Monthly Archives: December 2022

When it comes to Byzantine scheming and plots, those ancient Eastern Roman Imperialists had nothing on the Japanese yakuza. The back-stabbing, front-stabbing, neck-snapping, hit-man/hit-woman intrigues of the new thriller “Hell Dogs” bears that out. It’s a movie of huge, murderous … Continue reading →

The early 20th century Austrian novelist Stefan Zweig has had a pretty good run when it comes to adaptations of his work into film. His novella, “Letter from an Unknown Woman” became one of the great screen romances and one … Continue reading →

All those small to practically cut-out-of-the-film sized roles Nolan gave to Cillian Murphy pay off for the “Peaky Blinders” star in his chance to headline a blockbuster torn from the pages of history. This is the trailer attached to “Avatar: … Continue reading →

Vietnamese American filmmaker Victor Vu has made dramas that Vietnam has submitted as Best International Feature Oscar contenders — “Dreamy Eyes” and “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass.” But his latest is a straight-up B-movie, a sci-fi action pic about … Continue reading →

Just Cruise being Cruise, thanking “Top Gun” ticket buyers and doing his own badass stunt.

Of all the projects Netflix hurled a ton of money at “for your consideration” this awards season, “Blonde” has to be the most troubling misfire. And thanks to Netflix’s deep pockets and lax supervision, it had plenty of competition. I’ve … Continue reading →

“The Stranger” is an Australian mystery that peels away its layers slowly and ever-so-deliberately. A film of sad, gloomy foreboding, it makes the viewer reach for details and wait for answers in the most elegantly calculated way. The sense of … Continue reading →

With a little help from “SNL,” singing farewell to Cecily Strong.

Sergio Corbucci might have faded into obscurity if Spaghetti Western fiend Quentin Tarantino hadn’t reimagined his most famous character, Franco Nero’s “Django,” as an ex-slave avenger in “Django Unchained.” Corbuccci made over 60 films, from sword and sandal fare of … Continue reading →

The new Turkish rom-com “Private Lesson” was filmed and set in Istanbul. But with its fashionable college kids on the make, sexy consenting adults flirting and showing a little skin, tech touches and the like, it could be set in … Continue reading →