AMERICAN FICTION Review — THE HOLDOVERS Review — 2 Must See Movies
In her American Fiction review and her The Holdovers review, critic Lisa Johnson Mandell reveals two more of her favorite films of 2023 and recommends that you start of the New Year on a high note by seeing them both, if you haven’t already. American Fiction Review When I read author Percival Everett’s brilliant Erasure:…
THE COLOR PURPLE Review – WONKA Review — 1 of These 2 Musicals is Charming
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Color Purple review shows she’s puzzled by the fact that such heinous abuse inspires such jolly musical numbers. Her Wonka review cheers the magical prequel. The Color Purple Review Just in time for Christmas – a jaunty movie musical about incest, rape and abuse. Hope I see tickets for that one…
MAESTRO Review — A Brilliant Tour de Force
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Maestro review sings the praises of Bradley Cooper’s brilliant efforts to tell the story of Leonard Bernstein, the great conflicted genius. Is there any other kind? I should begin this Maestro review by telling you the that a personal connection to Leonard Bernstein can’t help but influence my opinion. My husband’s family…
DREAM SCENARIO Review — EILEEN Review — 2 Stylish Films Worth Watching
Dream Scenario Review Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Dream Scenario review says Nicolas Cage has never been better than in this dark comedy about the hapless man of your dreams Is it a drama, is it a comedy, a mystery, thriller or horror movie? Production company/distributor A24 lists it under all five genres on Rotten Tomatoes, and…
WILD BOYS Review – A Quirky Treasure Hunt That Pays Off
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Wild Boys review says this quirky treasure hunt is an engaging experience— it isn’t flawless, but it’s undeniably rewarding. Get ready for a rollercoaster of adventure in Wild Boys, a comedy directed by Morten Forland. This flick takes you on a crazy treasure hunt filled with suspense, surprises, and a dash of…
NAPOLEON Review — Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix Reach Their Zenith
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Napoleon review says that director Ridley Scott has reached his apex with this intriguing examination of one of the most enigmatic and outrageous leaders of the 1700s. Joaquin Phoenix is peculiarly perfect in the lead. I never thought I’d say this about a film, but I can’t wait for Ridley Scott’s four-plus…
WISH Review — Lushly Rendered and Cast, But Short on Spark
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Wish review says that lovely visuals and an extraordinarily talented voice cast including Ariana DuBose and Chris Pine elevate the animated feature that is otherwise just meh. In the beginning, I was happily enchanted by Disney’s latest animated feature, Wish, partially because I immediately adored the gorgeous setting with its intriguing Moorish…
THE DRIVE TO SING Review — Raise Your Voice and Your Spirit
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Drive to Sing review says the story of determination and creative grit in the face of challenge makes this music doc worth the watch. The Drive to Sing is a heartwarming documentary that hit me right where it feels. Although set in the era of COVID-19, it’s a timeless reminder that…
THE HUNGER GAMES Prequel Review — Dystopian Fantasy for Fans and Newcomers
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Hunger Games prequel review says The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will satisfy both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. You know what I love about prequels? You don’t have to remember everything about the previous films to enjoy them. You don’t have to have read the entire book or…
THE MARVELS Review — This is the Best Marvel Can Do Now?
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Marvels review says it’s so frantic, garish and overstuffed with hackneyed tropes that even a consummately engaging cast can’t redeem it. Since it’s the holiday season, I’m going to get a bit metaphorical with my The Marvels review. You’ve waited all year (or at least since September) for the unveiling of…
