Benny Loves You (**1/2) and bad jokes
This is likely to be a late night film with friends and Taco Bell and whatever else one decides to ingest. It’s not the time one makes the best decisions anyway.
Love and Monsters (***) a pleasant walk with a dog named Boy
In all this is a nice film that should leave a smile on all but the most cynical of faces.
Free Guy (****1/2) is solid
This is truly a film that is worth waiting through a pandemic to see on the big screen. It will also be something worth watching at home for years to come.
The Suicide Squad (***1/2) doesn’t dive deep
Written and Directed by James GunnStarring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone (voice), Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Daniela Melchior, David Dastmalchian Idiris Elba is […]
Netflix’ Army of the Dead (***1/2) is Snyder’s road back
Notaro especially is worth the price of admission, with her wry comedic observations wafting through the heavy air like a wisdom to which the rest of us are not privy.
Another Look: Is Rain Man a forgotten gem by now?
I have never come across someone who has a bad thing to say about Rain Man, but if it were released today, I am sure someone could complain. Thank God it came out in 1988.
Another Look: The Odd Couple (****) gives our first date with Lemmon and Matthau
Ultimately, what works best is the chemistry of the two leads, as everyone else appears to be along for the same ride as the viewers.
Forgotten Gem: Murder By Death (****) is about the punchline
If you like Knives Out, this film is at least a spiritual predecessor to that comic mystery masterpiece. Absurdity is a journey in an of itself. The mystery is a bonus.
Promising Young Woman (***1/2): Girl, Interrupted
There is a tacit understanding within the bounds of Promising Young Woman that men of college age and above are perverted cowards at best, rapists at worst.
Criterion: The In-Laws (****1/2) life in serpentine
There are plenty of comedies of any era that don’t age well. Try one that work at such a human level, one would be hard pressed to avoid relating to it during any era.
Netflix’ I Care A Lot. (****) a new type of hunt for an old type of animal
This is a solid entry for Netflix. In picking Blakeson, a mildly accomplished director with a good, albeit short track record and allowing him to thrive, its very clear indication that they’ve turned a corner as a studio.
Forgotten Gem: Coupe de Ville (****) rises above formula with good performances
The treat of the film both then and now is the chemistry of Taggart and Arkin as the parents. Their part of the plot is window dressing, but it’s done so well, it lifts the rest of the material.
Another Look: Knocked Up Unrated and Unprotected (****) is loaded
It’s not the landmark that The 40 Year-Old Virgin is, but it’s definitely a few rungs above the normal comedy film.
James vs. His Future Self (****1/2) Stern gets better with age
James vs His Future Self has a depth of feeling unlike most films, yet it is also scientifically interesting without relying on special effects. It resists being something we’ve seen before, and never stops entertaining.
Forgotten Gem: Catch Me If You Can is looking for home (*****)
It’s a glamorization, but it is a damn good one.
Criterion: Housekeeping (*****) – Throw something over her…
It’s a remarkable story that presents the facts with no indication of a position being taken. In doing so, Forsyth allows Robinson’s work to forge its own path through our soul.
