience. Going into this movie, I had already watched the trailer and was somewhat annoyed with the preview. The entire presentation of that glimpse came across as silly, ridiculous, and grating. Thankfully, despite… Continue reading POLITE SOCIETY Delivers Soapy Fun & Action

GHOSTED

While some people may know the definition of “ghosted” used in more recent times, other people don’t’ know. A Google search provided the following “End a personal relationship with (someone) by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication.” Writers Rhett Reese (Zombieland), Paul Wernick (Deadpool), and Chris McKenna (Spider-Man: No Way Home) have written… Continue reading GHOSTED

Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret: Sure to become a TIMELESS CLASSIC

Adapting beloved books to the screen can daunt many. While there are some apparent successes, few please all of the people all of the time. Are you there, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume has touched the lives of many young girls since its first edition in the 1970s. Blume’s novel is one of… Continue reading Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret: Sure to become a TIMELESS CLASSIC

THE TANK

Writer/Director Scott Walker (The Frozen Ground) presents the new feature film, The Tank, with a creature that can make anyone have a fear of water (where it resides) or perhaps fear of hiking in the woods, as this creature seems to have the capacity to prey on land for their next meal. I like the… Continue reading THE TANK

SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!

SISU is a Finnish word that doesn’t have an exact translation. After watching writer/director Jalmari Helander’s film SISU, I can see why it’s difficult to pinpoint what the word actually means – grit, guts, courage, strength (and the like) – don’t sum it up. A great deal is to be said about determination and grit… Continue reading SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!

BEAU IS AFRAID is Actually The Cinematic Understatement of the Year.

Yes, Joaquin Phoenix’s protagonist, Beau, is afraid, but it is much worse than that. His condition is more like severe anxiety with paranoid delusions. These illnesses make Beau a very unreliable main character, as it is so difficult to tell the movie’s reality and what isn’t. It is probably safe to say that the entire… Continue reading BEAU IS AFRAID is Actually The Cinematic Understatement of the Year.

CHEVALIER: Racism Mutes A Gifted Musician in 18th Century France.

Most cinephiles have experienced biopics about classical music artists that attempt to add more drama to their lore, whether it is genuine or not. The story of talented composer/musician Joseph Bologne is unique in that not many people know his story, nor do they know the real struggles he faced in expressing his art and… Continue reading CHEVALIER: Racism Mutes A Gifted Musician in 18th Century France.

JUDY BLUME FOREVER

A few months ago, I was asked if I was a Judy Blume fan. Before that, a friend asked me if I had read the Judy Blume book, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” after viewing the film trailer. The book was released decades ago and is also the upcoming film’s title in late… Continue reading JUDY BLUME FOREVER

THE COVENANT Promises a Riveting and Harrowing Journey

This particular subject matter is an odd choice for director Guy Ritchie. This film comes across as an American movie, with much jingoism and purpose that would typically come from an American propaganda film. Still, the writers and director hope to tell a realistic story that appeals to its core audience’s hearts. That particular element… Continue reading THE COVENANT Promises a Riveting and Harrowing Journey