Review

‘Nuremberg’ Review: An Effective, If Not Uneven, Historical Drama

This film is going to do numbers in high school history classes for years to come. “Nuremberg” is based on the infamous trials of the same name, which tried the Nazi high command following World War II. It follows a military psychiatrist (Rami Malek) who is tasked with determining the competence of German officials, including… Continue reading ‘Nuremberg’ Review: An Effective, If Not Uneven, Historical Drama

Review

‘The Flash’ Review: A Fast Hero Stuck in a Slog of a Film

Sometimes, when a film is delayed a half-dozen times, maybe it should stay dead and buried… “The Flash” follows the titular hero (played by Ezra Miller) as he sets out to go back in time in order to stop the murder of his mother, only to accidently enter a different universe and encounter his past… Continue reading ‘The Flash’ Review: A Fast Hero Stuck in a Slog of a Film

Review

‘Amsterdam’ Review: Big on Names, Low on Fun

If I had a dollar for every time a character says “Amsterdam” in this film, I could bring my college loan debt down to zero. “Amsterdam” marks David O. Russell’s return to filmmaking after a seven-year hiatus, and follows three friends (Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington) in 1933 New York City who… Continue reading ‘Amsterdam’ Review: Big on Names, Low on Fun

Review

‘Bullet Train’ Review: All Aboard for a Bloody (Mostly) Good Time

It’s rare, but sometimes a trailer depicts a film for exactly what it is. “Bullet Train” is based off the Japanese novel of the same name, and stars Brad Pitt as an unlucky American assassin who gets caught up in a conspiracy aboard a moving Shinkansen (or, “bullet train”). Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree… Continue reading ‘Bullet Train’ Review: All Aboard for a Bloody (Mostly) Good Time

Review

I’m (Mostly) All-In on ‘Knives Out’

Put “I read a tweet about a New Yorker article about you” on my gravestone and let me die a happy man. “Knives Out” is a whodunit mystery that follows a dysfunctional family that comes together following the suicide, or possible murder, of their rich patriarchal father. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the film… Continue reading I’m (Mostly) All-In on ‘Knives Out’

Review

’12 Strong’ a Well-Intentioned but All-Too-Familiar War Film

For a film about a complex (and still ongoing) war, this sure tries to simplify things down to moral victories… “12 Strong” tells the declassified true story of a group of U.S. Special Forces soldiers who were the first to attack al-Qaeda following the September 11th attacks. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael… Continue reading ’12 Strong’ a Well-Intentioned but All-Too-Familiar War Film

Review

Beautiful, Engaging and Mesmerizing, ‘The Shape of Water’ May be 2017’s Best Film

Michael Shannon is a national treasure and we are not worthy of him. “The Shape of Water” stars Sally Hawkins as a mute custodian worker living in 1962 Baltimore. When the secret government facility she works at brings in an aquatic creature from the Amazon, she befriends it and seeks to break it out. Michael… Continue reading Beautiful, Engaging and Mesmerizing, ‘The Shape of Water’ May be 2017’s Best Film

Lists

2017 Oscar Nominations and Reactions

It’s most every film fan’s favorite time of the year again: Oscar Season (unless you’re like me and the Summer Movie Season takes precedence). The nominees were announced Tuesday and as expected, “La La Land” cleaned up house with a record-tying 14 nominations including Best Picture, and there were a few surprises along the way… Continue reading 2017 Oscar Nominations and Reactions

Review

Seth Rogen Steals the Show in ‘The Night Before’

A Christmas stoner comedy? I guess you could say Seth Rogen and company are taking the term “high holidays” quite literally! [clears throat] OK, on with the review. “The Night Before” stars Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie as three lifelong friends who have a tradition of going out and getting drunk on Christmas… Continue reading Seth Rogen Steals the Show in ‘The Night Before’