True stories of triumphing over adversity can be catnip for filmmakers. The very idea comes with so many plot points and story beats already baked into it. It’s especially true for sports stories. Netflix’s “Nyad” seeks to inspire by telling the genuinely amazing true account of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad. Unfortunately it’s told through what … Continue reading
With any discussion on the best movies of Charles Bronson’s career it’s likely that many of the same titles will pop up: “Once Upon a Time in the West”, “The Magnificent Seven”, “The Great Escape”, “The Dirty Dozen”, “Death Wish”. I’m doubting that “The Stone Killer” gets mentioned much in those conversations. But what can … Continue reading
Take my word for it – you don’t need to be a professional wrestling fan to be drawn to the devastating true story of the Von Erich family. A24’s new film “The Iron Claw” seeks to tell the story of Kevin, Kerry, David, and Mike Von Erich, four brothers whose famed wrestling careers were eventually … Continue reading
One of earliest treats from Filmland 2023 was “Ghosts of the Void”, a slow-burning indie thriller written and directed by Jason Miller. This (mostly) two-hander is built around a rather simple premise, yet one that’s rich with a slew of themes that make it a little more than a straight genre movie. It’s smart, surprisingly … Continue reading
Director Albert Pintó takes a minimalist concept and stretches it to its limits in “Nowhere”, a new Spanish-language survival thriller that’s now streaming on Netflix. Written by the five-person team of Ernest Riera, Miguel Ruz, Indiana Lista, Seanne Winslow, and Teresa Rosendoy and anchored by a gutsy lead performance from Anna Castillo, “Nowhere” takes its … Continue reading
The pointedly titled “Flora and Son” couldn’t be more straightforward. This confounding musical dramedy is every bit about a single mother named Flora and her rebellious 14-year-old son Max. Or is it? Set and filmed in Dublin, the story follows the pair’s strained relationship and shows how music unexpectedly ends up being the balm that … Continue reading
Keith & the Movies 