There are many good things to be said for OCULUS, first and foremost of which is that is terrifying. As much a psychological consideration of the powerlessness of childhood as a ghost story of striking originality, it eschews cliché in favor of finding new ways to horrify audiences jaded with the genre. The supernatural element,… Read More »
RIO 2
RIO, an animated film about a snow-bound rare blue macaw and his human companion both finding love, is such a perfect little film that hearing a sequel was on the way filled one with trepidation. Fortunately RIO 2 bucks the usual law of diminishing sequel returns with a great story, even better new dangers, and… Read More »
NOAH
In the old days, biblical epics were produced as much to have an excuse for prurient excess as for the moral lesson to be imparted by the retelling of a familiar tale of good and evil. Darren Aronofsky’s NOAH is about as far from that trope as it is possible to get and still be… Read More »
FADING GIGOLO
A few editing glitches towards the end of FADING GIGOLO does little to detract from the films Savvy charm, gentle humor and essential sweetness. Writer/director/star John Turturros exploration of sex, intimacy, and loneliness has knockout performances, sly insight, and a tantalizing premise going for it. Turturro stars as Fioravante, a part-time florist with a soulful… Read More »
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, based on the bestseller of the same name, means well as it attempts for wrest something theologically profound out of its subject matter. Kudos for the try, but the film as a whole is so painfully cardboard and cliché, that those little nuggets of genuinely existential crisis dont stand a chance… Read More »
THE QUIET ONES
THE QUIET ONES never really gets around to explaining its title, but it doesnt really matter. Produced by Hammer Films, that glorious British concern specializing in horror films that emphasize terror over gore, it is an elegant little flick, both creepy and atmospheric, that tells its tale of hubris and good intentions gone wrong with… Read More »
BRICK MANSIONS
Its impossible to not acknowledge that BRICK MANSIONS is Paul Walkers last completed film. Its also impossible to not be wistful that this remake of DISTRICT B-13, a darn fine film, isnt a better effort. While the original, also co-written by co-producer Luc Besson had a sharper political slant that included official corruption and rampant… Read More »
NEIGHBORS
It has been said that some of our contemporary malaise stems from the fact that we have, as a culture, lost the traditional markers to separate childhood from adulthood. The bar- or bat-mitzvah is not the assumption of adult responsibility so much as a party. The confirmation is a new set of clothes and spiritual… Read More »
GODZILLA
The big guy is back, and better than ever. Certainly better than the dreary 1999 version. Its a testament to GODZILLA, the monster and the franchise, that both are robust enough for another incarnation. Set in the present, its a nod to its original, right down to a cute Japanese boy in a baseball cap,… Read More »
BLENDED
Its never easy to see innocent children dragged into the madness of adults. Their fresh little faces and trusting innocence exploited by hard-hearted cynicism. And so it is with BLENDED, another in a seemingly endless series of Adam Sandler flicks designed to pay for his vacations. The venue this time is Africa, and the story,… Read More »