Forgotten Gem: Insomnia (****) still resonates
So if you haven’t watched Insomnia for a while, or even if you’ve never watched it, take the opportunity. It’s anything but wasted time. It’s excellent filmmaking.
Wonder Woman 1984 (****) – Deserves a bigger stage
WW84 soars and falls like a bird that just discovered its wings.
The Photograph (****) Things that go to make up a life
In this time of endless Hallmark style romances, it’s nice to see two beautiful people fall in something that looks, feels and hurts like real love. The Photograph is a lesson from one generation to another.
Color Out of Space (****) They’re not my family
If you ever wanted to see what Stanley has in his mind in any given moment, give this a try.
Shudder’s Host (****) possession for the Zoom generation
This is the perfect film for teenagers who see the world through a Tik Tok lens.
Netflix’ The Call (****) is a nice thriller
Park and Jeon do an excellent job of shifting the emotional landscape.
Netflix’ Mank (****) – The wins of the father
If they had found a way to at least make the case for the opposition seem plausible, there might be less of a Smokey and the Bandit feel to it all.
Criterion: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? – Idols lost to time (****)
This is not a brilliant film. It’s a great film for its time, and it has a sobering message for those wondering how great entertainers have it when the limelight fades and the jealousy has time to grow.
3 Turns of the Screw: The Nightcomers, The Turning and Netflix’ The Haunting of Bly Manor
Of the three James’ inspired works, The Haunting of Bly Manor is the one that is truly inspired, even if it’s not as scary as we’d hope.
Another Look: American Gangster Unrated (****) feels right
If that sounds like too much to cover in a movie, it’s not. The three hours fly by and justice is served.
Another Look: Falling Down (****) everybody hurts
Schumacher was an easy director to poke fun at, but this is one film that doesn’t give one many opportunities for that pastime.
Netflix – The Devil All The Time (****) is Southern Ohio Gothic
If ever there were a modern story that touched on the beautiful losers vibe of William Faulkner in the post WWII era…
Another Look: Open Range (****) Has aged well
It’s not perfect. It is entertaining throughout.
Freaks (****) Not gonna run anymore
Written and Directed by Adam Stein, Zach LipovskyStarring Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Grace Park, Amanda Crew, Lexy Kolker Chloe Lewis (Kolker) is seven years old. She has lived in an […]
The Peanut Butter Falcon (****) – Bound for Glory
If you have free time this weekend, give The Peanut Butter Falcon a shot. It’s on Amazon Prime and Hulu right now and the story, atmosphere and heart would do a viewer good on a hot summer night.
Another Look: Heist (****) Is refined gold
Hackman’s natural style works perfectly with Mamet’s prose. His dialogue is direct, sometimes crude, but never frivolous.
