FINCH Review — One Man, Two Robots and a Dog
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Finch review says the Apple TV+ movie starring Tom Hanks as the only human is a very humane and moving experience. I swear this is not a paid post, and I receive zero remuneration from Apple TV+ for writing this, but if you’re still trying to decide whether or not to subscribe…
ETERNALS Review — A Rare Marvel Miss
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Eternals review says that nothing lasts forever — including Marvel’s winning streak. No one bats 1,000, so if the Marvel Universe strikes out every now and then, it can be forgiven. What can’t be forgiven is sending some of the best players money can buy to the plate and realizing too late…
ANTLERS Review: A Killer Cast Can’t Quite Rise Above the Darkness
Staci Layne Wilson’s Antlers review, says it’s a gloomy, moody horror film that will depress as much as scare you. Produced by horror heavy-hitters Guillermo del Toro and David S. Goyer, Antlers is a dark, moody, broody tale about how trauma, grief, abuse and addiction can affect the soul in the form of a monster—the indigenous…
THE FRENCH DISPATCH Review — Highbrow Humor at its Peak
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The French Dispatch review says Wes Anderson’s latest is erudite and eloquent — the very definition of the word ‘quirky’ — in a good way. If you want to truly appreciate The French Dispatch, you must understand the meaning of the word ‘ennui.’ Don’t be ashamed if you’re not familiar with the…
DUNE Review: The Next Great Sci-Fi Franchise Has Arrived
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Dune review says the epic film is a scintillating work of art — it should be an immediate sci-fi classic. It’s actually quite thrilling to witness the birth of the next great sci-fi franchise. The latest iteration of Dune is the film stellar director Denis Villeneuve was born to make, and will…
THE LAST DUEL Review — Unconscionable
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Last Duel review says the film, which features A-list actors involved in brutal rape and violence, is not right for these times… or any others. Just because a disturbing and dramatic event has been historically documented doesn’t mean it will make a great movie. There are some stories that don’t need…
NO TIME TO DIE Review — O07 Puts His Heart Into It
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s No Time to Die review says it’s not perfect, but is still a satisfying send-off to Daniel Craig in the mercurial role of James Bond. There’s so much to write about this pre-ordained blockbuster that has become the biggest hit of the year even before it opens in the U.S., it’s hard…
DEAR EVAN HANSEN Review — Mercilessly Manipulative
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Dear Evan Hansen review says that the hapless high school musical is highlighted by solid performances, but they can’t make up for banal ballads and a potato chip plot. Dear Evan Hansen was supposed to be a big deal. The Broadway version certainly was – it won six Tonys, including Ben Platt’s…
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE Review — Searching for Depth in Shallow Waters
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye review attempts to find deeper meaning in a film about shallow people. Her efforts are in vain. Most people, myself included, remember Tammy Faye Bakker as someone who never met a sequin she didn’t like, best known for her huge eyelashes, lips and hair. Oh yes, and there…
SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS Review — Glorious!
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings review says the entire film is radiant, but Awkwafina is the brightest new star in the Marvel Universe. The Marvel Universe now has its latest greatest female superhero, and her name is…Awkwafina? Wait a minute! How did that happen? Awkwafina only plays Katy, quick…
