EAST BAY Review – Intriguing Lo-Fi Sci-Fi
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s East Bay review says this multi-genre comedic character study is worth a watch despite its talky tactics. I love a good character-driven quirky comedy. But while Daniel Yoon‘s East Bay does tick that box and is an indie gem that has won well-deserved kudos since its acclaimed festival run, it’s also a bit weird…
IF Review — A Magical, Moving and Marvelous Film for the Whole Family
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s IF review says writer/director/producer/star John Krasinski creatively brings some of the sweetest parts of childhood to the forefront, helping viewers experience the magic once again. Did you have an imaginary friend (I.F.) when you were little? Close your eyes and think hard—try to remember. Children often create IFs when they feel lonely,…
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:…
