Everyone loves a good grifter story, and there is often a good deal of fun in “based on true story” movies. Rich and amusing characters make up the ensemble of characters in Bandit, a film by Allan Ungar starring Josh Duhamel, but it is the star who enchants audiences. Canadian director Ungar and his screenwriter… Continue reading BANDIT
Category: Reviews
DON’T WORRY, DARLING
A twisty, tense sci-fi mystery set in the 1950s -what could be better? Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, offers up some amazing sets, costumes, characters, and a surprising storyline. Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Chris Pine star in this subtle thriller that speaks to many contemporary issues and entertains with its vivid imagery… Continue reading DON’T WORRY, DARLING
Fantastic Fest 2022: VESPER
Directors Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper’s feature film, Vesper, written by Samper, Buozyte and Brian Clark, is one of the best dystopian films that I have viewed lately. Aside from the authentic feel of the story with the homelessness and lack of food for many, Raffiella Chapman (The Theory of Everything), brings to life the… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: VESPER
Fantastic Fest 2022: SMILE
The opening night feature of this year’s Fantastic Fest was the world premiere of the horror movie Smile. Thanks to the trailers, promos, and other creepy stunts used to promote the film, there is much anticipation among horror fans for what they hope is a thoroughly frightening experience. So, does Smile live up to all… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: SMILE
BLONDE
For those looking for a romanticized, rose-tinted portrait of Marilyn Monroe, then Andrew Dominik’s Blonde is not for you. Based on the fictional novel by Joyce Carol Oates, the movie presents the life and career of Norma Jean Mortenson/Marilyn Monroe as a dark and disturbing tragedy. Much like Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Blonde has a very… Continue reading BLONDE
SIDNEY
Actor and filmmaker Sidney Poitier was a legend. As a trailblazing thespian, he paved the way for so many Black actors and filmmakers by proving that Black Americans have so much to offer cinema, either despite or because of their tumultuous experiences facing racism and prejudice in our country. From producer Oprah Winfrey and director… Continue reading SIDNEY
SIMCHAS AND SORROWS
Simchas and Sorrows is written, directed and produced by Genevieve Adams. The filmmaker is also the lead actress who stars as Agnes. The film premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival the first day of the festival. The story is an interfaith, romantic comedy about an atheist actress who attempts to convert to Judaism to marry… Continue reading SIMCHAS AND SORROWS
CATHERINE CALLED BIRDIE
Lena Dunham has written and directed a feature-length film, Catherine Called Birdie, an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s 1994 novel “Catherine Called Birdy.” I have not yet read the novel, but once I learned that it is about a young teen who is refusing to conform to the expectations of her parents/society, I knew it was… Continue reading CATHERINE CALLED BIRDIE
THE WOMAN KING
If anyone thinks the trailer for The Woman King is great, then wait until one actually sees the whole movie. While I was watching and marveling at the awesomeness of this film, I couldn’t help, but think how, in a lot of ways, this story feels like Marvel’s Black Panther. However, I mean that, obviously,… Continue reading THE WOMAN KING
PEARL
Earlier this year, director Ti West delivered a wild, but fun 70s horror throwback with X. As audiences underwent this flash-to-the-past journey they would eventually discover that West has a bigger picture to offer them. At the end of X, another film gets teased, promising a more complete portrait on the character of Pearl. A… Continue reading PEARL