Tag: review

‘I, Tonya’ Uses a Trio of Great Performances to Tell a Crazy True Story
Review

‘I, Tonya’ Uses a Trio of Great Performances to Tell a Crazy True Story

David PalmerLeave a comment

As far as I’m concerned, Allison Janney can do no wrong. “I, Tonya” tells the life story of Olympic skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie), all leading up to the 1994 attack on teammate Nancy Kerrigan. The film also stars Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson, Caitlin Carver, Bobby Cannavale and Allison Janney while Craig Gillespie directs. They… Continue reading ‘I, Tonya’ Uses a Trio of Great Performances to Tell a Crazy True Story

It’s Got its Flaws, but ‘The Greatest Showman’ Has Some True Spectacle, Too
Review

It’s Got its Flaws, but ‘The Greatest Showman’ Has Some True Spectacle, Too

David Palmer1 Comment

Now that he is done playing the Wolverine I really hope Hugh Jackman does more feel-good comedies; dude is charming as hell. “The Greatest Showman” (kind of) tells the story of how P. T. Barnum started the Barnum & Bailey Circus in the 1870s. Hugh Jackman plays Barnum as Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson,… Continue reading It’s Got its Flaws, but ‘The Greatest Showman’ Has Some True Spectacle, Too

It May be About Small People, but ‘Downsizing’ is One Big Disappointment
Review

It May be About Small People, but ‘Downsizing’ is One Big Disappointment

David PalmerLeave a comment

This marks the second film to premiere at the Venice Film Festival to have a great director, talented writing team and a cast headed by Matt Damon to end up falling flat on its face. “Downsizing” stars Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig as a couple who decide to undergo a medical procedure that will shrink… Continue reading It May be About Small People, but ‘Downsizing’ is One Big Disappointment

‘Call Me by Your Name’ is an Honest, Painful Look at First Love
Review

‘Call Me by Your Name’ is an Honest, Painful Look at First Love

David Palmer2 Comments

Michael Stuhlbarg has appeared in an Oscar-nominated film five of the past six years and in 2017 appeared in three (likely) Best Picture nominees. Hope he’s paying his agent enough… “Call Me by Your Name” tells the story of the romantic relationship that develops between a 17-year-old (Timothée Chalamet) and his father’s American assistant (Armie… Continue reading ‘Call Me by Your Name’ is an Honest, Painful Look at First Love

Gary Oldman is Great in the Just-OK ‘Darkest Hour’
Review

Gary Oldman is Great in the Just-OK ‘Darkest Hour’

David Palmer2 Comments

It worked for Colin Firth and Meryl Streep, and portraying a 20th century British politician may finally get Gary Oldman his own Oscar. “Darkest Hour” details the first month of Winston Churchill’s term as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the early stages of World War II. Oldman stars as Churchill while Ben Mendelsohn,… Continue reading Gary Oldman is Great in the Just-OK ‘Darkest Hour’

‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is Dumb, Silly and Aca-Awkward, for Better or Worse
Review

‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is Dumb, Silly and Aca-Awkward, for Better or Worse

David PalmerLeave a comment

Say what you will about the “Pitch Perfect” series but there is something commendable about milking three successful films out of the concept of a college a cappella group. “Pitch Perfect 3” is the third and final film of the trilogy that stars Anna Kendrick, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Hana Mae… Continue reading ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is Dumb, Silly and Aca-Awkward, for Better or Worse

A Safe, Spoiler-Free Review of the Safe, Underwhelming ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
Review

A Safe, Spoiler-Free Review of the Safe, Underwhelming ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

David Palmer2 Comments

Like I started my “Force Awakens” review with, there’s not a review in the world that will stop you from seeing “The Last Jedi” but let’s give this a shot anyways. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is the 8th Episode of the main series and the second film in the sequel trilogy. The plot picks… Continue reading A Safe, Spoiler-Free Review of the Safe, Underwhelming ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

‘The Disaster Artist’ is a Slight, Funny and at Times Heart-Breaking Look at the Creative Process
Review

‘The Disaster Artist’ is a Slight, Funny and at Times Heart-Breaking Look at the Creative Process

David PalmerLeave a comment

I would love for James Franco to take on the behind-the-scenes drama of the making of 2015’s “Fantastic Four;” the stories from that are incredible. “The Disaster Artist” depicts the making of “The Room,” the 2003 film that is so awful that is has gained a cult status and is widely accepted as the worst… Continue reading ‘The Disaster Artist’ is a Slight, Funny and at Times Heart-Breaking Look at the Creative Process

‘Jumanji’ Sequel May Not be Necessary, but it’s Pretty Fun
Review

‘Jumanji’ Sequel May Not be Necessary, but it’s Pretty Fun

David PalmerLeave a comment

Just let Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson co-host the Oscars already, it’s long overdue. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is a standalone sequel to the 1995 cult hit that starred Robin Williams. This time, instead of the board game coming into the real-world, four teens are transported into the jungles of Jumanji (now a video… Continue reading ‘Jumanji’ Sequel May Not be Necessary, but it’s Pretty Fun

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

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

David Palmer2 Comments

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