REVIEW: “Elf” (2003)

REVIEW: “Elf” (2003)

(Originally reviewed in 2012) Christmas movies are their own special brand of films. Much of what makes them good is centered on how well they tie into this wonderful holiday season. You can’t separate them from the holiday, and their success depends on that relationship to Christmas. Jon Favreau’s “Elf” is a perfect example. Soaked … Continue reading

REVIEW: “The Whale” (2022)

REVIEW: “The Whale” (2022)

The buzz for Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” has been deafening with most of the excitement swirling around Brendan Fraser’s lead performance. As a long-time appreciator of Fraser, it’s nice to see him back on screen with a meaty attention-getting role. I just wish he was attached to a better movie. As it is, “The Whale” … Continue reading

REVIEW: “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” (2022)

REVIEW: “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” (2022)

It seems we’re in an interesting phase where seasoned directors are using their platforms to reflect back on their pasts. Alfonso Cuarón did it with “Roma”. Last year, Kenneth Branagh did it with “Belfast”. Already this year, James Gray has done it with “Armageddon Time” and Spielberg with “The Fabelmans”. With “Bardo, False Chronicle of … Continue reading