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…
NYAD Review — Go Harder, Stronger, Faster
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Nyad review says the riveting performances by Annette Bening and Jody Foster do justice the the harrowing story of superlative athlete Diana Nyad. Those who achieve supreme mastery of any field, from fine arts to mathematics to tech, seem to have something in common: a supreme and total focus that often renders…
DON’T LOOK AWAY Review—A Mass Murdering Mannequin Movie for Horror Geeks
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Don’t Look Away review says it’s a welcome relief for horror fans who are fed up with remakes and franchise spinoffs. Don’t Look Away is an inventive micro-budget supernatural thriller that’s the perfect “spooky season” alternative to showier, name-known horror flicks like Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer. What makes it…
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S Review — A Little Slice of Hell
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Five Nights at Freddy’s review says it will probably satisfy fans of the video game, but this animatronic pizza parlor “horror” movie is plain cinematic junk food for everyone else. It’s not often that I’ll thoroughly trash a movie. Out of respect for the hard work and best efforts of the actors…
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON Review — Too Intense for the Masses?
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Killers of the Flower Moon review says there is cinematic brilliance here, but it’s marred by a relentlessly long and stultifying journey into unabated cruelty and ignorance. It’s not for everyone. There is no doubt that Martin Scorsese is among the best directors of all time. His cinematic vision is brilliant, distinctive…
THE BURIAL Review — The Prime Alternative to Concert Movie Chaos This Weekend
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Burial review says that if you can’t bear to watch the squealing Swifties who are sure to crowd the cineplex this weekend, stay home and enjoy this lively courtroom comedy/drama on Prime Video. Talk about savvy counter programming! While the Taylor Swift: Eras Tour movie storms the cineplex this weekend, filling…
5 Easy Halloween Costumes Based on Movies and TV Shows. You’ll Be a Hit!
5 Easy Halloween Costumes Based on Movies and TV Shows From Barbie to Elvis to Wednesday Addams to The Little Mermaid and The Last of Us cast, these 5 easy Halloween costumes based on Movies and TV are sure to be a big hit. Get ready to dress to impress this Halloween! Whether you’re…
