Johnny Depp Becomes an Agent of Torture in Allegorical ‘Waiting for the Barbarians’
“Waiting for the Barbarians” defines cinema as allegory. It is based on the classic novel by Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee,…
‘Made In Italy’: Liam Neeson and Micheál Richardson Travel to Tuscany for Father-Son Journey of Healing
“Made In Italy” begins almost deceptively. When a film opens with a divorce, financial woes, a house full of memories and lush Tuscany vistas,…
David Ayer Returns to the Mean Streets of L.A. With Clichéd and Hyper-Violent ‘The Tax Collector’
A number of questions come to mind while watching “The Tax Collector.” Some of those questions can be in the style of, what is…
‘The Secret Garden’: Overstuffed Adaptation Lacks the Magic of the Classic Novel
A beloved children’s book gets something of an update with “The Secret Garden.” In this latest adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel, the…
‘Work It’ Review: Netflix’s Teen Rom-Com Dances to a Fun Rhythm
Like a flavor at the ice cream shop that you instantly recognize and know every contour of its taste, Netflix’s “Work It” never misses…
Seth Rogen Delivers a Brilliantly Two-Sided Performance in Fun but Biting ‘An American Pickle’
There are two key ideas that drive HBO Max’s “An American Pickle.” The first is what would happen if someone from 100 years ago…
‘She Dies Tomorrow’: Amy Seimetz’s Psychological Thriller Taps Into Our Collective Fears
The mind is a powerful thing, and when Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil), the protagonist of Amy Seimetz’s psychological…
Gemma Arterton on Her Latest Period Drama ‘Summerland’ and the Importance of LGBTQ Stories
English actress Gemma Arterton is no stranger to period films, but in “Summerland,” a cozy and life-affirming…
‘Summerland’: The World of an Isolated Writer Is Upended in Jessica Swale’s Sentimental Period Drama
The existence of a writer can often be an isolated one, and Alice Bloom (Gemma Arterton), the heroine of the nostalgic wartime drama “…
Katie Holmes Harnesses the Power of Positive Thinking in ‘The Secret: Dare to Dream’
One of the best-selling self-help books in recent years has inspired director Andy Tennant’s latest film, the feel-good drama “…
‘The Fight’ Energetically Follows ACLU Lawyers as They Battle to Protect Civil Liberties
For years the American Civil Liberties Union, known popularly as the ACLU, has been a lightning rod. Praise and vilification have been thrown its way in equal measure. The energetic documentary…
‘Rebuilding Paradise’ Surveys the Camp Fire Devastation and Warns of the Dangers of Climate Change
“We just left pleasure,” President Donald Trump declares before being reminded the name of the devastated town he just toured is Paradise, “and what we saw is not acceptable.” However inappropriate…
Director Marjane Satrapi on Bringing Marie Curie’s Story to Life in ‘Radioactive’
Director Marjane Satrapi knew she was in the pursuit of keen minds when setting out to make “Radioactive…
‘Radioactive’ Imaginatively Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Renowned Scientist Marie Curie
“Radioactive” is not content with just telling us the fascinating true story of a great scientist. The thoughtfully fictionalized biopic takes its time to…
Dave Franco’s ‘The Rental’ Imagines an Airbnb Getaway From Hell With Simple Intensity
“The Rental” explores every weird, paranoid idea you could ever have about staying in a strange house. Creepy tension is what works best in…
Romola Garai Explores Masculinity and the Effects of Warfare in Gripping Directorial Debut ‘Amulet’
A refugee finds himself grappling with a variety of demons in the terrifying horror film “Amulet.” Romanian actor Alec…