“La La Land” — Much Much Better the Second Time Around
JANUARY 16, 2017 OK, I’ve put it off long enough. It’s finally time to review “La La Land.” I first saw the Oscar frontrunner several weeks ago, after hearing…
Author: tomobrien1536
Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” — Sincere, Heartfelt and Ponderous
JANUARY 10, 2017 Over 25 years in the making, “Silence” is the long-gestating historical epic about loyalty and faith that has been a dream project of legendary director Martin…
“Lion” — A Powerful First Act Soon Turns into Treacly Oscar Bait
JANUARY 9, 2017 I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie in which the hero is a computer app. That fact may be the most unique thing…
Familiarity Breeds Tedium in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
JANUARY 3, 2017 Does anyone else feel that going to the latest “Star Wars” movie these days is like attending a family reunion? You know you have to go…
“A Monster Calls” — The First Giant Tearjerker That Features a Real Giant
JANUARY 2, 2017 2016 was a big year at the movies for troubled children and imaginary giants. There was Steven Spielberg’s disappointing creature saga “The BFG” and David Lowery’s…
Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” — One of the Year’s Very Best
DECEMBER 23, 2016 Every morning, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) wakes up in his subterranean flat in Quincy, MA to spend his day shoveling sidewalks & scrubbing toilets in his…
Denzel Will Earn Your Applause, and Viola Will Break Your Heart in August Wilson’s “Fences”
DECEMBER 20, 2016 Denzel Washington faced a very big decision when he agreed to direct the film version of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Fences.” He could either “open…
As the Worst Movie of 2016, Please Consider the Absolutely Preposterous “Collateral Beauty”
DECEMBER 19, 2016 As the year at the movies was coming to a close, it was becoming increasingly likely that the execrable March release “Batman v Superman: Dawn of…
Two Powerhouse Performances Lead Jeff Nichols’ Profile-in-Courage, “Loving”
DECEMBER 15, 2016 “Loving,” written and directed by Jeff Nichols, is that rare film filled with powerful strengths that does something that films rarely do — it downplays them.…
Looking To Get a Thrill From Your Movie Stars? Skip “Nocturnal Animals”
DECEMBER 13, 2016 It’s just not fair. You’re Tom Ford, one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, with your own fabulously successful clothing line. You’re a…
