Depicting a disability or condition of any kind offers a number of challenges for filmmakers. Showing sensitivity and empathy without falling over into exploitation is no easy task. And using it as a simple plot device can be problematic despite a movie having the very best of intentions. “The Night Clerk” straddles that fine red … Continue reading
First Glance: “Run”
If you’re looking for that warm, fuzzy Mother’s Day movie to treat your mom to, well….this ain’t it. “Run” is a psychological thriller that comes from Aneesh Chaganty. His last film was the fascinating technology/social media thriller “Searching” starring John Cho. That film was made for just over $850,000 but made over $75 million at … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Last Thing He Wanted” (2020)
Dee Rees blew me away with her terrific Deep South period drama “Mudbound”. Her highly-anticipated follow-up couldn’t be a more different experience. “The Last Thing He Wanted” is what happens when a movie focuses too much on intricacy and not enough on coherence. As a result, not only does it lose itself but it loses … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Sonic the Hedgehog”
I remember buying Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991 for the Sega Genesis video game system. The idea behind the blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with lightning fast speed came from Sega desperately wanting their own mascot to go up against rival Nintendo’s universally beloved Mario. The game was a big success and spawned many sequels and spin-off … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Photograph” (2020)
Making a good movie doesn’t have to be difficult (as if I would know). Sometimes all you need are two convincing leads and a good script. Ok, obviously there’s more to it than that, but you get what I mean. A good story told through captivating, relatable performances can often carry a movie to unexpected … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The (Silent) War” (2020)
In October of 1944, after German forces had been driven out of Southern France, “Operation Reconquest” was set to begin. It’s main objective was to send several thousand exiled Spanish Maquis resistance fighters to liberate border territory and spark an uprising against the Francisco Franco dictatorship. To prepare for the operation, guerrilla commandos crossed the … Continue reading