Monthly Archives: January 2013

When the book is written on the great character-actor-masquerading-as-a-leading-man Edward Norton, somebody’s going to discover an early childhood love of trickery, con jobs and practical jokes. How else do you explain his career-long fascination with putting one over on the … Continue reading →

Like “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy” takes us into a world of digital imagination, a dreamscape Netscape of blacks and blues and neon-lit “programs” and disc-duels for the teeming masses of bits and bytes. It’s a gorgeous sequel to 1982’s “TRON,” a … Continue reading →

Despite its title, it has nothing to do with cigarettes. But its star, as he once famously said on screen, is absolutely “smokin’.” Jim Carrey is the narrator,  heart and soul  of “I Love You Phillip Morris,” transforming what could … Continue reading →

With the self-consciously clever and sometimes achingly romantic “Happythankyoumoreplease,” TV star Josh Radnor (“How I Met Your Mother”) has concocted a big screen starring vehicle for himself that calls to mind both his hopelessly romantic TV persona, and an earlier … Continue reading →

Jeff Bridges dons John Wayne’s sizable boots in “True Grit,” a grittier Coen Brothers version of the tale that won the Duke his Oscar forty years ago. And if the fit isn’t as snug and the performance not as warm … Continue reading →

A crime epic in two parts, the story of Jacques Mesrine makes for a glittering tour de force turn by Vincent Cassel in the title role. His mesmerizing presence in the center of Jean-François Richet’s two films lifts them above … Continue reading →

Jean-Francois Richet’s two-part chronicle of the gangster Jacques Mesrine is framed within the “Bonnie & Clyde” hail of bullets that ended the notorious gangster’s life. that’s how part one, “Killer Instinct,” of this two part action bio-drama begins. So of … Continue reading →

Back in his heyday, Will Smith used to brag that “July 4 weekend belongs to ME” at the movies. Mark Wahlberg is staking his own claim to a piece of the cinematic calendar. As producer and star, he’s making sure … Continue reading →

“Training Day” becomes “Coming of Age Day” in “LUV,” a clumsily violent attempt at grafting two reliable genres together into one somewhat edgy picture.

“Black Swan” is that rare holiday Oscar contender that is a movie for all seasons, a film that is all things to all people Artful, epic, operatic even, this thriller set in the world of ballet challenges the viewer with … Continue reading →