Monthly Archives: May 2024

Billy Zane as Marlon Brando? I can see it

At one point, before his health issues, Val Kilmer would’ve been the perfect choice to star in a picture like “Waltzing with Brando.” He knew the guy, is a gifted mimic, and has the same air of self-seriousness and disdain … Continue reading

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Netflixable? J Lo hits a new low in AI War debacle — “Atlas”

Action-packed, cloying and, considering the subject matter, kind of stupid, at least we can take comfort in the fact that Jennifer Lopez throws herself into the exoskeleton/AI sci-fi thriller “Atlas.” And not just because she’s the title character. OK, maybe … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: Eric Bana, Sadie Sink, a cult expert’s daughter joins…a cult — “A Sacrifice”

Sylvia Hoeks of “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and “Bladerunner 2049” plays the cult leader who lures “Stranger Things” alum Sink’s character into the darkness. This looks solid, and Bana is experiencing a bit of a career rebound. June … Continue reading

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Classic Film Review: Peak Powell and Pressburger, Scottish lore, whimsy and melodrama in The Hebrides — “I Know Where I’m Going!” (1945)

I am putting on a hat just so I can doff it in tribute to the informed and dedicated curators of the “Classics” that the free streamer Tubi acquires, enterprising film buffs who allow fellow film fans the chance to … Continue reading

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Documentary Review: So you think you know “The Beach Boys”

There have been other documentaries about “America’s Band,” The Beach Boys. There have been books aplenty, especially about the mercurial, unstable musical genius of the group, Brian Wilson. And there was “Love & Mercy” that got deep into Brian’s later … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: Dennis Quaid burnishes a tarnished president — “Reagan”

Ronald Reagan’s first biographer expressed exasperation that there “was no ‘there,’ there.” He found Reagan a kind of empty vessel, an actor playing a part. Lionized by the Right and “Mister Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” remembered by the rest … Continue reading

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Movie Review: Tough but newly-sightless cop hunts his daughter’s kidnappers — “Blind War”

A couple of killer brawls and a finale that pulls out all the stops doesn’t drag the martial arts actioner “Blind War” out of the dark. It’s an Andy On (“Ride On,” “Blackhat”) star vehicle, sort of a modern riff … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

It’s been 36 years since Michael Keaton, Tim Burton, Winona & Co. learned why we should NEVER say “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” So naturally, this update features horror comedy pixie Jenna Ortega. Keaton is back as the title character, and Ryder, the … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: Jessica Lange is “The Great Lillian Hall,” a stage legend facing memory loss

Always surprised that HBO is still releasing movies. They barely promote anything, and in this universe of “choices” you can’t coast on the arrogant memory of “The Sopranos.” This might have been slated for theatrical release and then pulled for … Continue reading

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Movie Review: Slow-not-Fast and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”

You can lose yourself in the awe inspiring excess of George Miller’s latest “Mad Max” movie. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is two hours and 28 minutes of action epic that gives “Dune” a run for its money in “Best … Continue reading

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