The Girlfriend Review — 2 Critics Share 1 Strong Opinion
Critics Tandy Culpepper and Lisa Johnson Mandell actually agree in their The Girlfriend review—see what they think on Tandy’s podcast, The Hollywood Beat. In The Girlfriend, Robin Wright steps in front of and behind the camera, shaping a drama that begins as polished domestic perfection and unravels into psychological warfare. She plays Laura Sanderson, a…
FRANKENSTEIN Review — A Powerful and Poignant Masterpiece
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Frankenstein reviews says that director Guillermo del Toro’s latest work is monstrously brilliant. Of all the countless renditions of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic tale of the manmade monster, this may be the most lavish, poignant and profoundly beautiful work yet, said she who normally eschews reboots, remakes, re-imaginings and retellings. Director Guillermo…
What’s the #1 Best Movie of All Time? This List Will Shock You
Here’s a fascinating list of what a number metrics reveal to be the best movie of all time, plus those on the Top 50 list. You will definitely not agree. “What do you think is the best movie of all time?” It’s the question I’m asked most, and the one that’s impossible to answer. “It…
GOOD FORTUNE Review — Keanu Reeves Saves the Day, and the Film
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Good Fortune review says Aziz Ansari’s cosmic comedy starring Keanu Reeves semi-successfully blends the absurd with the heartfelt. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Good Fortune follows Arj (Aziz Ansari, making his feature film debut as writher/director/star), a down-on-his-luck gig worker juggling an endless string of low-paying side hustles. Whether he’s waiting in…
ROOFMAN Review, AFTER THE HUNT Review — 1 Authentic, 1 Fake
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Roofman Review and After the Hunt Review says that one film is charmingly real, and the other is alarmingly phony. Roofman Review — Authentic yet charmingly unbelievable What a delightful, understated surprise we have in Roofman. It’s based on an almost unbelievable true story of an extremely charming Army veteran who finds…
A TIME FOR SUNSET Review — Thriller With a Killer Payoff
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s A Time for Sunset review says it’s a slow-burn neo noir thriller that will change your mind about low-budget independent cinema. Listen, I know what you’re thinking when you hear “low-budget indie thriller”—you’re picturing grainy footage and wooden acting, right? Well get ready for big surprise, because A Time for Sunset is…
Cheers to These 5 Best Cocktails for Fall
These 5 best cocktails for Fall have something for everyone, whether you’re an apple or pumpkin person, or prefer cinnamon and maple. Sweater weather is coming! We love fall most of all—and what’s not to love? It’s the season of sugar, spice, and a whole lot of nice! We’re talking about those cozy fall flavors…
THE SMASHING MACHINE Review, ANEMONE Review — 2 Surprising Pics
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Smashing Machine review and Anemone review elaborate on two much anticipated views that don’t meet up to expectations. The Smashing Machine Review The highly anticipated mixed martial arts movie focusing on the life of pioneer Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson, came as a complete surprise to me. What promised to…
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…
