Comedian and former talk show host Jon Stewart’s sophomore film “Irresistible” is a far cry from his 2014 directorial debut, “Rosewater.” Both his script and direction lean more towards political satire (“Wag the Dog,” “The Campaign”), but more specifically the modern age of spin stories and media as seen in “Our Brand in Crisis.” Steve Carell […]
Lets get the Christian Bale performance talk out of the way right off the bat. Yes, the makeup and prosthetics are Oscar worthy, among the best of the year including Suspiria and Border. However you can find other Bale performances that are of the same or better quality, and that shouldn’t diminish his accomplishments here.
“A lot of stuff happens in Marwen that doesn’t make sense”. The fact that Robert Zemeckis new film is about a hate crime victim who wears high heels isn’t what doesn’t make sense, that’s actually explained as part of Mark Hogancamp’s own personal therapy. What doesn’t make sense is why Zemeckis thought balancing live action
Jean-Marc Vallée’s “Wild” is the best comparison for what to expect with Belgium director Felix Van Groeningen’s “Beautiful Boy.” Both films focus on the struggle with addiction and despair. “Beautiful Boy” based on two novels, one from the point of view of the father, the other from the son. It is a gripping and thoroughly
Filmmaker Richard Linklater is a gem to the world of cinema. His creative forces always surprise both critics and audiences, regardless of whether you like his movies or not; you can always appreciate them. While the sheer originality of Boyhood will keep the Austin, Texas director busy trying to top that for years. His latest,
I know this looks like a movie about tennis or gender equality. It’s both and neither at the same time. Battle of the Sexes has recent Oscar winner Stone very much in the lead, and Carell, once again teaming with his Little Miss Sunshine directors for another oddball supporting performance. Like the best movies seemingly
The special effects, humor, and sheer imagination of the Despicable Me series continue to be refreshing and delightful for children. There were many chuckles from children (and adults, by the way) in the screening I attended, as well as sighs during the tender moments. Like its predecessors, 3 is mostly entertaining (as it’s meant to
Woody Allen might make a new film every single year, typically you have two bad ones before you get to the reoccurring third-good one. After two forgettable features with Emma Stone, Café Society shows a step forward and outside the 80-year-old directors comfort zone. Perhaps Bruce Willis helped fuel that by getting himself fired from
The Big Short is comedy writer/director Adam McKay’s first “drama,” although it has been placed in the comedy category for Golden Globes consideration. This is also the first film McKay has directed without Will Ferrell starring. You might see this cast and think this movie has to be great, but what you don’t realize is
The Minions are some of the most lovable creatures in children’s movies. Illumination Entertainment, directors Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, writer Brian Lynch, and musician Heitor Pereira deserve high praise for making a film that is truly entertaining, uplifting, and insightful about human beings, with all accompanied by delightful music from the sixties.