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…
THE PROTEGE Review — Uncanny Chemistry
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Protege review says the surprising chemistry between Michael Keaton and Maggie Q ignites the screen. Dangerous women in black bobs with bangs. They’ve been a thing in Hollywood since the Jazz Age. My favorites through the decades have been Angelica Huston in Prizzi’s Honor, Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, and now Maggie…
RESPECT Review / FREE GUY Review — Which (if either) is Worthy?
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Respect review and Free Guy review reveal big talent with smaller execution. Still, both films have their moments. Respect Review If you’re a fan of Aretha Franklin (and really, who isn’t?)It’s almost impossible not to compare Respect, staring Jennifer Hudson, with National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha, the anthology series that featured Cynthia Erivo…
Judith Light Joins Killer Cast of STARZ Horror Comedy SHINING VALE
Judith Light joins Courtney Cox and Greg Kinnear in the STARZ horror comedy Shining Vale. STARZ announced today that Emmy® & Tony® award-winning actress Judith Light will join the STARZ Original Series Shining Vale in a guest star role, alongside Golden Globe®nominee Courteney Cox (Friends,Cougar Town), Academy Award®nominee and Emmy® Award winner Greg Kinnear andOscar® winner Mira…
THE SUICIDE SQUAD Review — Good Bloody Fun
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Suicide Squad review says that skilled director James Gunn slugs a homer with grisly madcap mayhem. Kindly erase all visions of 2016’s Suicide Squad from your head. Although I got a kick out of it, it currently has a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, even though it starred Will Smith, Jared…
Check Out the New HOUSE OF GUCCI Trailer and Character Posters — Sublime!
Get an eyeful of the new House of Gucci trailer and character posters — How will we ever wait until Thanksgiving to see this fabulous film? Director Ridley Scott is back this fall with a new movie, House of Gucci, which is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Sara Gay Forden.…
JUNGLE CRUISE Review — The Best River Cruise You’ll Take All Year
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Jungle Cruise review says the E-ticket ride movie flows with chemistry, comedy and fun. Does anyone remember the old multi-colored Disneyland ticket books? The E-ticket rides were always the best, and had the longest lines. Now if you’re with me so far, I’m going to ask you to stretch your memory a…
JOE BELL Review — It Rings True and Tragic
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Joe Bell review says it feels gritty and authentic, telling a true tale in a surprising way. Some of you may remember the tragic and true tale of Joe Bell, who attempted a walk across America to bring an anti-bullying message to the masses as a tribute to his gay son Jadin.…
