(CHECK OUT my full review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) In 1987, author Clive Barker gave the horror genre a mighty jolt with his directorial debut, “Hellraiser”. With a healthy lean on the twisted and the macabre, Barker’s terrifying vision rooted its evil in both the supernatural and humanity, with the latter easily being the more … Continue reading
“Athena” opens with a powerful closeup of a man named Abdel. The camera stays firmly locked onto his solemn face as he walks through a police station and outside to an awaiting crowd of reporters. He steps up to a podium to issue a family statement following the death of his 13-year-old kid brother Idir … Continue reading
Tis the season…well, almost. With only a couple of months to Christmas, it makes sense that we’re starting to get trailers for this year’s stock of new Christmas movies. But one that sticks out from the usual holiday fare is “Violent Night”, a goofy black comedy action-thriller from director Tommy Wirkola (“Dead Snow”, “The Trip”). … Continue reading
(CLICK HERE for my full review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) Sigourney Weaver stars and anchors “The Good House”, a smart and thoughtful new drama aimed at grownups from co-directors Maya Forbes and Wally Wolodarsky. It proves to be a wonderful vehicle for Weaver who (inexplicably) hasn’t been given a role this meaty in a long … Continue reading
It has been less than a year since the Oscar night ‘slap heard around the world’ – that ludicrous moment when Will Smith walked onto the stage during a live Oscar broadcast and slapped host Chris Rock across the face. Most of us felt it could be a while before we see Will Smith anywhere … Continue reading
It goes without saying that a quality screenplay is vital to any good movie. And it’s especially true in the crowded sphere of crime thrillers. Just look at some of the genre’s very best films. They’re all marked by truly great screenplays. I wouldn’t dare put “Vikram Vedha” up there with the likes of “Chinatown”, … Continue reading
