Daily Archives: September 19, 2020

Classic Film Review: The “Most Restored Version” yet of Richard Wright’s “Native Son” (1951)

It was 1951, and nobody was making movies about racism and African American rage back then. Much of the cast was local amateurs. As it was filmed in Argentina but set in Chicago, that makes for some odd accents. The … Continue reading

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Movie Review: The tangled emotional web of “Inez & Doug & Kira”

There’s arguing — not loud, not heated — at the funeral reception. It was a Jewish funeral, and the debate is over the deceased’s last wish — to be cremated. But there is no arguing over why “she” killed herself. … Continue reading

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A Spinal Tap reunion? On the screen?

Ok, none of the folks involved in making “This is Spinal Tap” way back when has had great demands on their time these past few years. Yes, it would have been interesting if they’d taken a chance at reviving the … Continue reading

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Netflixable? Indonesian lads take classes in how not to be “Whipped (Bucin)”

The creators of the Indonesian romantic comedy “Whipped” play versions of themselves, which is the cleverest thing this film (“Bucin,” in Indonesian) has going for it. To wit — Chandra Liow is ID’d in the opening credits as “single” and … Continue reading

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Classic Film Review: José Ferrer and Gore Vidal’s take on The Dreyfus Affair — “I Accuse” (1958_

One thing becomes obvious in this ambitious, star-studded yet staid version of France’s infamous “Dreyfus Affair.” The officious, patriotic family man this scandal centered around was far from being the most fascinating character in his own tragedy. If the great … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: Liam Neeson tries to be an “Honest Thief”

Liam, playing yet another man “with very particular skills?” Even he should be tired of this by now. Still, he always gives fair value, even in plots as far fetched as this one. Oct. 9 “Honest Thief” opens.

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