Who knew that a little movie about a hitman avenging his dog’s death would evolve into the most popular action franchise going? Of course that’s an overly simplified synopsis of 2014’s “John Wick”, a movie that instantly won people over (yours truly included) with its ferocious style, exciting yet proudly tongue-in-cheek story, and the incandescent … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Tutor” (2023)
(CLICK HERE to read my full review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) Who knew the world of big city professional tutoring was so treacherous? Well it certainly is in the lightly gonzo and undeniably entertaining new thriller “The Tutor”. The film comes from director Jordan Ross, working from a screenplay by Ryan King, and stars the … Continue reading
REVIEW: “All the Old Knives” (2022)
I’ve always had a soft spot for dense talky thrillers. When done well they highlight good screenwriting while giving actors the dramatic material to burrow deep into their characters. And when combined with the right director, able actors, and strong script, a simple conversation in a restaurant can be as tense and engrossing as any … Continue reading
New on Home Video: “All Quiet on the Western Front” 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Mediabook
Netflix in conjuction with capelight pictures has announced the release “All Quiet on the Western Front” on home video. This attractive 2-disc Limited Collector’s Edition Mediabook contains both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions of the movie along with a 24-page booklet. The film is a stunningly made epic-scaled polemic from director Edward Berger who delivers … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Supercell” (2023)
Director Herbert James Winterstern takes a swing at the disaster genre (sort of) in his feature film directorial debut “Supercell”. As you can probably tell by the not-so-cryptic title, it’s a killer storm movie set in North Texas and the Midwest. That’s prime territory for a movie like this. Unfortunately the storm-chasing in this modestly … Continue reading
RETRO REVIEW: “The Mechanic” (1972)
“The Mechanic” was the second of six movies Charles Bronson and director Michael Winner made together. The action thriller came fresh off the heels of their 1972 revisionist Western “Chato’s Land” and just a couple of films before their most noted collaboration “Death Wish”. Although it received mixed reviews at the time of its release, … Continue reading