Monthly Archives: April 2021

It’s distressing, but not the least bit shocking, to realize that the “casting couch” is Hollywood’s ugliest “gift” to world cinema. The Taiwanese thriller “Nina Wu” is a surreal take on how such a practice might impact and trigger the … Continue reading →

Here it is. A first look. It’s a kids’ movie with ballers, and from the looks of this, can’t be any worse than the original.

Rare is the comedy that seems to make time stand still. But for 77 cringeworthy and hilarious minutes, that’s what writer-director Emma Seligman pulls off with “Shiva Baby.” It’s about a college coed’s afternoon of living Hell — the post-funeral … Continue reading →

Coarse and corny, preachy and profane, “Concrete Cowboy” makes for an unusual twist on the “troubled teen needs tough love” tale. It’s predictable but warm and comforting, R-rated and rough around the edges. “Cowboy” covers very familiar ground — punk … Continue reading →

There’s no ennui like French ennui, a message given another big screen treatment in “The Salt of Tears,” a tale of a young cabinet-maker apprentice who cannot find love to fill the void in his empty soul. The latest from … Continue reading →

Knoxville adds a little Southern cred to this law and criminals thriller, opening May 14. Huston brings on Clarke as an FBI informant in a case that led to a historic first. Philip Noyce directed, but it opened in some … Continue reading →

I caught the second half of this Monday night and realized that is missed the best part, so I tracked it down on PBS.org. I recommend you do the same. It’s about an awful crime and an American tragedy, a … Continue reading →

“Pagglait” is a somewhat cheerful Indian dramedy about female empowerment set against the backdrop of a traditional Hindu funeral. With its many characters, intrigues and generous servings of rituals and traditions, it could have been a “Monsoon Wedding” for funerals, … Continue reading →

That big opening would be impressive even without the pandemic depressing turnout. By Friday, “Kongzilla” will be on hundreds more screens and ready to accept big Easter weekend crowds. Still limited capacity, still wear your mask inside. But this is … Continue reading →