The Card Counter (****) is solid Schrader
Schrader is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some of us like our tea as dark as the blackest coffee on a cold, bleak morning.
Belfast (****) Move myself and my family aside…
This is a brief tale that lacks any amount of pretension that might be present in a longer film.
Dune (****) Feels like part of an epic
The first part of Dune is a story well told and beautiful as anything we will see this year. It just feels like the story is just beginning when the credits start to roll.
It’s finally time for No Time To Die
It’s been a hard ride, but it’s been a great one.
Universal Pictures: Frankenstein stories
Walk through the past, when Frankenstien scared kids like my dad at age 5.
Netflix’ Kate (****) treads familiar ground expertly
This film is one we’ve seen before, but somehow it’s still worth remembering on its own merits.
The Protégé (****1/2) Welcome back
Whoever’s decision it was to give Maggie Q her long overdue vehicle, God Bless you.
Oxygen (****) is high tension
If you can handle a story with real tension and digital countdowns, start here.
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.
Wrong Turn (****) backwoods Rashomon
In this Wrong Turn, if you’re looking for woke, you got it. You want several traps and gory death, you will get that too.
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.
Let Him Go (****) Moves the old fashioned way
Diane Lane has had a remarkable career. She has aged gracefully in a field that does not usually allow women to grow old on camera.
The Little Things (****): Lonesome road home
I appreciate ambiguity of the ending and actors willing to be shepherds with their frailty revealed while they seek to defend the rest of the herd.
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.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 