Is “Frozen II” Really Necessary?
DECEMBER 31, 2019 If ever there was a film that did not need a sequel, it was “Frozen.” The unexpected 2013 box-office phenomenon had a beautifully self-contained story to…
featured
Alfre Woodard is a Powerhouse in the Thought-Provoking Prison Drama, “Clemency”
DECEMBER 31, 2019 If the Michael B. Jordan-starring film “Just Mercy” is a glorification of how well the criminal justice system can work, Chinonye Chukwu’s film “Clemency” is just…
“Portrait of a Lady On Fire” Is a Stunning Gay Drama That Will Leave You Shaken
DECEMBER 31, 2019 Céline Sciamma’s exquisite drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is ostensibly about the nature of art, but it is actually about the nature of love.…
“Just Mercy” May Be a Bit Too On-the-Nose in Its Script, But a Terrific Cast Helps To Save It
DECEMBER 30, 2019 For better or for worse, they just don’t make films like “Just Mercy” anymore. The defense-attorney-as-conquering-hero genre probably peaked with 1962’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which…
“Cats” — WTF?
DECEMBER 30, 2019 We’re not disputing the fact that “Cats” is a film atrocity. That’s a given. But let’s just take a moment to look back, though, as to…
“The Rise of Skywalker” Ends the Historic Nine-Film “Star Wars” Series on a Disappointing Note
DECEMBER 27, 2019 It’s finally over. The nine-film “Star Wars” saga, probably the most remarkable series in film history, has come to a final conclusion with “The Rise of…
Does Sam Mendes’ Single-Shot Approach Help or Hurt “1917”?
DECEMBER 26, 2019 Sam Mendes’ “1917” is a strange case. The film, which is currently playing in New York & Los Angeles and will be released across the country…
Adam Sandler Gives a Powerful Performance in the Safdie Brothers’ Relentless “Uncut Gems”
DECEMBER 25, 2019 With the Christmas season coming to a close, I’ve tried to keep to the spirit of the season by reviewing lovely films about popes, little women…
Greta Gerwig’s Refreshing New Take on “Little Women”
DECEMBER 24, 2019 Among the many terrific things (and there are many) about writer/director Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel “Little Women” is that, although…
Now Playing In Your Living Room: Eddie Murphy Returns and Rules in “Dolemite Is My Name”
DECEMBER 23, 2019 Watching Eddie Murphy’s brilliant hosting job this past weekend on “Saturday Night Live,” I was reminded his great return to movies this fall in the comedy…
