In several ways, the first hour of “Bone Lake” plays like one of those steamy thrillers that frequented late-night cable television in the late 80s and early 90s. It works hard to be seductive, even veering towards trashy on occasions. And it attempts to give its story a sharp psychological edge. But neither the pseudo-eroticism … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Stolen Girl” (2025)
In “Stolen Girl” Kate Beckinsale plays Mara, a down on her luck, divorced single mother living in Ohio with her four-year-old daughter Amina and her ailing father Joe (Matt Craven). Mara’s world is turned upside down after Amina wanders off while in a grocery store and is abducted. That kicks off this complicated story about … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Eleanor the Great” (2025)
The indomitable and irresistible June Squibb once again shines in “Eleanor the Great”, the directorial debut for Scarlett Johansson. Written by Tory Kamen, this unusual little drama sees the 95-year-old Squibb once against putting her playfulness and charm on full display, Yet while she certainly gets in a few good zingers, the movie is more … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Tin Soldier” (2025)
Scott Eastwood stars, Jamie Foxx baffles, and Robert De Niro cashes a check in “Tin Soldier”, one of the most confounding features to reach a screen this year. While it’s technically an action thriller, finding a fitting category for it is a challenge. That’s because this confection is all over the map, attempting to be … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Lost Bus” (2025)
It’s hard to believe, but 45 years ago this month my father and three other men suffered serious injuries while fighting a dangerous forest fire. I was really young at the time yet I still remember my upset mother dropping me off with my grandparents before heading to the hospital to meet the ambulances. For … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Strangers – Chapter 2” (2025)
When the new trilogy from The Strangers film series was announced I was hopeful yet cautious. The three movies were set to be a prequel to the 2008 original film. That movie (written and directed by Bryan Bertino) was a straightforward and genuinely unsettling blending of psychological and home invasion horror. Unfortunately it’s follow-up, 2018’s … Continue reading