Monthly Archives: February 2023

Documentary Review: “Kubrick by Kubrick,” a press-shy filmmaker almost explains himself

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Documentary Review: “Kubrick by Kubrick,” a press-shy filmmaker almost explains himself

Movie Preview: Russell Crow IS…”The Pope’s Exorcist”

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Movie Preview: Russell Crow IS…”The Pope’s Exorcist”

Book Review: Memoirist Hugh Bonneville charms and tickles, “Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru”

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Book Review: Memoirist Hugh Bonneville charms and tickles, “Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru”

BOX OFFICE: “Quantumania” shrinks, “Cocaine Bear” wired for $23, “Jesus Revolution” tithes $15.5

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on BOX OFFICE: “Quantumania” shrinks, “Cocaine Bear” wired for $23, “Jesus Revolution” tithes $15.5

Netflixable? An Expectant Mother frets over the horrors that await what’s in “The Womb (Inang)”

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Netflixable? An Expectant Mother frets over the horrors that await what’s in “The Womb (Inang)”

Heavens, I miss Peter Sellers…and TWA

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Heavens, I miss Peter Sellers…and TWA

Classic Film Review: Roger Corman’s WWII “on a budget” — “The Secret Invasion” (1964)

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

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Classic Film Review: Roger Corman’s WWII “on a budget” — “The Secret Invasion” (1964)

Series Preview: Streep, Norton and Whitaker head as All-Star sci-fi series about the Consequences of Climate Change — “Extrapolations”

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.

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Series Preview: Streep, Norton and Whitaker head as All-Star sci-fi series about the Consequences of Climate Change — “Extrapolations”

Movie Preview: Epic and over-the-top, a sword and sorcery martial arts period piece — “Code of the Assassins”

Pity they changed the title from the more poetic “Song of the Assassins,” which is what it was called in China. Wirework and wilder than wild fights? Mark me “present.” This bad boy comes out March 3.

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Movie Preview: Epic and over-the-top, a sword and sorcery martial arts period piece — “Code of the Assassins”

Netflixable? “Ghostbusters” meets “Ghost” — “We Have a Ghost” is a bust

Was this what Netflix was thinking in serving up its overlong supernatural action comedy, “We Have a Ghost?” They won’t need to keep the streaming rights to “Ghost,” “Ghostbusters” or “Monster House.” They don’t have to wish they had Disney’s … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, previews, profiles and movie news | Comments Off on Netflixable? “Ghostbusters” meets “Ghost” — “We Have a Ghost” is a bust