Category: Ratings
-
Criterion: The Out-of-Towners (***1/2) wears out its welcome
The combination of Hiller, Lemmon, Miller and Jones no doubt is what makes this a Criterion selection. I can’t argue with this. As a film, it may not be a classic, but it is worth exploring.
-
Criterion: Chaplin's The Circus (****1/2) is a high wire act
Chaplin is definitely going to be on my list for future watches. I had avoided him to now because through local television, I grew up on Harold Lloyd. I figured if you’ve seen one, you’d seen them all. I really do need to see them all.
-
Criterion: The Seventh Seal (****) Death went up to Denmark
—
by
There are people out in the world, no matter how much is shut down. They fight a battle just like the one being fought here. Like Block, some of them just need a reason to carry on.
-
Criterion: Hopscotch(****) A nice way to retire
Hopscotch is a slower version of Smokey and the Bandit, where more miles are travelled offscreen.
-
Criterion: 8 1/2 is a critic’s dream / director’s nightmare
As if a critic knows what’s worth creating. “To learn silence,” indeed.
-
Hoosiers vs. The Way Back (****1/2)
Two basketball movies that seem similar, but couldn’t be farther apart.
-
Bloodshot (*1/2) is a good premise hampered
See this movie…if you’re looking to get away from the crowds for an hour; it’s a sure bet to see in the theater this weekend.
-
The Hunt (***) – Two deplorables walk into a mine…
The Hunt is the type of film that sets itself up as a clash of ideologies. Deep down, it’s just an excuse to go through a bunch of silly characters until the final two alphas fight over toasted cheese.
-
Netflix Spenser Confidential (**1/2) not exactly the hard way
There is talent on both sides of the lens in Spenser Confidential. It’s kind of a shame there isn’t more evidence of the potential on screen.
-
Forgotten Gem – Queen of Katwe (*****) Mira Nair elevates Disney with some help
This pawn knows its own potential, but also realizes it takes the sacrifice and support of other pieces to help her reach her goal.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 