ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER Review — It’s a Blast!
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s One Battle After Another review says director Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is one of his greatest, with non-stop action and invention. Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn are sublime. I’m reluctant to admit this, but when I hear that a film is over 2.5 hours long, I (like many of you) groan and…
ELEANOR THE GREAT Review — A Remarkable Film for the Ages
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Eleanor the Great review says that Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a triumph, as is June Squibb’s performance. Tender and intimate, it’s a film overflowing with humanity and love. As someone who is very connected to the themes of this film, especially those of resilience and reinvention, I left Eleanor the Great…
HIM Review — A Botched Attempt to Score In Sports Horror
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s HIM review says that this Jordan Peele produced sports horror film misses the mark completely, and devolves into bloody chaos. This a film that’s getting a lot of play from the fact that it’s produced by Jordan Peele, famous for original and stylish horror features including Get Out, Nope, Us and Candy…
WALTZING WITH BRANDO Review — Billy Zane Captures an Icon
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Waltzing with Brando review says that it’s a subtle but entertaining film that takes a fascinating look at a slice of Marlon Brando’s storied life, and is elevated by Billy Zane’s uncanny performance as the cinematic icon. Based on the memoir by Bernard Judge, (the real life architect depicted in the film)…
THE LONG WALK Review — A Different Type of Horror
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Long Walk review reveals why and how this multi-genre thriller ranks right up there with Steven King’s very best film adaptations. The title doesn’t exactly send you madly scrolling through your favorite movie ticket app, intent on scoring the best seats in your favorite theater in advance. In fact, it might…
CAUGHT STEALING Review — Strikes Out With Savage Violence
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Caught Stealing review says that the clever story and game acting are overwhelmed by astoundingly savage violence. Caught Stealing is literally painful proof that you can’t judge a movie by its trailer, poster or director. From the promotion, you’d think it might be violent but tongue in cheek, somewhat amusing crime caper,…
I REALLY LOVE MY HUSBAND Review – When Paradise Becomes a Psychological Thunderdome
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s I Really Love My Husband review says it’s a beautifully uncomfortable reminder that the heart wants what it wants, even when what it wants makes absolutely no logical sense. Imagine you’re trapped on a gorgeous island with someone who’s theoretically perfect for you, but every fiber of your being is screaming “Nope!”…
NOBODY 2 Review — Action Packed Punch
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Nobody 2 review says the sequel is a bit lighter and fluffier than 2021’s surprise hit, but the humble guy beats bullies comedy is a kick all the same. No one saw Nobody coming. The original 1921 hit starring Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, a humble family man with an explosive temper…
See the CCA’s Winners of the Annual Critics Choice Super Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) just announced the winners of the 5th annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both movies and television. See if you agree. Because you all need to know what’s worth watching, I view as much as I possibly can, and pass along my opinions to you via…
FREAKIER FRIDAY Review — Crazy Cute But Shamelessly Sloppy
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Freakier Friday review notes that all the fabulous fun and frolic can’t make up for lack of attention to detail that results in mind-numbing audience confusion. Splashy colors and setups, slapstick comedy, actors we know and love plus a gorgeous and talented supporting cast, and the glories of L.A. at its glamorous…
