Now that’s the Pixar I know. After a string of subpar entries including Cars 3, the studio returns to form with a film representative of the poise and technical wizardry the genre authorities have built a reputation on. Coco is a reverent tribute to Mexican cultural traditions that simultaneously elevates Hispanic heritage, and delivers a festive... Continue Reading →
And just like that, 2017’s superhero streak has come to an end. Despite the encouragement this past June’s exceptional Wonder Woman provided, Zack Snyder’s Justice League won’t sit among the ranks of recent hits including Logan or Thor: Ragnarok, but rather plummets the DC Extended Universe back to the pitiful depths of Batman v Superman... Continue Reading →
When a filmmaker directs himself in his own film, it is often viewed as a mark of conceit. In cases like Charlie Chaplin or Woody Allen, it’s clear the work would have suffered without the artist occupying both roles, but with a feature like Murder on the Orient Express, the essence of a greedy passion... Continue Reading →
There’s still two weeks to go until Thanksgiving, and audiences are already being saddled with commoditized holiday drivel. The seasonal exploitation got its start in early November with the critically-panned Bad Moms Christmas, with another Christmas-themed comedy sequel to follow. Just like the latest Bad Moms, Daddy’s Home 2 is a sequel to a movie... Continue Reading →
Playing in limited release is one of the most exquisite portraits of childhood put to film, and without question one of the greatest pictures of 2017. Sean Baker’s glimpse into poverty in sunny Kissimmee, Florida is at once beguiling, alarming, and sweet. Set in a grungy refuge for the near-homeless against the deceptive backdrop of... Continue Reading →
In Norse mythology, “Ragnarök” refers to the prophesied apocalypse: the purging of the world through water, and the beginning of life anew. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 17th film, Kevin Feige and company deftly cleanse the Thor franchise of former blemish, and triumphantly usher in a glorious new era for the god of thunder. With New... Continue Reading →
Judging by its pathetic $2.8 million box office performance over the weekend, I’m sure it’s very unlikely that very many of you are planning on seeing Suburbicon. For those that are, I’ll save you some trouble and let you know now that despite the towering star talent involved, Suburbicon is an awkward faceplant in addition... Continue Reading →
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