Inside Fascinating History of Real-Life ‘Home Alone’ House—as New Owners Get Set To Restore $5.5 Million Property to Its Festive Movie Glory
“Home Alone” is a seminal Christmas classic that airs on millions of screens across the world every festive season, more than three decades after the movie premiered. Some obsess over the chaotic storyline in which a young boy, Kevin McCallister—played by Macaulay Culkin—is abandoned home alone by his family as they jet off on a…
SONG SUNG BLUE Review — A Touching Tribute Tale
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Song Sung Blue review reveals that the Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson starrer is a not what you expected—it’s a beautiful noise. First of all, get rid of your preconceptions regarding Hugh Jackman’s latest movie, Song Sung Blue. If you, like most people, haven’t gotten much beyond the title, the poster and…
The Housemaid Review, Wake Up Deadman Review — 2 Tons of Fun
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Housemaid Review and Wake Up Dead Man review says that these two holiday counter programers are delightfully entertaining in their own ways. The Housemaid Review If you’ve had your fill of happy/snappy holiday Hallmark-type movies and feel up for something a little steamier, a little soapier, it’s time to grab your…
AVATAR FIRE AND ASH Review — The True Epic We’ve Been Craving
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Avatar Fire and Ash review says this third installment shows what a master filmmaker can do when given full creative license. James Cameron has proven that lightening can strike more than twice, but three times. With Avatar Fire and Ash, the visionary director proves that when it comes to pushing the boundaries…
31st Annual Critics Choice Awards Nominees — What You Need to See
Behold the nominees for the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards! Feel free to help me decided who and what to vote for. I’d love to hear your thoughts. So many of you ask me about the most important films and performances to see this year. Many (but not all) of them are reflected in the…
Was That Really the Fancy Westgate Las Vegas on PLURIBUS?
Those who really know Sin City can’t help but wonder if that really was the Westgate Las Vegas on Pluribus, the new hit Apple TV series, or if it was just Hollywood magic. Pluribus the newest series from acclaimed creator Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) — has quickly emerged as an awards darling…
JAY KELLY Review — Big Movie Star Magic From Those Who Know It Best
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Jay Kelly review says this gem features George Clooney and Adam Sandler as the sparkling leads, and the stellar supporting cast is the perfect setting for them. When I mention the film Jay Kelly to people who haven’t seen it yet, they usually comment, “Oh yeah — isn’t that the semi-autobiographical George…
DIE MY LOVE Review and 2 More Films on Frustrated Femmes
In her Die My Love review, Sentimental Value review and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says there’s no doubt the performances are sublime, but the stories? Not so much. I’m a great advocate of superlative female performances and female forward films. But I’m not a fan of films that…
The Truth About George Clooney and Nespresso — Clues to Peruse
George Clooney and Nespresso have been together a lot longer than you might think. But just how did they hook up, and how serious is the relationship? George Clooney has been the face of Nespresso since 2006, turning what could have been a straightforward endorsement into one of the longest-running, most recognizable celebrity–brand partnerships in…
Nominees for the 2025 Critics Choice TV Awards — Are Your Favorites on the List?
Lisa Johnson Mandell reveals the year’s best TV series and performances, as reflected in the nominations for the annual Critics Choice TV Awards. Help her cast her votes! At last! Some of you may be wondering where I’ve been for the past several weeks—a thousand apologies if I forgot your birthday, anniversary, open house or…
