Monthly Archives: July 2019

Last week, it was Netflix slowing its “growth” in subscribers as NBC and others yanked hit shows off the streaming service. Direct TV Tuesday said that it lost 168,000 subscribers. Now HBO reports “lower domestic linear subscribers” for its second … Continue reading →

It’s a Sino-Russian or Russo-Chinese action fantasy with a Russian director, two aged stars and a long, unweildy title — “The Mystery of he Dragon Seal: Journey to China.” Filmed and finished two years ago, so you know it’s fresh. … Continue reading →

It seems winded, right from the start. An air of wistful melancholia hangs over “Astronaut,” and even when the scenes with potential silliness show up, you can’t help but feel the filmmakers left laughs on the table. But, as they … Continue reading →

Taika Waititi’s satire is like a Holocaust/Hitler Youth tale as envisioned by Wes Anderson? That’s my “hot take.” Mr. “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” puts the fun back in the Hun. Hitler. No, seriously. “Anti-hate” satire, Taika says. Oct. 18.  

Janne is reserved, even on a good day. She goes along to get along, and only seems OK with the idea of moving from the big city (Munich) to an old farmhouse in Bavaria. Selling their flat, making arrangements with … Continue reading →

The soccer isn’t bad in “See You Soon.” But then, it’s not really about soccer. The Saint Petersburg locations are striking in all the most travelogue ways. But the romance at the heart of this Russo-American “Affair to Remember” is … Continue reading →

Focus Features has this Cynthia Erivo/ Janelle Monae star vehicle/biography. Not a dazzling cast, at least in terms of name recognition, and the production values scream “Period piece for a low, low price. ” But it shows promise and is … Continue reading →

Was wondering if anybody would bring this up. Again. From The Hollywood Reporter… “Disney still has some explaining to do in regards to that #TheLionKing vs. ‘Kimba the White Lion’ controversy” https://t.co/EtS38QjjRh https://twitter.com/THR/status/1153549327773683714?s=17

The venerable British action directing institution has cast Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Medieval knights fighting “The Last Duel.” Who remembers Ridley’s debut feature? Sounds like a coda to me. https://t.co/C9O6Kbz5EE https://twitter.com/EW/status/1153463602541735936?s=17

“Staged Killer” — stupid title, for starters. It’s a thriller about stalking, murderous obsession and yes TV RATINGS in the live streaming era. But don’t go looking for a dark, daft reboot of “To Die For,” the movie that made … Continue reading →