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…
MEAN GIRLS Review, THE BOOK OF CLARENCE Review — 1 Works
IIn her Mean Girls review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says the remake of the high school classic sings. But her The Book of Clarence review says the biblical dramady falters. Mean Girls Review Let’s settle one thing at the very beginning — if ‘rizz,’ a derivative of of ‘charisma,’ can be the 2023 word of the…
ARTHUR THE KING Review — This Good Boy Saves the Day
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Arthur the King review says that even though latest the Mark Wahlberg project may not be an award-worthy film, the dog, as usual, saves the day. Upfront, I’ll put out the reminder that I’m partial, susceptible and yes, hopelessly drawn to dog movies. Frankie Feldman is partially responsible for that. So yes,…
AMERICAN DREAMER Review — House Hunting Runs Amok
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s American Dreamer review says this home buying hell comedy is elevated by the soaring virtues of Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine. You feel a bit of a kinship between The Holdovers and American Dreamer. Both center on curmudgeonly verging on misanthropic educators frustrated by their inability to reach certain goals, and get…
KUNG FU PANDA 4 Review — Packs a Lot of Punch
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Kung Fu Panda 4 review says that while this is not the most brilliant installment in the franchise, it’s bound to make a lot of kids happy, which will in turn satisfy the adults who see it with them. Really, does anyone expect much from the fourth installment of any series that…
Dune Part 2 Review — The First Glorious Epic of the Year
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Dune Part 2 review says that the year’s first blockbuster is a bracing spectacle that is well worth the wait. All the best movies take you on a journey through an intriguing world full of sights and sounds unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Even if you’ve read the books that inspired them,…
MADAME WEB Review — One for the Record Books, But Not in a Good Way
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Madame Web review wonders why a film with no romance, care, excitement or emotion was given a Valentine’s Day release. It seems a little cruel to dogpile on a movie that has been bashed even before it was released. But for the life of me, I’m having a really hard time coming…
