‘Firestarter’: Stephen King Remake Fails to Find a Spark
It was only a matter of time before someone got around to remaking this one. “Firestarter” is the latest revamp of a Stephen King novel that was already turned into a…
‘Senior Year’: Rebel Wilson Goes Back to High School in Nostalgic Netflix Comedy
While few adults would ever want to return to high school, Rebel Wilson is desperate for a second chance in the Netflix comedy “Senior Year.” Wilson stars as Stephanie Conway, a…
‘Pleasure’ Challenges the Male Gaze Through the Shattered Dreams of an Aspiring Porn Star
Like countless other internationals, Bella (Sofia Kappel) has left her native Sweden to seek fame in Los Angeles. She isn’t attending one of the city’s prestigious, pricey film schools or looking for…
‘Montana Story’: Owen Teague and Haley Lu Richardson Are Siblings Confronting Grief in Understated Drama
Two estranged siblings come together to say goodbye to their abusive father and tackle some demons in the quiet drama “Montana Story.” Owen Teague and Haley Lu Richardson star as…
‘This Much I Know to Be True’ Delves Into the Music of a Changed Nick Cave
Sometimes when capturing a musician on film, it is wise to let the music do the talking. Such is the approach of director Andrew Dominik when filming Australian music icon Nick…
‘Operation Mincemeat’ Dramatizes the True Story of How a Top Secret Mission Changed the Course of WWII
The astounding true story of how a dead man masquerading as a British soldier changed the course of World War II unfolds in “Operation Mincemeat,” the latest period drama from “Shakespeare in…
‘Along for the Ride’ Adapts Sarah Dessen’s Novel Into a Sweet Romance
Netflix’s “Along for the Ride” is another one of those YA adaptations about a teenager who feels they’ve missed out on all the good stuff. What makes this one a rather endearing…
‘Happening’: French Abortion Drama Harrowingly Makes a Case for Freedom of Choice
Even if the disturbing development of the Supreme Court’s desire to overturn of Roe v. Wade had not taken place, Audrey Diwan’s “Happening” would remain a compelling, urgent film. It says…
‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Twists the MCU Into a Campy Madhouse
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is doing more than ample justice to its name with each new title. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” traverses different universes and will work best for…
‘Firebird’ Goes Behind the Iron Curtain for a Steamy Cold War Romance
The cold war has never been so hot as in the steamy soldier story “Firebird,” an adaptation of “The Story of Roman,” a memoir by Russian actor and former Soviet soldier Sergey…
‘Anaïs in Love’: French Rom-Com Follows a Woman’s Tumultuous Quest for Intimacy
The title character in the French romantic comedy “Anaïs in Love,” wins over the audience and a middle-aged couple with her fun energy and charm. If you do not relate to Anaïs…
Hulu’s ‘Crush’ Is a Refreshing Queer Teen Rom-Com
First love is a complicated thing for most people, regardless of sexual orientation, generation or background. Rowan Blanchard, an actor and feminist activist who has been open about her own queer identity,…