There are certain films that feel as if they were made for a particular time in history. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of those. It is also a film that almost didn’t happen. In 2006, film legend… Read More ›
Netflix
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is a wonderfully unexpected catalyst for personal and social examination.
Trigger Warning for light, yet frequent strobing. There’s something familiar about every aspect of new animated family adventure sci-fi comedy The Mitchells vs. The Machines. The animation style is complex and layered, which is to be expected from Sony Pictures… Read More ›
“Thunder Force” is on the way to protect your town.
Given the option of choosing a Melissa McCarthy-led drama or comedy, the former is near-guaranteed to be stellar while the latter can be hit/miss. She’s a fantastic actor and one whose willingness to embrace physical comedy is something akin to… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 47 – Resurrections in Cinema.
Since we’re in the time of year where some folks are celebrating either Passover or Easter, I pitched to Darryl the idea of exploring resurrections in cinema. Our reasonings may surprise you for what we choose. We also, of course,… Read More ›
Q-Bits with “Mank” director David Fincher and actor Gary Oldman.
During awards season, there are multiple opportunities for filmmakers and journalists to engage in cinema dialogue. Usually, studios will offer talent connected to films who are being pitched for awards’ consideration. During the pandemic, these events (film junkets) have transitioned… Read More ›
Open Dialogue with “The Trial of the Chicago 7” cinematographer Phedon Papamichael.
Phedon Papamichael is a master cinematographer working with the likes of James Mangold, Alexander Payne, Gore Verbinski, Jon Turteltaub and more. On this episode of Open Dialogue, Papamichael offers an in-depth look into the making of Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial… Read More ›
Q-Bits with “The Trial of the Chicago 7” writer/director Aaron Sorkin.
During awards season, there are multiple opportunities for filmmakers and journalists to engage in cinema dialogue. Usually, studios will offer talent connected to films that are being pitched for awards consideration. During the pandemic, these events (film junkets) have transitioned… Read More ›
Q-Bits with “The Midnight Sky” director/actor George Clooney.
During awards season, there are multiple opportunities for filmmakers and journalists to engage in cinema dialogue. Usually, studios will offer talent connected to films that are being pitched for awards’ consideration. During the pandemic, these events (film junkets) have transitioned… Read More ›
Beautiful, painful, hilarious, & uncomfortable, Sam Levinson’s “Malcolm & Marie” is a declarative statement of artistic talent.
It’s 1 a.m. and Malcolm (John David Washington) and Marie (Zendaya) return home from the premiere of Malcom’s film, a film which left the audience in tears and the critics raving. This should be a time of celebration for the… Read More ›
Open Dialogue with “Rising Phoenix” directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui.
Directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui capture the history, the passions, and the impact associated with the international Paralympics in the Netflix documentary, Rising Phoenix. This is a film that breathes life through the stories of the athletes themselves using… Read More ›
Beautiful and intimate, yet cold and distant, “The Midnight Sky” lacks the cohesion to make it wondrous.
When it comes to George Clooney films, there’s a little something for everyone. You like him endearing and silly, Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988). You like him sexy and deadly, From Dusk Till Dawn (1996). Or perhaps more maudlin… Read More ›
Quick Take Review: “Mank.”
Director David Fincher brings to life a script originally written by his father, Jack. Mank explores the Oscar-winning writer of Citizen Kane, Herman Jacob Mankiewicz. In this Netflix film, we examine the vices, self-destructive behavior and uncanny ability of this alcoholic… Read More ›
Documentary “Dick Johnson Is Dead” is an oft silly and poignant celebration of life.
Alzheimer’s is often described as a “long goodbye.” It’s a progressive disease which slowly robs the individual of their memories and facilities, up to the point of loss of all communication skills and the inability to engage with anything around… Read More ›
The whole world is watching events like “The Trial of the Chicago 7” play out again and again.
Inequities of man are met with protests. Some agree and the voices get louder, some disagree and tell them how to protest. Then lives are lost unnecessarily and protesters get angry, taking to the streets to confront their government. To… Read More ›
Nancy Springer’s “Enola Holmes Mysteries” is given the YA “Fleabag” treatment in Netflix’s playful “Enola Holmes.”
Since the first Sherlock Holmes story from author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was published in 1891, there have been countless iterations of the consulting detective in print, stage, and screen. Thanks to modern performances from Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes),… Read More ›
Charlie Kaufman’s “i’m thinking of ending things” pulls off the seemingly impossible task of adapting Ian Reid’s book with ease and grace.
When I read a book, I feel accomplished. When I read a book based on a film, I feel elitist. When I read a book based on a film before its release, I feel completely untouchable. I know I shouldn’t,… Read More ›
Sci-fi crime thriller “Project Power” asks what you’re willing to give up to become something more.
Superhero stories are in vogue right now between the mass popularity of big screen films from Marvel and DC and the programs, primarily DC properties, which are all over television and the fact that many of the showrunners, producers, and… Read More ›
Reaction-inducing stunts & kinetic cast chemistry pull up a predictable plot in Netflix’s “The Old Guard.”
The list of films that deserve a theatrical release grows longer the further into 2020 quarantine goes. April brought the kinetic and pulse-pounding Extraction; May offered up the colorful escapism of The High Note and comedic hijinks of The Lovebirds;… Read More ›
Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” beckons audiences to look deeper.
As a writer/director, Spike Lee is not one to be described as subtle. His works, whether exploring racial tensions in Do The Right Thing (1989), modern day minstrel shows and cultural appropriation in Bamboozled (2000), tackling the cycle of violence… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 31: The Films of Tom Cruise
Top Gun: Maverick may not been hitting theaters this summer, but that won’t stop Douglas and Darryl from digging into the entire Tom Cruise catalog to identify out favorite films. Considering he’s been making movies since 1981, narrowing the field… Read More ›