Monthly Archives: August 2021

You see a straight razor in a movie, your first thought is “Sweeney Todd.” Even when the movie’s about online voyeurism, you know that straight razor is coming out, and if somebody’s REALLY unlucky, the “stew” is going to have … Continue reading →

A few obstacles remain before James “Guardians of the Galaxy” Gunn is officially canonized for pulling “The Suicide Squad,” the DC universe and Warner Brothers out of the comic book movie doldrums. Firstly, there’s the undebatable fact that Warners/DC has … Continue reading →

As if “Groundhog Day” wasn’t creepy enough. “6:45” is a “live the same day over” tale in mystery thriller form. But the perils we see on screen pale with those facing any filmmaker who tells a story that circles around … Continue reading →

Well, we’re into August. So I guess I can say, with all confidence, that “CODA” is the feel good movie of the summer. It’s a plucky and poignant coming-of-age romance about a teen who loves to sing. But as a … Continue reading →

“Hostage House” is a half-speed thriller about a real estate agent trapped in the “open house” from hell. Stop grinning and clapping with glee. Yes, I know that “she probably had it coming” is a lot of people’s first reaction … Continue reading →

“Naked Singularity,” Chase Palmer’s film of lawyer/novelist Sergio De La Pava’s book, makes a single self-conscious reference to “The French Connection.” A New Yorker in the film notes the criminal enterprise that involves smuggling drugs inside a Lincoln and describes … Continue reading →

The “elements” of “Resort to Love” add up to a better movie than this Hallmark-lite romance, a pleasantly-bland star vehicle for Christina Milian. It’s a “get over that man” romance with Milian starring as a singer who lost her fiance … Continue reading →

“Notorious Nick” is a workmanlike, formulaic “overcome all obstacles” MMA fight picture in the classic mold. But it’s based on the true story of MMA fighter Nick Newell. And the “obstacles” basically boil down to one thing. Nick Newell fought … Continue reading →

Regal Cinemas isn’t relying on Paramount (“Snake Eyes” sank without a trace on its second weekend), Disney (half the money for “Jungle Cruise” went to Disney+) or anybody else to fill seats. They’ve booked this supernatural thriller as August filler.

Interviewing Amy Heckerling (“Fast times at Ridgemont High,” “Clueless”) we got off topic and recalled “sitting next to the TV, waiting for this damned thing to come on.” She was in Cali, I was in Alaska, waiting on August 1, … Continue reading →