Yearly Archives: 2023

It was a hit when it was first released and nominated for four Oscars, winning two. But Franco Zeffirelli’s lavish, period-perfect and bracingly young “Romeo and Juliet” wasn’t universally loved. Critics decried its “bowdlerized” Shakespeare, the dewy inexperience of its … Continue reading →

This May 26, a distributor called VVS (?) releases this good-looking action vehicle for our lad Gerry, who might be entitled to higher profile offerings after the success of “Plane,” but work is work.

Let’s begin with first principles. We are never going to get a “definitive” documentary that takes in everything, talks to everyone and tells us all we need or could possibly want to know about the inscrutable genius, Stanley Kubrick. Consider … Continue reading →

Like the beard, like the hat. The accent? It’s growing on me. “Inspired by the actual files” of a fellow with that unofficial title. “You have a problem with me, you talk to my boss.” April 14, Russell Crowe works … Continue reading →

The role that changed Hugh Bonneville’s life didn’t arrive in a “Eureka!” moment, and he doesn’t treat it that way in his charming memoir, “Playing Under the Piano.” “Downton Abbey” made itself known to him as a make-conversation chat with … Continue reading →

I could see a lot of cell phone screens lighting up as filmgoers checked the time — often — at the preview screening of “Cocaine Bear” I attended. Plainly for them, as for me, the thunderous buzz and giddiness and … Continue reading →

A good rule of thumb for horror cinema is that your movie can get away with being obvious, or it is allowed to be slow to unfold. But it can’t be both and work. That’s the curse of “The Womb,” … Continue reading →

There were a couple of instances during his storied career as director, producer and “brand” that Roger Corman might have moved beyond B-movies and taken his shot at being an A-picture filmmaker. “The Secret Invasion,” a 1964 WWII combat picture, … Continue reading →

Those who haven’t gotten the message won’t turn to Apple TV+ to get a clue, but here’s another star-studded attempt at punching through. A thriller series about the coming calamity. March 17.