Burdened souls retreating to the wilderness in an effort to escape their grief or remorse has become fairly familiar in the world of movies. Yet it’s a trope that I always gravitate to. Aside from the obvious symbolism, there’s just something about the way these movies deal with the human condition that has always moved … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Parallel Mothers” (2021)
Even at 72, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar is still churning out his unique brand of movies at a strong and steady rate. It’s clear the two-time Oscar winner still relishes the opportunity to tell specific stories stamped with his own distinguishing marks. His films often revisit the same handful of repackaged themes, and they often … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Worst Person in the World” (2021)
(CLICK HERE for my full review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) “The Worst Person in the World” has earned a lot of praise for Norwegian director Joachim Trier. This slyly romantic drama, laced with some wily dark comedy, is considered the third film in Trier’s unintentional “Oslo Trilogy” (following 2006’s “Reprise” and 2011’s “Oslo, August 31st”). … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Seobok: Project Clone” (2022)
Based on its American title alone, “Seobok: Project Clone” sounds like some low-budget, straight-to-video, B-movie with Bruce Willis as its lead. In reality, South Korean director and screenwriter Lee Yong-ju offers up something considerably different – a movie that will have you anticipating one thing while delivering a dramatically different experience. “Seobok: Project Clone” frames … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Batman” (2022)
While the lucrative Marvel Cinematic Universe gets most of the attention when it comes to the popular superhero genre, it’s hard to find a more anticipated movie than “The Batman”. The Caped Crusader certainly isn’t new to the big screen. First there was the Burton/Schumacher films that began in 1989. Then there was Christopher Nolan’s … Continue reading
First Glance: “Umma”
“Umma” is creepy supernatural chiller written and directed by Iris K. Shim. The name that’ll catch many people’s eye is Sam Raimi who produces. Yesterday distributor Sony Pictures dropped the first trailer, and I can honestly say it wasn’t what I expected. Now “Umma” is high on my ‘to watch’ list thanks in large part … Continue reading