Jake Gyllenhaal Is a Reluctant Hero in ‘Stronger’
“Stronger” is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope…
‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ Works Best as Unintentional Camp
Fans of Kingsman: The Secret Service will love the sequel, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” They won’t love it as much, but they will laugh at the slapstick violence,…
Jennifer Lawrence Goes Completely Mad in Darren Aronofsky’s Psychological Mind-Bender ‘Mother!’
Not much is known about “Mother!” – and the film is best viewed that way. The Jennifer Lawrence, Darren Aronofsky joint has been shrouded in secrecy since it…
There Is No Justice in Yance Howard’s True Crime Documentary ‘Strong Island,’ But There Is Grief
“I am not sure if you remember my name or my brother’s name. He was a homicide victim,” director Yance Howard says in the opening of Netflix’s “Strong Island…
‘Red Trees’ Filmmaker Marina Willer Discusses Telling Her Father’s Story and the Importance of Embracing Diversity
For designer and filmmaker Marina Willer, her latest film “Red Trees,” which was expanded from her short of the same name, focuses on…
‘It’ Is a Sinister Horror Film With a Hopeful Message
Coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is a phobia that seems to be exclusive to people under the age of 40, one that is baffling to older generations. This is in some small part due to “It,”…
Reese Witherspoon Discovers Herself in Nancy Meyers-Produced ‘Home Again’
Reese Witherspoon, who came to fame in teen roles in films such as “Cruel Intentions” and “Pleasantville” before snagging an Oscar for “Walk the Line,” enters a new phase of her career in the…
‘Death Note’ Straddles Too Many Genres to Deliver a Killing Blow
Talk about a poison pen pal. In “Death Note,” directed by Adam Wingard, Light Turner (Nat Wolff), has a lethal study aid. His new notebook isn’t just good for surprise chemistry quizzes.
‘Leap!’ Is a Passable Animated Romp for Older Kids
“Leap!” combines European animation, American can-do spirit, and a plethora of pop songs to create a mildly entertaining but ultimately rote animated tale that may appeal to older kids more than little ones. Felicie…
‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ Ends the Summer With Some Seriously Escapist Fun
In “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” the world’s top protection agent (Ryan Reynolds) is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen (Samuel L. Jackson).
Channing Tatum Is ‘Logan Lucky’ in Steven Soderbergh’s Exuberant Heist Film
If the “Ocean’s 11” franchise were to have a southern redneck, NASCAR loving, trailer park cousin, you would have “Logan Lucky.” Steven Soderbergh, the director behind the glamorous George Clooney and Brad Pitt-fronted…
‘Annabelle: Creation’ Is a Thrilling Origin Story
Set several years before 2014’s “The Conjuring,” spinoff, “Annabelle: Creation” follows a group of orphan girls helmed by Sister Charlotte (Stephanie Sigman) as they move into a dollmaker’s (Anthony LaPaglia) isolated farmhouse.
‘Ingrid Goes West’ Is the ‘Single White Female’ for the Digital Age
In a time not too long ago, celebrities were beautiful, rich and famous unattainable images hanging on teenagers’ walls and adorning magazine covers by the check-out stand. Before these idols were, well, idols, they had…
The Adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower’ Is Mediocre at Best
Stephen King appears to be in vogue again (but to be honest, when isn’t he?), and the latest screen adaptation is a loose one at that. Based off of the eight book series of the…
‘Wind River’ Shines a Light on the Hardships of Reservation Life
For his directorial debut, “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water” screenwriter Taylor Sheridan tackles the plight of Native Americans, particularly Native American women, in the crime thriller “Wind River.” Jeremy Renner stars as…
Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘Detroit’ Is an Impactful Story of One Harrowing Incident in the Midst of Chaos
A dark chapter in American history that forever changed a major city and has repercussions to this day is depicted in “Detroit,” the latest from Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. This riveting film shows…