SPECTRE Review — Bonding With Bond
By James Mandell For those who’ve grown up with Mr. Bond in real time, each new 007 release is a much anticipated event. So the decision comes down to theater or cable, and if you’re a true movie-goer, it’s no contest because you know the chase scenes are going to be much more impactful on the big, big…
Bruce Lee Style and 75th Birthday Celebration – Exclusive Interview with Shannon Lee
By Staci Layne Wilson @StaciWilson When you conjure up an image of Bruce Lee, you probably either think of the famous yellow and black jumpsuit he wore in the film Game of Death, or you think of him shirtless and bloody in Enter the Dragon. But the clothes made the man in many ways, according…
TRUMBO Review — Write On, Bryan Cranston!
Unless you’re a committed cinephile, the odd-sounding name “Trumbo” may not ring any bells, and you might not be inclined to rush out and see this extraordinary film. But don’t let the title fool you, Trumbo is not only an inspiring civics lesson that everyone should learn, but a tour de force for Bryan Cranston,…
BRIDGE of SPIES Review — Thank you, Mr. Spielberg
This is exactly what theater goers need right now — a good, old fashioned Cold War thriller based on emotions and values, not on high tech weaponry and digital intelligence. A movie full of warmth and quiet heroism, rather than special effects, brutality and bravado. This is a film that harkens back to the 50’s, not…
MISS YOU ALREADY Review — Do We Need Another 'Beaches?'
Oh Catherine Hardwick, what have you done with your edge? You showed so much promise with Thirteen, and Lords of Dogtown was brave and bold. If Twilight was a little too hot for you to handle, you redeemed yourself with Fly Away. Now you’ve taken a big step over to the sappy side with Miss You Already,…
AMERICAN HORROR STORY Lady Gaga is to Die For: Visit Her Hotel
On paper, the Hotel Cortez looks like a killer deal. The photos show a super-swank Art Deco lobby with custom carpets and furniture, outrageous elevator gates and leaded windows. The bar makes you want to sidle up in a pencil skirt and order a Manhattan. If the rooms and hallways are a bit threadbare and…
STEVE JOBS Review — The Launch of an Original Masterpiece
It doesn’t happen every year, but this time, it came early and it hit hard. Five minutes into director Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs, I was thinking, “This is the best film I’ve seen in a very long time. If it’s not the best film of the year, I don’t what is.” Yes, it’s that good. For…
BURNT Review: Bradley Cooper's Performance is Half-Baked
Burnt is outrageously, amazingly, incredibly undercooked. I am stunned that an Academy Award nominated actor like Bradley Cooper would put in such a half-baked performance, or even accept such a raw script. I am also surprised that Burnt got as much as a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Perhaps my colleagues are giving credit (where credit is…
THE WALK Review — A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
I have a serious love/hate relationship with The Walk. On the one hand, the last half hour is the most brilliant use of CGI and IMAX capabilities I’ve ever seen. On the other hand, the first hour-and-a-half is saccharine sweet and ridiculous, which does not do the subject even a modicum of justice. But when all is said and…
THE MARTIAN Review — Out of This World
Yay for science! If only my high school teachers could have made it this thrilling, this provocative, this crucial to my very existence, I might have been out curing cancer today, instead of writing this film review. Even though the special effects are fine, the acting is as good as you would expect, and Ridley…
