There are several common threads that run through amost every Liam Neeson film so that you know what to expect. Since the always likable Irishman redefined himself with 2008’s “Taken”, he has become a bona fide action star. Armed with his signature gravelly voice, some clever one-liners, and particular sets of skills, Neeson has created … Continue reading
5 Phenomenal Movies You May Never Want to Watch a Second Time
Great movies come in all shapes and sizes. That’s a rather lame way of saying there are great movies from all genres. But great movies aren’t by necessity ones you watch over and over again. In fact some can be dark, disturbing, and difficult to sit through while still being truly wonderful films. Today’s Phenomenal … Continue reading
RETRO REVIEW: “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
There was a time when the inspirational new teacher trope found its way into a lot of movies. “Stand and Deliver”, “Lean on Me”, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”, “Dangerous Minds” are all films that came out within the same window. Add to that group Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society”, an Oscar-winning drama about self-discovery, free-thinking, and … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Vivarium” (2020)
I can’t remember a movie that more closely resembles a feature-length Twilight Zone episode than Lorcan Finnegan’s new film “Vivarium”. For 97 minutes I could almost hear the faint voice of Rod Serling communicating his approval. Now if you’re unsure about the definition of vivarium, a quick Google search defines it as “an enclosure, container, … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Uncorked” (2020)
The new Netflix drama “Uncorked” tells the age-old story of a demanding father and a dutiful son. The father has plans for his son, but the son has dreams of his own. It’s a tried-and-true formula and well-plowed movie ground. Yet despite its familiar premise, “Uncorked” has its own welcomed flavor and is pleasant enough … Continue reading
First Glance: “Peninsula”
Or more accurately titled “Train to Busan presents: Peninsula”. This is the sequel to the stellar South Korean zombie movie “Train to Busan”. That 2016 survival-horror romp was a tension-soaked, edge-of-your-seat experience full of good characters and laced with some pretty thoughtful social commentary. And it’s action sequences still stand out to me. Now director … Continue reading