Author Archives

• Documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” wonderfully celebrates 50 years of Texas Rock n’ Blues.

  By Thomas Manning on August 11, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Critically-acclaimed documentarian and International Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Dunn takes the directorial reins in his latest project, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s 1969 conception, this documentary tells the story of the… Read More ›

• “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” is Quentin Tarantino’s Storybook Tribute to the Hollywood of Old.

  By Thomas Manning on August 9, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  It is quite a challenging task to touch on every element that makes a Quentin Tarantino film work. It would not even be a stretch to say that one could write an entire dissertation essay on over a dozen individual… Read More ›

• Disney’s “The Lion King” is visually riveting, but an ultimately bland recycling of the original.

  By Thomas Manning on July 17, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Critically-acclaimed director, writer, and producer Jon Favreau oversees this photo-realistic remake of Disney’s 1994 animated feature The Lion King. The original film was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, and was written by trio Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda… Read More ›

• “The Spy Behind Home Plate” explores baseball player Moe Berg’s life as a spy during World War II.

  By Thomas Manning on July 10, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  The new documentary The Spy Behind Home Plate, written, directed, and produced by Aviva Kempner, depicts the incredible true story of Morris “Moe” Berg, a notably successful Major League Baseball athlete who played for five different teams over the course… Read More ›

• Greg Kinnear makes his directorial debut with dramedy “Phil”.

  By Thomas Manning on July 4, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear makes his directorial debut with the new film Phil, and also stars in the lead role as the eponymous character. Phil McGuire is a fairly successful dentist who runs his own practice, yet struggles with deep… Read More ›

• Sony Classics crime thriller “The Fall of the American Empire” is an emotionally captivating experience.

  By Thomas Manning on July 1, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Oscar-winning director Denys Arcand offers The Fall of the American Empire, an eclectic genre mash-up combining crime drama, a thrilling heist adventure, and a social commentary. This French-Canadian film spoken almost entirely in the beautiful language of French (and subtitled… Read More ›

• Thriller “The Refuge” is a passion project that can’t rise above its complications.

  By Thomas Manning on June 27, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Examining the credits of this film, Keith Sutliff’s impressive effort becomes apparent as he worked as the writer, director, producer, production designer, art director, and lead actor. Undertaking all of these responsibilities to bring together a vision for this project… Read More ›

• Crime drama “Chase” possesses the formula of a fascinating character drama, but can’t quite get the pieces to fit.

  By Thomas Manning on June 19, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  From writer and director Michael Matteo Rossi, Chase follows the title character’s (Damien Puckler) journey as he attempts to maneuver his way out of a life of crime, violence, and deception. There is a solid layer of intriguing foundational material… Read More ›

• Documentary “Free Trip to Egypt” presents the adventure of seven U.S. citizens on a cultural experience of a lifetime.

  By Thomas Manning on June 10, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  The premise of Free Trip to Egypt on its own is enough to grab any person’s attention who is remotely aware of the state of our world’s societal and political issues. A Muslim man of Egyptian heritage, Tarek Mounib, sets… Read More ›

• Brian de Palma’s “Domino” is an underwhelming effort from the acclaimed director.

  By Thomas Manning on May 27, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  On the surface, legendary director Brian de Palma’s latest project, Domino, looks like it has solid potential to be a successful under-the-radar crime drama. With a cast including Nikolaj Coster-Waldeau and Carice van Houten of Game of Thrones fame, as… Read More ›

• “Charlie Says” challenges audiences to reconsider what they know of the Manson Family.

  By Thomas Manning on May 6, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Simply hearing the name “Charles Manson” is enough to send a chill down the spine of most people even somewhat familiar with this disturbingly vile and despicable figure. Known as the infamous cult leader responsible for the deaths of nine… Read More ›

• Short film “The Shipment” is an absolute labor of love. [Tribeca Film Festival]

  By Thomas Manning on April 30, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  The fact that this film was created is a notable achievement in itself. Director Bobby Bala made remarkable sacrifices of time, energy, and financial stability to even make the science fiction short, The Shipment, a reality. Fittingly, the story itself… Read More ›

• IFC Film’s “Mary Magdalene” offers a challenging, thought-provoking film exploring the themes of humanity, society, and faith.

  By Thomas Manning on April 12, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  The story of Jesus of Nazareth may very well be the most famous biblical narrative of all time. Billions of people throughout the generations, across a wide array of races, religions, and cultural backgrounds are familiar with the essential elements… Read More ›

• Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor’s “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” makes a strong impression for a directorial debut.

  By Thomas Manning on March 26, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his screenwriting and directorial debut with The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, based on the autobiographical book from William Kamkwamba. Detailing the remarkable story of a young man in an extremely poverty-stricken region of Malawi… Read More ›