KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Review — The 10th Installment Falls Flat
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes review reveals that the latest addition to the franchise is substatiaatially less fun than a barrel full of monkeys. It’s hard to believe that this is the 10th Planet of the Apes movie, isn’t it? The first one, the original Charlton Heston film where he…
THE IDEA OF YOU Review — A Romance for the Ages
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Idea of You review says that the film, more rom than com, is a rare find that makes you both think and feel. Steamy in all the right ways, women adore it, while some men may squirm. The Idea of You is every single mom’s fantasy. And if we’re being honest…
THE FALL GUY Review — Can Any Film Endure This Much Hype?
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Fall Guy review says that this stunt heavy rom com isn’t quite all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s saved by the boy…and the girl. My expectations were really high for this one. How could I not like a romantic action comedy starring two of my favorite, Academy Award-nominated actors,…
WE GROWN NOW Review — Both Moving and Profound
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s We Grown Now review says the moving indie about two boys growing up all too fast in the Cabrini-Green projects will warm your heart and nourish your soul. Every once in awhile a film comes along that profoundly moves me. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the ability to share…
CHALLENGERS Review — Not in Love Love
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Challengers review says the film has a promising premise, but one major fault blows the whole match. Months before it came out, Challengers became known as the much anticipated “Zendaya tennis movie.” That’s fair, because she really is the most prominent (and well known) presence in the film. But it will also…
ABIGAIL Review — Bloody Good Fun in a Tutu
In her Abigail review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes how a spoonful of humor helps the mayhem go down, in the most frightful way. The game cast and directors sell it to a broader audience. Although I don’t hate them, I’ve never had a passionate penchant for horror films—with a few exceptions. M3gan is a recent…
THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE Review — Rogues on Film
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare review says thanks to riveting source material, wry casting and director Guy Ritchie’s talent and wit, this WWII comedic thriller wins the day. I was a little dubious when a notice appeared on the screen at the beginning of the film informing viewers the The Ministry of…
CIVIL WAR Review — Bloody Genius
In her Civil War review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes that writer/director Alex Garland’s epic film will have a profound impact on audiences of all political persuasions. Ultimately, it’s one of the best arguments for kindness and civility ever made. When I first heard about Civil War some months ago, I found two aspects particularly intriguing:…
MONKEY MAN Review — Not for the Faint of Heart
In her Monkey Man review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes that although it’s a well-made flick for the genre, the violence and mayhem are so disturbing she can’t recommend it. You can’t argue with Monkey Man‘s pedigree. It’s produced by Jordan Peele, while Slum Dog Millionaire’s Dev Patel writes, produces, and stars makes his directorial debut.…
GHOSTBUSTERS FROZEN EMPIRE Review — High Spirited Hijinks
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Ghostbusters Frozen Empire review says that the fantasmagoric film may not the best in the franchise, but there’s still much to like about the new generation that ain’t afraid of no ghosts. While this, the fifth installment of the something strange in the neighborhood franchise, may not be the strongest, it’s still…
