(CLICK HERE for my full review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) Perhaps you’ve heard of the phenomenon that is “RRR”. In addition to being the most expensive Indian movie to date and setting several worldwide box office records, the Telugu-language action-drama has won the praise of critics and audiences from around the globe. A three-hour epic … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Hustle” (2022)
(CLICK HERE for my review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) Adam Sandler seems to be a likable guy, but it’s been a while since I’ve really enjoyed one of his movies. The trailer for “Hustle” didn’t inspire much hope. It teased a sports movie that seemed to lean heavy on well-worn tropes and countless cameos (one … Continue reading
“The Spielberg Summer”
(CLICK HERE to read the full essay in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) TIME magazine called it “The Spielberg Summer”. 40 years ago this month, the acclaimed director of such hits as “Jaws”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, released two big movies one week apart. “Poltergeist” hit theaters June 4th … Continue reading
First Glance: “Persuasion”
The hard-working Dakota Johnson stars in the upcoming Netflix Original “Persuasion”, an adaptation of author Jane Austen’s final novel. First published in 1817, “Persuasion” was initially well received but has since earned a healthy fanbase. This latest take on the beloved story is directed by Carrie Cracknell and co-written by Ronald Base and Alice Victoria … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Star Wars: Episode VI – “The Return of the Jedi” (1983)
A long time ago in a galaxy we call our own, an anxious 12-year-old me sat in my bedroom floor. In front of me a mass of Kenner Star Wars toys lay spread out like a Thanksgiving feast. My imaginary battlefield was littered with action figures by the dozens, a Tie-Fighter, an X-Wing, an Imperial … Continue reading
REVIEW: ”Brian and Charles” (2022)
I have this deep and hard to explain affection for these small quirky indie comedies that are both light-hearted and melancholy. Last year it was “The Man in the Hat”, a wonderfully moving and whimsical road-trip movie starring Ciarán Hinds that deserved a much bigger audience. This year “Brian and Charles” most certainly scratches that … Continue reading