2011’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” marked the end of an era. It was the final chapter in the 8-installment film franchise adapted from one of the most successful book series of all-time. But author J.K. Rowling had to find a way to keep the Potter fandom (and her banks accounts) alive […]
Jonah Hill has starred in some of the biggest comedies, dramas and animated films of the past decade. Some of his on-screen work has been impressive, including his Oscar nominated performance in “Moneyball” and supporting role in this summer’s little-seen “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot”. But he’s still got a long way […]
“The House with a Clock in Its Walls” is a PG-rated fantasy mystery adventure starring Jack Black (no stranger to family fare) and Cate Blanchett. Her recent roles include the evil stepmother in “Cinderella” and voice work in “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. However, “House with a Clock” comes from director Eli Roth, whose resume […]
You’d think the true story of a team of Israeli agents looking to capture one of the Nazi masterminds behind the annihilation of millions of Jews during World War II would make for an intense, compelling film. Plus, the cast is lead by two outstanding actors – Oscar Isaac and Sir Ben Kingsley. But, it […]
It’s rare for a sequel to be greenlit when the original only earned $47 million in the U.S. But “Sicario: Day of the Soldado”, the follow-up to 2015’s action/thriller “Sicario”, is not your typical sequel – mainly due to a shuffle in its lineup. Emily Blunt, who starred in the original, is not in “Soldado”. […]
Melissa McCarthy goes back to school in her latest comedy “Life of the Party”, which was filmed almost two years ago. She plays Deanna, a bubbly mom who joins her husband Dan in dropping off their daughter Maddie to her senior year of college. As they start to drive away, Dan informs Deanna he wants […]
Dwayne Johnson and director Brad Peyton have previously collaborated on the fun family adventure sequel “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” and 2015’s surprisingly sophisticated, excellent action/thriller “San Andreas”. But film No. 3 for this duo isn’t nearly as successful…more proof that the Johnson charm-o-meter is continuing to trend in the wrong direction. “Rampage” is based […]
2011’s “Gnomeo & Juliet” is charming, sweet, emotional and genuine. I told lead voice actress Emily Blunt “it’s a terrific animated movie” on “The Tonight Show”. I can’t believe that was more than 7 years ago. Now, after seeing the new sorta-sequel, sorta-spinoff, follow-up – “Sherlock Gnomes”, I kinda feel bad for Blunt, whose Juliet […]
“A Wrinkle in Time” is based on the Award-winning 1962 novel of the same name that’s a fixture in most grade school classrooms. I’ve been familiar with the book for a long time, but didn’t read it growing-up. After seeing Disney’s film adaptation, I consider that a blessing. Ava DuVernay is the talented director of […]
I doubt Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks and the rest of the cast and crew, when they made the original “Pitch Perfect”, were thinking that a comedy about a college A cappella singing group would turn into a viable franchise. The first “Pitch” was a base hit, the second – a double. This third […]