Monthly Archives: August 2024

“The Other Laurens” is a slow, drifting mystery thriller that takes a while to decide what it’s about, takes another while to add on complications and adds a third while to attempt to get to some sort ofint. The Belgian … Continue reading →

A couple of Oscar winners, some splendid stuntwork — some by the stars themselves — and lovely London, Slovenia and (allegedly) Jersey locations recommend “The Union,” an “I Spy/My Spy” action comedy where the money is on the screen, not … Continue reading →

There’s only one way to properly pay tribute to a film legend who’s just passed. You pick out a favorite title on their resume and you re-watch it, remembering all that they were and meant on the big screen. Gena … Continue reading →

Trueba is best known for the film that truly launched future Oscar winner Penelope Cruz, “Belle Epoque.” This romantic thriller was retitled from “Haunted Heart.” Which was a better title. Aug. 23, limited release, Sept. 23, streaming.

His latest wife goes into rehab, so adult daughter Mila is who he summons to help with two little kids. Andie MacDowell, Carmen Ejogo and Kevin Pollack also star in this Oct.18 dramedy.

Paul Feig created the cult series “Freaks and Geeks,” directed “Bridesmaids” and “A Simple Favor” and the first twenty minutes of “Jackpot!” — which he also directed — is bad enough to make one forget ALL of that. Bad one-liners, … Continue reading →

Everything old is a box office hit again as 20th Century’s venerable “Alien” franchise eats up one of the last weekend’s of summer with a brawny $41.5 million opening, and Henry Selick’s 2009 animated masterpiece “Coraline” cracks the $10 million … Continue reading →

Those of us old enough to remember catching the original “Alien” in a theater recall which cinema we saw it in, how it was worth going to this or that city’s lone “70mm Dolby Stereo” film palace to experience it. … Continue reading →

Elizabeth Banks has a face pretty much designed to be appreciated in extreme close-up. A gifted comedienne and convincing dramatic lead with years as a talented and beautiful object of cinematic romantic desire under her belt, it’s not hard to … Continue reading →

Gena Rowlands had a late life blockbuster, “The Notebook,” which made for a fine curtain call on a career that spanned half a century. She played the older version of Rachel McAdams in a teary eyed romance about a devoted … Continue reading →