“Joe Bell” has small handful of moments that make it necessary viewing for narrow-minded viewers. The question becomes, how do you get a film like “Joe Bell” in front of the people who need to see it? Casting Mark Wahlberg might get it in front of audiences who can benefit from a story about acceptance, […]
A tender reminiscence about a Mexican man trying to fulfill his dreams in America after he suffers prejudice and heartbreak in his hometown of Puebla. Of course, he discovers through the years that he must deal with something similar in the U.S., but it is different enough that he is able to accommodate and make his
The first great film of 2020 creeps up on you gradually in the most unexpected way. “Summerland” is the feature film debut of Jessica Swale, who also wrote the original screenplay. She takes us back to the WWII era, just when you think every possible angle has already been captured on film, “Summerland” finds uncharted
There seems to be an endless stream of actors directing their first projects lately. British actor Rupert Everett wrote, directed and produced The Happy Prince. He spent over a decade seeing the project through from its inception, with help from friends like Colin Firth and Emily Watson. Everett, whose career appears to have peaked in the
After focusing on people in their twilight years in films like “I’ll See You in My Dreams” and “The Hero,” promising new writer/director Brett Haley has shifted his focus. “Hearts Beat Loud” is first and foremost a father/daughter “dramedy.” It is also a film about music and a story about difficult choices. Haley and screenwriting
2015 appears to be the year of LGBT films, following last month’s Stonewall, recent Oscar winner Julianne Moore (Still Alice, Hunger Games) stars in the true story of a New Jersey detective fighting for equality. Freeheld has touching moments but it’s reliance on stereotypes and overused anecdotes dilute the films message. Both director Peter Sollett
It’s hard to take serious a drama about gay rights from the director of blockbuster action films like “White House Down” or “The Day After Tomorrow.” Stonewall also marks the first time this director has taken on a project with a small budget and his first R rated film since “The Patriot” (2000). “Stonewall”