9/11 docudramas have been met with both praise and controversy. “The Report” focuses on the highly controversial issue of the torturing of prisoners in the name of national security. And it deserves praise for its gripping and raw depiction of a true-life, U.S. political battle between the top agencies in the land. Adam Driver gives […]
Popular recording artist Cynthia Erivo has already won a Tony, a Grammy and a Daytime Emmy for her performance and contributions to the 2016 Broadway revival of “The Color Purple”. She only needs an Oscar to reach the coveted EGOT status. Erivo’s lead performance in “Harriet” could put her on that track. This historical biopic […]
If nautical nonsense be something you wish, then “The Lighthouse” is a must-sea. This latest dramatic thriller from co-writer/director Robert Eggers (“The Witch”) is one of the most bizarre movie experiences of 2019. Four-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe could very well walk the plank, er – red carpet, again for his performance as salty, old […]
“The Current War” debuted at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. Its editor and distributor at the time was none other than Harvey Weinstein. A few weeks later the Weinstein scandal broke. All of the studio’s films yet to be released went into limbo. One of them – “The Upside” with Kevin Hart and Bryan […]
“Brian Banks” is the latest “based on a true story” drama about a football player. But unlike with “Invincible”, “The Express” or even “The Blind Side”, football actually takes a major backseat. And that’s refreshing. This is the story of Brian Banks, the person. In 2002, at the age of 16, Banks was accused of […]
If a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, should they be told? Or, should that secret be kept so the person can enjoy their final few months without the burden of the truth? What if that person is the beloved matriarch of a proud but fractured Chinese family? That’s the foundation of “The Farewell”, […]
It all comes down to this. After more than a decade, and 21 prior films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (partially) closes its doors with “Avengers: Endgame”. Like most respected critics, I will be following the protocol of Disney, Marvel, the cast and directors Joe & Anthony Russo: #DontSpoilTheEndgame. I’m not going to give away core […]
John Lee Hancock is one of my favorite directors. He chooses untold, true stories. And he allows his actors the space to deliver powerhouse performances, including Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side”, Emma Thompson in “Saving Mr. Banks” and Michael Keaton in “The Founder”. Hancock’s latest is “The Highwaymen”. It features yet another heavyweight at […]
“Fighting with My Family” is written and directed by British actor/comedian Stephen Merchant, who co-starred with the film’s producer, Dwayne Johnson, in 2010’s “Tooth Fairy”. Johnson actually plays himself in a few memorable scenes of “Fighting”. And that’s because this is based on the true story (and 2012 documentary) of WWE wrestler Paige. Born Saraya […]
THIS is how you end a trilogy. DreamWorks Animation wraps-up their fourth franchise with “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”. It’s also the studio’s first film under new distribution partner, Universal. Interestingly, the first “Dragon” (released in 2010) was distributed by Paramount. 2014’s “How to Train Your Dragon 2” was released by 20th […]