Paul Dano the actor has always been a puzzle to me. While many love his body of work I’ve often felt he requires a very specific type of role. Without it he can seem overwhelmed by the material or lack the range to pull it off. But if the role is just right he can … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Hereditary”
It’s probably a good indicator that you aren’t in for a happy two hours when the film you’re watching opens with a newspaper obituary. In “Hereditary” it turns out the obit is for 78-year-old Ellen Taper Leigh. It’s the launching point for this stunning and genuinely creepy filmmaking debut. Writer-director Ari Aster’s fiendishly disturbing film gets under your skin through … Continue reading
REVIEW: “BlacKkKlansman”
Spike Lee has been called an angry filmmaker and it’s hard to argue otherwise. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Throughout his career it’s that anger that has fueled some of his very best scenes. At the same time it’s that very anger that can sometimes drive his movies to be too preachy for … Continue reading
Random Thoughts on the 2018 Golden Globes Nominations
And just like that awards season is upon us and the first big announcement (and precursor to the Oscars) comes from the Hollywood Foreign Press. The Golden Globe nominees were announced this morning and to call it a headscratcher would be an understatement. These awards are whatever you make of them. Sure they are flattering … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Malevolent” (2018)
In the new Netflix Original “Malevolent” siblings Angela (Florence Pugh) and Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) own and operate Sayers Medium Service. It’s basically a paranormal racket where they dupe grieving clients into believing they can communicate with their loved ones or in some cases drive out their ghosts. I bet you can already see where this … Continue reading
Great Images from Great Movies (8) – “Schindler’s List”
Truly great movies leave indelible marks. It may be through an emotional connection to the story. It may be through a remarkable performance or a signature scene. But it could also be through the brilliant imagery that films carves into your mind. That’s what this feature is all about – highlighting great images from great … Continue reading