4 out of 5 stars (one of the best of the year) Note: I asked a family friend with young children about Soul, and the results varied. The youngest (4) got bored and left while the two older (7 and 10) enjoyed the goofy moments, but were stymied by the human drama and somewhat scared… Continue Reading
Tenet: Good Acting Can’t Save Nonsensical Thriller
2.5 out of 5 stars (decent) There’s a lot riding on the success of Tenet. After multiple pushbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and writer-director Christopher Nolan’s insistence that it be seen in theaters, many were proclaiming Tenet would bring everyone back to the movies again. I’m sad to say that not only does Tenet… Continue Reading
Thelma & Louise: Feminist Road Trip Has Heart, Humor, Modern Resonance
5 out of 5 stars (Classic) Note: Thelma & Louise discusses and shows an attempted sexual assault. Something I’ve learned as a critic is that time changes perspective. A person can see a film or show at one age and not comprehend what it’s talking about, but see it later and connect with it in a whole… Continue Reading
Just Mercy: Entertaining Legal Drama Has Strong Message
3 out of 5 stars (average) Just Mercy is a good film with the ingredients to be a great one. Taking a racially charged true to life story, the film tells a well-acted but somewhat simplistic tale elevated by its cast and direction that ends on a surprisingly perfect note. Just Mercy will entertain fans… Continue Reading
You’ll Have A Beautiful Day Watching Emotional Drama
4 out of 5 stars (one of the best of the year) I didn’t grow up loving Mister Rogers. While his soothing voice and quiet demeanor lured my younger self to sleep, I have since grown to appreciate Rogers for addressing real-world topics with kids rather than talking down to them. Similarly, A Beautiful Day in… Continue Reading
Black and Blue: Topical Premise Buried Under Generic Action
2 out of 5 stars (has some good moments, but is overall bad) Black and Blue is a frustrating kind of bad movie. It hints at exploring a hot-button topic (police brutality and corruption), but uses that topic as an excuse for repetitive chases and shoot-outs that seal its fate in Redbox machines everywhere. Black… Continue Reading