Yearly Archives: 2023

The “yank’em out of the frame” horror movie effect has been beaten to death in the twenty or so years since it became commonplace. So it’s always refreshing when someone comes along and turns demonic creatures — young women, usually … Continue reading →

The real test of a screen actor’s mettle isn’t a coveted turn in an awards-bait role, or even an ambitious chance to “stretch” and do something you’ve never done as a performer. It’s showing up for something that, whatever your … Continue reading →

That Gerard Butler has more movie career lives than a damned cat. Every time you figure “It’s time to pack your bags for the C-movie express,” Gerry B. shows up in a dumb thriller that somehow “plays.” He buys in, … Continue reading →

I had to catch a preview of “Plane” last night, which is a handy excuse for not watching something I gave up on years ago. The best way to experience the Golden Globes is like the best way to watch … Continue reading →

Feb. 21, we see if these Grimsby wankers score, right? Oy!

If you think of the fascist conditions in Brazil at the time this was made, you have to appreciate the guts it took to get “The First Fallen” made. Seems tougher minded than most Hollywood looks back at that epidemic. … Continue reading →

Feel good movies are a universal language, a cinema lover’s comfort food whose formula crosses borders and language barriers. I dare say “Kitchen Brigade” would amuse, tickle and touch in most any language. But the year’s first winner in this … Continue reading →

David Arquette, Amy Smart, Irene Bedard, Frances Fisher, Mariel Hemingway, and Tom Cruise’s actor/screenwriter brother William Mapother are the stars. This politically-environmentally charged drama, scripted by Mapother, comes out Friday (Jan. 13).

“Beautiful Beings” is a rough and harrowing coming-of-age drama in the tradition of “Kids,” “Thirteen” and “My Own Private Idaho.” Any hint of “Stand by Me” romanticized boy bonding is smothered where we fear these unparented, impulsive 13-year-olds will end … Continue reading →

Mr. “Midsommar/Hereditary” Ari Aster has a paranoid new comedy opening April 24. Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Patti Lupone and Parker Posey star in this hallucinogenic hostage farce. It looks nuts.