Akira Kurosawa’s 1961 classic Yojimbo is a Japanese samurai film that’s not only beautifully hypnotic entertainment but is a master’s class on camera work and film making. Kurosawa creates a gritty and audacious period picture that manages to mix action with small bits of dark comedy while constantly showing off his technical savvy. Yojimbo was heavily influenced by American westerns from … Continue reading
“REAL STEEL” – 3.5 STARS
I think the most surprising statement I’ll make this entire year is this: I liked “Real Steel”. From my perspective, everything about this film’s trailer pointed to disaster. The all too familiar story of a crummy father grudgingly paired with the son he’s never been there for mixed with radio controlled robot boxing. Sound exciting? Well, actually it is. … Continue reading
“JANE EYRE” – 4 STARS
Despite the semi-misleading trailers and studio promotions, Cary Fukunaga’s new adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic “Jane Eyre” isn’t a horror picture. At it’s core it’s a period love story but with just the right amount of reimagining to make it feel new and fresh. It hits all the right notes whether it be romance, humor, or mystery. And … Continue reading
“IN A BETTER WORLD” – 4 STARS
“In a Better World” is a Danish film from director Susanne Bier and the surprise Oscar winner for 2010′s Best Foreign Language Film. It’s a provocative and multi-layered picture that delves into such weighty subjects as bullying, divorce, the death of a parent, suicide, and even murder and violence in Sudan. It touches on many of these subjects … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Higher Ground”
Vera Farmiga has proven herself to be one of the most gifted and proficient actresses in Hollywood. In “Higher Ground” she once again shows off her acting chops but it also marks her directorial debut. It’s a thoughtful and sometimes challenging film that takes a more candid look at spirituality and how life’s difficulties make true faith … Continue reading
“THE MUPPETS” – 3 1/2 STARS
The Muppets have been missing in action for years now making them complete unknowns to a new generation of children. Now they are back in a feature film simply titled “The Muppets” and in many ways, it’s a fun and nostalgic step back in time. It’s based off “The Muppet Show”, a parody-driven variety program which ran … Continue reading
