WE GROWN NOW Review — Both Moving and Profound
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s We Grown Now review says the moving indie about two boys growing up all too fast in the Cabrini-Green projects will warm your heart and nourish your soul. Every once in awhile a film comes along that profoundly moves me. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the ability to share…
CHALLENGERS Review — Not in Love Love
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Challengers review says the film has a promising premise, but one major fault blows the whole match. Months before it came out, Challengers became known as the much anticipated “Zendaya tennis movie.” That’s fair, because she really is the most prominent (and well known) presence in the film. But it will also…
ABIGAIL Review — Bloody Good Fun in a Tutu
In her Abigail review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes how a spoonful of humor helps the mayhem go down, in the most frightful way. The game cast and directors sell it to a broader audience. Although I don’t hate them, I’ve never had a passionate penchant for horror films—with a few exceptions. M3gan is a recent…
THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE Review — Rogues on Film
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare review says thanks to riveting source material, wry casting and director Guy Ritchie’s talent and wit, this WWII comedic thriller wins the day. I was a little dubious when a notice appeared on the screen at the beginning of the film informing viewers the The Ministry of…
CIVIL WAR Review — Bloody Genius
In her Civil War review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes that writer/director Alex Garland’s epic film will have a profound impact on audiences of all political persuasions. Ultimately, it’s one of the best arguments for kindness and civility ever made. When I first heard about Civil War some months ago, I found two aspects particularly intriguing:…
MONKEY MAN Review — Not for the Faint of Heart
In her Monkey Man review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes that although it’s a well-made flick for the genre, the violence and mayhem are so disturbing she can’t recommend it. You can’t argue with Monkey Man‘s pedigree. It’s produced by Jordan Peele, while Slum Dog Millionaire’s Dev Patel writes, produces, and stars makes his directorial debut.…
GHOSTBUSTERS FROZEN EMPIRE Review — High Spirited Hijinks
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Ghostbusters Frozen Empire review says that the fantasmagoric film may not the best in the franchise, but there’s still much to like about the new generation that ain’t afraid of no ghosts. While this, the fifth installment of the something strange in the neighborhood franchise, may not be the strongest, it’s still…
MEAN GIRLS Review, THE BOOK OF CLARENCE Review — 1 Works
IIn her Mean Girls review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says the remake of the high school classic sings. But her The Book of Clarence review says the biblical dramady falters. Mean Girls Review Let’s settle one thing at the very beginning — if ‘rizz,’ a derivative of of ‘charisma,’ can be the 2023 word of the…
ARTHUR THE KING Review — This Good Boy Saves the Day
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Arthur the King review says that even though latest the Mark Wahlberg project may not be an award-worthy film, the dog, as usual, saves the day. Upfront, I’ll put out the reminder that I’m partial, susceptible and yes, hopelessly drawn to dog movies. Frankie Feldman is partially responsible for that. So yes,…
AMERICAN DREAMER Review — House Hunting Runs Amok
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s American Dreamer review says this home buying hell comedy is elevated by the soaring virtues of Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine. You feel a bit of a kinship between The Holdovers and American Dreamer. Both center on curmudgeonly verging on misanthropic educators frustrated by their inability to reach certain goals, and get…
