Sometimes the best way is the simplest way. “Nomadland” stars Frances McDormand as a woman who lives out of her van, traveling the Midwest. Chloé Zhao writes, directs, and edits. Subtle and minimalistic filmmaking has always been hit or miss for me. I love Tom McCarthy’s nearly non-presence in “Spotlight,” but Jeff Nichols’ removed touch… Continue reading ‘Nomadland’ Is Minimalistic Filmmaking at Its Finest | NYFF 2020
Did I drive three hours across state lines to see this because theaters are still closed in New York? Yup. “Tenet” is the latest film from writer-director Christopher Nolan, and follows a CIA agent (John David Washington) who must figure out a mysterious time-altering technique in order to stop an apocalyptic event. Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth… Continue reading ‘Tenet’ Is Loud and Confusing, Only Sometimes Fun
Eventually Disney is going to run out of animated films to remake and be forced to come up with an original idea, but that day is not today. “Mulan” is the live-action remake of the 1998 animated film of the same name, based on “The Ballad of Mulan” legend. The film stars Liu Yifei in… Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Remake Looks Great, but Is Missing the Magic of the Animation
A most excellent sequel, indeed! “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is the longtime coming threequel to the original “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” from 1989. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves reprise their titular roles, as the duo must write a song to save the universe and reality as we know it. Kristen Schaal, Samara… Continue reading ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ Is a Welcome Return
Sometimes there is just a world of difference between concept and execution. “Antebellum” stars Janelle Monáe as a woman who must escape a slave plantation she is being held captive at. Eric Lange, Jena Malone, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, and Gabourey Sidibe also star while Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz write and direct. Like many… Continue reading ‘Antebellum’ Leaves More to Be Desired
Not much has been consistent about 2020, especially when it comes to movies, but you have to give “Unhinged” credit: through all the delays and theater closings it has remained determined to get itself seen. “Unhinged” stars Caren Pistorius as a recently divorced mother who gets into an altercation with a stranger (Russell Crowe) at… Continue reading It Won’t Save Cinema, But ‘Unhinged’ Is A Fun Ride
It’s like “Nerve” meets “Scream” and I loved it. “Spree” follows a ride share driver who destines for Internet fame, and decides to go on a killing spree to gain notoriety. It stars Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, Kyle Mooney, and Mischa Barton, while Eugene Kotlyarenko directs a script he co-wrote with Gene McHugh.… Continue reading ‘Spree’ is a Bonkers and Bloody Trip Worth Taking
It has nothing to do with this review, but guys: remember going movie theaters? I relish those days… “An American Pickle” stars Seth Rogen as an immigrant in the 1920s who falls into a vat of pickles and is perfectly preserved for a century, waking up in modern day Brooklyn where he struggles to adapt… Continue reading Like the Veggie Itself, ‘An American Pickle’ Is Perfectly Fine
And so, David Ayer continues to have a baffling filmography… “The Tax Collector” is the latest film from writer-director David Ayer, and marks a return to his gritty roots after big-budget studio blockbusters like “Bright” and “Suicide Squad.” The film follows two enforcers for a drug lord (Bobby Soto and Shia LaBeouf) as they find… Continue reading ‘The Tax Collector’ Belongs in the Walmart Bargain Bin
Another day, another film that was meant for theaters going to streaming. “Greyhound” is set during the Battle of the Atlantic in 1942, and follows an American escort ship captained by Tom Hanks (who also wrote the script) as it faces off with German U-boats. Rob Morgan and Stephen Graham also star as Aaron Schneider… Continue reading ‘Greyhound’ Is an Effective WWII Action Drama
The Reel Deal 