Sometimes you (okay, I) just need a good rom-com. For probably three quarters of the movie, Last Christmas fit the bill. And then, to my shock and dismay, it went terribly wrong and instead of me walking out feeling satisfied and humming the title song, I was annoyed and … [Read more...] about “last christmas” movie review
Pop Culture
“western stars” movie review
Just like the rest of us, Bruce Springsteen is getting old. At 70, he is still trying to make sense of his life, make peace with his past -- and make his directorial debut. Western Stars is not really a concert film, despite the fact that Springsteen performs all the songs … [Read more...] about “western stars” movie review
“#female pleasure” movie review
I feel compelled to review #Female Pleasure because it's so important and I worry that people will be turned off by the title, which may not accurately express the gravitas of the subject matter. Barbara Miller's must-see documentary opens with a voiceover saying, "We are … [Read more...] about “#female pleasure” movie review
“making waves: the art of cinematic sound” movie review
We almost always talk exclusively about what we see onscreen in a movie, but Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound is all about what we hear, and it will make you want to go back and watch -- and listen to -- your favorite films with new ears. Sound inherently takes on a … [Read more...] about “making waves: the art of cinematic sound” movie review
“joker” movie review
In theory, Joker should not be my kind of movie -- it's violent and it's about a comic book character -- yet, thanks to a riveting story and breathtaking performance by Joaquin Phoenix, it's on my list for Best Picture of the Year. … [Read more...] about “joker” movie review
“raise hell: the life and times of molly ivins” movie review
The fact that, during her heyday, the late Molly Ivins consistently appeared on the lists of both the most loved and most hated journalists -- often at the same time -- tells you so much about her. If you're on the side who loved her, you are probably a Democrat, a liberal and … [Read more...] about “raise hell: the life and times of molly ivins” movie review
“judy” movie review
The Academy might as well skip the nominations for Best Actress this year and just give the Oscar to Renee Zellweger. … [Read more...] about “judy” movie review
“ad astra” movie review
Other than the fact that it was a total waste of two hours of my precious life, I've been trying to figure out why I've been in such a bad mood since seeing Ad Astra, the movie in which Brad Pitt goes to outer space to deal with his daddy issues. I mean, we've seen a lot of … [Read more...] about “ad astra” movie review