In the lean taut thriller “Alone” a woman finds herself constantly in the unwanted company of a creepy middle-aged stalker with all the markings of a serial killer. It’s a simple premise and director John Hyams wrings out every drop of tension while once again proving that when it comes to cinema less is often … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Black Box” (2020)
It was roughly one year ago that we first learned Amazon Studios was partnering with Blumhouse to bring eight original movies to their Prime Video streaming platform. “Welcome to Blumhouse” would offer the (mostly) horror-centered production company the opportunity to highlight a fresh group of talented filmmakers. Founder Jason Blum assured that the eight interconnected … Continue reading
First Glance: “Wild Mountain Thyme”
It has been 12 years since we last saw John Patrick Shanley behind the camera. The Oscar-winning writer-director is perhaps best known for his 1987 romantic comedy “Moonstruck” but he also hit critical gold with 2008’s period drama “Doubt”. His latest film sees him returning to the light-hearted charms of his debut. “Wild Mountain Thyme” … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Hillbilly Elegy” (2020)
When J.D. Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” came out in 2016 it was almost instantly thrust into the divisive political arena. To no surprise many partisans from both sides of the aisle had dramatically different reactions to book. But at it’s heart Vance’s memoir was a deeply personal work. It was a therapeutic release derived from … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Let Him Go” (2020)
I have to admit the new film “Let Him Go” had me onboard just with its cast. Kevin Costner as a retired sheriff, Diane Lane as his tough resolute wife, and Lesley Manville as a wicked backwoods matriarch. You have three screen veterans whom I love starring in a gritty family drama set across Montana … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Fatman” (2020)
‘Tis the season for Christmas movies galore and I guarantee you won’t find one quite like “Fatman”. Think about it, Mel Gibson playing a down-on-his-luck, liquor-swilling Santa who has to resort to taking military contracts in the off-season just to keep his workshop open. Obviously that’s just a sliver of the movie’s plot, but you … Continue reading