Book adaptations are tricky beasts. Take the Game of Thrones series. Beloved by fans, readers, and television watchers alike, the finale season is drawing ire for a perceived underdevelopment of one of the lead characters. In the books by George… Read More ›
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Bone-crunching crime drama “Avengement” breaks expectations by defying conventions.
One of the biggest travesties during the annual Oscars celebration is the continued disregard for stunt work. Sure, studios and talent will rave about the incredible, death-defying work that Tom Cruise attempts in the latest Mission: Impossible film and franchises… Read More ›
“Big Brother” delivers heart, kicks, and kicks to the heart.
Real life can be a crushing, soul-sucking experience. Even in the best of circumstances, hardships can come from anywhere, putting the best and worst of us all on equal footing in an uncertain word. As cynicism becomes status quo, reminders… Read More ›
“Extracurricular Activities” is a surprisingly smart and funny dark romp.
A good dark comedy can be a blessing in disguise. It’s a way for an audience to embrace and enjoy the darker sides of themselves vicariously through the terrible acts of others. Even better, since it’s all imaginary, who cares… Read More ›
“Just Say Goodbye” tackles suicidal ideation with brave honesty.
Depression lies. It whispers in our ears, penetrating our minds, until it resides in our hearts, turning all that’s good into ash. It tells us the worst we can imagine and removes all hope, convincing us that the world might… Read More ›
“Charlie Says” challenges audiences to reconsider what they know of the Manson Family.
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 ›
Documentary “Cradle of Champions” puts you right in the mix without a cornerman to guide you.
Developed with obvious love for boxing, director Bartle Bull’s Cradle of Champions shifts between feeling like an absolute first feature and the work of a seasoned pro. It’s the way Bull frames his subjects – three fighters competing in New… Read More ›
“Room for Rent” doesn’t deliver on the scares or the fun audiences want.
Let’s talk horror of the modern age. With the huge success of studio darlings like It, Us, and Halloween, as well as smaller, artsier films like Hereditary, The Witch, and It Comes at Night, there is a big discussion of… Read More ›
Short film “Albatross Soup” turns a simple riddle into an existential journey.
A man goes into a restaurant and orders albatross soup. After he eats, he goes outside and shoots himself. Why? Ever wondered what it would look like to animate confusion, to make visual the inner turmoil one feels when confronted… Read More ›
Transhumanist thriller “Replicas” suffers from an identity crisis.
Humanity’s been fascinated with extending its life since about the time it realized its mortality. Stories run rampant of the relics like the Fountain of Youth or the Holy Grail, believed to possess restorative powers strong enough to put a… Read More ›
“J.T. LeRoy” is a soft entry point to learn more about the once-and-former literary icon, J.T. LeRoy.
All art walks a line between reality and intention. This is made more complicated when the reality and intention the artist puts forth conflicts with that of the receivers. In many ways, the artist themselves becomes unimportant in comparison to… Read More ›
IFC Film’s “Mary Magdalene” offers a challenging, thought-provoking film exploring the themes of humanity, society, and faith.
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 ›
Things do not go as planned when two brothers connect in “Long Lost”.
Expectations are frequently a killer when it comes to enjoying a film. Maybe it’s the fault of marketing in the way it frames a film. Maybe it’s what the audience brings to the experience. But however audiences approach a film… Read More ›
“On the Basis of Sex” presents the fierce battle for gender equality wrapped in a fuzzy comfort blanket.
It would be difficult to find anyone who hadn’t either heard the name Ruth Bader Ginsburg, heard her nickname “the Notorious RBG,” or seen one of Kate McKinnon’s SNL skits poking fun at the seemingly eternal 86-year old Supreme Court… Read More ›
When we succumb to “The Browsing Effect” we forget to communicate.
In order for a romantic comedy to stand out among the pack these days, it needs to have more than a strong cast. Not every romantic comedy needs some gimmick to hook its audience, but it never hurts to appear… Read More ›
“Unicorn Store” ponders the eternal question: does growing old mean growing up?
Was is it about adulthood that makes people seemingly accept growing cynical and world-weary? Who created the rules which say that doing things one way, and only that way, is the right way? That once you reach a certain age,… Read More ›
A reliance on generic scares make the unique “The Wind” more of a breeze than a cyclone.
When it comes to often-trod-upon Hollywood genres, there might not be one more used than that of the American Western. The Western has received a bit of a boost in the last decade with films like True Grit, Bone Tomahawk,… Read More ›
Irish dramedy “Lost & Found” ponders the interconnectedness of our everyday lives.
Writer/director Liam O Mochain’s Lost & Found is an honest labor of love. While filming over five years in Ireland, Mochain drew from stories he either experienced himself, knew others personally experienced, or knew as urban legends to create a… Read More ›
Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor’s “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” makes a strong impression for a directorial debut.
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 ›
“We Are Boats” explores a metaphysical current that keeps us moving from port to port.
For as long as humans have existed, there’s been a longing to explain that which we don’t comprehend. This longing gave rise to myths and legends born out of trying to rationalize why the sun sets and rises as well… Read More ›