Monthly Archives: February 2017

A nearly-forgotten pan-cultural romance and its role in an African national success story earns a stately, feel-good treatment in “A United Kingdom,” an historical romance from the director of “Belle.” It’s well cast, and shot on striking locations. But it’s … Continue reading →

It’s easy– far too easy– to dismiss “Before I Fall” as a sad-faced teen “Groundhog Day.” Because for the first 45 minutes, that’s all it is. It’s only later that it gains weight and emotional heft. And it’s worth the … Continue reading →

It’s a real shock to learn of Bill Paxton’s untimely death  due to a post-heart-surgery stroke.  He was just 61, and made a career out of playing drawling smart guys, lovable galoots, heroes and villains. The Fort Worth native got his … Continue reading →

“Moonlight” was the big winner at last night’s Independent Spirit Awards. And for my money, that’s where this splendid film belonged in the accolades arena all along. Indie in origin, indie in casting (save for Naomie Harris), indie in feel. … Continue reading →

  It’s a stupid, ill-plotted heist picture, but “Collide” does have its moments. Start with the car chases. Sure, some of the sprints through the narrow streets of rural Germany look as if they were staged at half-speed and sped-up … Continue reading →

Those immortals among us, teens, get a taste of mortality and what to do with the one life you get in “Before I Fall.” Zoey Deutch stars in this repeat-your-last-day over and over drama, which opens March 3. Which means … Continue reading →

The smartest horror movie in ages — one with a satiric edge and political bite one with a satiric edge and political bite — owns the box office this weekend. “Get Out” rolled up almost $2 million Thursday night, blew … Continue reading →

There’s a reason one hears little about the screen comedy of Germany, and it becomes obvious in the last two hours and forty minutes of “Toni Erdmann,” Germany’s contender for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards. … Continue reading →

A sheep dog abandons the family business — protecting the flocks of his Tibetan village — to seek fame and power chords in the Big City in “Rock Dog,” a Chinese cartoon based on a Chinese comic book. How do … Continue reading →

“Culture clash” is an over-familiar trope of the movies, having fun with the differences between peoples. Culture connection is a rarer bird, showing how the timeless dramas and comedies of literature speak universal truths. “The Salesman,” Iran’s Best Foreign Language … Continue reading →