Monthly Archives: April 2020

There’s an added poignancy, the wince of too-familiar recognition in seeing “I, Daniel Blake” in the midst of a pandemic-caused global depression. This Palme d’Or winner from Cannes a couple of years back is a sort of ultimate UK “kitchen … Continue reading →

“FX” and “First Blood,” “Cocoon” and “Silverado.” Loved that guy. A great gruff villain, a grand grandfatherly sort, hale fellows well met and working men, Brian Dennehy played Clarence Darrow and Bobby Knight, acted in Chekhov and for Terrence Malick. … Continue reading →

I’d lost track of those filmmaking Carolina siblings, Josh and Jonas Pate, since they transitioned from movies (“Deceiver”) to TV (“Surface”). Born in N.C., they’ve made Charleston, S.C. and environs their stomping grounds. So they may title their latest venture … Continue reading →

“A Champion Heart” is a bland, harmless little nothing of a “girl and her horse” tale, predictable family-friendly comfort food with little that’ll impress or surprise anybody over the age of eight. Mandy Grace plays Mandy, a teen who’s moved … Continue reading →

  Here’s a French road dramedy that points us in one direction, turns in another and finds a little heart and charm, almost in spite of itself, along the way. “Ulysses & Mona” is about a pretty art student, Mona … Continue reading →

May, direct to streamingLooks better than one might have hoped, but almost certainly not commercial. VOD is not a bad move, all things considered. Sitting on it was not the smart play

Timothee Chalamet, in full desert-gear as described by sci-fi pilferer of Bedouin culture Frank Herbert. He looks a LOT like young Kyle MacLachlan. Which fits. Oscar Isaac, as many have suggested, could be in different and a full beard in … Continue reading →

The mother’s angry retort to her college-age daughter is accusing, questioning and pleading all at once. “Do you want to leave?” There’s an ironic “all this” missing in that bark. They’re Bedouin, goat farmers, living in Israel. They re-purpose shipping … Continue reading →

The single mom (Lois Wilkinson) has seen enough — accidents, deaths, a baby imperiled, a Jack Russell terrier alarmed at the spooky noises coming out of this “Witchboard” he dug up in the back yard. Something supernatural is happening in … Continue reading →

The kids had simple instructions growing up. “Don’t look around, look down at the floor” whenever they had to visit Mom and Dad’s business. “Don’t ask a lot of questions.” If other kids or their parents trot out the “So, … Continue reading →