Author Archive

In Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, director Lee Daniels pulls off an improbable feat.

Oren Moverman’s domestic war drama is, put simply, one of the most powerful experiences to be had at the movies this year.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is definitely a Wes Anderson movie; it’s full of whimsy and alienation, and it explores troubled relationships. It’s also animated and about a family of foxes. The combination makes for a unique experience.

(Untitled) is a sharp satire, pitched at a precise tone, that’s the perfect movie for anyone who’s ever questioned what makes some modern art, art.

Black Dynamite, the smoothest, baddest mother to ever hit the screen (as per the trailers) is also one of the funniest, at least in recent memory.

Michelle Monaghan talks to us about starring as the tough, hardened Diane in James Mottern’s indie drama, in what she calls the “role of a lifetime.”

‘Law Abiding Citizen’ is a mostly entertaining ’80s style action movie that also happens to be irredeemably stupid.

Ricky Gervais’ new movie is funny, for sure, but most notable for its genuine sweetness.

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is a fun blast of unabashed girl power, with great performances and an honest look at a mother-daughter relationship. But there’s plenty for men too.

The ‘Fame’ remake owes a lot more to ‘High School Musical’ and other films of its ilk than the 1980 original.

Shockingly, Love Happens is a cliche-ridden, tepid romantic comedy featuring not-at-all convincing characters.

The new film from Guillermo Arriaga, writer of Amores Perros and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, is a heavy-handed, oppressively somber affair starring a lot of deadly serious actors.

Jane Campion’s ‘Bright Star’ is an intensely romantic film that’s never trite or dated, despite its PG rating and early 19th century setting.

The documentary tells the eye-opening story of a New York family living a year of zero environmental impact. That means no movies, no electricity, no disposable goods etc.

‘Whiteout’ is a dull thriller that never makes proper use of its Antarctic setting or Kate Beckinsale, its star.

‘Amreeka,’ a hit at this year’s Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals, tells a warmhearted, recognizable story about a family of Palestinian immigrants that smartly resists the urge to preach or turn political.

Neveldine and Taylor, the brains behind the ‘Crank’ series, exchange Jason Statham for Gerard Butler in the future but they’ve made a slightly more intelligent version of the same movie.

‘Taking Woodstock’ is an unexpected detour into sunny territory for director Ang Lee but it’s so lightweight it’s almost insubstantial.

While there’s a lot to admire about Kari Skogland’s ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking,’ one can’t help but wish it had found a more original way to approach its subject, the Irish Troubles.

We hate being manipulated and manipulation is all ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ has to offer.