Monthly Archives: July 2019

A father tries to protect his son from the viral apocalypse, and social breakdown that follows. Riveting trailer in the tradition of “The Road.” This one earns limited release on Aug. 9.

A movie about the young, curious and already-inventive Leonardo Da Vinci? That’s not a bad idea for a work of children’s entertainment. But “Leo Da Vinci: Mission Mona Lisa” is a seriously undemanding if harmless realization of that movie pitch. … Continue reading →

Opens Friday.

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 →