**Spoiler Alert** THIS IS THE KIND OF FILM THAT MOVIE THEATERS EXIST FOR This public service announcement to all Action Movie fans: Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning: Part 1 is an action-adventure Masterpiece. Every once in a while, a movie comes along that is so exhilarating it makes your hands clammy like riding a rollercoaster, your… Continue reading Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning: Part 1
Category: Reviews
EVERY BODY Reveals a Dark and Disturbing History For Intersex People
In the current climate where LGBTQ rights continue to be a heated topic for Americans, this new documentary film from director Julie Cohen offers an insightful, educating, and heartfelt look into the lives of a specific subset of the LGBTQ community–intersex people. Intersex people are humans born with the organs of both males and females.… Continue reading EVERY BODY Reveals a Dark and Disturbing History For Intersex People
INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Made Me Miss Steven Spielberg
From the sound of that headline and looking at my low rating, one would think I didn’t like the new Indiana Jones adventure. That could not be any further from the truth. I had fun watching what is supposedly the final outing for our beloved archeologist/adventurer. Director James Mangold and his screenwriting team made a… Continue reading INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Made Me Miss Steven Spielberg
RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN Has Imagination, But Ultimately Treads Familiar Territory
The new computer-animated feature film from Dreamworks offers an inventive spin on sea creature lore but is a typical coming-of-age story. This weakness may matter little to the young children begging their parents to bring them to this movie, but these adults have already seen this plot. Featuring vividly colorful animation, enough heart, and fun… Continue reading RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN Has Imagination, But Ultimately Treads Familiar Territory
World’s Best – Now Streaming on Disney +
I am used to seeing films geared toward every possible audience. As a critic, it’s part of the job, but I find it more pleasurable to see a movie with someone in the target demographic. Disney’s new family comedy, a coming-of-age story starring Manny Magnus in a breakout role, entertained me and my 12-year-old granddaughter… Continue reading World’s Best – Now Streaming on Disney +
Wildflower: Coming of Age With Intellectually Challenged Parents
I don’t make comparisons between films often, but when a movie like Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret does such an amazing job as a coming-of-age story, those that follow have a high bar to reach. Despite its excellent ensemble cast, Wildflower does not rise to the same level. Based on a true story,… Continue reading Wildflower: Coming of Age With Intellectually Challenged Parents
ASTEROID CITY Offers More Than Meets The Eye
That headline sounds more appropriate for a Transformers movie, but I couldn’t think of a better way to lead into my review. As I am usually excited about Wes Anderson movies, I made it a point to watch the main trailer for this film when it first dropped. Usually, I avoid some trailers because I… Continue reading ASTEROID CITY Offers More Than Meets The Eye
NO HARD FEELINGS Is Actually Heartwarming
As someone who grew up during the 1980s and watched my share of sex comedies (for better or worse), I went into this screening with much curiosity and some trepidation. In our current climate, sex comedies involving teens are a dangerous territory to tread, as they probably should be. However, after watching and enjoying this… Continue reading NO HARD FEELINGS Is Actually Heartwarming
THE SECRET KINGDOM
Writer/director Matt Drummond has served in the same capacities in his previous films, My Pet Dinosaur and Dinosaur Island, and has many credits working in Visual Effects. The Secret Kingdom is a fantasy/adventure this filmmaker has created with excellent visual effects that remind me (in a couple of scenes) of the clocks seen in the… Continue reading THE SECRET KINGDOM
ELEMENTAL Is Wonderfully Imaginative, Romantic and Beautiful
The new Disney/Pixar feature film was an absolute joy to review. With its vividly gorgeous and colorful animation, brilliant world-building, and intense emotional impact, I was genuinely impressed with Elemental. It has been three years since a Disney/Pixar film moved me in many ways. That previous movie was Soul, and Elemental has loads of heart,… Continue reading ELEMENTAL Is Wonderfully Imaginative, Romantic and Beautiful