Even in a year as weird as 2020, there’s something comforting about still having a “Liam Neeson with a gun” movie. “Honest Thief” stars Liam Neeson in the titular role as a former bank robber who wants to trade the $9 million he stole over the years for a reduced sentence after meeting a woman… Continue reading ‘Honest Thief’ a Pretty Standard Thriller
If Woody Allen and Wes Anderson had a lovechild, it would be this movie. “French Exit” is based on the book of the same name by Patrick deWitt, who also wrote the screenplay here. The film stars Michelle Pfeiffer as a New York City socialite who moves with her disaffected son (Lucas Hedges) and cat… Continue reading ‘French Exit’ Is a Surreal Comedy That Only Kind of Works | NYFF 2020
It’s a shame the Academy Awards aren’t being held until April 25 next year, because that’s just longer until Anthony Hopkins can start polishing his second Oscar. “The Father” stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as an aging man with dementia, and Olivia Colman as his daughter. Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, and Olivia Williams also… Continue reading ‘The Father’ Review: A Heart-Wrenching Actors’ Showcase | HIFF 2020
Usually when a film finally comes out three years after its original release date, it’s a bad sign. “The War with Grandpa” stars Robert De Niro as a newly widowed man who moves into his daughter’s house, only to get into a prank war with his grandson (Oakes Fegley). Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin,… Continue reading Fuggedabout Seeing ‘The War with Grandpa’
If people worry about Disney creating every blockbuster film, they better at least get used to Netflix owning every Oscar contender, too. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” tells the tale of the group of protesters who in 1968 were charged with inciting a riot at the Democratic National Convention. The second directorial effort from… Continue reading ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ Is a Timely Courtroom Drama
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
The Reel Deal 