There’s something about a classic monster that audiences just love. Whether it’s Dracula feasting on necks, the Mummy terrorizing a reckless archaeologist, or Frankenstein’s Monster just looking for a place to fit in, each of these characters possess within them… Read More ›
This review was originally published for CLTure on their site on February 20th, 2017. Ever since director Bryan Singer’s 2000 release X-Men, Hugh Jackman’s been synonymous with Marvel Comics’ ultimate assassin, the unstoppable Wolverine. Though not the original choice for the role, Jackman made an… Read More ›
This review was originally published for CLTure on their site on February 18th, 2017. Famed director Zhang Yimou (Hero/House of Flying Daggers) brings the flourish and beauty of Chinese cinema stateside with The Great Wall, a tight action-packed fantasy adventure starring Matt Damon, Tian Jing,… Read More ›
The things that terrify us are rarely the things that go bump-in-the-night. Instead it’s the less sinister, yet equally malignant, living among us that pose the greatest threat. Evil doesn’t wear a sign as a warning. They creeps in when… Read More ›
2014’s sleeper hit John Wick ended with Keanu Reeves’s titular Wick walking off into the night, his mission of vengeance over. A satisfying film from start to finish, John Wick focused on the essentials for a great action film: a… Read More ›
It’s important to address the controversy that surrounds A Dog’s Purpose before moving forward. A video posted by TMZ on the 18th of January depicts two instances of a German Shepard under duress during production. The studio denies the allegations,… Read More ›
Many look up at the night sky and see boundless wonder waiting to be explored. In the vastness, there’s hope to find something greater than ourselves and what we know. For the few that have broken the bonds of gravity… Read More ›
M. Night Shyamalan erupted onto the scene with 1999’s The Sixth Sense and has a string of semi-hits and full-on flops ever sense. For many, Shyamalan’s signature “twist” ending is a parody of what it once was because it has… Read More ›
Ringing phones, text alerts, and quiet chatter are all hallmarks of a disruptive audience at the movies. It’s disrespectful to those in attendance and disruptive to the narrative of the film. However, it’s also very telling of how said audience… Read More ›
An alternate version of this review, originally published for CLTure, was posted on their site on January 4th, 2017. When 20th Century Fox dropped the first trailer for Hidden Figures on August 14th, the Internet exploded after watching the jaunty first glimpse of director Theodore Melfi’s… Read More ›
Writer/Director Kenneth Lonergan is fascinated with the drama surrounding tragedy. Like his first two films – 2000’s You Can Count On Me and 2011’s Margaret – Manchester by the Sea’s focus is on examining grief and the ways it’s processed…. Read More ›
Based solely on the trailers, audiences know that some stories are going to be hard to watch. It’s understood that you’re going to be twisted, even torn, but it’s rare that a film actually rips you apart before piecing you… Read More ›
It’s that time of year when publications and writers of all kinds put forth their lists for the best and worst cinematic productions of the year. Usually it’s compiled with the best-of-the-best. Films that are either clear Oscar bait or… Read More ›
In the summer of 2015, writer/director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) absconded with Oscar nominees Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling for a few weeks to film a song-and-dance film in the heat of L.A. Audiences finally got a glimpse of this secret… Read More ›
Tis the season and that means cinemas are soon to be flooded with Dickensian tales of heartbreak and redemption. Collateral Beauty, the latest holiday offering, teams director David Frankel (Marley & Me) and writer Allan Loeb (The Space Between Us)… Read More ›
As 2016 winds down, the race for the 2017 Oscars begins. That means new advertisements for movies you may have forgotten, re-releases in theaters, and even the occasional discount VOD access. Exposure is key to win nominations because if voters… Read More ›
An alternate version of this review, originally published for CLTure, was posted on their site on November 18th, 2016. Adolescence is a difficult time for us all. Our bodies change. Our friends change. Our interests change. For many, those changes feel less like the beautiful escape… Read More ›
An alternate version of this review, originally published for CLTure, was posted on their site on November 11th, 2016. Adapted from the novel Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang, writer Eric Heisserer (Lights Out) and director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario/Prisoners) flesh out the story to create… Read More ›
While there’s something to be said of the bombast of Summer, we often prefer the movies of Fall. Shifting toward character over spectacle, Fall films present introspective tales that match neatly with the cooling temperatures and changing of the seasons. Granted October’s… Read More ›
An alternate version of this review, originally published for CLTure, was posted on their site on October 14th, 2016. There is nothing better than watching an actor – any actor – melt into a roll so completely that you forget what you’re watching is mere shadow… Read More ›